SquawkRadio Comments

A golden retriever!

What a great story and a lucky dog!  I agree with Janelle...golden retrievers are the sweetest dogs in the world.

Having been the owner of several types of dogs, I’m personally fond of Great Pyrenees. They are a large breed, but they are worth their weight in love. They are very gentle with smaller animals and often motherly(the females). They tend to be very mellow and love to go for walks.

The main down-side to them are the fact they are so big and furry. (not that I see a problem with this lol). They might be a bit flubbly around Lucy, but any puppy will be. That’s where you come in to train them, which I’m sure you more than know. They are also a very smart breed. In case you haven’t noticed I could sing their phrases all day hehe.

A small, umm large plus, they are great protectors too. Their home is their castle and they arent one’s to be pushed over...unless you love on them haha (but most people are just scared of their size and don’t wish to attempt to love on them lol).

Best of luck on your search and I hope your new addition to your family becomes fast friends with Lucy.

Awwww.  Lucy is such a little love.  She looks so happy and full of life.  I’m a dog person too and have always owned labs or lab mixes.  They are sweet tempered, happy dogs and usually get along with other dogs and people equally well.  The one downside is they need lots of exercise but they more than make up for that in the love they lavish on their families.  I’ve never owned a Golden but my neighbor has one and she is just the sweetest thing.  Goldens are very affectionate and loyal.  They are also very gentle and I think would be very careful around Lucy. 

Good Luck!

PJ

Absolutely get another dog!  A new animal is how my mother coped with empty nest. 

I love Shelties.  They are sooo smart and sweet.

What a dedicated pet owner! Chick magnet indeed!
We’ve adopted from the local shelter every time, and have always been blessed with our pets. There are so many older, mixed breed dogs up there, that choosing has been the hardest part! The staff is very careful about screening the adopter, such as your situation w/your dog. Consider visiting your shelter, there are so many pets waiting for love! (I’ll be surprised if you only adopt 1 pet, given your caring history!) Good luck!

What a sweet story, Geralyn! I think Animal Planet would be interested in hearing about Lucy and I bet they’d do a reality show...I can see it now..."Who will become Lucy’s companion?”

Great Pyrs are wonderful dogs, but they’re also very protective of their “flock”, since they were bred to protect sheep. So, they might look on your visiting golfers as intruders rather than visitors.

Maybe something closer to Lucy’s size so she isn’t so overwhelmed?

I’ve heard lots of good things about Portuguese Water Dogs. A lady I know who lives in Ontario, Canada breeds them and says they’re very gentle, loving and bond well with humans as well as other animals. Her Lucy and Hershey are also Therapy Dogs who go to the local nursing home every week.

Hope you find the perfect fit for your Lucy and your family. Being a dog lover myself, I can completely understand your craving for another of the furry little babies.

We had a beautiful mix - half long haired dachsund/half poodle.  She was smart as a whip, loving, loyal, gentle with the kids, well behaved, and NON-shedding.  She gave us 15 wonderful years before she died last June of cancer.  She was my first child.  We all really miss her, and will definitely get another dachsi-poo, as soon as we find one.

Oh Geralyn, Lucy is such a beauty!  I’d heard about her but never seen a pic before.  Despite her infirmity, she has to be the luckiest dachshund on the planet because she has your love and devotion!

Why not get another dachsund? He or she would be on Lucy’s level, so to speak, and although I have a greyhound/pitbull/lab 70 lb., six and a half year old *pound puppy*, who adores US, but nobody else *pout*, I wouldn’t recommend a much larger dog than Lucy. Too rambunctious, a large puppy, who will be an even larger dog, might end up unintentionally hurting Lucy in the long run.  You were very lucky with your baby boxer!

Best of luck to both you and your adorable Lucy!

Carla Arpin

Geralyn, what a lovely story!  I have one bit of advice, based on my own experience: don’t buy a pure breed.  I agree with Ms. Mary...find a lovely dog at the shelter!  With a pure breed they may be nice...or they may not.  With a shelter dog, you can pick on the basis of NICE: for me, the crucial ingredient to a dog.  Or a cat, for that matter.

Eloisa

I second Ms. Mary and Eloisa.  All my dogs have been adopted from the shelter and have been sweet, loving and loyal friends.

PJ

What a sweet story!  Lucy is indeed a lucky dog.  And I believe y’all are lucky to have her. 

As far as getting another dog, I say yes!

