Quilters Dogs

[Georgiapeach]

Well, now I'm thinking about what kind of dog I want. The best way to heal a broken heart is to love again, right? Before Daisy arrived (she was a rescue) I was planning on getting a Golden Retriever, I really love them. I thought Daisy was just getting older and that's why she's slowing down, but DH insists she's lonesome without her companion, Cody. I adore cocker spaniels, but as in many breeds, you have to be careful about tendencies for health issues. Even though I like Goldens, I'm wondering if that would be a good choice for me now, since I won't be walking the dog. We have a huge, wonderful backyard, a dog's paradise, with two ponds and waterfall, etc...but would that provide enough exercise for a large dog? I like them all, so I'm just trying to choose one that will fit with my lifestyle best. I like a "mellow" dog, not hyper or a yapper, and I want a cuddle-bug-type. Ya'll give me some suggestions on this!

[marcia]

My friend and member of the family is a 1/2 min. pincher and 1/2 beagle, both registered. His body is like a beagle and he is black and tan like a doberman. He was my 125.00 c-section puppy. He was so big (fit in the palm of my hand) his mom had to have a little help. He is now 12 and acts much younger! He goes almost everywhere with me. Even to work. He is awesome. If I get busy quilting and lose track of time, he will come look at me and then look toward the bedroom as if to say, OK thats enought, gota get up early! His worst day is Tuesday because he has to stay home with my husband while I go to quilting and he knows because he goes and sits by the back door when he sees I'm packing up my stuff. he's my buddy

[cindyg]

GP when my DH was looking for a dog he went on line to AKC and read about all the breeds and then made his choice. Only you know your likes and dislikes about a dog and how much grooming you want to do or not do, etc. DH chose a Tibetan Spaniel - he's a wash and wear dog so all you have to do is bathe him and clip his nails. He sheds though but that's the only thing I don't like about him. He is the most loving and loveable dog - he loves to give kisses and give kisses and give kisses LOL. Anyway, read about all of them. Petsmart has magazines, too, for instance there's a mag about small dog breeds, etc.

[qltsbme]

Oh, GP, Goldens are such good dogs! They are more than willing to cuddle and often don't understand the concept of being too big for a lap dog. Molly is our second golden.
If you want mellow, you can't get much more mellow than a basset. Mine loves to cuddle and is more than willing to share her recliner with me. She does get testy when my dh is in HER recliner. He has some nerve sometimes.
I agree with your husband. Dogs that have had other furcompanions do miss them terribly when they are gone.

Hope you enjoy your quest for your new family member.

[Georgiapeach]

Thanks cindyg, I'll have to try that. I also liked your suggestion of the Yorkie in the tote! LOL!

[Georgiapeach]

qltsbme, thanks! Bassett's are so darned cute! And I think Daisy would enjoy a companion from the "hound" family, too! She's quite the alpha-gal and will rule the roost no matter what. I think you and my DH are right about her missing Cody. They were inseparable for years and she has not been the same without him. I started taking her to the office with me so she wouldn't be home alone, and it worked out so well she's become the greeter. I put her picture on our coupons and different marketing things I do, and even though we are not a retail business, many of our customers come in now just to see Daisy. She is a friendly little sweetheart and loves everyone. She is very lovable, but definitely not a lap dog. Just isn't built for being held. My cocker spaniels were what I call "bendy" dogs so I could wrap them in a quilt and rock them like babies! No way is Daisy "bendy"!!! LOL!

[Half-Pint]

I have a pug named Smokey. The first time I saw him I thought he looked as though he had just staggered out of a forest fire because of the black marks on his face. That's how he got his name.

He was so full of mischief in the beginning that I started to wonder if I could keep him. He absolutely drove me up the walls with his stunts. He is much calmer now. I take him to the kennel on Wednesdays for "day care". He plays with other dogs all day until I pick him up in the evening. It almost seems that he knows when it is his day to go play. Some people leave their dogs in day care the way they would take children to a babysitter, but that's a bit out of my means financially. Besides, I do want him home to play with during the day. Why have a pet if he is going to be with someone else every day all day long.

[Peaches]

Saints can be very mellow. Snowflake sleeps for 20 hours a day and walks around the other
four. I used to take her to work with me in California-started it on National Take Your Dog to
Work Day, then about once a week. At first the bishop was a bit concerned, but when he saw
how good she was...and a saint too...he didn't complain. When we took her to the Blessing of
the Animals day at one parish, she had to stand all by herself as the priest was afraid of her.
He just sort of threw some holy water her way!

[Tiggersmom]

gp I love goldens but they do have ear problems, constantly.......

If I got another big dog I would think about a yellow lab. I don't know how they are with ear infections but their hair is shorter.

I'm more thinking about a doxie or smaller size, but right now we are working with Shadow to come inside and be calm when she is in, etc.

Your backyard sounds like any dog would love it!

[Holon]

Let me tell you about the ear problems, just put vinager by a baster or ear droper right in the ear 2 or 3 times a week and your baby should never have a problem. This really works great!