Update on my Dilema...Now named Finnegan.

[Linda and Murphy]

Well, black puppy now has a name besides Bear or Pup. Its Finnegan. Or Finn. (Thanks BruceGirl.)

Finn weighs 10 lbs now (up from 7 on the 1st.)  I am picking up a DNA test kit today. Any guesses are welcome as to his paternity.

The person who was interested in him told me she had a huge back yard. I explained to her that this is New Orleans and the current temperatures are 100. A BLACK dog cannot stay outside in that heat.

She said he could come in at night.  She is off the list.

There is someone else who may be interested but my requirements are steadily increasing.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I love the name. I am going to be following this discussion and awaiting the next update. Looks to me like he might be settling in :)

[Dori & Rua]

Linda - I see NO dilema.  I mean, take a look at that CUTE face.  Take a look at the picture with puppy, Murphy, and kitty cat.  HOW COULD YOU NOT KEEP HIM?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I feel like I have to stick up for you here, Linda, as all the well-meant pressure to keep this guy is making me nervous on your behalf. We all know that having a dog is huge responsibility, and requires a lot of thought and planning. Acquiring a second (or third or tenth) dog is a life changing decision. Just because a dog is cute (and what puppy is NOT cute?) is not a good reason to keep him. Even if you'd wanted another dog, this is probably not the dog you would have chosen, and there is absolutely no reason for you to feel guilty about not keeping him.

So many people say they could never foster a dog because they could never give him up. I just don't understand that. By fostering a dog, (which is what you're doing here), you are saving his life and placing him into a home where he will be cared for and loved for the rest of his life, by people who DID choose him. How can there be anything wrong with that?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Hear hear to that.  Fostering is a really worthwhile thing to do and giving this puppy a good start and ensuring he goes to a good home is really a great thing to do.  Puppies are cute and adorable and this one is no exception.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I hear hear your hear hear Nicky!  I love having a foster here and love it more when I find them their forever home! Yes it is sad but knowing I have made another family thrilled beyond words makes the hurt hurt less. I love getting emails from an adoptive family telling me that their life is now complete with their doodle.This is why we 'professional fosters' do what we do.

Morgy is absolutely the center of our universe.  She is loved so much it’s ridiculous.  I think I’m becoming a crazy dog person, which pleases my friend Rebecca greatly!  She is great with the kids, and loves playing in the yard.  She is fetching, running, jumping, and having a great time.  She loves to steal the kids toys and balls and take off with them.  The neighborhood kids all love her.  She still sticks to me like glue and panics a little bit on the rare occasion when she can’t find me.  She is still a door dasher, but not as bad.  She responds nicely to “stay” when we go into the garage, even when the big door is open (like if we need to get something from the car or the fridge out there).  But if we went all the way outside, she would make a break for it.  When we leave for work in the morning, she doesn’t even get up now; she knows we are coming back.  She still plays with the cow that you sent along, and really loves her plush animals (ignores anything hard or rubber, unless it’s a real bone).  She has a small bear that is ripped almost to shreds, and that is her favorite.  Whenever someone comes to the house, she runs to get it and presents it to them.  She loves to cuddle up with anything that is soft, and will always rest her head on whatever is available, like the rung of a chair or a cardboard box (she seems to really love the boxes).  She is such a good girl.  When she comes inside, she sits on the throw rug and lifts up her paws one at a time to be wiped.  She still does not counter surf, but she did steal Sam’s pancakes and sausage once from the counter several months ago, but was extremely ashamed of herself after we caught her and she never did it again.  She will sniff the edge of the counter, but she’s never jumped up again.  She is so good in the house alone and never touches anything that isn’t hers.  She does bark quite a bit at people and dogs walking by, and goes crazy when the doorbell rings, but otherwise she is pretty quiet!

She sleeps in our bed every night (people who know me can’t believe this), but she doesn’t usually stay there because I think she gets hot.  She waits to come up until we give her permission, and if she’s in our way, we just ask her to get down and she gets down.  When Tom travels, she takes his spot and usually sleeps there all night.  She is such a sweet, snuggly thing and no human can resist her!  She doesn’t jump up anymore, but if she wants you to pet her, she’ll sit in front of you and then put her paw on your leg (sometimes both paws, but she’s still sitting – it’s adorable).  It’s the cutest thing and works like a charm; she always gets some love because it’s so darn cute and she is irresistible! 

[Camilla and Darwin]

This is EXACTLY how I felt when I kept that little puppy overnight. Everyone kept suggesting that I should keep it, but it really was not the right situation. Puppies are adorable but it doesn't mean it's right.

 

Linda, I know that this little guy is going to find an amazing home under your watch!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Hi Finn!! you are so completely adorable!! And you look like Murph is your doodle idol!!  So glad you have Ms. Linda to watch over you!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, we know what increased requirements mean. He is adorable!!! Would someone really keep any dog out in the 100 degree heat all day?--grrr.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

F, I have a neighbor that keeps 4 dogs tied up outside 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I have called the Humane Society and where I live in PA it is perfectly legal as long as they provide food and shelter. Makes me sick.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I hate this behavior, I have a neighbor who is a police officer, his "partner" lives in the garage. Ugh, I hate that guy!

The garage is attached and he has it "nice" out there with a light, fan or heater depending on the weather but the dog gets no human touch whenever he is NOT on duty. :o(

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That's a disgrace, and not at all typical of police canine units. In most cases, the dog lives in the house with the family.

There's a great children's book, true story done all in photographs, called Officer Mike and Aero,

which depicts a day in the life of a typical police K9 and his partner/handler.

This also reminds me of one of my favorite movies of all time, K9, and the sequel K911, with Jim Belushi. While it's hilariously funny, it's very realistic in terms of the relationship and bond between a K9 officer and his partner. It's the bond that makes everything else work. Your neighbor is missing out on the most essential part of being a K9 unit.

[Kyoko]

OMG...He is just dawn cute!!!! He looks likme a part of the gang in pic #2!!!