Usually, a situation like this calls for much hand-writing, contemplation, agonizing and drama. I don’t care for drama, I’ve had enough of it in my life and in the lives of the people around me.
Drama makes me almost physically ill at this point in my life and here on the blog I’ve promised to be open and honest.
No secrets, no games.
The script calls for me to grieve, recover from the death of Red and mull my next dog move. Then to make a sudden (and dramatic) announcement about it, after everyone is in suspense.
But that would be a lie, and contrived. I hate being coy.
It isn’t that I’m noble, I just have become clearer and more aware of the intentions and decisions that motivate my behavior. Maria and I have talked about getting another dog – we talk about everything that happens in our lives and on the farm – and we are both agreed.
I also talked with my big sister Jane, she knows just about everything there is to know about the emotional motivations and underpinnings around getting a dog. If you see it is a gift, she said, go for it. And I do see it as a gift.
We want a Yellow Lab puppy. A female, I think. A quiet, gentle, sweet puppy, not too outgoing, not too shy. Something in the middle.
I’ve found an excellent breeder with a pregnant dog (I just don’t like the term bitch), and if she accepts me as a fitting recipient for one of her dogs after we talk, then I’ll send her a deposit as soon as the dog has had her ultra-sound check, and we know for sure she is having babies.
Since the due date is late September, the tests should be soon.
As many of us know, many things can go wrong in canine birth, there are no guarantees and few certainties.
I have always Labs and border collies.
I love both breeds, I have always been drawn to the working breeds.
We have two wonderful dogs. Fate is a magnificent creature, disinterested in herding but eager to love up people in our therapy work. I love having Bud, the small dog experience is richer and more interesting than I imagined. I love his character and ego.
The mix of these dogs – a border collie, a Boston Terrier, and a Yellow Labrador – seems wonderful to me.
Red has left a big hole in my life, and I write about dogs and love having them, so I want to fill that hole with another great dog. I am older – 72 now – and I don’t subscribe to the idea that older people should not get dogs that might outlive them. To me, that would be a weak rationalization.
Maria is 17 years younger than I am, and I doubt a new Lab would come close to outliving her. And dogs are often happily and successfully rehomed by the millions in any case. People who love dogs should have them. No dog should ever have to languish in a no-kill crate for years.
This dog will cost a lot of money – $2,500, a big consideration – but dogs are my livelihood, I expect she will earn back her cost in one way or another.
There are few dogs cuter than yellow Lab puppies. And I will, of course, share the experience of getting her, training her, and chronicling her integration into our family.
Dogs from honest and experienced breeders have produced some of the most wonderful dogs I have known – I think of Rose and Red in particular, and Pearl. A good breeder keeps the best traits of dogs alive.
A prime consideration for me is my therapy work with dogs.
I wish to continue my hospice therapy work, and my deepening work with the elderly, especially at the Mansion. Labs can make wonderful service dogs. I will want to see five generations of paperwork showing good temperament in any dog I buy for therapy work.
Labs love working with people, and if properly bred, can have an absolutely reliable temperament. I will never have one of my dogs frightening or snapping at a dying or elderly person.
Maria and I each have veto power over any animal that comes into the farm.
If either one of says no, there is no argument. We just don’t do it.
We both have said yes to a Yellow Lab puppy, I love the way this mother looks, she is a beautiful dog.
We will, of course, go see the puppies and make certain it’s the right match all around.
I can start training a Lab puppy from scratch, and I believe those are the dogs that make the best therapy dogs for me and the close-in therapy work I like to do. Red was a once-in-a-lifetime dog, I won’t try to replicate him.
Fate will continue to work with me, her therapy dog training is coming along better than I imagined. But she is four years old, and there are some things I wouldn’t try to do with her – like hospice work.
She just gets a bit too excited for hospice work, she is great for the Mansion.
The armies of the righteous online are already displeased with my mention of even thinking about a purebred bought dog as opposed to a rescue like Bud or Frieda or Izzy. I’m told there is only one right way to get a dog, and that is to rescue one.
Almost anyone who really knows dogs or cares about them knows this is bullshit. People tell me they are disappointed in me. I tell them to get lost.
They are obnoxious, not persuasive, and they give animal rescue a bad name, which seems somewhat self-defeating.
There are lots of ways to get a good dog, and the best is to get one you want and love and think of as a blessed gift.
Those of you have followed my blog know there are two things that make me need to work on my patience and gentleness. People who tell me what to write, and people who tell me how to get a dog.
I consider this the height of arrogance and ignorance.
I’ve written a dozen books about dogs, and gotten them in many different ways – rescue, shelter, breeder. I don’t need advice about how to do it.
Nobody who tells me there is one way to get a dog is my friend or someone who deserves to be listened to.
The rescue people I respect – and there are many – would never tell me to get any dog but one that I wanted, in whatever way I wanted.
I’ll get this dog thoughtfully and carefully, and I’ll share the process. I am excited about this, I think getting the puppy will be good for me and for Maria, and I believe it is also an honor to Red, a dog I loved so much I want to do it again.
Stay tuned. This puppy, if it works out, will not come home until November. Updates to come.
