We just bought a dog today. Yes, it was off Craigslist. 
I was half-heartedly browsing there when we came upon a promising looking ad, and after we met her today, everything really sounded kosher. They need to re-home because the father of the family got hurt on a deployment and they cannot care for their dogs any longer. The owner asked me a *bunch* of questions and she seemed super concerned that we would be a good home, and there was a pretty substantial re-homing fee as well. You could tell she spent a lot of time and love into their two dogs and she really seemed crushed that they had to let them go.
What got me was that they have three kids, a one year old, a two year old, and a five year old. (I have a one y.o and a two year old.) Summer (the pup) was very tolerant and gentle of the kiddos and seems to be a pretty lazy, low-energy dog. From what the lady said, she absolutely 100% trusts her with her kids. That was obviously my biggest concern. She's had the dog since she was a puppy; she's about 6 months now. She's 3/4 akita and 1/4 border collie (I believe those are the percentages) but much smaller than a typical akita; supposedly the vet said she's nearly fully grown (but at 6 months, I'm assuming there will be at least a little more growth, right?).
I was a bit wary of getting an akita because I've heard a lot of them can be aggressive, but really it depends a lot on socialization, right? This dog seemed very well socialized; I asked about other dogs, cats, other kids, walking outside of their own yard, etc. etc. and the owner reassured me that she was basically stellar under all conditions. I know you can't take every word for granted but she really didn't seem to be trying to pass the dog along; if anything, I had to convince HER a bit that we were good candidates. The only problem apparently is that she bolts from the front door sometimes and although she doesn't run into the street, she makes a game of playing catch-me-if-you-can.
Anyway, we're bringing her home in about two weeks' time. I don't have any buyers' remorse so far, but I would like some re-assurance that breeds aren't always fulfilling of their stereotypes. So far every dog (and cat) I've had stuck pretty close to their book descriptions, so I'm a little scared that there might be some hidden aggressive streak in this one, merely because of the breed. But I didn't have any warning bells go off when I met her; I would have walked away immediately if I had any bad feelings, but I didn't. So... chances are we're in the clear, right? I have to admit, I totally fell in love, and so did DD.
I was half-heartedly browsing there when we came upon a promising looking ad, and after we met her today, everything really sounded kosher. They need to re-home because the father of the family got hurt on a deployment and they cannot care for their dogs any longer. The owner asked me a *bunch* of questions and she seemed super concerned that we would be a good home, and there was a pretty substantial re-homing fee as well. You could tell she spent a lot of time and love into their two dogs and she really seemed crushed that they had to let them go.What got me was that they have three kids, a one year old, a two year old, and a five year old. (I have a one y.o and a two year old.) Summer (the pup) was very tolerant and gentle of the kiddos and seems to be a pretty lazy, low-energy dog. From what the lady said, she absolutely 100% trusts her with her kids. That was obviously my biggest concern. She's had the dog since she was a puppy; she's about 6 months now. She's 3/4 akita and 1/4 border collie (I believe those are the percentages) but much smaller than a typical akita; supposedly the vet said she's nearly fully grown (but at 6 months, I'm assuming there will be at least a little more growth, right?).
I was a bit wary of getting an akita because I've heard a lot of them can be aggressive, but really it depends a lot on socialization, right? This dog seemed very well socialized; I asked about other dogs, cats, other kids, walking outside of their own yard, etc. etc. and the owner reassured me that she was basically stellar under all conditions. I know you can't take every word for granted but she really didn't seem to be trying to pass the dog along; if anything, I had to convince HER a bit that we were good candidates. The only problem apparently is that she bolts from the front door sometimes and although she doesn't run into the street, she makes a game of playing catch-me-if-you-can.
Anyway, we're bringing her home in about two weeks' time. I don't have any buyers' remorse so far, but I would like some re-assurance that breeds aren't always fulfilling of their stereotypes. So far every dog (and cat) I've had stuck pretty close to their book descriptions, so I'm a little scared that there might be some hidden aggressive streak in this one, merely because of the breed. But I didn't have any warning bells go off when I met her; I would have walked away immediately if I had any bad feelings, but I didn't. So... chances are we're in the clear, right? I have to admit, I totally fell in love, and so did DD.
Where I used to work we had a lady who had 4 (and 4 kids under 5). They were the best dogs ever....I absolutely loved when they came in as they were such sweeties. They do require lots of exercise and stimulation, and they shed a ton but I always liked them
At least not at first. And we're not really "agility and tricks" sort of people, so I'm trying to brainstorm how I can keep her busy at home and make her feel like she has a job to do. I'd love any ideas!
mama crane. I'm so sorry for your loss.
books.
:
