Lately, I’ve been thinking about getting a dog. I used to
have one, Monty, (pictured above) part Australian blue heeler, part Australian shepherd, but he
passed away a couple of years ago and I didn’t have the heart to get another
one. He was a good pet, a good watchdog, and very protective of my handicapped
sister. If someone came to the door and she answered, he would get between her
and the visitor, keeping a watchful eye on them. If I answered the door, he’d
stand behind me as if to say, “Go ahead and take her. I’ll wait over here.”
Monty had other sterling qualities, though, like bringing me
the occasional dead bird. I don’t think he ever understood why I always said, “Ew!”
and grabbed the broom and dustpan. He liked to go for walks, but he didn’t walk
on a leash terrifically well, but then I hadn’t been terrifically good at
training him, either.
Since I’ve been thinking about owning another dog, I’ve been
looking at pets on the local animal shelter and Humane Society websites, but it’s
hard to tell anything about them from a photograph. Also, as I’ve taken my
usual morning walks I’ve been observing people and their dogs. One lady that I
see most days has a medium-sized one who must have the muscle power of Hercules
because he forges ahead and she pretty much sails along in his wake. I’ve never
seen anyone walk as fast as she does. I wonder if it might be easier on her if
she wore in-line skates. Another lady walks four Shetland sheepdogs, the ones
that look like miniature collies. They bark constantly as she shushes them.
They seem like happy animals, though.
So, here is my question – Does anyone have a suggestion for
the type of dog I should get? Of course, the ideal dog would never chew
anything, never shed, always be well-behaved, and never bark, but I think I
just described a stuffed toy.
I will happily consider all suggestions.
Patricia Forsythe is the author of many romances, both
traditionally and electronically published.
Her most recent releases are in the Oklahoma Girls series. At Odds With The Midwife was released in
November 2016, The Husband She Can’t
Forget in February 2017, and book three, His Twin Baby Surprise in May 2017.
She hopes there will be many more Harlequin Heartwarming books to come.
My nephew has two Australian blue heelers. He says they're great dogs. Presently I don't own a dog, but if I were to get one, I'd love a West Highland White Terrier. Good luck with your search, Patricia!
ReplyDeleteWesties are adorable. I think I'd like one of those!
DeleteI don't have a dog, but if I got one it would probably be a Dachshund just because I've been friends with so many of them. I enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteDachshunds are cute and smart. My niece had one who was full of personality, and stubbornness!
DeleteSince I know nothing about dogs, I don't have anything to offer, other than to say that's a lovely photo of your old friend. I also enjoy animals in the Heartwarming books--lots of them turn up! Good look finding the right dog for you...I'm sure you will.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think pets always add a fun element to our books.
DeleteNO way...like, totally NO way. During many of my growing years, we had a blue heeler on our farm named MONTY. He was definitely a man's dog. Adored my father, bit wheels, paced the farm truck at 30 km/h, killed baby ducks, snatched meat scraps from the air, barked off pesky salesmen, dug carrots and ate them, only wanted indoors when there was thunder and died an old dog as I petted him. My kids had Otto, a dachsie. With us for nearly 17 years. Yes, they will burrow into your heart as they burrow under your covers.
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny. Must be something magical in the name 'Monty'.
DeleteIf you want a big non-shedding dog, perhaps a Boxer or a Pitt Bull. I don't have a dog... Well, I have two surrogate Black Labrador Retriever mixes: Ladie Lue Lassy and Sadie Sue Sassy. They're nine. They belong to relatives.
ReplyDeleteA boxer is a good idea. We've got a couple in the family already. Thanks!
DeleteDogs make good companions, Patricia, don't they? We had dogs when I was growing up but I never got one as an adult. But my sister-in-law has Wheaton terriers and they don't shed. I'm their auntie I suppose! I'm guessing dogs with calm, gentle temperaments make good pets. All the best with the pet search!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds good. I'll look for Wheaton terriers.
DeleteWhat a great post. Pets have a way of taking over our hearts. I recently researched dog breeds for my daughter and I discovered that Boston Terriers are supposed to be excellent companion dogs. They aren't too energetic, but are happy to just be with you. I fell in love with them while researching. Alas, my daughter opted for a Saint Bernard (holy smoke he's big!) but she loves him, so it worked out.