Well said.
Yay!
So excited for you all! Can’t wait to follow the new adventures! Ignore the naysayers (as I’m sure you will!)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!! THIS IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN WATCHING YOUR LAB (GIRL OR BOY) GROW UP!! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE MASTER BUD & MISS FATE WITH THEIR NEW BROTHER OR SISTER!!
Happy news, Jon and Maria!! It will be wonderful to see your new puppy interact with Bud and Fate!
well done!
Amen to what you said. You need to be who you are. Will be interesting to see how Bud takes it all in. Jon, you are a great man.
Bless you. Well said. Early days in a puppy’s life are so important in their development and in their confidence. Enjoy
Happy for you, Jon! Best wishes.
I for one, cannot wait to see puppy pictures!
I just put up a deposit for a boxer & I’m so excited! My American Bulldog is getting old. I like to have one in training & it can perk up the older dog. My husband prefers buying from a reputable breeder, it matters to him. Thanks for voicing your reasoning for not rescuing, etc. this time. At the end of the day it’s even more about picking the right dog for the right people/environment. Best of luck!
All I can say is something my mom used to say, “I am pea green with envy”. I can’t think of anything more exciting than looking forward to a new lab puppy. This will be so much fun to share. Congratulations on your decision.
I totally understand. When our dachshund died in old age (15), we thought we would never get another dog. It was too painful to love him so much and then lose him. He was like our ‘child’. After 2 weeks, my husband was online looking at petfinder.com for another dachshund which we adopted and who is now close to 15 again. She filled the hole we had in our hearts with her total love. Once you are used to giving love to a dog, it is your way of life, the way you give love.
Looking forward to puppy pictures!
I am happy for you! Any dog you get will have a great life and a Lab will round out your pack well. I am glad you stick up for your self and the rest of us that like to be able to pick out our dogs our own way!
Go for it.
A lab will be an amazing attunement for the refugee kids especially, what a beautiful thing should it unfold
This mama yellow lab is so beautiful. I’m sure one of her pups will be a wonderful addition to your pack. I can envision Bud and Fate bonding with a new pup pretty much instantaneously. Can’t wait!
I’ve had rescue dogs all my life — dozens of them. Cats too. But when I was 8 (1958) I saw Mary Martin on TV in ‘Peter Pan’ and I wanted an Old English Sheepdog. My Dad never denied me anything I really, really wanted. He said he’d go shopping the next day. I ran home from school that afternoon, expecting to see my Shaggy Dog. Instead, a tiny rat terrier ran to greet me. I was heartsick, but ended up loving the dog I named Ringo. When I grew up and got married, I asked my husband if we could get an OES and he said ‘no’ — too big — too much hair, etc. Well, 25 yrs later, the husband ran off with another woman. After I regained my dignity and independence, I bought a sheepdog. Cost me $1800, but she’s so worth every penny. I also have 2 rescue cats and a rescued Blue Heeler but I have my sheepie and to hell with everyone who says I could’ve rescued 10 animals instead!
WOW, Exciting news, and said with the love and careful thought that I have come to expect from you, Jon!
Jon, it is a very good decision to get a pup from a good breeder especially for therapy dog work. Its best to train them up yourself that way you know what to expect. A rescue you never know the background, thing the dog may have experienced, I am thinking of the bad experiences, you cannot take a chance with a rescue working with people, you must know the dog. I applaud you and Maria continuing your therapy dog work. Its very rewarding to give back in this way. I know from my own personal experience as I have a therapy dog, a border collie and she is wonderul. We started her training the day we brought her home. We will be 80 years old if she lives to be 15yrs. We love every minute of it. And we are thinking of getting another one, so I expect we will have a few nay sayers. So continue to do as your heart leads you and so will we.
Fantastic news! So happy for you, Maria and all your creatures!
You do YOU. The naysayers, naggers, and bullies need to back off, back out and back down. Your life, your farm, your family. People need to but out. Go for it Jon…only you can live your life, on your terms. Many blessings….
Dog people should have dogs in their lives. Any breed they like and obtained however they like.
I am delighted you are thinki9ng of another dog. Our next dog may be a yellow lab. labs and Border collies are the best but any dog you want is the best. Rescues are lovely,but here in California the most prevalent dog in shelters are bullie breeds and chihuahuas. They can be nice dogs but not the breed for every body. A dog is a 12 to 17 year investment and must be the dog best suited to your needs. Hopefully this will be that one for you . Blessings, and peace to you. I am so in agreement with your way of grieving and your way of finding the right dog for you.
This is such great news. A puppy will help fill the hole in your heart that was left by Red. Looking forward to hearing all about the new puppy.
Great! Glad you are moving forward. The only reason we ended up with a rescue dachshund is because breeders are few and far between in our area and the cost for us would be out of our budget. So we got lucky and took a chance on our Meg. Hoping everything goes well with the pregnancy and births. Looking forward to reading about this journey no matter where the path leads.
Over the years you have taught me that your life is not my Circus, and your monkeys are not my monkeys. So it doesn’t matter what I think. I wish you well on your yellow lab adventure. I hope the dam has a typical large lab litter for you to pick from. Be open because some pup might chooses you!
