CHOOSING A DOG - The Why & The How

I'm behind. I know. I'm sorry. I will find my writing and routine mojo again. I will.

Ok. Choosing a dog. The Why and The How; a myriad of reasons!

THE WHY

Some people grow up with dogs and rarely live without one (me, dogless during college years), some find their first dog during their adulthood, and some decide their kids need a dog and adopt at least one as a family. In any situation, I believe dogs provide great things, and each one is a worthy Why.

A short list:

1. Dogs provide sweetly supportive companionship.

2. Dogs teach compassion, patience, responsibility and how to be a caregiver.

3. You'll do things for your dog that you wouldn't for yourself - you may not be motivated to get up and go for a walk, but you'll do it for your dog.

4. Dogs inspire confidence.

5. Dogs provide structure and purpose in your life.

6. Dogs build bridges between you & nature and you & other people.

7. Dogs exemplify true love - they love you simply because you walk through the door.

8. Dogs are healthy - they lower your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol, and reduce your stress.

9. Dogs are wonderful listeners.

THE HOW

1. Research

Research breeds and dog needs, vets, rescues and breeders. Read books, interview rescue volunteers, dog owners and dog walkers.

2. Apply

You'll be interviewed too!

3. Expand your family and remember - Dogs are addictive!!!!

I am not me without my dogs, and even if there was a dogless me, I know a dogful me is a super enhanced me. Something I say to My Pack every day: Everything is better when we're together.

Choosing A Dog - THE WHERE & WHEN

WHERE

There are many options available to you for welcoming a dog of any age into your life. I am a fan of rescue, and within the world of rescue there are many many roads to take. There are high-kill and no-kill shelters, as well as organizations dedicated to specific breeds. All of these are run almost entirely by volunteers who are devoted to homeless pets.

If you want a Border Collie puppy, there are Border Collie rescues who have puppies. Many rescues list their pets available for adoption on websites like PetFinder.com as well as individual rescues having individual websites like Almost Home (almosthomeanimals.org), from whom we adopted Foster Dog, or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (bestfriends.org) in Utah where my sister and I volunteered in 2009. Wherever you live, and whatever kind of dog you would like, you can find a rescue to help you.

Rescue doesn't mean free. Adoption fees are a fraction of the costs incurred in rescuing, healing and caring for homeless animals, and rescues fundraise for these expenses, but your application and/or adoption fee helps tremendously. There is never enough money available to them to rescue and care for all the dogs who need them. Some people criticize other avenues of canine adoption. I will not do that, especially here, but I'll type again that I am a BIG fan of rescue!

Breeders voice their dedication to high standards of conformation and temperament of particular breeds of dogs. Most breeders are passionate and devoted to dogs, but of course, there are unscrupulous breeders who make a lot of money off of people's inability to, or lack of, research. Luna, whose first owners purchased her from a breeder, has two birth defects that veterinary specialists informed me would not have been first generation defects, meaning the breeder from whom she was purchased was not dedicated to the health and standards of Labrador Retrievers. We didn't care, but Luna is one example of how "breeder" doesn't mean "reputable."

Pet stores are another option for adoption. They are controversial as potential supporters of puppy mills which are commercial breeding centers operated for profit with little to no attention to canine welfare. Dogs suffer horribly in puppy mills, and many people believe no reputable breeder would every supply puppies to a pet store. I have done little research on this myself. In my opinion, it is up to dog owners to do the research, and to do more than you think is enough.

Breeders and rescues often have lengthy application, interview and matching processes with policies for you to return dogs to them if the adoption is not successful at any time. They would rather you return the dog to them, even years later, than for you to abandon it or drop it off at a kill shelter.

WHEN

I recommend volunteering at a shelter, dog-sitting, or fostering an adoptable dog to learn about your readiness and ability to include a dog in your family life. Something some families don't consider is preparing a budget for their new family member. There are several variables in adding to your family, and I think it is important to consider the potential expenses.

Will you feed your dog high quality food that can cost $1000 per year? Will you take your dog to daycare or boarding which can cost $25-$30 or more per day? Do you know how much an average veterinary visit will cost? Just some things to consider.

I was in deep grief after Koko and Satchel died within one year of each other. It was frequently suggested that I get at least one other dog to help me cope, but I didn't think I was ready. Many people have success adopting a dog the very day after they say goodbye to one. I felt I'd be a more focused Pack Leader if I lived through, and with, some sadness for a while. I cried for about eight months and then Foster Dog came into our family.

Our where and when worked out wonderfully for our family. I hope you are on your way with the Who What Where & When. The Why and How are still to come!

CHOOSING A DOG - The What

Are you ready for a puppy, a young dog or an older dog?

