aargh!! Didn't want this to happen!

[doggydaze]

Hello

Some of you folk might have seen my musings on another thread. Basically, we have made a decision to get a rescue dog, our first 'real' forage into dog ownership (apart from DH, who inherited a dog from a previous relationship for 3 years but that's a long story!) We were looking at Greys or Lurchers, but essentially personality is more important than breed at this stage. All options open, for good or bad!

The rescue have been fantastic and I have had a great experience with them. They recommended an 18 month old JRT, which I was unsure of after researching the breed. However, I spoke to his fosterer yesterday (all their dogs are fostered, which I like) and she sung his praises, said she had fostered dogs for 20 years and had seen every dog known to man and this guy was just amazing, the finished package. Says he is the perfect first dog.

So, I went to see him this morning and of course I fell in love! Whoever had him previously (he was a stray) must have put hours into him. He knows all his commands, fully house trained, amazingly calm (yet energetic, loves to play but will just sit and chew a toy if not being given attention). No separation anxiety, not crate trained but hasn't touched a thing in the house which isn't a toy and he's only been there a week! Sleeps downstairs but all doors open do he can find the family if required.

I took him for a walk by myself (DH knows but DC not yet), he walked well on the lead, coped with a busy road without even looking up, passed a school with kids playing out, other dogs. No reaction at all.

We then went back to the house and I spent nearly an hour playing ball with him, he drops the ball and rolls it to you with his nose if you don't ask him to drop it quickly enough! He sat and stayed for me happily. He would be happy to do the ball thing all day I think!

We are being home checked on Monday (already shown them piccies of our HUGE garden, shameless I know). DH and DC going over to visit on Sunday as the rescue want to see all the family, I am going too!

So, the catch? Another couple are seeing him tonight (that's a long story too), they have had a JRT before and the fosterer will make her decision what's best for him on Sunday after seeing all of us this time.

I PROMISED MYSELF I WOULDN'T GET ATTACHED TO A DOG AND NOW I AM AND HE MIGHT NOT BE OURS [CONFUSED]

I would look at some of the threads on Doghouse about puppies - much more informative about how much work they are than the puppy books on sale. It IS hard work and 24/7 intensive at the beginning, quit different to a nearly perfect 18 month old. He sounds lovely but you will need to weigh it up and decide if you're ready for all that work. Kids will be excited at the beginning but enthusiasm can wane quickly. I have a friend with a lovely, small Staffie, gorgeous and sweet but, boy, he is really strong on lead...but I wish you best of luck

I don't blame you for passing on the springer/cocker cross

How is your mutt Chickens?

The puppy with mange sounds like a real sweetheart. Good luck - the Dog House is always here for you.

He's alright, Exit. The training is going well and he's getting more comfortable around other dogs unless they run up in his face. I've given up asking people nicely to control their dogs or trying to explain, now I just yell 'MY DOG IS NOT FRIENDLY'. They tend to get a bit more active then, and you don't get any of that 'Aw, it's ok, he's friendly!' shit that you get when you politely ask that they recall their dog. I have had a fair few 'Then why is he out?!' type responses, as they run around after their dog and mine is sat next to me nicely, waiting for his ball

Sorry, OP, for the tangent. I want to see a pic of the pup in his jumper

Why he is out!

I have variations on that as well.

Tut!

DH had an allergic reaction to him!! He has asthma, but usually is ok with dogs but not cats (we regularly have in the house or are in contact with the following - 2 x Cairn Terriers, 2 x Labs, 1 x Vizsla, 1 x Springer, 3 x cross breeds, 2 x setters and he once owned a GSD cross and these don't affect him at all, we are not trying to be irresponsible by wanted a dog!) however, his breathing was really bad and he got a huge rash down his arms after holding him. Bless him, he was still willing to try 'cos he loved him too, said he would take anti-histamines etc. That's not a long term solution though.

Even if it was just the treatment he was receiving for his mange or some such thing, I don't think that situation would be fair on either DH or the dog. How could I take the risk of allowing the little fella into the house, given his start in life then end up giving him back if DH really struggled?

Sorry, that sounds like I would give a dog back or haven't thought the 'getting a dog process' through! I wouldn't give a dog back and we have thought it through! It's rare for DH to react, or so we thought, given the contact we have in home environments with various breeds. I can't take the risk with the dogs welfare and DH's health is all I mean.

Hope this post sounds as I meant it to sound!

I don't feel too bad, I did think he was super, but learnt a bit from the first situation re the JRT and tried not to invest so much emotion (well, I tried not to anyway!) this time.

Back to the drawing board again, thread might get long!

Lady - I do hear you about puppies. I did have some concerns re whether I was 'ready'. We would have muddled through and still will if we end up with a pup, but friends have also said it's hard work for the first few months. I will research owning a puupy further, the Dogs Trust gave me a pack to read as a start.

I used to cry nearly every day when we got our dog at 8 weeks old. I am not a softie. It was just bloody hard work.

Sorry to hear about your DH's allergy.

Better luck next time

Well I AM a softie Exit, what hope for me

I have chatted with Dogs Trust. Apparently, one of their staff has a similar reaction to Staffies, in particular the rash. Just specific to Staffies. DH may get used to it (staff member hasn't) but I don't want to take the chance for either the dog or DH.

That info has made me feel a bit better though.

Keeping on looking, nothing in today. Will keep going up two or three times a week till they are fed up of me