You do whatever your heart leads you to do for you and maria..if you lean towards that sweet yellow lab you.ve gotten yourself a beautiful therapy dog for the future I hope.. all the best
Blessings on you. The right dog will come to you in the right way, at the right time… whether from a purebred breeder, a rescue shelter, or as a stray. I’ve had all of the above, and each has been the right choice for me in that time and place in my life.
Keep on doing as your heart compels you.. Feel free to disregard anyone who waves the word “should” in any direction. They are free to control their own thoughts, choice and actions… but not yours. Do what feels right for you.
Good for you! I agree! I’m happy for you and Maria and I wait with anticipation to follow you with this puppy.?
Good for you! I agree! I’m glad for you and Maria! I will be waiting with anticipation to follow you on this journey with your new puppy!
Congratulations!! I hope it goes without a hitch!
I think that you are a very wise person. I am one who would love to get advice from you. Not ever try to give it. People can be really silly. I have been reading your work faithfully for years and hope to for many more. I feel that when ever where ever and what kind of dog you and Maria get it will be perfect.
thanks Kris, I’ll share the process, step by step..
See I do have a crystal ball..! Happy for you both.
Just do it.
I am doing it, Edie, that’s what I wrote…
Looking forward to hearing more about this possible new addition…wonderful
Minding my own acre was something that took a long time for me to understand and do. Minding others’ acres was exhausting, useless, and filled with drama. I had to fight my old drama-addicted self, to learn to live in peace. And I can still dip a toe in those waters now and then, and then pain reminds me – oh, right, not my acre.
I love that you share your acre with us, Jon. And I love how you strive to stay in yours.
After we lost our two dogs within six weeks of one another — after having them for almost 15 years — grief completely overtook us. We couldn’t consider getting another dog. In fact, it took us a year a half before we finally welcomed our Boston Terrier Rocky into the family. My brother and his family, by contrast, bought another English Bulldog just a couple of weeks after they lost their sweet Oscar. “The house is too sad,” my Rob brother said simply. “We don’t want to live like that.” When I think about their experience, and how much joy Rocky has brought into our lives, I know that it was a mistake for me to wait so long. Rob and his crew had the right idea. Make the house happy.
I’m excited for you. This is gonna be fun!
I am smiling now as I knew before you did that you would get another dog . To do this is the biggest complement we can give to the dog we have just lost , congratulations you have both made the right decision. Labradors are the dogs I have had for most of my life and as I am now aged 80 , the one I have now is a rescue , she is a black Lab aged 10 . I decided to have an older one due to my advanced age which is only fair and of course I presumed she would have lost a lot of her energetic ways !…Wrong ,she is the most energetic Lab for her age I have ever known ! Keeps me on my toes though , out in all weathers and enjoying her company now that I am on my own . Barbara from the U K .
Perfect way to honor a dog lost is to love another. How fun, yellow labs are my favs. I am excited for you !!
Perfect way to honor a dog lost is to love another. Yellow labs are my fav, i am excited for you !!!
So happy you may be getting a yellow lab puppy. I have a rescue 4yr old yellow lab and a 1yr old black lab I got from a reputable breeder. Both are wonderful dogs. There is no right way to get a dog just get one that makes you happy.
You’ve always inspired me when it came to getting another dog after one leaves you. Pre-congratulations and best wishes for your new pup!
best wishes for getting your new dog. Looking forward to many great stories.
It’s a choice, and I respect your reasons for going to a breeder. Makes sense. However, my senior rescue GR, Izzy, is the most amazing therapy dog that I have ever worked with! So…no wrong answers. You did get a little prickly about it though!
Yes! I have rescued dogs and purchased many from breeders. Go with your heart. I look forward to the puppy training posts!
If you can afford it financially, go for it! Happy times ahead!
Gotta say, not a surprise. Those eyes spoke to you.
Hurray! Another dog getting a great home. I, too, (at 78 years old) have made a pretty quick decision after losing my wonderful Airedale, Dira, to liver cancer a few weeks ago. I am adopting a 1.5 year old female Airedale who needs a new home. Because I will be traveling some soon and I didn’t want to get a new dog and immediately leave town, I’m not getting her until mid-September. I’m very sad about losing Dira, but I am also looking forward to meeting my new companion and friend. The house is very empty without a dog in it.
Like you, I’ve had AKC and rescued dogs over the past 30+ years. Lulu, my 12 yr. old Yorkie, was what I would call a “true” rescue. She came to me from a puppy mill, around 2 yrs. old. Didn’t bred, so the rescue group got her. This summer had my first emergency vet visit with her. She’s now 12 and I know someday I’ll have to let her go. Max was almost 15, my previous Yorkie, when I had to say goodbye. I was advised wait 6 mos. before even looking. Well, hello Lulu 6 weeks later!!! Just finished reading Nick Trout’s “The Wonder of Lost Causes” and wanted to share this quote that touched me so much, pg. 437, “When you cry about losing a dog, it means the dog did it’s job. It means the dog made a connection. You got him. He got you.”