It's been a while since my last post, but I am happy to announce that I will be mom to a furry child again. It's been something I have been contemplating for over a year but the time never seemed right. Now it is. Nearly perfect :) However, I feel like I have to disappoint my rescue-friends out there. I got Sparky by literally 'stealing' him from an abusive owner who had him locked up in his auto shop for an entire weekend without food or water. I knew the guy because I had done work for him. I also knew that he was neglecting Sparky in the worst way and beating him. Through Sparky I became a rescue mom and I was proud of it. I never regretted having him and I ended up spending 7+ years with him until he passed at 15. The only thing I always wished for was a chance to have gotten him sooner. I missed the puppy years and I missed his adolescent years and all those other wonderful memories we could have built together ... But then, there was a reason that I got him when I got him, and it was certainly a time he needed me most. Part of this long ramble is trying to explain why I made the choice of getting a puppy now. I feel guilty for it, but after Sparky's passing, I just needed to go this route for once. I have this need of experiencing puppyhood and maybe it's because my heart broke in so many pieces when Sparky left, that I feel a puppy will give me those additional years I always longed for.
Eventually, I want to add another rescue in a year, but for now, I will focus on a pup. I decided to go with a fawn pug puppy. I found a very reliable and trustworthy breeder who engages in lots of socialization and family interaction during the early puppy days/weeks. "Finley" was born October 24th and I'm hoping to take him home December 19th. I'm incredibly excited and I know the time is right and I'm more than ready. The firm I work for lets me take him to work everyday, so we will never be apart. Oh I wish Sparky could have seen this...he would have loved being part of this.
Hugs everyone!
I'm so excited for you and, of course, Finley!!! I completely understand the "guilt" feelings...I'm having that battle, too. I swore I'd never have anything but rescued dogs and rescue, Springers, especially, is in my heart, soul and blood. Joe, a Brittany came to me as a supposed-Springer, and I fell for him, completely. Part of me thinks that if Bob and I are ever going to have a puppy, this is the time to do it...he's 52, I'm 48. I don't want to go the puppy route when I'm 60! Then, of course, the rescue side of my brain knows I should adopt and the pleas for foster homes are never ending. Here is the other issue...I'm active with Springer rescue and, while I've always had Springers, Joe was such an amazing Brittany, that I'm leaning towards another Brittany but feel I'll be letting my Springer group down. In my heart of hearts, I know that choosing rescue is the right move for us, but feeling a pull towards a different breed, from the one I work with, is making me think puppy. It's SO confusing!
ReplyDeleteI was thinking, while reading the part about how you wish Sparky had seen you in a job where he could go to work with you, that I'm sure he can see you and is there, with you, every day and will be, as you and Finley are together.
Again, I'm so excited for you, my friend, and the new adventure that's coming your way!!!
Hi! You're getting a puppy and that is so exciting and let me tell you...you are in for some adventures. I forgot, until I got PG just how much WORK a puppy is and she was already 3 and a half months old! But a new love fills the void left by our old pals very nicely and mends some of the broken bits.
ReplyDeleteI am always disappointed when someone forgoes the shelter or rescue route, so don't take it too personally. I understand that everyone is different and has different wants and needs. I guess I just feel so sad when I think of all the puppies being born or being abandoned in shelters all over both our countries, with just no chance at all. True, many of them are just mixed-up, goofy-looking things, but that has always been their most charming trait, to me. I just never have understood 'creating' more puppies when there already are too many around. Puppies are not products, or are they?
Okay, I have said my peace and please delete this comment if I have offended you in any way. Not my intention. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last time that I try to talk someone into a rescue dog. I just keep trying.
It sounds like such an ideal work situation for you and your new pup. What a very, very, lucky dog. xo
Hey there, I got your comment and I wanted to respond. I whole-heartedly agree with you on the puppy situation and I understand where you are coming from, because I feel the same way about rescues and rescue work. But I wanted to say, that this is something I "have to" do for myself. It doesn't mean that I believe any less in the fact that there are way too many dogs out there that need rescuing. And Sparky won't be my last rescued dog. I give my time and I give money to various animal causes every year. I am proud of the things I do for these causes. I feel I give my share, and a pretty big share at that. But I also know that we can't rescue them all. I don't mean that in a cold-hearted way at all. It's just the sad truth. Raising a puppy is something I need to do for myself right now. It will lead to adopting another shelter dog next year, and probably many others during the next 20, 30, or 40 years. I just want to experience this for once; I want to be there right from the start and till the very end. I don't know why I feel so strongly about it, but I think it has to do with losing Sparky and feeling cheated out of many years of his life... But I spoke of that already.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I appreciate your comment, and I back you on it 100% ... I hope our e-friendships survives this little disagreement.
M.,
ReplyDeleteI know what you are saying and that is so very true...we really can't save them all. Like I said, no offense intended, I was just on my soapbox, in fact, after I commented, I did some thinking about 'my big mouth'. I do mean it though about your new pup being very very lucky and I should have added, lucky to have you.
Still your e-pal, xo
oh boy oh boy!!
ReplyDeleteAfter getting Scarlett with her puppy attitudes, I'm thinking I'll never get a puppy again!! haha.
It's just different work. I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a puppy-puppy; the weeks or months old age puppies. I've only experienced that when they were family dogs, not my own.
I will say that there are puppies that young who need rescued, my sister got one. I understand, however, that rescue dogs are not for everyone. It was actually going to be my next blog post, and maybe I still will write it.
My mother has 2 dogs, one is a pure-bred Lab that she adores and I helped pick out when she was just a lump of puppy. The other is the rescue pit-bull that stumbled in her path. My mother claims she'll never have another rescue dog. She recognizes that she is not the best personality to deal with their "baggage" and just prefers having a dog that is "all hers", and so well adjusted because she's had it from day 1.
She is also particular about her breed. She's a huge lab fan and probably wouldn't do well with other breeds.
So while I do agree whole-heatedly with Gina, I respect your decision (as if you need approval from anyone!!!)and I am at least VERY appreciative that you are using a decent breeder rather than a puppy mill or "pet-store". They push out the "product" whether there is a demand or not. Hence the disgusting # of dogs ending up in shelters.
Lastly - I stinking LOVE pugs!! So darn funny!!! I cannot WAIT to see your photos!!! I hope there are many!
2011 will be an exciting year for you!!!!
Hi,
ReplyDeletePlease don't feel guilt about not getting a rescue dog. There are all sorts of ways to help homeless pets, and one of them is by supporting responsible, ethical breeders. My dog's breeder is not only a font of wisdom and advice, but she will take my dog back at any time if for whatever reason I am unable to keep her. I hope your breeder will be the same.
We got our second dog as a result of one family not being able to keep him due to family circumstances. They contacted the breeder who knew we'd be the perfect home for him.
There are different ways to address the issue of homeless pets, not just adopting dogs from rescue.
I hope Finley brings you much love.