Puppy or recycle?

[bayoucorgi]

Okay I admit it. I have puppy fever. Bad. And on Craig's list there is a 4mo old R/W fem. So I've been emailing and might go see her Saturday. But she wants $250 as an "adoption fee". I told her I could pay $100 so she would know I wasn't just looking for a free dog. But I got Liam from rescue and he was already neutered, vaccinated, HW tested on preventative, microchipped and crate trained and I paid $300. This little girl will need all those things done, plus I'll probably have her dewclaws removed when they spay her. So her immediate vet bill will be over the $250 fee.

But, then I saw Sadie's puppies and so I am inquisitive about a baby dog.

And then in the back of my mind, I've always thought I would wait a couple of years and get a "real" Corgi. By that I mean the one I could show and compete. The one with the clearances and the pedigree etc. Because I trained, showed, bred, rescued, did everything with my previous breed and I fantasize about starting again.

But realistically, with 3 kids and a husband, two of which will be in college within 3 years - I know absolutely that my DH who has never paid for a dog in his life before we adopted Liam would never let me really BUY that dream dog.

My adopted beloved Liam is everything I could ask for in a dog. He is so quick to learn tricks and we're doing obedience and some agility and a bit of herding. He is perfect with the kids. The only reason I have puppy fever is so that he would have a buddy to chase when we're working. The cats hate to play that game.

So my dilemma is - another rescue now, or one later, or wait for the "real" dog. I know I can't have MORE than two. My DH laid down the LAW that we would not have a herd of Corgis and I could not be Queen. And since I had siblings that I lost within 5 months of each other (at age 13 and 14) I am thinking that having the Corgis 13 months apart might be too close.

Help, can you tell I am conflicted?

Pam

[Bobbie]

Well, 4 months is pretty much a baby dog. You still get all the baby problems- chewing, peeing, etc.

Why are the people on Craigslist giving up the puppy?

[corgimom]

Okay I admit it. I have puppy fever. Bad. And on Craig's list there is a 4mo old R/W fem. So I've been emailing and might go see her Saturday. But she wants $250 as an "adoption fee". I told her I could pay $100 so she would know I wasn't just looking for a free dog. But I got Liam from rescue and he was already neutered, vaccinated, HW tested on preventative, microchipped and crate trained and I paid $300. This little girl will need all those things done, plus I'll probably have her dewclaws removed when they spay her. So her immediate vet bill will be over the $250 fee.

But, then I saw Sadie's puppies and so I am inquisitive about a baby dog.

And then in the back of my mind, I've always thought I would wait a couple of years and get a "real" Corgi. By that I mean the one I could show and compete. The one with the clearances and the pedigree etc. Because I trained, showed, bred, rescued, did everything with my previous breed and I fantasize about starting again.

But realistically, with 3 kids and a husband, two of which will be in college within 3 years - I know absolutely that my DH who has never paid for a dog in his life before we adopted Liam would never let me really BUY that dream dog.

My adopted beloved Liam is everything I could ask for in a dog. He is so quick to learn tricks and we're doing obedience and some agility and a bit of herding. He is perfect with the kids. The only reason I have puppy fever is so that he would have a buddy to chase when we're working. The cats hate to play that game.

So my dilemma is - another rescue now, or one later, or wait for the "real" dog. I know I can't have MORE than two. My DH laid down the LAW that we would not have a herd of Corgis and I could not be Queen. And since I had siblings that I lost within 5 months of each other (at age 13 and 14) I am thinking that having the Corgis 13 months apart might be too close.

Help, can you tell I am conflicted?

Pam

I feel "your pain" - you have a lot to think about. I am a bit in your situation as I would love to have another Corgi; a buddy for Cody, but I also have 3 cats(2 with constant medical issues/one being a senior) plenty of vet bills already, plus a son that will be going off to college in 1 1/2 years and a daughter soon after. So as much as I would love another Corgi, I have to think realistically about our current vet bills and pending college tuition coming up soon. I hope that someday I will be able to add another Corgi to our home, but it will be a ways down the road. When that time comes, I hope to adopt a rescue one.

Good luck in your decision, I wish I could hep you out more in deciding.

[MVons]

I wouldn't do the newspaper puppy. Look at the puppy from our litter, why set yourself up for heartbreak. The expense of all the tests and future medical might make a "real" dog seem affordable. More importantly, if you are both working, is it the scenario to get a puppy?

One way to get a quality dog is to check with the corgi rescues. I think your puppy fever will be even stronger when the kids are in college and you will face the empty nest syndrome.

Personally I wouldn't want a large age difference between two dogs because the energy level of a senior vs a youngster is too much. Two years would be ideal for me. A 10yr and 8yr is okay when that time comes around. But you read on the forum about wide age spreads and it appears to depend on the personalities. It might make a difference if a person is working outside the home. If they are home, they can play with the puppy and give the senior a break to sleep.

Just keeping remembering the female puppy in my litter photo, that those puppy teeth come down on things. Go out and give your dog extra lovin and take a deep breath. Puppy fever is hard.

Merrie

[Fluffypants]

I'm no good at talking sense into people, so I won't even try. So let me just offer support and say "My name is Jessica, and I have puppy fever (too)." I have confidence that, when you think about it, you will come to a decision that's right for you, whatever it is. You could always make a list . . . that helps me . . . (insert my husband's laughter here)

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

The only thing that I am going to say is that every single "dog" is a REAL dog. They all have hearts, feelings, and plenty of love to give to their owners. A big ole champion pedigree doesn't change that one little bit. They may not look perfect but let's look in the mirror.There is not or should there ever be a throw away dog. Sorry if I have offended anyone, but it always offends me when people imply that if a person owns a less then show quality dog then it is not a real dog. My dogs are not perfect but I love them just as much if not more then a champion show dog.

[CorgiMum]

And then in the back of my mind, I've always thought I would wait a couple of years and get a "real" Corgi. By that I mean the one I could show and compete. The one with the clearances and the pedigree etc.

Because I trained, showed, bred, rescued, did everything with my previous breed and I fantasize about starting again.

You have stated reasons why you should wait, the one above being a very import one I think. And Like Jessica, I make lists, pros & cons. Honest ones, and I sometimes so honest I need to keep it to myself.

I have puppy fever too, and have had for a long time. Three dogs is out of the question. Last spring when Dylan had his ACL surgery my passion, training, came to a very abrupt halt. My whole everyday life changed, and my social life too. And almost at the same time Monty's back right leg went down. Cancelled classes, cancelled seminars, cancelled competitions, cancelled travel. There I sat with them both one afternoon, Dylan at the begining of a 4 month confinement, Monty unable to walk, ever again, all of us on the kitchen floor, and me balling my eyes out. I wanted a another dog, one that was not sick. Still do, but I'm not going to have one in the near future.

1. Monty needs much more care & time now, plus she has the odd opps now. (not good for housetraining a puppy)

2. Dylan has recovered, but not 100%, and he will be 10 this summer. I know he would like a playmate, but truthfully, I know in my heart he prefers it to just me. Monty never played with Dylan, her heart broke too when our corgi Thomas died. They were very close pals.

There are tons of other reasons why I am not going to get to satify my puppy fever right now, or anytime soon.

Why have I brought up such downer stories? Because probably almost all of us would like puppy, sweet, snuggly, bouncy, healthy and eager to learn, eager to please.

But when you think of the worst that can happen, illnesses, that sort of squashes it.

Oh yes, and the money...Dylan's operation.....Vet bills....meds.......extra equipment.... Monty's stroller...... ramps...... her cart..... Vet bills..... meds......etc. Just a short trip in the van to the park soon became a major undertaking. Still is.

I begrudge my dogs not one minute of my time, neither does Gary (& the DH's support matters!) Neither do either of us begrudge them red cent. Thank Dog that we can afford to give them the care that they both need. Money & time wise. Lucky that I can be home with them when they need me.

I wouldn't go and look at that pup listed in the newspaper unless you fully intend on bringing it home. Pictures are one thing, but a real life corgi puppy is pretty hard to resist.:WINK:

[taflar]

Okay I admit it. I have puppy fever. Bad. And on Craig's list there is a 4mo old R/W fem. So I've been emailing and might go see her Saturday. But she wants $250 as an "adoption fee". I told her I could pay $100 so she would know I wasn't just looking for a free dog. But I got Liam from rescue and he was already neutered, vaccinated, HW tested on preventative, microchipped and crate trained and I paid $300. This little girl will need all those things done, plus I'll probably have her dewclaws removed when they spay her. So her immediate vet bill will be over the $250 fee.

The average price for a pet puppy with a spay/neuter contract from a reputable breeder is around $800. You would still have to spay/neuter, microchip, crate train, housebreak, start on heartworm preventative; all the usual puppy stuff. So IMO the price should not be the factor.