Andrea

Based on Xtina’s wonderful dogs, Ritter and Lizzie, I would definitely recommend not getting a purebred.  Ritter is a golden lab/golden retriever mix who is pure magic! 

We always had Dobermans, which I adored but they had a LOT of health problems.  Our first dog Joe, who was truly an angel in a doggie suit, died at the age of 7 from cardiomyopathy.  Our next Doberman had thyroid problems.  And our last Doberman Thunder, another big sweetie, died at the age of 2 from blastomycosis.  I’ve heard that mixed breeds can be hardier from a health standpoint.

As a dachshund owner from birth (my parents bought their first dachshund six weeks before I was born) I’m not sure any other dog exists.  I’m now the mother of my 5th wiener dog, and I can honestly say, I wouldn’t have any other breed--back problems and all.

What a wonderful story and Lucy is adorable! I would think Lucy would love a dog about her size or a little larger. I have a cocker spaniel and she is our first baby...very spoiled My parents have a sheltie, but she is VERY energetic and lots of hair.

Colleen

Debby - I’m with you. I live with Roxie, a 4-year old dachshund. She si literally the light of my life. She’s funny and sweet and naughty all at once. Plus, IMO, they are among the cutest puppies on the planet.

Geralyn - Get another doxie! You won’t be sorry!

Absolutely! Not only will another dog be good company for you, but I’m sure that Lucy would appreciate another canine companion.

I grew up with two dogs: an Australian Shepard and a Black lab mix. Shelby (the australian) was the most loyal and loving dog. I remember when I was around 7 years old, not long after we got Shelby, I was sick with the flu and sacked out on the couch. Shelby (who was small at the time) curled up on the couch next to me until I got better.

She was very energetic and loved to play. The only downside, and it goes with the breed, was that she had epilepsy. Nothing that couldn’t be treated with meds, but you still hate to see a loved one suffer from such a condition.

Penny, the black lab mix, was a bit bigger (we think she was mixed with golden retriever). I called her my bear, because he body shape reminded me of a bear. Especially when she rolled on her back :D She wasn’t the smartest dog but she was incredibly loving and sweet.

*sigh* I miss them! But I am going to get a cat in a few months, so at least I will have a companion soon! I can’t live without a pet. Well, I can’t live WELL without one

My boyfriend has a dachsund. His parents take care of him in Japan while Taka is studying here, but I know he misses his Lucky like crazy.

I think that dachsund would be a good choice since it will be the same size as Lucy. She probably won’t feel as overwhelmed if the dog is similar to her.

Wow, lots of suggestions.  See, this is so difficult.  A neighbor has a golden and she’s a doll.  My hubby loves to throw a ball for her on the golf course. I never thought of a Great Pyrs--will have to check into that.  My dh likes Weimerieners--oh, jeeze, is there a spell check here?--I guess that’s close.

As much as fell for Sly, I think I’d prefer a small dog.  Lucy keeps me company in my office--I read aloud what I’m working on sometimes and she LOVES what I write.  Always 5 star with the Luce.  Then there’s the...okay...how to put this delicately… dookie factor.  Here’s one place where small is definitely preferable over large.

Of couse, my dh wants a big dog--a real dog, he says--and he doesn’t want a puppy, but I do because I’m not an instantly-in-love type, but I always fall for puppies.

We need a dog that will get accustomed to the golfers and not bark at every foursome.  As far as another doxie goes… I’m a little chicken.  As much as I love Lucy, I’d rather not be washing dog towels for another fifteen years.  I did apply to a doxie rescue, but they turned me down.  Excuse me, I’ve cared for Lucy for eight years but I’m not good enough to adopt???  It’s our iron fence. 

Maybe a mutt is the answer.  I agree with Theresa.  I’ve met Christina’s dogs, too, and they are dolls.

Keep the suggestions coming, please!

Geralyn, off to read about Great P’s

As much as I love Snoopy, I suggest against getting a begal.  Ours would escape the backyard quite often.

How about cat?

Oh Geralyn, what a wonderful story! Lucy is so lucky to have you!  And those Vet bills can be so outrageous and overwhelming.

Teresa, we had to put our Chocolate Lab, Jake, down at 6-years-old due to blastomycosis.  Our 100 pound labrador dropped to under 60 pounds in a matter of one month’s time.  There was nothing we could do for him by the time they diagnosed what was wrong with him. We were devastated!

