Coming soon. It chews on everything, poops on the rug, and bites you unexpectedly. NO, surprisingly it's not another toddler!

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Some time in the next few months a cute puppy like this will be arriving at the Plain household. For my 10th birthday I was given a Border Collie puppy. She was a great dog for an only child, and she was a great friend. When Mr. Plain and I met, one of the things I learned about him was that he too loved Border Collies. We ended up bringing one home right after we moved in together, and she was a fantastic dog.

Special note to anyone who wants a Border Collie

Border Collies got really popular from those Babe movies, but before you bring one home read Border Collie horror stories and do a ton of research on your own. They are really amazing dogs, but be sure you know what kind of commitment you’re setting yourself up for.

When our dog died a year ago, Chip was only 1 and it was just NOT a good time to get (not “adopt“) a dog. But now. It is unavoidable.

I tried to put this off as long as possible, but…

Mike has always been an animal person. I am surprised that our cat has any hair left with all the love he gets from Mike, but the cat is getting old. And I can’t imagine our house with out at least one pet in it.

images.jpegWe considered getting another Border Collie, but they are a lot of work to train. After about a year of constant vigilance, they are amazing companions, but I just don’t have that kind of energy in me. For a dog.

Instead, I think we’ve decided on a Golden Retriever. Sturdy, sweet, tolerant dogs. I know they get huge and shed a lot, but those are the only downsides I can think of. Anyone know a good breeder? (Of DOGS!)


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15 responses to “Coming soon. It chews on everything, poops on the rug, and bites you unexpectedly. NO, surprisingly it's not another toddler!”

  1. DD Avatar

    I don’t know any good breeders, but just wanted to add that w/Retrievers (pure bred), they have high incedents of hip maladies. If you can, find one that has been “watered down” with another breed.

    They are a wonderful choice for children.

  2. Robin Avatar

    Goldens are so sweet! If you’re looking for a mix, golden and lab are good together – ultimate sweetness! And if Mike loves animals that much, I’m sure he’d be willing to brush the new dog almost bald so you don’t have to deal with the shedding. 8-]

  3. Flo-Queen of the Bad Mommies Avatar

    I love goldens. I would big time recommend the kind of dog we got a year ago (when my youngest was 18 months, what the hell was I smoking?)-the goldendoodle. It’s a golden retriever/poodle mix-they tend to be very sweet, smart, and pretty low shedding. Our dog, Marvin, is awesome with the kids. His only really annoying habit is that he chews, but that’s the golden retriever.

    You can find more info and breeders at http://www.goldendoodles.com

  4. Plain Jane Mom Avatar

    Hey Flo, we were just talking about -doodles this morning. There are many kinds, it appears, and I love the less-shedding thing. AND I LOVE THAT YOUR DOG IS NAMED MARVIN!!

  5. Beth Avatar

    We spent five days with family and they have a beautiful Golden Retriever. Now I really want one but we are waiting until my youngest is a little older. We are also considering doing a Golden rescue through NorCal Golden Rescue because I’m not sure I can handle a puppy.

    Really, I just want my relative’s dog. She was so good with my boys. I think I fell in love with her more than anything. I would clone her if that was possible.

    Let me know if you do find a reputable breeder.

  6. arizelda Avatar
    arizelda

    Goldens are wonderful! We got a golden retriever about 18 mos ago who needed a new home – young couple didn’t have enough time for him. What a great dog. I haven’t heard of too many goldens with hip problems, but they can have sensitive skin.

  7. arizelda Avatar
    arizelda

    Goldens are wonderful! We got a golden retriever about 18 mos ago who needed a new home – young couple didn’t have enough time for him. What a great dog. I haven’t heard of too many goldens with hip problems, but they can have sensitive skin. Make sure that you stay away from the backyard breeders – find a good breeder. Your local Golden REtriever club would be a good start. (That is how we found the breeder for our other dog – Bernese Mountain dog – also great for families).

  8. Oh, The Joys Avatar

    You are brave. BRAVE!

  9. Robin Avatar

    Maybe you should get a female dog, to balance out all the testosterone?

  10. Plain Jane Mom Avatar

    Robin, we’re definitely getting a female. When we thought we were getting a Border Collie we were going to name her ‘Lucy’ but I don’t think that suits a golden. So now back to the drawing board. (And I think you’re right about Mike and the brushing. Fingers crossed!)

  11. PunditMom Avatar

    Good luck! I’m a wimp, because I know I would be the one in the household to walk a doggie in the rain, smow, sleet and gloom of night!

    And thanks for reminding people that we don’t “adopt” pets! That whole thing makes me crazy!

  12. crunchy carpets Avatar

    Glad you are as stupid I mean er, LOVING! as us!

    We have two cats and the dog. One cat is cronically constipated.

    The dog is only 7 months old.

    add that to two kids and a tiny house and a husband who really has no clue about animals AND my health problems AND my mental health issues!!!

    WHAT FUN…but I do love the dog.

  13. GreatGreenBaby Avatar

    We have a golden named Zola and I don’t think I could live without her! She is my first ever dog and I will never live without a dog again!!

    good luck with it!

    Liz

  14. Jamie Avatar

    We have two dogs that are certified mutts. One is an Akita mix and he is a great big teddy bear (but he also sheds like a mofo.) He is awesome with our girls.

    I’m a big fan of going down to your local humane shelter, obviously, although our Akita mix had been hit by a car and my husband rescued him.

    I’ve heard Goldens are wonderful with kids. And the American Kennel Club website has breed rescue organization info and breeder referral info.

    I’ve also heard labs are great with kids, BUT they are very active.

    Good luck! I’m not sure I could do the puppy stage again! ;)

  15. Plain Jane Mom Avatar

    Hey Jamie, I agree about the humane shelter, however I just want to know more about the dog I let around my kids. If my kids were older it might be different, but I want to be able to see other dogs from the same breeding pair, hear the type of dog the breeder is shooting for, and so on. This dog is going to be ridden hard and put away wet, so we need one that will be tolerant of all that.

    But that’s just me ;)

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