Sunday, December 19, 2010

About that errand...

I'm sad to say it's not happening anymore :( It breaks my heart, but here's the deal.

Our old lab, Indy
Ever since our black lab Indy died last fall, we've kept our eyes open for another dog. There's no rush, but both my dad and I would really like to adopt another young adult lab from a shelter. On Friday I went to our local SPCA to check out an adorable one-year-old black lab mix named Jax. He was great and I fell in love with him, but after several visits and lots of discussion it's been decided that he's not the right dog for our family- he's just too high-energy for my mom to take care of when I go back to school. I'm definitely sad, but I know that eventually we will find the right doggie. I just want a furry canine friend to cuddle with!

I know that blogworld is full of dog lovers, so I just want to put this out there: if you're in the market for another dog, please consider rescuing one from a shelter. There are definitely advantages to picking a specific breed and training it yourself, but there are so many loving dogs out there that need good homes. Puppies are adorable, but older dogs need homes too! And with enough searching, you can always find a dog whose personality matches your family's needs. Just a thought :)

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Today's breakfast was a bowl of Cheerios with a banana and almond milk:



I've spent the past few hours working on a cookie recipe I'll share with you this afternoon. Hint: they're a twist on one of everyone's favorites...

For now, it's workout time!

Are you a dog person? Do you/have you had any? What's your favorite breed?

32 comments:

Evan Thomas said...

I feel your pain, Gabriela. Since my dog died last month I feel so lost and the house feels really empty. I'd really love another dog, but I know that's not happening so long as I live in dorms because I'd never be home to take care of it. For now I just take pleasure in the dogs I see walking around and know that when the time is right that special friend will come back into my life.

Aubrey King said...

I am so sad about your lab that passed away. I had a lab named Chuck from Kindergarten to my first semester of college. It was so sad to see him die, but he lived an amazing long life. Animal shelters really are special. When I was younger I volunteered at a shelter and played with the dogs or took them for walks. I wanted to take them all home with me!

My parents got a great dane last year. He is one of the best dogs we've ever had. He is gentle, doesn't bark, easy going and literally acts like a human. He gave me a monsterous hug when i came home las night. He actually stands up (he's like 6'5'' when he stands up) and puts his arms around you.

I hope you find a nice dog!

Danielle said...

So glad you posted about adopting animals from a shelter! We adopted one a few months ago and he is the happiest, sweetest dog :) - they're even more special when you realize what their lives could have been like.

fittingitallin said...

So sorry it didn't work out. I've been considering adopting an older pet ever since we had to put our dog down last New Years. With everyone in the house at work all day we really can't handle a puppy, but we love having a dog.

My only concern is that the dog will die so soon! Our last dog was only 9, and I don't know that I can handle another pet death in the near future.

ciaotochow said...

I stayed with my aunt in NYC this past summer for an internship, and she has 3 dogs that have all been adopted from an animal shelter. I totally agree with you: while getting a new puppy may be fun, other animals are out there waiting for homes as we speak. And so many of them will fit in perfectly with someone's family. Thanks for getting the word out!

I just came across your blog and will be returning often! :)

Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner) said...

Sorry it didn't work out with this dog, but I'm sure you'll find the perfect dog for all of you soon, and thats what matters! :)

I'm such a dog person! I have a Miniature Schnauzer called Buddy that I rescued from a shelter. Adopting dogs is definitely the best choice, so I'm glad you talked about it!

Good luck with finding the right dog for you! :D

Summer (Go Fast, Live SLO) said...

Aww I love dogs! We have a little sheltie- they're great, small enough to work well in little yards but they totally have the big dog mind set.

But I secretly also SUPER want a Bernese mountain dog, a Great Dane, or a St. Bernard- biiiiiig dogs lol

I just found your blog- so cute!

Krystina said...

I'm sorry the dog didn't work out. :( But you're right, you'll find the perfect dog for you in due time.

Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter said...

I would love a dog right now. I have decided to wait until after I get out of college, so I don't have to worry about him/her being stuck in the house all day.
I also want my first dog to be a rescue. I don't think I would have the time and energy to train a puppy right out of college.

Julie said...

awww you'll find the puppy that's right for you guys! i heard on the radio the other day that north shore animal shelter (on long island) just got in about 60 puppies rescued from a puppy mill that should be ready for adoption right about now! if you're family is interested in taking the long drive then definitely check it out :) my grammy also rescued her pup from north shore and he's a munchkin and a half :)

btw my birthday is may 13 and i'm placing my order for chocolate chip scones..NOW. hahaha ;) happy belated to your mammaaaaa

healthyexposures said...

I'm sorry that everything didn't work out with the new pup :( I know EXACTLY how it feels to have your heart set on "the one" only to have it not work out. But, you made the right decision, ad I admire you for that...sometimes it's easy to fall in love with the first one just because you want a new furry friend so badly, regardless if their personality might not be the perfect fit with your situation. That energetic pup will find a home where he can go bonkers all day, and I know you'll find the right match for your family, too :)
We've always adopted from shelters, too. I think that is all I will ever do. Purebred pups will always find good homes, but there's tons dying for some love in so many shelters across the world. I've already told my mom I want my next furry friend to be something older, that's probably been overlooked too many times before. (that and I've done the puppy thing. It's fun watching them grow, but maybe not for me! haha)

Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) said...

omg that is sooo cool that you're advocating shelter dogs and rescues, not breeders...awesome.

I have had many dogs in my life and loved them all like "children". And cats too.

now I have a child and we don't currently have any pets, but one day we will. When she's older and she can help in the pet selection process.

You are wise to wait til the "perfect" dog comes along for your family, your mom, and everyone :)

movesnmunchies said...

i am such an animal and dog person! i have a shetland sheepdog or a 'sheltie'.. he is adorable!- can't wait for these cookies :)

oliepants said...

