Preparing for a long wait for our ML pup.

[Jackie B and family]

My family and I have just made the leap and put a deposit down on a ML pup.  We plan on adopting in the early summer, but it all depends on whether there is a pup to be matched with our needs.

Also, my husband and I can't decide which size to get. (medium or standard)  We have room for either...but really don't know if there is really much of a difference?  Your thoughts???

I would love to know your experiences with adopting from Manor lake as I am very nervous.  This is the first time we have done anything like this and having the right pup for our family is so important to us.  I feel so nervous leaving that decision up to someone else to decide.

Any thoughts and info is much appreciated :)

[Koilaf Friesen]

Thoughts about size:  Over the years we've had tiny, mid-size and large dogs, and found each size has endearing qualities that make them the perfect choice!  I do not have a favourite size, and would be tempted to take the first available personality match the breeder makes.  However, a few random thoughts - an enthusiastic large dog can accidentally knock someone off balance easier than the enthusiastic mid-size dog, and at our leash free park rambunctious dogs often race around together sometimes bumping into bystanders and knocking them over. It's wonderful, though, not having to bend over to clip on collars and leashes on a taller dog, and having a large dog nuzzle your hand now and then as you go on hikes together is pretty sweet.  Food intake (and output) is relative to a dog's size, so our 71 pound doodle Max does an impressive job of filling a doggy doo bag - lol.  On a somber note, an unexpected benefit of a smaller dog was discovered when our beloved dog, Zoe, came down with an autoimmune disorder and needed chemotherapy.  The very expensive treatments were a fraction of the cost they would have been if she'd been double the weight.  It seems harsh to have to consider finances when a pet's life is concerned, but it is a reality if one doesn't have pet insurance and a smaller dog can be more affordable.  In our case, we were fortunate enough to manage by making a few sacrifices, and we were able to extend Zoe's life and make her comfortable. 

[Jackie B and family]

@Koilaf Friesen, your poop bag comment was hilarious  LOL  Thanks for the giggle.  You make a lot of good points.  I grew up with small dogs but always wanted a larger dog.  I never even considered the difference in cost when it came to vet bill which is a very good point.  This brings me back to thinking a medium will be perfect, but then personality is most important here too.  The knocking people over comments do weigh on my decision as I have 3 children, and I would hate for them to be injured from the dog pouncing on them or running into them. Also, I plan to give our pup a lot of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors including lots of swimming...a large dog is going to be A LOT of wet dog.  lol  I may have to pack a laundry bag for the towels afterwards.  lol

Hmmm, so much to consider.  I have to say that I am happy that I have joined this group so early so that I can take all of your points of view and go from there as others personal experience really is so important to know.  It also keeps me from bugging ML with a million questions. ;)

I will look into the pet insurance program more at my vet as it has been at the back of my mind.  We have never insured our pets before, but it is probably a good idea.  Zoe is lucky to have been so loved.

 

Thanks so much for sharing your info.  Any shared experience is much appreciated!

[Jackie B and family]

So we have made a decision and chose which litter we want our puppy from. We are going to get a pup from Pumpkin Soup and Rufus's litter which is due in March and it will be the medium size.  We are THRILLED and looking forward to seeing pics of the litter once they are born.  We are anticipating which color the pup will be  ( cream, apricot or red ) and which gender will be chosen for us since we have no preference.  My kids keep asking when we are getting the puppy...it will be well worth the wait! :)  We will be getting the puppy a month sooner than originally planned, but we are more than ready!