Geralyn, we have a 6-year-old Boxer.  They are the most wonderful breed!  They are smart, protective, and great with children.  However, I agree with what several have already said, having had my toes stepped on with an excited greeting several times.  Given Lucy’s condition, I would go with a smaller sized dog.  There are so many of them at the shelters that need homes, I would start there.  Either that or go with another doxie but I think Lucy would definitely benefit from a companion.  Good luck

I have three dogs - a bichon frise, who thinks he is a cat, a cock-a-poo who is an alpha female and a mut we rescued last year who is an alpha male also.  Needless to say there is never a dull moment in my house.

What I will say is the first two were from breeders and the last a rescue group.  He was estimated to be a year to a year and a half.  He was housebroken, through the chewing stage and had basic obedience training.

He is the most grateful dog I have ever owned and I have had many dogs over the years.  I am very pro-rescue now.  I am not saying to run out and get a rescue but I would definitely suggest researching rescue groups in your area.  Then if you find a dog spend some time with him/her and if it looks good, spend some more time with Lucy and this new dog to see how things go.

Best of luck to you.  Nobody loves you like your dogs.

I think a mutt from a shelter is definitely the way to go - we got our golden retriever cross ? and he is fabulous.  All our dogs growing up were of indeterminate lineage and all were great!  We had a border collie cross that lost her right rear leg when she was four and still had a great life with us for another ten years!

Oh Susan, isn’t blastomycosis the worst?  We had a bizarre experience with Thunder because he went blind after one course of medication and then went into remission. 

Then after about 4 months of being blind, he suddenly began to get his sight back, which the vet said was something he’d NEVER seen before.  It would have been a bonafide miracle but right after that, he started showing signs of the disease again and we had to have him put to sleep.  I loved him so much!  Like Geralyn, I would have gladly taken care of him blind forever as long as I felt he had some quality of life!

Awwwwwe… this was SO cute. I think you should get some kind of mut, a german shepard mut. They are the best :O).

Geralyn, I first want to say how amazing you and your family are for taking care of Lucy and giving her such a wonderful and loving life.  I have 2 dogs (large labrador retrievers) and I love to hear stories about other people who care so much about their animals! 

I am quite fond of Labrador Retrievers (obviously) because they are such loving dogs.  I have 2 small children and my full grown labs are amazing with them and so gentle.  Goldens are excellent as well.  Sometimes the biggest dogs are the most gentle and kind.  Please let us know what you decide to get.

Also, love the story about your son and picking up chicks with Lucy.  I’m sure Lucy didn’t mind the attention one bit

Geralyn, what an amazing story about Lucy and your family.  Thanks for sharing it with us.  My brother had several dachsunds and I just loved them when I would go and visit.

I think you should get some kind of friend for Lucy and for your empty nest also.  I tend to lean towards the mutt variety, maybe something a little bigger than Lucy but not overwhelming.  I’m not sure about the temperment of them, but Welsh Corgi’s are awfully cute and about the right size. 

Good Luck with whatever decision you make. 

--dorothy

Wonderful story!
The solution to having the best of both worlds...rescue a full breed! We rescued our Goldie from the Golden Retriever Rescue Society and after the misery of his first owner, we enjoyed 12 wonderful years with him. He was as gentle and loving as you could wish for and protected ALL children. I could go on for a while so I’ll stop, or end up crying!
We just did it again though and brought home a German Short Hair Pointer. Another absolute lover. The two times we bought full breeds, we only had them a few years before losing them to genetic disorders (not to say this always happens) But, we tend to have better luck with adopting dogs in need.
Google a rescue society for any breed you are interested in an you might get lucky!

PS....I love dogs in wheelchairs, they have so much spunk!!

Geralyn, I would avoid terriers and terrier mixes to keep the barking at the golfers down.  Also, some terrier breeds are very hard to housebreak.  Now these are generalizations, but something to be aware of.

Greyhounds are good housedogs.  They run in bursts when you want to exercise them, but then are great couch potatoes (and would lovingly hang in the office and listen to you read).  They are the blood donor in the dog world and you can often get rescues from greyhound racing (dogs who need another chance at life).

As a vet I wouldn´t recommend buying a dog much bigger than her. I´d also make it depending of whether she is fond of other dogs or not.

Since dogs have a high awareness of pack rank I´d also look for a race or mix that hasn´t the tendency of dominance, so maybe another daxhound might be problematic as well.

We have a dachshund named Stretch. He has had the back problems as well, but rest and medicine have always taken care of it.  They are such a sweet, loyal, family-friendly breed. But the back issues are always there.

What great company a new dog would be for Lucy and she would be a great role model.

All of my animals have either been from the animal shelter or from farms. (I live in Iowa, what can I say? ) They have all been wonderful. My first dog was a mix - the mother was half lab, half collie, and the father was a chow. She was the most loving, absolutely gorgeous and intelligent dog I’ve ever had, or even met.
I would suggest getting some kind of mixed-breed dog. The thing with purebred dogs is that all the breeding within such a small group makes it a lot more likely for genetic problems to show up. (It’s pretty much the same problem that you see with incest… I know, EW!)
Anyway, I think it would be great for you to get another dog. Animals almost always love companions, and of course humans do, too! One of my two dogs passed away this summer, and we just ‘adopted’ a stray cat. After a few days of hesitation, the dog and cat became best friends. Having that extra little body around brings a lot of joy!

I have 2 adult Newfoundlands.  They are truly amazing dogs but extremely high maintenance.  One I got from a breeder, the other from the Animal Rescue League.  My pound puppy has adjusted to a new home better than my purebred.  The great thing about Newfies is that they are awesome around children.  My 10 yr old uses them as a pillow.  They are however HUGE.  We refer to them as the “furry speedbumps”.  They are not overly active but do enjoy walks and swimming.  I would not recommend them if you lived in a warm climate. 

When we researched breeds, the other dog we considered getting was a bulldog.  They are the only breed described as “sedentary”. 

One advantage of getting an older dog is that you don’t have the rambunctious puppy stage.  Lucy may appreciate a more mature settled dog. 

I definetly recommend animal shelters/rescue leagues and going for the “nice” factor.

We are currently in puppy toddlerhood with our first Doxie!  I am so concerned and probably overly cautious about his back...He’s SPOILED ROTTEN!  His name is dodger, and he’s a mini, long-haired red sable.

And he’s an only child.  I think he needs a playmate...so I bet Lucy would love a playmate too.  I would probably find another Dachshund for her.

I think Lucy’s spirit is FABULOUS. We can learn so much from dogs, can’t we?

April R

Well I’m a pug person and they’re wonderful! Yes, they’re major divas. If you so much as look at them wrong, they will have their vengeance. But no dog will love you more than a pug.

What a wonderful story.  Yes, you should get another dog.  It should be a dog with a sweet personality that will get along well with Lucy.

I can sympathize with the high maintenance dog.  I finally had to let one of my Rottweilers go this past May after a seven year struggle with numerous medical problems. Cancer got him in the end though...completely destroyed his right back leg and had already started to eat away at his spine.  Thankfully I still have my other two Rotties - both rescues - who I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Definitely get another dog though.  I hope you will consider adopting a homeless pet from a shelter or rescue group.  petfinder.com is a great site to help you locate some in your area. A really good rescue group will work with you in finding just the dog for your family and make sure he or she will get along with Lucy.

Good luck and please keep us up to date.

See, this is just too hard.

Lina 06, can you recommend a race/mix that doesn’t have the dominance problem?
That’s one thing I did notice with Lucy and Sly.  She was definitely the Alpha dog and he was cool with that.

All this said, I am aware there’s a chance Sly will be living with me after graduation for awhile.  Excuse me for a moment while I say another prayer for speedy employment.
This is one reason we’re taking our time with this decision.

April, our first doxie was a longhaired sable.  We had her sixteen years.  Smart dog and so good with the kids.

Okay, I’m off to check petfinders.com again…

Ah this is not easy. Generally dogs of all races can be alpha types, that´s why I didn´t dare to recommend a certain race before. Maybe a Yorkshire Terrier or mix? Or a poodle? They are pretty easy to handle in my experience. Another Dachhund can be fine as well of course, maybe it´s a good idea to get Lucy a male companion? Often a pair isn´t quite so competitive with each other.

Your story is fantastic btw. I can only applaud you and Lucy of course. What a brave little girl.

Hi,
My dog is a papillon named Lucy who basically thinks she is a big dog. She has a great personality and is very cute.
I have a friend who has a Nova Scotia Duck Toller Retriever. They are a bit smaller than Goldens. They are red with white markings. Mea is a beauty and has a great personality too.
Both breeds are very intelligent. You would be happy with either. Just depends on whether you like a big dog or a smaller one.
Cheers,
Carol

We have a standard poodle who is very smart, loves every other dog she’s ever met, and doesn’t shed, either.

/Jonie

I was having trouble getting the petfinder site to come up earlier.  Hopefully they’ve gotten it fixed.

Well, I don’t have a dog breed to recommend, but I can recommend tabby cats! They are very low maintenance, sleep most of the time, eat some of the rest, but boy, when she wants her food or treats, she’ll do tricks like a semi beg, sad eyes. . .  And before the moment I got my cat from the adoption shelter, I was a dog person.  Then just like that, I turned into a cat person. 

Lois

While I love Retrievers (Goldens and all colors of Labs) they definately have a LONG puppyhood - like 2 to 3 years! Afterwards they are very lovable and sweet.

What is it about men and “big dogs” being “real dogs” - that was my husband’s opinion too!

Both of my dogs are mutts. Lizzie is four, we got her from th shelter, and we think she’s a German Shepard/Chow mix. She looks like a German Shepard that was washed in water that was too hot and she shrunk. Plus she has a black tongue. She’s very protective—when Scott goes on his business trips, I never worry.

Ritter is the golden retriever/yellow lab we trained as an assistance, and he is a sweetheart and very smart (altho he did flunk out of college and that’s why we got him back. Damned kids.) But talk about a horrible puppy! OMG, I was ready to kill him and Scott, too.

Both of them shed seasonally and horribly (we’re wading thru piles of dog hair right now.)

Geralyn, if you want a pure breed, there really are some wonderful mixes now, like RItter, that give you the best of both breeds and their health is so much better than a pure breed.

Thirteen years ago, when I decided I wanted a dog to keep me company while my new husband was away working 14 hour days, I went to the shelter and chose a wonderful, beautiful female Lab/Hound X.  People I’ve met while walking her around town have commented on her looks and called her a Kentucky Redbone…

Over the years, she’s been there for me and eventually for my children.  She has given us her love and protection.

Her health is now failing.  Her appetite is gone and she’s become skinny and very weak.  I just can’t bring myself to give her up though!

If I was to recommend another dog for you, I’d say to go find one in need of love and affection at the pound or shelter.  They’ll return it back to you a hundrend times over.

petfinder.org
its the best. You can screen for dogs that like other dogs, like children, etc.
I have 4 dogs, two poodles two leonbergers, all found on petfinder.
most private shelters do a LOT of screening on dogs so they really know so much about them

A Mutt.

My friend Erica has two of the cutest, funniest, smartest mutts I’ve ever met.  I wish I could clone them…

The hyper one, Nakira, is a riot--but smart too--she knows she cannot control herself when she greets you (she’s just that excited) she carries a chew toy so she remembers not to nip you in her enthusiam.  She also makes this wheezing, hyperventilating sort of noise that sort of strokes your ego--because it kinda makes you feel your some sort of celebrity she’s just that excited to meet.  She’s very charming.  And when she lays down, her hind legs stretch out behind her, like a kid laying down in front of the TV--it’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.  Next to the hyperventilating noise.

Monty is her antithesis.  Her calming friend, who also seems to learn from Nakira how to be more hyper and funny.  But he’s just a laid back kind of guy.  You sit on the couch, he’s curled up on you, shameless in his bid to have you rub his stomach as you both watch That 70s Show. 

Mutts.  Great dogs.

Whatever you do, don’t get a chihuahua! I have one who’s 4 and I love him to death, but the breed itself is nearly impossible to train! (he can’t walk on a leash, he doesn’t know when to come inside from his barkfest with the neighbors--even if it’s 2 in the morning--and he’s STILL not house-trained!) He’s not the brightest in the bunch…

Anyways, when we took him to puppy training (which didn’t work out) the trainer said that it was a breed trait. 

After over 20 years of cat ownership, we got our first dog - a minature schnauzer puppy (she’s currently 8 months old).  My family is ridiculously in love with this dog.  She loves other dogs and kids of all ages. My 9-year-old daughter brushes the dog’s teeth, plays vet with her (I do draw the line at surgery!), dresses her in doll clothes - the dog is unbelievably tolerant.  She’s been easy to train, too, and listens really well.

I think it’s great to get a rescued animal; unfortunately I have dog allergies and needed to know about the animal breed.  Minature schnauzers don’t shed at all, which is why we chose this breed.  They need haircuts every few months; we’re not big on the schnauzer cut so our dog just gets a moderate haircut.  She looks a lot like Tramp from “Lady and the Tramp,” but a lot smaller.

Good luck on your choice from a recently dog-sappy family!

Grace, I have to laugh!  That sounds exactly like my son’s dog except that it’s a poodle.

Ooh, I’ve never considered a schnauzer before--I didn’t know they don’t shed.  Will definitely look into that.

Today has been bad for my writing.  I’ve spent half the day at Petfinders.com, the other half reading about everyone’s great pets.

