ADOPT ADOPT ADOPT!

Blogmom Bou is considering getting the boys a dog.

Everyone is leaving their advice in her comments. I had to make mine a seperate post.

Adopt vs. Buy

I've always been one to adopt. There are so many dogs out there that have been left without a home. Good dogs! Especially since the war started, dogs are just being let go to survive on their own or brought to an animal shelter. There is an animal shelter in Hinesville, GA (big Army base) that if they find a dog without a collar, it only get's to stay for 3 days. If the dog has a collar, 10 days. Otherwise, they are euthanzied. It's very sad.

I adopted Kiki. She was 2 months old and was found on the side of a highway. There *are* good dogs at the shelter.

From what I've read and experienced, mixed dogs/mutts are better behaved and have less health problems.

Female vs. Male. For years, we always got male dogs because of what we had heard about females being more aggressive. My issue with male dogs? I get grossed out when they get "excited" and their thingy pokes out. Female dogs...get them spayed as soon as you can (6 weeks old). Then you don't have to put up with them being in heat and they don't get the chance to be aggressive.

Small dog vs. Big dog. I always had medium/large dogs growing up. I thought the small little dogs were obnoxious! I still agree with that to a point. I lucked out big time with Kiki. She thinks she's a big dog but fits in your lap! She likes to play and she likes to be loved. No bitchiness. So keep in mind whether it's going to be an indoor/outdoor dog (and then don't tell me if you are going to leave it outside 24/7). Depends on the size of your home.

If I could have more dogs, I would. I hate the fact that there are great dogs sitting at the shelter that would be loyal family members that may die if someone doesn't come along within 3-10 days!

For Bou and fam, my first suggestion is a Golden Retriever like dog. My dad has one. He is great with my little sister and all the other kids, was very easy to train and is all about giving love. In my experience, they don't get really hyper like some other dogs. Downside? They are large dogs that shed. They need to be walked and/or have plenty of room to run in a yard.

So it all depends on the family dynamic, what kind of "personality" traits you want, and what size poop you are willing to pick up!

I'll have to write a whole other post on bringing the puppy/dog home and starting training.

To anyone else considering getting a dog or more dogs. All I can say is ADOPT ADOPT ADOPT!!!