I've mentioned this before on my blog, but of all the professionals Adam and I have spoken to over the years the one thing that will deter someone is a dog. So I've thought quite seriously about this the last couple of weeks. Adam, not really trying to say anything to convince me, wants this to be completely my decision since I was the one to bring it up in the first place. We started doing research in what kind of dog we wanted and we kept going back to English Bulldog, the type we had had years ago.
I struggle because really I don't want a dog. I am not a dog person. I don't want to take care of a dog. I don't want to smell the dog etc. etc. The list could go on and on. Despite how I feel I want to protect my family so I am fighting my desire to say, "Am I kidding? I don't want this!" when really I do or I should.
So last night we hoped into the car as a family to go meet a bulldog breeder 2 hours north of our house. I'm not sure what we were thinking at the time. It was crazy traffic and the girls still were not feeling their best. An hour into it Megan and Bella were crying because they just couldn't take it anymore. We stopped for a bit thinking we would just head back the hour we came, but after eating for a while we decided to push on since the girls were up for it. We had one more hour to go which seemed to go pretty good except Megan ended up throwing up, good thing we were prepared. By the time we got there we had been on the road for 4 hours. We laughed considering how far we could have gone in that amount of time.
Finally we made it to see the 3 puppies that were waiting for us. They were adorable and you know how puppies catch your eye, how lovable they are. Then the owner brought out the father. Fear ran through my body when I first laid eyes on him and I thought he would definitely keep someone away. He was big, much bigger than I remember Otto (our first bulldog) being. He came toward us and I wanted to run, it seemed I was not the only one as our girls squealed in terror and ran away. It was a funny site, but I completely understood...I was scared. Harley was his name. He came to me looking like he was going to jump up so I held him back. He was so thick I could barely move him. He was excited, but gentle. I could see how he could be a good family dog, but keep people away at the same time just by sheer presence. It was then, however, that I realized these puppies would grow up and almost certainly be big like their father. Am I really ready for this?
We talked for a while and then we put down money with the understanding that we would pick him up in a few weeks when our home was ready for him. I must admit I felt totally stressed all the way home. I just really don't want a dog. I am really really torn. I know we don't have to do it, but I also know I want to be safe and I know no other way.
So right now we are getting a puppy or at least we've bought one. I could change my mind at any moment, you know how bad I am at decisions. He is cute though, really cute and with Adam's promise to do his part it just may work. Who knows. I'll keep you posted.
30 comments:
I'm not a dog person either. But those puppies have a way of worming their way into your hearts. Unfortunately they grow up... like ours. Good luck! It sure is CUTE!
I have been a dog person all my life so my perspective is somewhat biased. :) A dog is a wonderful companion, and if raised in a loving environment, can be a family support and faithful companion, a confidante to little voices and a valuable lesson in caring for others and responsibility for young kids. The best blessing that you can receive from a pet, is when they love you so unconditionally that they become fiercely loyal to your family, offering protection without agtression and more love than you can imagine.
I hope that your new puppy is all this and more for your wonderful family!
Such a cutie. I am certain that this will be a positive experience for your family. I can't imagine life without our dogs.
I am kind of in the middle. I hear you on the dirt and smell and care issues, but then I watch my nephew interact with his two dogs and I think that they're couldn't be anything better. They adore him and he them. And, after watching Bourne Supremacy, I think a dog is a good way to go. Or, at least, I think that's the movie that made me think that.
I read your post and thought why is she getting a dog if she doesn't want one...sometimes maybe we do things we don't really want when thinking of others' intersts...i don't know, but what about an alarm system...
Our family has bounced this same idea around for years. But like you I don't really want one either. We still don't have one but the kids never let the idea rest. I think I watch you all take the plunge before I give it a go. The scary part for me is that I'm a sucker and would never have the heart to get rid of it if it didn't work out!
I have been thinking about this a ton since last Wednesday when you brought it up. The reason behind it freaks me out in itself- for protection! I mean that it has come to that. NOT being an animal person AT ALL, I can see your apprehension. But you will have it from a puppy, where it will grow with your family and you will grow with it. But I figure like babies, they have to be cute, otherwise we would want to give them back at first, so expect some setbacks until you are all trained, right?
Good luck. I hope it is a decision that helps you sleep better and enjoy your days more, knowing he/she is there for your family.
I'm sure it will work out great, Amy!! Now that you've seen his face...how could you not!?
After September 11, having Mike stuck out of state and me all alone, I realy wanted some protection, so we got the sweetest dog...Mary. She is a 75 pound boxer-mix, and her bark & growl...incredibly scary. I wouldn't want to hear that sound comming at me. We have an alarm system, but I realy feel like Mary is a much better deterant than the alarm. She will warn us BEFORE someone has tripped the alarm, and most likely keep them out of the house. By the time the alarm is going off, someone is IN the house, and could potentially smash the alarm reciever before the company can send for help. Scary thoughts, but because Mary is a part of our family, we are her "pack" and she protects us. (plus, watching her with Carter is too cute!) I have never regretted getting her. Of all the protections Mike and I have put in place in our home, she is the best. It takes getting used to, but sooooooo worth it!
Good luck!
It's a tricky decision, for sure. I feel like I agreed to get a dog without really thinking it through, and then suddenly we had the dog. He was a darling little puppy, and he's turned into a pretty good dog -- but the thing is, he's still a dog. And it turns out I don't want a dog. I would gladly find a new home for him, but my family won't allow it. They all love him to death. I thought I liked dogs, but it turns out, I like other people's dogs. Make sure you are really on board before you make the decision!
