6 thoughts on “Thinking of Adding a Pup to Your Home this Christmas?”

1. Nancy at

   Hey Tammy,
   I had a large medium dog. He was lab, rot, and pit. Chingy was the sweetest dog (in spite of the bad rap pits got). We went to puppy play time every evening where he played with other dogs, and he slept next to my bed every night. Then suddenly when we went to puppy play time he’d go play but come back every few minutes just to check on me, and he started jumping up on my bed and sleeping at my feet. I couldn’t imagine what could be making him so clingy. I assumed he knew my mom was very sick and he felt my worries. I had taken him to visit her in the rehab she was in, where all the residents adored him. He’d been doing this for 2 or 3 months when I realized that I hadn’t done my breast exams for a few months. That’s when I found my lump. During the whole time of my treatment he never left my side. We quit going to puppy play time just because I was so tired. Even after my chemo when we’d go to the park for our walks the only time he’d leave my side was to go off the trail and into the woods (we lived in Washington at that time) to use it for his bathroom. He eventually stopped sleeping on my bed and went back to the floor next to the bed. And he’d go off longer when we went to the park, but he never did quit coming back to check on me. I had to put him to sleep. He got hip dysphasia. It got to the point where he could barely walk when he got up from his naps. I don’t remember how long it took me to finally stop missing his snoring when I went to bed at night. They say some dogs can smell cancer and I truly believe that Chingy knew.

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2. Anna of Stuffedveggies at

   Your cute little black toy poodle reminds me of the one I grew up with – we also got her when I was 4, and she grew up with me : )

   But, you’re right – a dog is not just a huge responsibility, but a long term one. Our current lifestyle just wouldn’t be fair to a dog (and allergies rule out cats), as much as we would enjoy having one. a

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3. Taryn Vanburg at

   Your Bailey is adorable 🙂 I’d like to add to your considerations that medical problems may not be apparent from the time you meet the pup and bring it home. Also, consider that as the pup grows older, issues may develop due to their age. Sixteen years ago my daughter asked me to go with her to the local shelter to find a puppy. (I am proud to say she spent many days researching and pondering if having a dog was right for her.) I honestly didn’t think she would find her ‘fur baby’ on the first trip and was expecting to make several trips. But I have to say, she saw Sugar Bear and it was love at first sight. I feel bad now, to say that i questioned her intensely before she brought that puppy home, especially because now I know it was meant to be. I belive God led her to that special pup. It wasn’t really a matter of my daughter claiming Sugar Bear, because Sugar Bear claimed my daughter from the very beginning as her human. To make a sixteen year long story short, Sugar Bear has always had a very sensitive stomach, and these last several years, the symptoms have worsened. Trips to the vet, tests, treatments, buying expensive prescription dog food, etc. Through it all, they are the best of friends, no regrets, and have brought so much happiness and enjoyment to my life. And no, I can’t imagine our lives without a fur baby. Thanks for letting me share a very special to me story, Taryn

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   1. Texas Homesteader Post author at

      A hugely good point, Taryn. When we adopted Bailey we found she had bladder stones, a huge expensive surgery was necessary – money we hadn’t counted on spending. I’m assuming that’s why Bailey was dumped (and abused) in the first place. Poor baby. And because of her bladder stones, specialty food is required and there’s no guarantee the stones won’t return anyway. So expensive health considerations are certainly an important thing to keep in mind too. Thank you for sharing your special story of Sugar Baby. Our pets become a part of the family, don’t they? ~TxH~

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4. Judy at

   We have been lucky to adopt three adult dogs over the years. They are so much easier than puppies and seem very appreciative.

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5. candace at

   Hi Tammy,
   I grew up with dogs, tho they were always outdoor dogs when I was a kid. As an adult I’ve almost always had a dog or two and cats. I’m catless at the moment and our well loved rescue black lab is getting old. We won’t wait long. I won’t say “I want to live in a house that’s not carpeted with dog hair, I’m sick of finding dog hair in my food. But after a few days of coming home with no one to greet me at the door I remember that is not my way of life. There are so many dogs at the shelters I want to take them all home with me. Bring Bailey when you come to visit me!!!

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