ReplyDeleteA Saint Bernard? Oh my, they are big, but I understand they're sweet and beautiful.
DeleteAudrey's right about the shedding. We have probably a Staffordshire mix and she hardly sheds. She is ferocious about the mailman, though, and pulls on the leash like she's pulling a sled. Our lab was easy and sweet, but she shed liberally and constantly. My MIL has a wiry terrier mix that looks like Toto and absolutely adores her. Good luck. I'm sure the dog you're meant to have will turn up.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth. Monty shed so much. If I'd known how to weave and knit, I could have knit a whole new dog!
DeleteSince you said you will consider all suggestions, I'm suggesting a...cat. :-) They are much easier to take care of and the shelter is full of them. That's where I got mine and she's such a joy...even when she jumps on top of the door. But she loves cuddling, especially when I'm working or on the phone. Other times, not so much.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what you get, a pet will really enrich your life. Wishing you the best as you choose.
Thanks, Patricia. I like cats, too, especially because they're so independent.
DeleteI'm partial to German Shepherds myself, but they chew, shed and bark. But I love them. They're loyal, intelligent, good watch dogs and fun.
ReplyDeleteMy mom has a Cairn terrier named Cosmo. (He's the Wizard of Oz dog.) He's sweet as can be, but he does his share of barking. He's a great pet though.
He sounds sweet. I'll look for cairn terriers.
DeletePatti, you know I gave up having animals after losing my last two cats in close succession to losing Denny and being on my own. I think about getting a pet, but stick to reading about them in all of the great Heartwarming stories. I think a medium sized dog would work for you. Or a floppy-eared snuggler.
ReplyDeleteYes, not too big, not too small.
DeleteI don't know much about dog breeds. we found a Sky Terrier abandoned and kept him when no one claimed him. He was great company: very clever and didn't shed very much. Also easy to train so got rid of most of his annoying habits after some encouragement. He was a darling. Good luck finding your new buddy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. Terriers seem to be in the running.
DeleteMt friend has an AussiePoo that doesn't shed that is part poodle, part something or other. My daughter has a corgie and I have been watching him this week while my daughter is on vacation. He is really strong but trained well and follows commands so if you get one well trained, already trained, I think it would be great! Good Luck!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think corgis are adorable.
DeleteI've had border collies, which are just as smart as everyone says and have all the good qualities anyone could ever want in a dog. But, they require an incredible amount of exercise and mental stimulation. If you don't have sheep, it's really kind of exhausting to be a good border collie owner. Now I have a rescued Dachshund who doesn't have any of the good qualities you mentioned and most of the bad, LOL! But he has so much personality and love for me it doesn't matter a bit. He's the best companion, watchdog, comedian, snack-stealer, and snuggle-dog ever. Highly recommend a doxie!
ReplyDeleteDachshunds are definitely full of personality. Thanks for the suggestion.
DeleteI have my heart set on getting a rough collie (Lassie). I can't right now because of the two labradoodles I already have (they're a handful), but we have a rough collie rescue in our state that I'd love to adopt from someday. Their personalities are great. I've researched so many breeds. Rough collies are patient, intelligent, loving and, apparently, psychic :). Yes, they shed, but the longer hair is easier to clean up and if they stay brushed it's not so bad. With two dogs and 3 cats in the house right now, I vacuum a lot anyway. Just make sure they're in good health of course and, with any breed, behavior has a lot to do with training.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rula. I'll have to see if there are any collies here in Arizona.
DeleteI grew up with dogs, and then after college, went 20 years without getting another one. When Mike turned 10, I told my husband that every boy deserves a dog. We researched, asked experts, and decided on an Australia Shepherd.
ReplyDeleteInstead, we took the first puppy we saw. The very first. A German Shepherd, husky mix.
She's big.
She sheds.
Up until she turned two, she chewed.
She wants to be walked, a lot.
I wouldn't trade her for all the ketchup in Iowa.
I recommend you get one of her puppies. I'm breeding her in a few months.
LOL
Oh, and I've always had a cat. You totally need a cat.
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