The big discussion topic at our house has been the new dog. What to get? When to get it? Adopt or buy? How old? Puppy or 1-year-old?
I was big on adoption, and still am, but it hit me this week that this will the last dog I own. The dog will most likely outlive me. My wife and daughter will be the ones to take care of it. And, I hope, it will take care of them.
Salt and pepper shedding. Can't wear black or white clothing.
There is one dog I dream of having more than any other: A black Labrador. Yes, not very unique as a member of the most popular breed in the US, but it’s the dog I grew up with and wanted five years ago before my wife and daughter used mind control and convinced me to get a yellow lab. I’m glad they did because our yellow lab is a honey.
But black labs are the best. They were the original color and there’s something special about them.
I’ve considered other dogs. A Bernese Mountain Dog would be a close second, maybe first if they lived longer, which they don’t. 8 to 10 years is old. And a German Shepherd would be a strong third, or tied for second, but my wife doesn’t want to worry about an aggressive dog.
So, I’m waiting for the universe to deliver our dog. Will it be a mutt from the rescue society? Will it be a black lab? Or will it be Clifford the Big Red Dog?
And though my daughter wants a puppy, it’s too much work for the first two months. I have a lot of paying work to get finished – too much to raise a pup. I would like an older dog, around 1, which could seamlessly join our pack.
We’ll see. It could happen this weekend. It could happen in three months. Who knows? I don’t. I’m going with the flow and waiting for signs – or phone calls. Either one works
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The Unknown Cystic 
Petfinders.com – I’m not even looking for a dog an have spent hours on there. If yu see one you like write the info down because I did find one I wanted then after thinking about it for acouple days I couldn’ t find her again. Good Luck
Lisa (your Philly friend)
Lisa,
Thanks for the tip. It’s a great site. I wish the pictures were larger. And it’s kind of sad looking at all of the dogs. It may be an L.A. thing, but there are a lot of pitbulls for adoption.
UC
How is the port feeling a month out? My collar bone is about 80% back.
Colin
Colin,
Glad your collar bone is healing. The port feels okay. They’re coming to flush it for the first time next week. I’m sure there will be a problem.
More importantly, how are the last months of singlehood going? Getting ready for the big day?
UC
I was riding home my old 3 speed bike from my physiotherapy appointment yesterday, and I was struck with how happy I am now in life. By most peoples standards my health sucks, I’m poor (on social security), don’t have a collage degree, but those things don’t matter. I have a great fiance, a cool funky old apartment (where the water in the kitchen sink quit working last night), a great dog, and can ride around downtown Sacramento on my old 3 speed. I guess it does not take much to put a smile on my face, but I’m pretty happy in life now.
Once you get the hang of Your port You will love it. Learn how to access it Yourself (because not all nurses have the skills, or know how to keep a steril field….).
My parents just got a doxin puppy after being dog-less for 5 years. They are loving it, but my dad wishes it was a little more self reliant…..
Have a good day
Colin,
You are a very cool dude. I’m glad you found my blog.
Once I see the nurses, do it a few times, I may learn to do it myself. I gave myself hundreds of blood thinner shots, so needles are okay. I’m just not sure about jamming one in my chest.
UC
I also just watched, and once I came upon a nurse that seemed unsure I asked if I could give it a go, She handed over the needle with a look of relief. Getting used to it took me a few months. Just kind of weird having this thing under your skin. But it makes hospital says so much easier, and less painful.
Thanks for writing Your blog, You seem to be the most normal CFer I have found on the web(somehow coughing up cups of blood seems normal,ha). It warms my heart when You talk about your daughter. I’m shooting blanks, and worrie about not being able to support or be around for a kid. Makes me happy that You have one. Have a good night.
Colin,
I really appreciate the comment. I didn’t know about my fertility until they stuck a needle you know where.
I could do without the coughing up blood part of CF. It’s my least favorite. 30 years of it gets old.
UC
I have a dog who, I’m sure, would be happy to come live with you. She’s not a huge fan of regularly getting her eyes jabbed and her ears spit in by the little one. 😉
Jenny,
Sounds like she’s still a good pup putting up with it. We had to protect our yellow dog from our daughter when she was young. We’d hear a yelp and go running to find out she pinched the dog.
UC