What should be the factor is wheather or not you want a puppy from a reputable breeder or from a rescue or from who knows where. This is a who knows where puppy. Chances are the pedigree is not great or even good, that no health tests have been done. At four months the puppy should have had some vaccinations.

And then in the back of my mind, I've always thought I would wait a couple of years and get a "real" Corgi. By that I mean the one I could show and compete.

I agree with the poster who said they're all "real" dogs. IMO, the dog you own should be the very best dog in the world to you. Doesn't matter where it came from, matters that it is YOURS!

However, when you know what you should be looking for then you should go by those standards and not lower them because a puppy is cute. Almost all corgi puppies are cute.

The one with the clearances and the pedigree etc. Because I trained, showed, bred, rescued, did everything with my previous breed and I fantasize about starting again.

If you'd really like a puppy to show and compete with, with health clearances, good pedigree, then you should wait and find the breeder you want to work with. Start putting money aside for that special puppy and go for your dreams. Anything worth having is worth waiting for.

But realistically, with 3 kids and a husband, two of which will be in college within 3 years - I know absolutely that my DH who has never paid for a dog in his life before we adopted Liam would never let me really BUY that dream dog.

Why? You don't get quality for free.

My adopted beloved Liam is everything I could ask for in a dog. He is so quick to learn tricks and we're doing obedience and some agility and a bit of herding. He is perfect with the kids. The only reason I have puppy fever is so that he would have a buddy to chase when we're working. The cats hate to play that game.

Dogs don't need "buddy's" to keep them company while the human pack is gone. You and your family are his pack. Chances are he sleeps most of the time while you're gone. In fact one gal on corgi L set up a video cam to watch her guys while she was at work. They slept most of the day. And mostly in open crates. So don't worry about him while you're gone. He's ok and not worried about being alone.

So my dilemma is - another rescue now, or one later, or wait for the "real" dog. I know I can't have MORE than two.

If you really want to show a dog then wait. However, be forwarned that showing is not cheap and usually involves travel to other cities and/or states if you want to put a Ch. on your dog.

Once I had siblings that I lost within 5 months of each other (at age 13 and 14) I am thinking that having the Corgis 13 months apart might be too close.

There are no guarantees in life, as you know, but waiting a year or two more won't hurt things any.

Peggy

[corgimom]

If you really want to show a dog then wait. However, be forwarned that showing is not cheap and usually involves travel to other cities and/or states if you want to put a Ch. on your dog.Peggy


According to her first post and from what I can recall of her past postings, I think Bayoucorgi has shown dogs in the past and she was into breeding Golden Retrievers; one who became famous in a Disney movie; or it was a relation to one of her Goldens?

I am not sure if I missed something, but I don't think anyone was thinking any less of Corgis without Champion pedigrees. It just sounds to me like Bayoucorgi is thinking about getting into showing again and is looking ahead contemplating what that would involve or is possibly thinking about getting another rescue - afterall, Liam is a rescue.

[Dillydoodle]

I also read the original post by Bayoucorgi and understood exactly what she meant... she has a rescue corgi , and is contemplating getting back into showing with a corgi this time. This is all a personal decision as to what you want, and when you have a limit on the number of dogs you can bring into your home, you do need to choose carefully.. afterall if you get a rescue dog or a backyard bred dog, you are not going to be able to show this dog... No one here is saying a show dog is loved any more or less or is any better or worse than any other kind of dog, they just may serve different purposes.

Emilie

[bayoucorgi]

Thanks for the input. You all have cooled my jets a bit. And that's a good thing.

Yes, I had Goldens for almost 30 years. Trained and showed to UDs, Championships, Field Titles, in US and Canada. Had one certified to track. Judged, Show Chaired, rescued, etc. The movie dog Shadow was my Ch. Zack's son. So I do know what it costs to show and compete. And I know what I sold my puppies for so I know I'd pay for quality. And I also had catastrophic dysplasia out of an OFA Excellent breeding, an undershot bite in a magnificent field dog, had a superb dog crippled when he escaped from a trainer's run. Had an incredible show mare colic and die after surgery. So I know about animal-induced heartache and heartbreak. And that you can get it whether you bred 4 generations with every clearance or get a dog from the pound.

I waited until my old dogs died until I got a young dog. I knew I wanted a rescue because I believe in rescue. I don't love Liam less than any of the Champions. And I'll love him for his whole life no matter what. And my family teases me that I love him more than the fur-less (human) kids. He has the crookedest front legs you can imagine. But I only know that because I know what a sound front looks like. I personally avoid the mirror because I know I'm not SHOW quality, but I am a great agility prospect! And I'm versatile.

