Pup Ponderings

This is our dog.  His name is Jake.  He's a Foxhound/Lab mix - a "Big Beagle" as my neighbor calls him.  He's pretty damn smart, and very goofy, but not hyper or naughty (very often) which is good.

For the most part, he likes other dogs.  He barks when they go by, but when he gets to meet them he's all play.  He does seem to dislike hairy dogs though - there are two wirey terrier mixes and an Akita in the neighborhood that he not just barks, but snarls at.  I'm sure that it's something we could work with him on, if the need arises.  But if it keeps that stupid lady with her white fuzzball from shitting on our lawn, then good.

He loves one of the neighborhood Pitties like they're brothers.  Sheriff is a BIG Pit/Rott mix, red & black brindled, and the biggest damn baby I've ever met.  The two of them whine and cry when they see each other, and play until they collapse in a big sweaty slobbery heap on the grass.  I love to see it, because we kind of want another dog.

Okay, we really want another dog.

But dogs are expensive, and we're completely broke.  We would adopt from a rescue or the Humane Society, either of which would cover most of the important vet care, but some of which would charge a pretty high adoption fee.  Then there's the food - Jake was getting Purina One Large Breed (big kibbles = actual chewing of food rather than swallowing whole), but we're switching him to some with better ingredients that's actually cheaper. 

There's also the space issue.  Our house is big enough for more than one dog, but our yard is another story.  It's postage-stamp sized, and even Jake on his own doesn't have enough room to romp like he wants to.  Two dogs?  No chance.

But right now, I think time is the biggest issue.  B's schedule is weird, and although mine is pretty stable, it still only leaves the evenings and weekends to work with a new dog that might potentially have bad habits.  I think Jake would be a great role model for another dog, but I know that's not the answer.  

But then I see this story and I want to help!  Crap.  Also doesn't help that the city of Toledo is pretty intolerant of Pits or "pit-like breeds."  Bullcrap, if you ask me.  But then the added cost of the extra insurance... yeah, definitely can't afford it.  

So, we wait, and we put together a package of toys to donate to the cause.  And I ponder the idea of fostering a litter of kittens.  And then B shoots me the evil eye.

*sigh* why do I put up with you people?