We got really serious last week but then toward the end of the weekend we kind of gave up with, "Oh maybe we should wait until after Sam (the indoor cat) dies," and other statements. I thought the desire had subsided. Then, Thursday evening, Debbie began to look at Golden Retriever sites again and I knew I was done for.
Friday, I looked in the Tulsa World classified section and there was an add for some Golden Retrievers and I made the call. Maverick and I drove out Friday evening and drove back home with Shianne Rose a 6-week old beauty.
Since moving to the pond we have been dog-free. That was our intent but we have owned dogs before (a Cocker Spaniel, a Beagle and a Lab mix) and loved them. But, the cats showed up (really - we did not seek them - they just showed up) and after being ignored all these years we wanted an animal to show us some affection.
Television has been rather boring in recent years but we have found some pleasure in some of the reality TV. American Idol, America's Got Talent and Dancing With The Stars are the ones we watch. Those days are over for me. Now I am the star of two new Reality shows: Training With The Dog and the sequel, Walking With The Dog.
Shianne is too young right now to go walking but I spend most of my free time keeping her from chewing furniture and toes, to standing in the backyard saying, "Potty?", "Good girl!" and "Shianne (this)" and "Shianne (that)". Yesterday I forgot to read the paper, ground my coffee beans without the filter under the grinder, and failed to have time for sitting on the porch drinking coffee because of all the above. In the last couple of nights I have rediscovered how truly dark it is on the pond at 2 in the morning while whispering, "Potty! Hurry it up!" I was actually up 4 times Friday night with the girl. Debbie caught this photo while we both were trying to catch some shut eye Saturday afternoon.
I know this training will all be worth it when this little puppy becomes a large breed companion and has me physically fit from all the walking. She will sit faithfully beside me as I read the morning paper and sip my coffee. If training classes and activities go as planned I will report that to you sometime in the summer of 2013.
2 comments:
Robb, The best investment I made with training our Golden was "Dogs for Dummies". It has a plethora of information in it about training. I didn't need training school. Actually, probably within a week or two of bringing her home, I had her trained to heel, and all it took was a 30-45 minute walk in the neighborhood. She was pretty house trained pretty quickly too. You'll need a carrier for this. At the same time, I had her trained to only go in a certain part of the yard and on command too. Golden's are so smart and oh so want to please. You made a good choice. You'll love her.
You bring up that pup...(the first few weeks are the most time consuming)...and he will be sooo loyal.
Luke, my oldest took care of Sadie (our dog) when she was a pup. He was the most available at the time.
He took her out. Fed her, worked with her (sit, come here, and stay), and he shared his bed when she wanted; and she adores that kid to the max. She is always happy to see him. Follows him around. Growls at people who come around him she doesn't know...(not mean though). Its a great blessing...I had a vet once say dogs display the character of God. I said "huh"? He said, they show unconditional love...very true.
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