It's a girl!

We just adopted a dog from a local animal rescue league less than a week ago. Some friends are utterly shocked and didn’t see it coming, while others heard me mention pros and cons, knew that it was on my mind for a while. I have a few friends who quite fervently discouraged me from getting a dog because of all the pain theirs is causing or has caused. Then there are the typical stranger dog-owners who think everyone should get one.

I know there is a honeymoon phase after which the docile pooch can become a dominant house dog. I’m taking all the positives with a grain of salt as I know they might change somewhat. Here is what I know: Gaby, our mixed breed approximately one year old spaniel/pointer/something/maybeaustralianshepherd?mix is great with the kids. Our six year old daughter who can be a little much with the loving when it comes to dogs doesn’t bother her. Gaby is mellow (that might change some the more she feels she owns this place) and sweet. She almost reminds me of cats the way she lies around and sleeps near you. We even sometimes forget we have a dog although she’s right in the middle because she doesn’t easily startle or react to sounds immediately. I know some things will catch her attention as she gets used to our rhythm that right now might leave her cold; she might take more interest in us shaking out cereal for ourselves thinking it’s dog food. She barks at some passersby, or people coming to the door, that’s something I want her to do without being overexcited. I think barking is what dogs do, as long as she doesn’t have to be too stressed when she does it. She does pull at the leash more than she did initially; us humans, we clearly need some training!

So far, the worst part is that I worry about making mistakes and ‘ruining’ her education since she seems well behaved for the most part. I need to relax a bit more, enjoy that she loves me, and enjoy how much fun it is to have someone there with you when you fold boring laundry. Reading the dog books and looking up questions has helped, although some things obviously sound easier in a book than in real life. I already impressed hubby how I got her to sit with a hand motion. We’re off to a good start. The chewed up pencil wasn’t her fault, someone left it for her to find and the kids have to be trained better to not leave stuff out. I know, I know, Cesar Millan says just because it's on the floor doesn't mean it's the dogs. But I think training the kids not to leave arts and crafts supplies on the floor is better overall. As a matter of fact, I’m amazed how well Gaby ‘cleans’ the house, much less stuff lying around! She doesn’t shed like crazy, either (I know, I know, wait for spring). As my best friend, who met her today and utterly adored her, said, “She’s perfect for your family!”