Be the Pack Leader

Okay, so yes, i'm still in Doggy Mode - and i think my behavior is becoming obsessive and when you don't stop the obsession it leads to ...

Wait... i'm starting to talk like Cesar Millian from the "Dog Whisperer". I am not sure if it's only because I have TIVO now and I can scan my channels better and record 'season passes' - but this show seems to be growing in popularity. His presence with dogs is amazing and I feel so much more empowered to maintain a dog's behavior - just by watching it! If you haven't seen it, check it out. He's based in Los Angeles and in one episode, we recognized a house that's in our neighborhood!

Anyway... So my pet-sitting experience was an eye-opener, but I think instead of pushing me away from getting a pet... it seems to be making me a little more anxious to research and take further steps to get one. Why? Probably because I feel like I know a little better what the 'bad parts' of owning a new pet feels like, and I might be able to handle it better. Of course.. 2 nights is NOTHING to a dog's lifetime... but that's why i'm not going out right now and adopting the first cutie to come along.

But yes - i think i have decided to adopt versus by a puppy. Ideally, it's said that you should be able to take a new puppy to go out to do their business every 30 minutes. That is insane! It's insane that there are people that can do that! I guess stay at home parents or folks that work from home. WOW! I know i can't do that... and I don't think I'm ready to deal with a teething puppy that wants to nibble at my walls. So a mature dog, with a personality that's somewhat set and predictable... is what i'd be looking for.

My initial sense from rescue groups is that I'm not an ideal candidate. Work full time... No yard... Even if i came home for lunch everyday (which i'm trying to will myself to want to do) there's still good blocks of time that it will be on its own. One option is getting TWO dogs - but that's a little crazy too. It's like buying a 5 room, 2 story house as your first home. SO... a lot of food for thought, and hopefully something will happen to make things work out... whether its a rescued dog that is on the calmer side and with enough play things could be quite happy roaming a comfy air-conditioned home.

Plus, I should start thinking of the other benefits of a dog... How about helping move heavy furniture?

Just Kidding!

I think.


Today's "Buy Me" Item