A Puppy?

I think I've lost my mind.  Actually, I know I have.  And if I haven't, I'm probably going to in the next couple of weeks.

We're thinking of getting a puppy for Layla for her birthday.  A puppy for a two year old.  See?  That, in itself, is crazy.

But the child. loves. dogs.  I know most kids go through a phase where they love dogs, but this is not a phase.  She loves dogs.  She has for a long time, and her love is as strong today as it ever was.

She has all dog stuffed animals in her bed.  If she finds one around the house that is not in her bed, it quickly becomes her newest baby that she carries around and sleeps with.  She doesn't discriminate.  She likes dogs of all sizes and colors.  If she sees a real dog, it's "I wanna pet."  If she gets to actually spend time with a dog, she's in heaven.  Mesmerized.  Since we don't have any real dogs at home, she has been known to carry around dog puzzle pieces, pictures of dogs, even the Cottonelle package that has a dog on it.  That was a sad day.

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My mom always says, "Why can't we get her a dog?"

Oh, mom.  Don't you know how much work a dog is?  I already have two little ones and another on the way.  I don't want another kid to take care of.

But then again, I do.  Getting a dog has been a topic of conversation for a while now.  Derrick and I seem to never agree on the timing.  When one of us is ready, the other is not.  I believe that's just God's way of letting things happen when it's time.  We also have a hard time agreeing on what type of dog to get, including what age.  I'm more of the adopt a rescue dog that's a couple of years old so I don't have to potty train her type.  Derrick is more of the let's get a puppy so we know where it's been and on top of that, let's pay for a puppy that's full bred so that we can at least somewhat predict her temperament type.

Lots to discuss.

I'm still a fan of rescue and mutts.  It's definitely the way I would go if it were just up to me.  But since my husband doesn't want to budge on the puppy thing, I think I've given in.  I found myself looking at puppies this week on www.puppyfind.com.  And now I find myself emailing back and forth with a breeder in North Carolina.  Eeek!  What type of puppy?  Well, probably for sure a Golden Retriever.  We're considering an English Cream, which is probably the most beautiful dog I've ever seen, but we're still not sure about that

I'll keep you posted on our final decision.  I have a feeling I'll be at PetSmart this weekend, buying a crate and bed and other things one needs to properly take care of a puppy.  Oh my word.

And yes, I realize I'm crazy.  That's why it has taken me so long to be ready to take this step.  But deep down, I also know that once I have this puppy in my arms, I will fall in love.  And there will be no looking back.