Dog hunt
With the housing issue pretty much settled for now, we have begun our next hunt: the search for a dog. We can’t get one until we get into the house (which is at least a month to two months away) but we’re doing our preliminary research. Obviously key issues are the kids. As well, we want to make sure we get a dog that isn’t too wild. Our home will be on the small side, but I’d like to get a dog that I can take for a run once in a while, so a medium sized dog would probably be best. Some breeds (and cross breeds) we’ve been looking at are:
We’ve also considered seeing what the local humane shelters have available – although from what I can tell, the breeds they tend to have the most of are not ones that we’re interested in. (Particularly boxers, pit bulls, and chihuahuas) Sometimes in the mix they might get one that seems interesting, so it will be a waiting game of sorts if we decide to go that route.
We’ve taken a few online quizzes to see what breed would best suit our family and ironically, those also seem to miss the mark. (One actually suggested a St. Bernard. LOL!! Are you kidding? In a small house with no yard?! I don’t think so) One idea we had was to go to a dog park and see a bunch of different dogs in action. Not that the behavior of one is always a representative of the entire breed, but at least it gives you an idea for a range of behavior.
My name is Jennifer and The Working Mom is my online journal. I'm very bad about updating it regularly. I like writing, but not as much as I 
I know everyone has their own tastes on what breeds they like but I wanted to share I’ve had my rescue for five years now and it’s so rewarding! I found her though Petfinder.com and she was only about 8 – 10 weeks old when I got her. We were the fifth home she had been in in her young little life. I don’t entirely know what she’s made of but I do know there is Beagle in her. Possibly American Foxhound or German Shepherd. Best dog ever. Mid-sized, doesn’t bark, (just whines lightly), hardly sheds, etc. I wish knew what she was mixed with to give her those charachteristics. She’s 30 lbs too so a mid-sized dog. I’ve heard others say this as well – rescue’s are SO loyal! They know how good they have it! Anyway, best of luck to you on your search. I’m guessing from your posts that living with your parents didn’t turn out to be a good plan. Sending you hugs in hope things settle down for you soon!
The rescue dogs we’ve had in our family always had severe issues. (One was a runner – probably how she ended up in the shelter in the first place. You would answer the door, and she’d make a beeline for the cracked door and it would take hours to find her and bring her home. She eventually got out and literally ran straight INTO a car. Another one used to get so freaked out during a thunderstorm she would jump out a window. When it was closed, through the glass.) At the same time, I’ve known other people who had rescue dogs that were great pets – so I know our cases were unique. So while I like the idea, both from the perspective of just being able to rescue an animal and also the difference in the cost!, I’m also very cautious. I guess what kind of pet you get will always be a wildcard.
As for the living arrangement – actually we’re still staying with them and that hasn’t been the issue at all. It was more about how we were going to pay for a home here (even with the dip in the economy, prices are still pretty insane.) I wish we didn’t need the help we do, but we wouldn’t be able to stay here otherwise. The price, though for getting help from a sibling like this is one’s dignity. I knew I would have to swallow my pride to accept it, but currently I’m just having trouble doing that. (Which is probably why I’ve started trying to focus on getting dog even though we’re still months from being able to bring one home)
You are absolutely right about taking a chance when rescuing. That’s why I ended up getting a puppy instead of a dog that was a bit older. Her story was that she was born to a home, adopted by a family who had cats and they sent her to the pound because she chased cats. She was rescued from the pound into a foster home then I adopted her from there. The irony is she’s best “friends” with my two cats and they snuggle up together and sleep. I’d love to take a picture of that and send it to the family who sent her to the pound. Anyway, it’s definitely a risk. Either way I hope you find one that fits you and your family just right : )
As for the move – I know how painful it is to have to borrow money from a sibling. I did it once and paid him back over time but it is definitely hard. Just try to look at it as a speed bump in life and that things will smooth out eventually. Just takes a little time. Hang in there!
Three of the three Wheaten Terriers I’ve known were all kinds of trouble and expense due to behaviour and health issues.
I’ve had four dogs myself. All rescued lab mixes. I find them to be delightful companions, low maintenance and generally healthy.
My mother-in-law has a Wheaten Terrier and it is the calmest, most placid dog I’ve ever met. She’s great with my kids, lets them push her around and hang on her ears. She pretty much spends all day sleeping. I don’t know if this is normal for the breed or not, but she’s an adorable little dog.
I’m going to say- Matilda is right, she’s had a million health problems and now takes daily medication for her bladder problems. That may be an issue if you are worried about a huge vet bill in the future.
We were adopted by a stray chihuahua/Terrier mix. We think the terrier part is likely Rat Terrier. She is a great mutt but I would not recommend either Chihuahua or Rat Terrier to a family with young kids. She can get grumpy and snippy at times. Our youngest is 15 now so when she gets snapped at it was likely provoked. 😉 She (the dog, not my daughter) has some issues from being abused by her previous owner but she is a beloved member of the family now.