Three choices in life; Give up, Give in or Give all you've got!!

amber03

Well i'm into the C word big style this year. think its cos 'm challenging myself to have everything done by the 1st December. One reason is cos then I can sit back, relax and enjoy it for once. Another is that the last couple of years there has been one drama after another.


Congratulations on the latest addition to the household (well in a couple of weeks), which breed are u getting.xx

please-let-me-be-lucky

He's a Springer Spaniel. He'll eventually be a running companion for Mr L, and I'm hoping he might also alert to seizure, but first and foremost he'll be a member of the family Xx

please-let-me-be-lucky

Think I might join you in that challenge Amber! Hope you get your relaxing C-time Xx

*Robin*

Lucky, have you done much research before choosing a Springer?
As this idea seems to have come out of the blue, would I be right in thinking a friend of yours just happens to have a litter of adorable puppies? If that's the case, unless the dam's owners are professional breeders - can you afford £500+ on buying a dog? - please, please do some reading about the health problems Springers are susceptible to before committing.

Must say, I would not even suggest this breed if asked to help you find the perfect dog to fit into your family..
Could waffle on for hours about dogs, as you know, and am delighted to hear you're thinking of bringing a dog into your lives, but am rather worried you're getting carried away by the "cuteness-factor" at the moment..

please-let-me-be-lucky

Completely understand your point Robin, and perhaps I should have explained things a little more.

We've all wanted a dog for a while (my desire probably increased when I decided for sure we wouldn't have any more babies ), but I wanted to wait until we were debt free. More recently the worry over the PIP process took priority too. DS1 has done many hours of research into how to look after a dog, how to introduce it to our cat etc etc and has been asking for a 'best friend' on a daily basis for several months if not longer. DH said he wanted a Labrador, which I thought was a good idea (if a little big), based on their use as seizure alert dogs. However, he also wants the dog to be a running partner (which is also a good idea for my peace of mind), and due to hip problems labs are not a recommended breed for that. Our attention turned to spaniels, which is what I had as a child.

About 3 weeks ago we met up with an old school friend of DH and his family. By chance, we found out that School Mate's Dad's girlfriend (follow that!) happens to be a breeder of Springers, all working gun dogs. His Dad has 2 dogs from previous litters that her dogs have had, and they were fantastic. We discovered she'd recently had a litter 'by accident' after someone left the gate open between where the girls and boys were! 7 pups were the result and no homes had been arranged yet. They tried to convince us to have one and we said we'd think about it.

We discussed it over and over, particularly in London. We also talked to MiL about the impact it would have on her too, and whether she'd be able to help out if necessary, for example if DH was having a bad day etc. She agreed.

Breeder knew our finances werw tight but wanted her pup to go to a loving home, so offered 'mates rates' which basically covers first injections. We agreed to go see the pups and I'm not going to lie, we fell in love completely.

We spent several hours with SM's Dad and his girlfriend. We met doggy Mummy and Daddy, and several dogs from other litters breeder has had previously, including an older brother of our dog from the same parental pairing. SM's Dad spoke to us about training etc and we are confident going forward that this little dude is right for us Xx

maddiemay

Hello Lucky
I have lived life with dogs all of my 67 years, started life on a farm and whilst I can truthfully say that I have deeply loved every one and shed many tears when they passed on, the doggy love of my life was a little rough coated farm bred Springer Spaniel. We adopted Sam at 53 weeks old when he needed a new home and he lived with us until he was 15.1/2 and died in my arms naturally.

They need lots of excercise (once their bones and muscles are mature) and mental stimulation, but they adore being with children and make the most loyal of canine friends. Because they are so active many can be quite accident prone, Sam was:eek:), we did not insure as fortunately we were financially well settled, but we spent more on him than all the other dogs put together:rotfl:, so you might want to give thought about insurance.

I am so looking forward to hearing all about the new arrival in due course, I am just a little green with envy, but not fit enough for a pup anymore.

MM

please-let-me-be-lucky

Aw thank you Maddie, that's lovely to read! We've read that he shouldn't go running with DH until he is at least 9 months old so I'll make sure we stick to that.

Insurance is on my to do list, though with DH's benefit we also have access to PDSA if needs be.

We chose our little guy as he was so desperate to get to us he walked through the water bowl to get to us! I thought, well if he can cross oceans for us, we can love him forever :rotfl:.

*Robin*

Fair enough then, especially if the breeder will be on hand to advise [or take back the dog] in case anything goes horribly wrong. Presumably she can show you paperwork proving the line is free of the congenital problems this breed can suffer from?
Interesting that many of her dogs are trained as gun-dogs - usually shooters go for field spaniels, or retrievers (the latter would have been in my 'top 10' list of breeds which might work well for your family).
Guess you'll have already written out a list of expected expenses; feeding, vaccinations & chip, "the op", insurance, toys & bedding, a crate[?], puppy classes, and a slush fund for replacing 'accidentally' chewed precious possessions..
It certainly adds up, but works out cheaper than a baby!

So welcome to the World of Dogs, dear Lucky - am chuffed for you! :j

please-let-me-be-lucky

Thanks Robin, I didn't sleep well last night for worry that we might not find things easy financially, even though I'd gone over and over it. Fingers crossed I've not forgotten anything (except slush fund for prize things to be replaced :eek:). Xx

maddiemay

Me again, it might be worth you posting a wanted on freegle for a crate, also keep an an on small ads locally and local FB, Gumtree etc:D

ETA - having a puppy might be rather a good aid to training your family to put things away (if they need it that is LOL) everything is totally fair game to a pup, particularly if it has the scent of favourite human on it.