Thanks for all the advice, Squawkers! You guys are too great.  I’m really leaning toward a mix right now, but I think when the time’s right, the perfect puppy will grab both me and my dh.  I just have to be patient.  Sigh. 

I do think it’s way cool the way people can bond not just with their animals but with other people who are animal lovers.  Although, if you’re into snakes...I’m not your girl.

Umm, not that I’m really trying to promote a Great Pyrenees, but I’ve owned nothing but pure breed ones and they are heavenly. Their attitude never changed from dog to dog. You can count on them being sweethearts.

And since they are a large dog, people often buy them as cute little pups and then when they are larger, they get tossed aside as they eat too much or are just too big to be in the house. Which they love being house dogs (but umm I recommend a big couch lol). so there are tons in shelters, and trust me, if I could adopt them all I would.

BTW they are also good with cats, which is must for me...as I am the slave to 7.

But I’m totally with the others, shelter dogs tend to make the best pets..because they know what it’s like to be given away and they live to make their new mommy’s happy.

Quick note on Greats Pyr. they are very emotional and get very attached to their owners. If you give them away after they are so use to you, it is a good chance that the animal might die..they will refuse to eat. They can get very depressed.

What a special girl Lucy is.  Thanks for sharing her story and give her a squeeze from me.

I’ll throw in my two cents and recommend a small mutt.  Not a yappy dog, though, because we don’t want to stress sweet Lucy out.

I have a beagle/foxhound that I found in Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia.  Duke came running down a mountainside and stopped short right in front of me.  I looked into his eyes, he looked into mine and it was love at first sight for both of us.  He was a two-year old stray and after ensuring that he didn’t belong to anyone, he came home with me to Florida.  That was 9 years ago.  His face is white now (no Clairol for him) and his body is certainly showing its 11 years, but he’s my little boy and the love of my life (shhhh, my husband knows it, but doesn’t like to hear about it).

Beagles are famous for being conveniently deaf to any commands when they catch a scent and can be quite the escape artists.

Geralyn:
What a great story and picture of Lucy!

Speaking as a former dog breeder, spend a lot of time with your prospective puppy/dog. For the first visit, I’d recommend only you and you DH go to visit, but in subsequent visits, I’d definitely bring Lucy along to see how the two dogs interact. If Lucy is an alpha female, you won’t want to get another dog who has alpha tendencies.

As many have said, there are some wonderful older dogs at shelters who are there only because their people can’t take care of them anymore. I used to tell all my “puppy people” that buying a dog was a 10-15 year commitment and, if they weren’t willing to make that commitment, don’t both wasting my time.

Our family has bred Gordon Setters for the last 40 years. While I love them, they’re not the breed for you (plus they’re black, long-haired dogs and don’t do well in the Texas heat.)

As far as health problems with purebreds go, you need to investigate the breeder. Most purebred breeders I know are very conscientious about weeding out health problems in their breed. But you do have to watch out for “backyard breeders” who have several litters a year. And puppies from a pet store are often the result of puppy mills. Ask to see the AKC registration of the mom and the litter of puppies. If a breeder can’t produce that - run for the hills.

Good luck in your search!

Wow. This was awesome. I loved your story and I read ALL the comments. I, too, have a little mutt-let and she’s totally cute. Dumb as a post, though. I suppose I should be relieved she’s housebroken...Good luck with your quest! And I tend to agree--the right dog will find you at the right time.

Geralyn!!! That is SO sweet...!! I really loved your story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us...!

Man!  You had me crying too!  What a great dog!  And, I’m sure you already know this but your son is BRILLIANT!

As someone who’s just been gifted a pure breed white Boxer, I’d have to say go with a Boxer.  Blizzard is such a great dog!  She is a quick study and wants nothing but to make us happy and proud of her..which we are!

My kids and The Blizz have formed a mutual admiration society.  She flips out when my husband says hello in the morning, comes home at night or just walks in the door.  LOL, I remember when I used to do that too!

Good luck in your quest!  Lucy is one lucky dog!

Makes me want to get a new dog!

We have a Brittany and a cocker spaniel. I’d recommend either, but don’t go Britt unless you have energy to burn, because the dog certainly will! I adore cockers, but I will *never* own another buff. We got our buff girl from a shelter, and she’s had nothing but health problems. Jack, my tricolor sable I had for 14 years, was a perfect, and I mean PERFECT, gentleman. Even our vet, who does not like cockers as a rule, adored him.