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[E-L Man]

Amen!

[Zipper]

I am so sorry for your loss. They are truly friends and family members to us. I am glad you all got to say goodbye, and that he (and your whole family) knew the love for each other at his passing.

((((hugs))))

[lifefeedsonlife]

: )

[Janetplanet]

Pest, I would love to meet one of your puppies.  Let me know.
Janet

[precisionpest]

all ya gotta do is call me and i will be home for you to see them!! they are both so cute!!! of course like their momma!!! as she lays beside me!

[olivebranch]

Greetings, folks. My husband and I have three little ones (ages 3,4, and 9) and the four of them have been asking for a dog. I am not totally opposed but wanted to wait until everyone was toilet trained (done) and until we had a fence (getting that in a few weeks).
 
My husband likes German Shepherds. Is this a good type of family dog? I would like a dog that is smart and loyal, good with the kids and will protect us. Hubby is home and I work so he will be with him/her.
 
We were considering looking at the local humane society but last time we did that we picked out a dog that was all wrong for us--plus I do not feel that we got a good chance to observe and know the dog in the yard at the society...he was different once we got him home and not in a good way.
 
So--advice on breeds and how to pick out a good dog? I am ok with an adult dog--does not need to be a pup. Thanks

[NightmarePatrol]

There's so much to consider when getting a dog. There is the of course the safety issues for kids, safety issues for the dog, how much room you have available, the cost and the list goes on. Getting an adult dog can be problematic as you found out. You don't know what it's previous environment was, how tolerant it is of children, how it behaves towards others people, animals, etc. There's a lot of factors that go into it. Any dog can learn how to act with kids (and more importantly the kids need to learn how to behave around a dog) All in all though I don't think a shepard would be an ideal choice for young kids. That's my opinion for what it's worth. I'm sure that Zip and some others will have better information for you. We finally have a dog after many years of them being absent from my life and it's a welcome change.

[CindyLouWho]

Olive, give the humane society a chance.   Personally, I have had the most excellent luck there.  Make a few visits.  Spend as much time as you can.   Unless you have tons of room for running, do not get one that is a runner-hunter....AKA golden retriever, laborador retriever.....maybe a small or mid-size?  Our last one from there was chosen because she was the only one who didn't bark her head off as my husband walked down the aisle.  He took her out back to play for a while and didn't jump on him and she came immediately when he called.  Dumb luck.  Happy dog hunting.  Take your time.

[Amidala]

Our "test" for a dog is to pick them up, lay them on their back on your lap and pet the belly. If they let you do this, the dog will be compliant and trainable.

Our first dog, Angel, came from CCHS.  She was 6 months, potty trained and lovely. She WAS a chewer - we ended using a crate for a few years to save our shoes, etc - but now she is 13 and just a sweetheart.  She also is a northern breed mix - lots of fur and she loved to run Run RUN. Never learned to play fetch. She is a bit stubborn, even now.

Kirby on the other hand, was born to play fetch (labrador retriever), learns what is off limits VERY quickly (only chews outside things) and is very smart.

Best wishes to you. You might want to get some dog books from the library so you can study various breeds, etc. You can also ask the folks at the humany society about each dogs temperment- they work with them every day.

[rubarb]

looking for a small dog? go to www.jnlhouseofshihtzu.com

[rubarb]

that website is www.jnlhouseofshihtzus.com

[E-L Man]

We have had 4 labs. Wouldn't have anything else. They are people dogs. Never saw a cross one. My four grandsons would lay all over the one we have now and she never barks or bites at the kids. When she got tired of all of it she would go to her safe place (upstairs).
The only times she does bark is when someone pulls in the driveway just to let us know to hide the candy!

[rubarb]

LOL.on hiding the candy. Sounds like you have one great dog. My neighbor asked me to spread the word on his website. He passes the house with different puppys. The are so small and cute. I have asthma so no animals for me.

[gennygirl]

rubarb is my sister, and i can   say her neighbors  dogs are very small, and  cute.  but they are expensive, starting at around $600. they are purebred shitzu's. if you have the money to spend . , they are sure worth it. i would love to have 1, but i also have asthma, so  no pets  for me.. 

[precisionpest]

olive! i still have the two pups. you may come & see them if you want. they both love to play & they both fetch! albiet because they see their mom do it! they love people! and they both want to be loved, as i give them all i can! one i call throttle as she can go from mild to running in 2 secs! the other i call cleo (cleopatra) as she wants all the lovin ALL the time ! lol! both great dogs! i am falling in love with them as they grow into their own personalities  but i know i cant. just need good homes for them.  zip! did get your email. will call them in the am!