Some of you know, we're actively looking for doggy # 5 version 3. We've been up to five dogs in the house twice before and the dynamic is totally different than four, so we are choosing carefully.

We've never really done things in such a deliberate way as far as searching out, meeting, interviewing, etc multiple dogs. It has usually just been a case of meeting "the one" mostly by chance.

My first choice, a tri-pod lab-ish mix of some sort who lost his leg to a gunshot, has been eliminate as "too big" for Tammy. He is a big, strong boy for sure. I know better than push her into a dog she's not totally behind though.

Then, we have a sheltie in rescue that I met on my way home from the trial this weekend. She's cute, but probably not as lovable and cuddly as we would like. She also doesn't "speak dog" very well and reacts to dogs that get in her face, yet thinks nothing of stepping all over others.

Thursday, I'm driving down to meet the leading candidate, a 13 week old Fluff Corgi Tri girl.

I go back and forth on the wright/wrong of getting a breeder dog since I don't really have a 'need' for a specific dog for a specific job other than being our little Angel - or perhaps Taz (Tazzy for the girl ). On the other hand, three of our four are older, one has major health issues, one has separation anxiety really bad and one was born missing a foot, but is otherwise PERFECT in every way.

It has been 17+ years since we had a puppy in the house. We remember Sam, our first corgi and all the trouble we had from him, but he was a puppy mill dog with BAD temperament and bad health. Our Iggy was pure evil as a puppy, but grew into a stable lovable companion.

Jim,
the issues with Rescue dogs is that you inherit whatever brought them into Rescue plus whatever psychological issues they've developed there. We have our Rescue girl, Marion Louise, and she's been perfect in every way so, as you know, Rescue can also be very rewarding.

The issues with a puppy are, well, the obvious: housebreaking, teething, being breakable so you have to hold them out of rough play until they're older, etc. The advantages are that you get to mold them completely and to train them to be the kind of dog you always wanted. Plus, if you got a recognized breed, you could run the pup in Agility or other performance events. I think you'd actually enjoy that.

I love puppies so I'd opt for one unless I met the perfect Rescue. And I've had the pleasure of meeting a lot of them so they are out there. But our new girl, Moxie, is just a dream puppy. Such a love and very smart and trainable. After Sundance, aka Butthead, we deserved a break . Good luck with your decision. Picking new family members is never easy.

Jim

Thanks Jim. I hear ya.

We've been very lucky with our current four rescues.

We were very lucky with Igloo too. Sam, though we loved him dearly, was a really bad dog in terms of temperament and health.

I think, after talking with Tammy a couple times today, the decision is 90% made. I do dread delivering the "no" to the others though.

So, without further delay, here is the little girl I'll be meeting on Thursday, and barring any surprises, bringing home to the Poorhouse.

Oh

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Plus, if you got a recognized breed, you could run the pup in Agility or other performance events. I think you'd actually enjoy that.

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I can run agility with a mix too

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I can run agility with a mix too

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Yes you can -- but not in AKC. Just thought you might want to work all the available venues.

Jim

Actually, you can in AKC now too. Started in April.

Diana,

Yes, it is a disqualifying coat flaw as far as conformation goes, but that's just fine with us

She is ADORABLE Jim! I hope all goes well and she comes home with you.

Sitting in the parking lot waiting to meet her at the moment.