An interesting offer is on the table.....

[Sandy]

My son's girlfriend trains dogs for NSD - National Service Dogs. These dogs work with autistic children. She has trained 8 different dogs, and won awards with the organization for her dedication. All this, and she's only 17! Anyway, she is going to University next year (doing the vet. tech. course, no big surprise!), and will be, reluctantly, giving up her last dog in January. She has offered, if I so desire, to train a puppy for me, which would mean that I would have two dogs. Part of this is because she will desperately miss having a dog, and another part is that maybe Toby would benefit from having a buddy. So - if we went with this, she would keep the dog at her place, with frequent visits to our place, from January to June/July, and when she went to school, would "give" it to us (although we would have paid all the bills) to have permanently.

A couple of thoughts I'm having - would I feel bonded to this dog like I do to Toby? Having had Toby from 8 weeks, and not having permanent contact with this one until 8 months.....I'm not sure. How would Toby accept a second dog into our home? How would they sort out sharing of toys, space, etc.? Many, many things to think about. Honestly, part of me wants to do it just to help her out - I know out much she needs a dog in her life. And by personality I am a fixer - I love solving problems for other people. The new dog would be a purebred golden retriever.

[Karen & Lucy]

KUDOS to your daughter. I think it would be wonderful for you to do this and don't think there would be any problems. Like Adina says, you would be getting a well trained dog.

[Sandy]

The exercise requirements are a definite drawback. Toby is not a demanding dog as far as exercise goes. He gets a couple of walks a day, and has our fenced yard to play ball in, and that's enough for him. As the day goes on I am really leaning against getting another dog. Toby is so good in the mornings - he is incredibly chilled out until at least 9:00 a.m., and I think I would resent another dog that is not laid back as well. Perhaps I should just leave well enough alone....

[F, Calla & Luca]

I got Calla at 17 weeks when Luca was 14 months old. They were fine together from day 1and I am very happy having 2. They exercise each other a lot. I wanted an older second pup, even older than Calla but she was the best "fit' at the time. It was great that soon after she came she started to lose those needle-like puppy teeth. She still gets me up early to go out while Luca would sleep til 9 but I really don't resent it. You just get used to it, and I keep hoping it will get better. We do sometimes get back to sleep afterward. I'm wondering since the puppy would be raised and trained for you why you could not get whatever kind of puppy you wanted?

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

The first dog my DH and I got as a married couple was three years old, the perfect age for my one year old daughter. We bonded wonderfully, so that is really not an issue. I have always brought two dogs together and never had a problem. Have them meet first on totally neutral territory. If possible have them meet frequently while the second is in training.

Lastly vet tech?, why not animal behaviorist, or similar as she obviously has a gift.

[Sandy]

I'm not sure. I think she wants the degree, and then wants to open her own kennel/doggie day care/ training centre. She has promised me a job "some day. " Toby will come to work with me. :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

OK, I hate to be the poor sport or wet blanket or whatever the naysayer is called but, and I don't actually know your personal situation, but have you actually thought out that the dog will be the girlfriend's dog for those first months. One fight and that could be the end of your arrangement, or after you foot the bills and give your heart, the girl finds a way to keep the dog. I am all for you having a second dog - we have three, but I have a 21 year old with a very nice girlfriend who is not the same very nice girlfriend he had all through high school or even the same one he had between 19 and 20. I think if you want a second dog, get one and let her train it in her spare time - but it is your dog the whole time.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good thinking !

[Sandy]

That's another good thought. :)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Or you could let her have it those first few 8 months, but have her sign a little agreement saying if you pay for vet bills, etc...he/she is yours in the end. That may ruffle the feathers of your son's girlfriend, but my husband is an attorney so I think along those lines anyway :)

[Lorraine Bromley]

I was wondering why it has to be a retreiver? If she is giving it to you. Why not another doodle then you don't have the shedding issues again. To me that would be the big no way. It would have to be a low shedder or no shedder. These doods are very smart and can be trained as well as a retriever. As well as other non shedders.
The other issue is what if their relationship goes bad, could that affect this deal? And you lose out on a dog your bonded with.
I do think that this is not for you to DO FOR SOMEONE. you need to do this FOR YOU! You are not responsible for her getting to have a dog. She can do that with out your help if she wants to. Getting another dog for you is what matters in this.
Good luck.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Lorraine, I agree with that. I amend my suggestion to have it be your dog and that you get what YOU want. She can help you pick the pup because she has lots of credibility in that department.