I am absolutely a dog person and I'm absolutely shelter-adoption person! So, kudos to you! :)

Faith @ lovelyascharged said...

I'm definitely a dog person - I pretty much hate cats! I've had a few - my favorite was a dingo that someone on our block abandoned and we took in...I swear that all my dogs are going to be pound puppies (once I move in somewhere I can have them, that is). The Coach has a husky that he spent almost a thousand dollars on...I was mindblown because there are so many just as wonderful animals that he could have given a home to...but no, it had to be a purebreed with health documentation...and not even one he's breeding...I don't see the logic in that :/

lizzyj1305 said...

awww I'm sorry to hear about the doggy situation! but everything happens for a reason and you will find the right one for your family! :) in the mean time come visit me and my holiday house full of doggys!! current count=4!!! they are all small though so it's not too crazy, but there's definitely plenty of puppy to cuddle! I hope you are having a fabulous weekend and enjoying the break from class!!!
I heart you chica!
xoxo!

Dorry said...

So sorry it wasn't the right dog for your family but they perfect pup will come along soon, I'm sure! I think adopting it the best way to go and I know that's what Billy and I will do if/when we decide to get a dog one day. :)

Freya said...

I'm sorry the dog thing fell through :( but your ideal dog is out there! I'm not a huge dog person (it's all about the cats), but I've had 2 boxers in the past and currently have a Jack Russell (rescue!). I couldn't agree more about rescuing - soooo many cats, dogs etc get put down each year, it seems stupid to buy from a breeder if it's not 100% necessary :/

Clemmy said...

After our last dog had to be put down, just as we moved into a smaller house... we told ourselces we'd probs never be able to get that same kindof connection with a dog, but then our little poochums came along!
She was a rescue dog and despite her previous owners saying she was "difficult", "aggressive" and "untrainable"... we took her in. and it was the best decision we ever made, she has brightened up our lives and we love her like one of the family! The owners mustve been on crack, cos she is SO not difficult, she is a puppy!!! the sweetest, brightest and funniest little pup that ive seen in a while :-)
So yes, rescue dogs are not worth writing off as "troublemakers", give them a chance, you might just be surprised!!!

Good luck finding YOUR new soulmate, when its right, its so worth it!
x

Marci said...

Sorry the doggie didn't work out. Your family will find the right one. I love my doggie and am so happy she is in our life!

PhillyGirlRuns said...

you guys will find the right dog for you! when we adopted Cosmo back in March, we had gone in looking for another dog we'd seen on Petfinder, who had since been adopted. Something about Cosmo's face just seemed right to me, and even though my husband was a little skeptical, it turns out I was totally right. He's my little buddy :)

greensk8r said...

Huge dog person! I love love love them. I actually got my dog from a shelter...he's so prefect! They found him on the side of the road. He's a sheltie, huskie, corgie, collie, samoyed mix--yeah...he has a huskie body and short little legs with samoyed coloring!! He's so cute!
http://greensk8r-fireandice.blogspot.com
:D

Danielle said...

I am so happy that you wrote that little message about adopting rather then buying from. Breeder or worse a pet store. If you guys are still looking to adopt I really suggest the north shore animal league in port washingtion, long island. We got our pup who is a lil mutt rascal there and it's true love. All of his shots were amazingly cheap and his neutering was free!!!!!! They have lots of rescue dogs so if you are looking for a type of breed they prob will have it but there are plenty of lab mixes that are prob lower energy. My neighbor got a lab husky mix there and its prob the best do ever. I love all dogs although I would love for my next dog to be a smaller breed.....but athletic too......my Shepard rot tie is too big to fit in my purse and sneak in the subway!!!!! Love your blog keep it up

Susan said...

I am so sorry that you weren't able to adopt...yet! I know you will find the right pooch eventually.

I had a lab but when my mom and I moved to an apartment a couple of years ago, we gave her to a family friend. I miss her, but I'm happy she has a good home with two kids to play with!

Red Deception said...

I've had dogs since I was a child, and they have been the loves of my life. I'm in school and live in an apartment, so they only time I get to enjoy my doggie is when I go home, as she lives with my parents. I miss her company. When I housesat for my parents and got to see her every day I was very happy, as I got to play with my Mocha :)

Sportsgirl said...

Totally agree about adopting, and that goes for any animal too!

Pure2raw twins said...

Yes shelter dogs!!! I totally agree!

Pixie said...

In addition to adopting from shelters look at rescue organizatons in your area. My dogs (2 brothers from the same litter) are rescues that I got at 5 weeks old. Their mother was rescued while she was pregnant. This organization put her with a foster family and once the pups were born worked to place them all, including the mother so none would go to a shelter.

Chelsea said...

Aww I'm sorry it didn't work out with this dog! But hopefully you'll find another one that you fall in love with too. :)

I've been wanting a dog ever since I was young, but my parents just aren't dog people. Once I'm done school I definitely want to get one of my own! And I love the thought of getting one from a shelter!

Clean Eating Chelsey said...

I love doggies. The husband and I want to get one, but we're not sure when the right time is. Right now is good because the Husband isn't working quite as much, but the summers are good for me when I don't work at all. Not to mention our house is teeny tiny!

Jess@atasteofconfidence said...

I love dogs. I've been asking for one since I was 5! No luck yet, though.

Meaghan said...

Toootally agree about shelter dogs! My boyfriend and I each have one. My pup is a pit bull who was found after he was in a really bad fight. We don't know if it was just other stray dogs or an organized dog fight, but probably the latter, considering the circumstances. After I found him I started doing volunteer work with a pit bull rescue, and I can definitely say they are my favorite breed. They love people and totally don't deserve their bad rep!

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