It's like Linda said. I guess I was trying to decide out loud whether I would ever get back to my competitive life. My life changed immensely when I got 3 kids. (I had one and married a man with two.) Priorities changed and I sat out the last 10 years from all animal sports except I did show my yearling colt to a Pinto Nat'l Ch. in 1999. The kids are older now and I am slowly getting back to doing some animal things I love. That's why I think a show dog (not "real" dog - wrong adjective - sorry Bonnie) would be cool.

So, long story short. THANKS. You all said all the right things. I think I'll just set my goal on some obedience and herding titles for now. And think about it.

The dog in the ad needs a home because the owner's GSD's are too rough for her. So I was looking at her as a "rescue" even tho she isn't coming through a formal rescue like Liam did. That's why I didn't want to pay an adoption fee and then also have to pay all the vet bills too. She's definitely not a quality breeding - dewclaws not done, price, not being returned to the breeder - etc.

Thanks for the ice, the aspirin and the comforting words. You cured PF for now.

[CorgiMum]

I personally avoid the mirror because I know I'm not SHOW quality, but I am a great agility prospect! And I'm versatile.
You are doing better than I am, not good at agility or herding because of my asthma, genetic.:WINK:



So, long story short. THANKS. You all said all the right things. I think I'll just set my goal on some obedience and herding titles for now. And think about it.
Good for you for waiting, I've dropped the idea of any more Ob titles for Dylan, no jumping for him, maybe not even Freestyle, just Dressage & Rally-O.


Thanks for the ice, the aspirin and the comforting words. You cured PF for now.
Glad that we could help, and if I had known about your wealth of animal experiences I would have not expounded on my scarry medical tactic. You already know all about those things.+SAD+

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Pam:

I am sorry also. I didn't really read who posted the thread and all I saw was "real" in your post and I immediately got on the defensive. Read it this morning and again this afternoon and just had to post in defense of all the puppies out there. I apologize that I took it out of concept. Good luck with whatever decision you make on the puppy. I can understand you wanting a show dog and getting back into that again. I haven't been taking Chip to class for awhile and I am really missing it. Hopefully, we will start again Monday night.

[taflar]

According to her first post and from what I can recall of her past postings, I think Bayoucorgi has shown dogs in the past and she was into breeding Golden Retrievers; one who became famous in a Disney movie; or it was a relation to one of her Goldens?

I am not sure if I missed something, but I don't think anyone was thinking any less of Corgis without Champion pedigrees. It just sounds to me like Bayoucorgi is thinking about getting into showing again and is looking ahead contemplating what that would involve or is possibly thinking about getting another rescue - afterall, Liam is a rescue.

To be honest I look for names signed to posts not screen names on the sides. I forgot she's the one who had the Goldens. And well, sometimes I add things for others who may be reading too. This is a public forum and the posts are not private, so I try to include things that will apply to others.

Well, when someones makes a comment about "real" corgis or dogs, it does sound like they're thinking that a rescue isn't "real". And someone else did get that idea too. I was just reminding everyone that YOUR own dog is the special one and should be the very best. No matter where you got them or what the pedigree is or isn't.

I didn't mean to offend anyone.

Peggy

[Jespah]

Pam it sounds like you will get back into doing the things you love with dogs at some point - it's obviously a big part of who you are. I understand you feeling like you were "rescuing" the Corgi girl, I sometimes feel like that with Jemma, she was the one in her litter no one wanted and I got her at 7 months. She's not perfect either, but when she came to live with Rupert, the cats and me, her little light came on and she just shines now.

You'll know when the dog and time is right for you -there will be clarity, not confusion.

Deb

[disraeli ears]

I sometimes feel like that with Jemma, she was the one in her litter no one wanted and I got her at 7 months. She's not perfect either, but when she came to live with Rupert, the cats and me, her little light came on and she just shines now.


Aww, I can't imagine Jemma being "unwanted." +SAD+
That's very sweet what you said about her, Deb - she definitely seems to have a "little light" about her! Just look at her happy smile! +WUBCLUB+

I agree with Deb - you will find the perfect dog at the perfect time. Whether it's a brand new puppy or a rescue.

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

I don't think Jemma was unwanted - she was just waiting for Deb & Rup to come and take her home. Some things are just meant to be. Jemma is a sweetie - all you have to do is look at her eyes.

[bayoucorgi]

Hey friends, no offense taken. I was careless to call a non-pedigreed dog not "real". I'm getting an ILP on Liam and we're doing all the real stuff except conformation anyway.

Peggy, your help remembering that Liam doesn't need a buddy was perfect. I think I was anthromorphizing to justify my PF.

The list of "Things we do easily with one dog that we won't do as much or as easily with two" was pretty long. And after many years of multiple dogs I had forgotten how close you get when you have one dog. Liam can read my mind. And I can read his. And if we can't read the words we look at the pictures.

[sutulu]

1) "Real Dogs": I'm with you! It frosts my cookies when posts "look down their nose" at dogs with less than CH bloodlines. I want a happy and healthy dog, I will take responsibility for the training and work hard to see they are good citizens. We love our dogs, they are our family members. I suspect there are CH's out there that will never see the love and good life many of us provide for our dogs with or without the glowing pedigree.

2) Less than perfect dogs: My Lulu is a mismarked puppy and I couldn't love her more. She seems pretty perfect to me (well, except for... see #3)

3) Let me throw more cold water in your face!!!: Man.... I wanted to help cool your enthusiasm.... You should see my baseboards, my dining room table legs, one of the spndles on my staircae - you would think I had beavers and not dogs. Then there's the yard.... holes dug, everytime I get my front yard cleaned up, Lulu has to haul toys, branches, anything she can pull back into the yard. I look like a junk yard half the time.

I love my two but the puppy behavior can really be frustrating. So if I ever do it again.... rescue or rehomed dogs for me. I had to do the puppy thing, it's been real, but never again!

4) Corgi Cute doesn't end at puppyhood. There is an 8 year old Corgi at the agility trials and he is as cute as any puppy I have ever seen.

So that's my $.02!!

Susan

[corgimom]

Well, when someones makes a comment about "real" corgis or dogs, it does sound like they're thinking that a rescue isn't "real". And someone else did get that idea too. I was just reminding everyone that YOUR own dog is the special one and should be the very best. No matter where you got them or what the pedigree is or isn't. I didn't mean to offend anyone.Peggy

Peggy, you didn't offend me. - I just happened to look at Pam's post differently when she said "real corgi", becaise she clarified that statement with her next sentence which said "by that I mean one I could show and compete." Her Liam that she owns is a rescue and I didn't think for one minute that she was sending the message that he was anything less to her than perfect.

[dcole]

I don't think Jemma was unwanted - she was just waiting for Deb & Rup to come and take her home. Some things are just meant to be. Jemma is a sweetie - all you have to do is look at her eyes.

I'm with Bonnie; apparently, no one wanted Trevor, either. We got him at 5 1/2 months - the last in the litter. I'm so glad he waited for us! :CUTE:

Pam, the right dog will come along for you at the right time, trust me!

[taflar]

I'm getting an ILP on Liam and we're doing all the real stuff except conformation anyway.

Great!

Peggy, your help remembering that Liam doesn't need a buddy was perfect. I think I was anthromorphizing to justify my PF.

I fell into the same trap when I got my first corgi. And as it turned out our Golden would have been happier with out the corgi puppy as a companion. They never did really get along. Just tolerated each other.

Peggy

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Everyone knows that I have 5 dogs. Crazy I know. But Jasmine will be eleven in September was overweight and just laid around all the time until we got Chip. Then she started playing with Chip and being more active. Now that we have got Maybelle, Jasmine and her run all over the yard and Jasmine has even found her waistline again. Not by much but she is losing weight. So I guess it just depends on the dogs and we are lucky because they all seem to get along fairly well.

[bayoucorgi]

Okay here's how it settled out. My DH said, "no, you cannot have another one because you already have one and he likes you really a lot and he would be upset if he had to share you".

[MrsGrace]

Okay here's how it settled out. My DH said, "no, you cannot have another one because you already have one and he likes you really a lot and he would be upset if he had to share you".

So then, you'll be getting the dog anyway? :LAUGH:

[Jespah]

Well, that is certainly clear and to the point Pam! Can't argue with that really!

[Fluffypants]

Okay here's how it settled out. My DH said, "no, you cannot have another one because you already have one and he likes you really a lot and he would be upset if he had to share you".

Was he talking about dogs or husbands? :LAUGH:

[ZdogZ]

My hubby said I couldn't have one either. Then he had me go get Zeke!