I have to agree with Michelle. I got talked into it, did everything I possibly could to make the situation work (two sessions of obedience classes, DOZENS of books on how to be a good dog owner, all of the toys, good food, safe crate, etc.) but after a year, having that dog brought out parts of my personality that should never see the light of day because I DIDN'T REALLY WANT A DOG. It was just some other creature that needed me, and at that time, with two young kids and a busy husband who loved the dog but wasn't around to clean up the vomit when she got sick, I about had a breakdown.
I put an ad in the paper and interviewed people to sell her to (she was a purebred golden retriever) and I realized that there are people who absolutely love and cherish these animals and my cute dog deserved to live with them. Not me at my absolute worst. I cried and cried when the family who bought her put her in the back of their surburban, I'm sure scaring that poor woman who had to wonder if I was imbalanced or something, but it was the best decision. I haven't regretted it and I learned an important lesson. Cute as they are, as much as other people love them and even how great it might be for my kids, I am not a dog person.
That story was a little bit negative. Sorry. I hope you feel at peace with whatever you decide as a family.
Aww, he is so darn cute! I love bulldogs. That said, I'm not really a dog person either. (Like Michelle, I like other people's dogs.) We have one, and my family adores her, though. I would say the first couple of years they are pretty high maintenance, but in the last few months we've kind of broken through that "what idiotic thing is that dog doing now?" phase, and she's great. So there is light at the end of the tunnel. She still smells to me, which I really don't like. But, I guess that's the un-blessing of a super sensitive nose.
She's not remotely scary (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), and I do wish we had the protection factor. She's 2 1/2 and still looks like a puppy (and always will) just because of the breed. And she is willing to love everyone she encounters, which makes her even less of a protector. So, my husband (every now and then) mentions getting another dog to fill that role, which I have vetoed at least for now.
So, that's a far too long way of saying -- I understand where you're coming from. And, I'm sure your adorable bulldog pup will try your patience at times, but I think they do become worth it.
You've been through 2 dogs already, why do this again? I'd either get an alarm system or move to American Fork!
How great of a protector is a dog that you train to be nice. Seriously, dog protection is worth trashing your nice house?
What about those sensors that bake a dog barking noise.:) I am not a dog person at all. The licking alone is enough to drive me crazy.
I say I am not a dog person, but find myself petting and talking to peoples dogs all the time. (so who am I kidding) My husband tells me we are getting one when we move no matter what. His thought is that every kid needs a dog.
Let us know how it goes!
I am a dog person. I love them and feel completely safe having one. We have a black lab who could totally love someone to death. He is kind, clumsy, and wonderful, but he is completely protective of my family. That is what I need in a dog. So, I am totally biased on the subject.
That bulldog is so cute! I just want to squish him.
You sound so on the fence! What a decision. I, too, worry about family safety. This option is totally viable, though a big life change for a non-dog person. I have been touched recently by the strong bond that some friends share with their pooches. I can't wait to see how it goes! Good luck!
When you have small children, it really is hard to be a dog person. We have two American Bulldogs and I much prefer my children over them. But, my children love playing with them, they are learning how to take care of another living thing, and even though we live in a scary part of the city, NO ONE comes close to our house that isn't invited!
We have had two LITTLE dogs in the past. I am not a dog person but buckled as "every boy NEEDS a dog." Our dogs were little and harmless indoor dogs. My littles STILL long for one - but I just can't bring myself to doing it. I opt for an alarm myself.
Good luck! Your pup is darling!
The puppy sure is cute. But I have to agree with the others, if you really don't like dogs, then you should probably consider some other way to protect your family.
Lori came over this morning and was telling me about your "dog situation." I am all for protection but I have huge issues with indoor animals so I guess I choose "unsafe" instead?
Good luck to you. I would vote for the alarm system. Even though it means the intruder is there (I also think "he" is if the dog is now barking) it also means someone is on their way which is comforting to me.
we bought a dog in new orleans (for obvious reasons!) we love our Tilly, and she has been the best dog- her temperment is so gentle, kind, and we could not have asked for a better dog around kids. That is the key---how dogs mix with kids will either make it or break it. The puppy is so cute!
We have been having this same discussion for the last year. Because Adam is gone so many nights he really wants a dog for me, but I don't want the mess of taking caere of it along with the nightmare of a new baby.
Hope it works out for you. I understand what a crazy decision it is.
"you know no other way" isn't that a tad dramatic?
I always considered myself "not a pet person" . . . until we got our Schnauzer Bentley just after Katrina hit. (You know, as if living in a hotel after the storm wasn't chaotic enough.) Now Bentley is part of the family and I wouldn't have it any other way. He is a good dog, but most definitely a big time committment. I worried about needing to give him attention when I already feel I am spread thin with work, children, household duties, etc. But now we are actually considering getting an additional dog. Me, not a dog person, and I now have a dog sleeping in my bed and love it!
Get a pet for your kids. Hire a body guard for protection. Get an alarm system to prevent theft. Start a neighborhood watch program. Keep your blinds, curtains, draperies closed at night. And, last but not least, sign up for self-defense classes!
okay, are you kidding me???
the cutest thing i have ever seen...
and you know estee will be obsessed!!!!
You are brave.
oooooh puppies! i love dogs. i have to say, don't expect too much on the protection side - my boxer was about the wimpiest dog on the planet when it came to protecting anyone, including me. i think you will enjoy having a dog more if you treat it like a pet and love it and have fun with it rather than see it as a deterrent (which should be icing on the cake, not the main purpose - unless you are a professional dog trainer). how can you not love that squishy face! i am so jealous - i wish i had a place to keep a dog.
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