[email protected]

In a message dated 6/9/2003 1:14:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[email protected] writes:


> I want to see her get a dog if she wants one. But quite frankly,
> with three children making messes in the house all day, I can barely
> keep up with the housework now. On one hand, I can barely fathom how
> I would be able to take care of a puppy on top of taking care of the
> little ones and the house. On the other hand, I really want to help
> her have a dog and tell myself if I just make myself be real
> disciplined that I can make myself keep up with all the work.
>

Not a puppy. An older dog. And get a crate. Sign up for obedience classes,
4-H--whatever. If she'll get involved with a local SHOW breeder (not some
backyard breeder), she'll have a mentor--and a new hobby. There may even be a
breeder in the local kennel club who'd be willing to part with an older champion
that she could show in junior showmanship and conformation. The breeder will help
her with grooming and training and handling. She could apprentice a
professional handler and exchange "kennel grunt help" for hands-on experience with show
dogs.

Endless possibilities.

~Kelly


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