PUPPY

Puppies are so cute. So so so so cute! They are also a lot of work, and they require a lot of supervision. You will probably have at least a couple of things chewed, a lot of things peed on, and a few teeth stuck into toys. They're so adorable, any shoe destruction is forgiven with a snuggle and a sniff of their sweet puppy breath. How do they make us do that?!?!

Luna came to us at 10 months old

OUT OF PUPPYHOOD - ADULT DOG

They've been spayed or neutered, house trained, and no longer need to chew on everything. They may know basic commands and how to walk on a leash. They may have habits from their previous lives, and you can decide which ones are acceptable and which ones are not.

Satchel came to us at 3&1/2 years old

OLDER DOG

An older dog who has slowed down a bit can be perfect for a person who wants to relax after work with her faithful companion. Yes, older dogs can need health support, but they've already been spayed, neutered, skunked, stuck in mud, and stung by bees so they know better and just want to be with you.

Koko came to us when she was 13 years old...we think

Regardless of age, here is something to think about. Some people are concerned about adopting a dog with a history. They worry that the dog will have habits and behaviors that cannot be changed. Adult dogs are often seen as dogs with problems created by other people. So people adopt a puppy, puppy proof their homes, participate in puppy socialization classes and the puppy becomes a dog that has habits and behaviors people don't like. The puppy is now seen as a dog, but a dog with problems. The dog with a history is a problem because of someone else. The puppy is a problem because he grew into a dog. When is it you? All canines come with needs - varied needs - and we can meet them...or not.

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

TRAVELING WITHOUT YOUR DOGS - The Binder

It's gonna be just J and the dogs for a while...

In addition to detailed feeding and supplement instructions, and the hour-by-hour day-by-day calendar of events and responsible parties, "The Tutorial" binder contains several lists. They are in plastic protector sheets. They are printed out from the "Dogs" folder on the desktop computer. They are updated whenever necessary and include:

Phone Numbers

Usual Behavior

Unusual Behavior

Emergency Information

Turn-by-Turn directions to primary vet and emergency vet

PHONE NUMBERS

Everyone who is helping is on the list as well as people who know my dogs in case there is a question. Of course, I always have my phone with me, but some people have anxiety about interrupting someone's vacation, and I'd rather my dogs' caregiver call someone other than me than not call at all.

We have a veterinarian who often comes to us. It is called a "farm visit" and has to be arranged weeks in advance, but our vet is always available to answer questions. I tell her when I'll be gone, who our dogs' caregiver is, and that her number is on the list for phone consultations!

USUAL BEHAVIOR

I observe everything I can about my dogs, and I'm one of those annoying dog owners who puts all my dogs' quirks onto a list. I include how many times they poop each day and when. I include the number of seconds it takes Luna to eat (32-47). I include the bump on Foster's back (He came that way. It's always been there. We know it's there. It's a sebaceous cyst. It's fine.) and how he likes to walk on your right side, where to find Luna in the morning if she climbs down off the bed in the night because she gets too hot, what Foster is saying when he talks to you, and how they will cuddle up to sleep if you turn on a nice sitcom. This is just a sample of the things on the Usual Behavior List.

UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR

I think it's important to include descriptions of things that could be concerning like if Luna didn't eat. While it wouldn't be unusual for Luna to sleep by the front door for a night or two after I leave, it would be unusual for her to not hop up into bed by night number three. It would also be unusual for Luna to not want to go for a walk, for Foster to not want to eat mini marshmallows, or for either of them to not want to get in the car.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

For each dog, I provide all the information an emergency or unfamiliar veterinarian would need to know. Some of that information is their birthdates and weights, DNA, previous ailments like Giardia and dates experienced, surgeries and those dates, treatments tolerated or not tolerated, and their primary vet details. And I leave a credit card for payment. You know an emergency vet visit is going to be expensive.

TURN-BY-TURN DIRECTIONS

I provide detailed directions to their primary vet's office which is 17 miles away, as well as the detailed directions for how to get back. I do the same for the emergency vet that is 4 miles away. If my dogs' caregiver has had to go through the stress of making the decision to take them to either vet, the least I can do is provide the directions so she doesn't have to think about how to get there, how to get back, or how long it's going to take.

I've been teased over the years for the detail within "The Tutorial," but thankfully, I don't have to leave my dogs very often. The fatigue we've been feeling is in part due to my having to leave my dogs for 10 days starting May 21st. They are staying home with Jason, who no longer has to refer to "The Tutorial," but he always smiles when I take it off the shelf to update it. He knows it's just one way I let out the explosion of love I have for my dogs.

Hope to see you reading I'm a D.O.G.! again in June!

xoxoxo from Me, Luna & Foster Dog

TRAVELING WITHOUT YOUR DOGS

I don't take many trips without my dogs. It's not a vacation to me to be away from my family, but sometimes, dogs are not allowed. When this occurs, I make very detailed arrangements for the care of my dogs.

I prefer to have someone come to stay at my house so my dogs can be in a comfortable environment. If they can't be with me, wherever I am, then home is the next best place. I am lucky in that I have family and close friends who are willing to help me when I have to be away from My Pack. I work to make it as easy and as organized as possible.

I have a binder that is known as "The Tutorial" that includes feeding instructions, a daily routine, important phone numbers, directions to the nearest 24hr emergency vet, information on my dogs' typical behaviors, a list of some behaviors that would be considered unusual and/or concerning, and each dog's health history that provides all the information an emergency veterinarian visit would require.

Feeding: I make packets of food including their powders for each dog's AM feeding and PM feeding. All a person has to do is dump the Ziploc bag's contents into the dog's bowl, add water and voila, meal made! Within the feeding instructions, I list how many treats the dogs usually get in a day, but I also say, "Do what you want!" but don't feed them any of these - and there is a list of foods that are harmful to my dogs, dogs in general and foods my dogs don't like. I also have pill containers with their supplements, and include a schedule with the supplement instructions.

Daily Routine: I make a calendar table for each day to identify what usually happens when and who will be responsible for the task. For example, when my sister stays with my dogs, I have someone come to the house mid-day to let them out while she is at work. If my sister has a late meeting, or wants to go out after work, I have someone come to feed my dogs their dinners and take them out or for a walk. Scheduling their days hour by hour may seem extreme, but I believe it makes everyone feel more secure knowing what needs to happen when and who is going to do it.

Our daily routine says we have to go to sleep right now. We're worn out and I'm unsure if I'm even making sense. Hopefully, I'll make sense in the next post when I type about some of the lists included in "The Tutorial." Until then, let me know some of the things you do to prepare your dogs for a trip without you.

DISCIPLINE - One More Non-Negotiable

I know I'm off on what week it is, and on finishing a topic. I'm trying to be disciplined about the topic of Discipline, but I have found myself unable to get to a computer, and even if I could, I've been in the tired realm of unable to think straight. This schedule is working us over. I'm not complaining, but I am stating that I'm strung-out over-tired. Luna and Foster are feeling it too. I'm looking to June to have an easier rhythm. Until then, I'm going to be a little off, and I'm going to be unable to post May 21-31. You'll be missed!

I have one more thing to mention about being disciplined. At times, I have felt overwhelmed and so tired that it seems like it would be easier to open the mudroom door and let my dogs run out into the yard and around the neighborhood and just assume that they would come back. All the time, I hope I am smart enough to know this just isn't safe or good for my family. When I am this tired, I find it even more important to follow through with the same rules I always employ in our life.

Luna has known for a long time, and Foster has learned, that dogs must receive permission before climbing into bed. Jason feels it is acceptable for our dogs to be in our bed without us. While I don't love this, it's not a deal breaker for me, and as long as our dogs continue to wait for permission, I'm ok if they are in bed even if I am not. But they are never to hop up into bed just because they want to. I know Foster has done this now and then in his learning process, and Luna has caught onto the fun of that, and I have caught BOTH of them being in bed without either of them having permission! When overly fatigued, I could just say, "Oh forget it. I'd like to be there too," but I don't. They each are told to "Get out of that bed!" and they jump down. Is it that they know I'm so tired? Is it that they think I should be in bed and they just couldn't wait any longer? I think dogs know when you're not on your A-Game, and they test the rules a bit. So far, The Bed Permission Rule is the only one they've tested.

There are lots of rules to our day though, and I don't let them slide just because I'm tired and extra busy. My dogs still have to wait in a particular spot while I prepare their meals. They still have to stay on the porch when a car engine is on in the driveway. They still have to have their nails filed and mouths Listerined and ears cleaned. They still have to wait until a house guest wants to be greeted before greeting them. They still have to follow me on a walk. We are still a pack and we still follow our pack values no matter how tired, crabby, sleep-deprived, hungry or irritable the humans may be.

My dogs make me so happy, and I love that our time together is rejuvenating. It has been mentioned to me frequently lately that, "You don't have to be so strict! Your dogs are soooo gooood!" and I say, "It is because I am so strict that my dogs are so good." I can be strict and fun, strict and loving, strict and kind. I want to be everything my dogs need, and I want them to know that no matter how strained my schedule may be, they are always a priority and their safety and happiness are non-negotiable!