CHOOSING A DOG - The Who

During my recent travels, I felt confident that if a name of a location or street or bridge or restaurant or meal stuck with me I would need to be on the lookout for our next family member. This was a new experience for me. First, I have a list of over 30 names waiting patiently for a family member to be matched, and second, I've never thought, "I'm ready for a new family member. Let's go find him or her." I realized I have a lot of opinion about how to assess being ready for and choosing a canine family member, but I have not actually formally followed my own guidance. I think I've learned a lot over the last 15 years about creating a family, and I'll share some of the Who What Where When Why and How of it.

Vecchio just didn't stick with me as a potential family member name

WHO

Many people have a vision of the breed of dog they want to bring into their families. They may have had a particular breed in childhood, or they may have researched breeds or even taken a test to match them with a particular breed. I appreciate people having experience and researching who will be a match for them and their families. Bringing a dog into your family is a commitment, and the more a family researches and prepares, the more likely there will be success.

Only recently have I begun to think about breeds. I've never looked for a particular dog in my life. We happen to have been found by two Labrador Retrievers, and for a long time I described us as a "Lab Family." The rhythm of our life as a family seemed to hum perfectly with the tune of a Lab. The activities we liked, the behaviors we didn't, magically meshed when Satchel and Luna became our family. Since adding No-Lab-Foster Dog to our Pack, I've re-assessed what our family needs are and I realize it isn't so much breed that defines our family, but energy, vibe, and personality.

When I am asked to help a family welcome a dog, I suggest they focus on energy - the dog's and theirs. Some things I ask: What is the rhythm of your family? Will you be able to meet the high physical and mental demands of an Australian Shepherd or Cattle Dog? Do you want a Labrador Retriever that hunts or one that sleeps in the sun? Do you want a Golden Retriever, but not have to spend time dealing with hair? Do you want that puppy because it is cute or because you can fulfill its needs? How much time will your dog spend alone or have to be boarded? You have to be honest about what you can and/or are willing to do for your dog every single day of its life which could be 15 or more years.

So for me, choosing a dog isn't based upon what my dog looks like, but more what my dog feels like, and this presents another challenge. The dog you meet, particularly at a shelter, usually is not the dog you actually get. I'm not saying shelters or pet stores or breeders switch dogs on you, but that the dog presented to you is often changed by your energy, and your family's rhythm and routine. I fully believe that you don't get the dog you want, you get the dog you need. Your family's personality is reflected in the family member you create and foster. Luna is not the ill-behaved, neurologically damaged dog her first family predicted. Foster Dog is as wonderful as Almost Home reported, and more. We hope that the environment we provide encourages our dogs to be their best, most fulfilled selves. I always want a joyful dog who is interested in anything the day can bring; what I have received is a joyful life guided by curious, faithful, happy dogs that brighten my every day.

Making the sun shine in Florida