[CorgiMum]

Jessica, I thought the same thing when I first read the post.:LAUGH:

[bayoucorgi]

Well, actually, I have had more than one husband - but not at the same time - and my ex is a total pain in the you know what so I think I'll stick with the big old unreasonable one I have now. I just hate it when he's right.

Last night he said, "when Steph moves out and takes her cat, we'll get another dog". So WOOHOOO!!! Steph will be 17 this November so I'll be scheming to get her an apartment near the college of her choice in a couple years. I'll even pay her pet deposit. Now how's that for a sneaky stepmom!

The cat is a white fluffy Katrina rescue that we fostered and no one claimed. She HATES Liam and Liam LOVES to harass her. She now jumps up on the backbeam of my big loom, out of reach of the horrid dog. She's poked him a couple of times and made him yark and she would probably lose it if there were two of them foxy varmints.


So I have a couple of years to scheme, research pedigrees, save, and decide what it will be - show dog or another rescue. I emailed the person on Craig's List and told her we wouldn't be adopting her puppy but if her situation got dire to contact me again. And I'm going to suggest my co-worker to contact her.

[Penutsma]

:CHATTERBOX: Well, Delilah has a new baby brother! He isn't a corgi though. Cheryl's sister took me to the local flea market (big thing on 2nd weekends of most months) and I fell in love with a parti-teacup poodle. Cheryl is going to kill me! She has been trying to break my poodle habit for years! But Delilah seems to love him and he is a cuddler too. I'm happy. He is laying on my hands while I am typing. I'll see if I can post a picture of him if anyone is interested.

OH!! Biggest news is that Delilah and I have stopped trucking! It was just getting to be too much for me! Not as young as I thought I was.....hehehe! The rough roads and the 70 hr weeks were tough!

[ZdogZ]

:CHATTERBOX: Well, Delilah has a new baby brother! He isn't a corgi though. Cheryl's sister took me to the local flea market (big thing on 2nd weekends of most months) and I fell in love with a parti-teacup poodle. Cheryl is going to kill me! She has been trying to break my poodle habit for years! But Delilah seems to love him and he is a cuddler too. I'm happy. He is laying on my hands while I am typing. I'll see if I can post a picture of him if anyone is interested.

OH!! Biggest news is that Delilah and I have stopped trucking! It was just getting to be too much for me! Not as young as I thought I was.....hehehe! The rough roads and the 70 hr weeks were tough!
How exciting about the new dog. How old is he? I'd love to see a picture. We won't tell Cheryl about him! :WINK: Trucking is hard work. I don't blame you!

[Penutsma]

He is 9 wks old and I have added him to the "dogster" as of today.

Here is his web:
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/542857

I tried real hard to walk away.....I even left the flea market for a couple of hours - went to lunch, to get a pedicure, etc but ended up back at the flea market (I had a feeling I would when I walked away crying the first time! lol). Told myself that if he was still there, then he was meant to be mine (Saturday before Mother's Day!?). He got his name because of the way he was bugging all the older dogs in the house. Then we found out that his dad's name is "Skeeter Bug" and mom is "Cricket Hope". How cute is that!?

[MrsGrace]

He is 9 wks old and I have added him to the "dogster" as of today.

Here is his web:
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/542857

Wow! Lots of beautiful animals in your family. What are you looking at for work now? That's quite the family to support! :TWITCHY:

[Lauren]

Everyone knows that I have 5 dogs. Crazy I know.

OT, but I dogsit for my 4-H leader who has 9 dogs :CHATTERBOX:
And they're all sighthounds! :EEK:

[Penutsma]

Wow! Lots of beautiful animals in your family. What are you looking at for work now? That's quite the family to support! :TWITCHY:

Thank you! I am looking for anything that will keep me home! LOL Right now, it will be temp work, as I am supposed to be in Layton, UT in November to be with Cheryl.....and my sister needs my help this summer with her boys. I have thought about doing some paintings and trying to sell them, but I don't know if that would be cost effective..... (all of mine that I kept are in storage!).

[MVons]

:OH!! Biggest news is that Delilah and I have stopped trucking! It was just getting to be too much for me! Not as young as I thought I was.....hehehe! The rough roads and the 70 hr weeks were tough!In case it was just the work schedule or employer, my brother met two truckers who work for Holland Trucking and they love working for them. The other thing they said was that the Canadian trucking companies are wonderful employers too. Just in case money gets tight and you want shorter routes.

Merrie