Opinions, opinions...
Everyone has opinions. By having a few pregnant friends, I have learned that EVERYONE has an opinion about everything. Strangers tell my pregnant friends what they should do and what is best for their babies. Everyone feel like what they do is correct and the best way and I just can't imagine how that would feel to be constantly told this and that. Don't eat this, don't do that, don't take that, don't go there. It just seems like so many people think they are experts when they really aren't. I talked to my mom about it and she said that everyone tries their best and they want to think they are doing the best for their child.
No, I am not pregnant. I am just bringing this up because we are about to bring our puppy home. As I research more and more about puppies, I feel like I am going round and round about the best training techniques, what foods not to use, what toys are best, what size crates to get...blablabla. It really amazes me that everyone has an opinion for what is best. It really is exhausting.
I haven't mentioned our dog search in a while because we hit many speed bumps along the way. Tonight, my friend Kate said something that is so true..."if you aren't ready to take a dog home that minute, it will be gone." Unfortunately, this was the story with a few shelters. Finding a dog was followed by disappointment time after time. We also were burned by a few breeders in Missouri and Illinois and none ended up working out. I really got to the point where I told Mike that we weren't going to be able to find a boxer puppy (and for the record, I was fine with this) that would be ready to go home in the month of May.
Finally, we found out about a man that is not a really a breeder and is definitely not a shelter. He lives on a farm in Arkansas and his boxers "did it" and now he has 3 pups to get rid of soon. This weekend, Mike and I are driving down to Arkansas to bring a puppy home. I am praying that this doesn't fall through and I feel like we are taking a huge leap of faith. We have a picture of the one that we want but I am scared to post it in case it doesn't work out.
Keep your fingers crossed that we will be bringing little Mia home this weekend. Of course, I will keep you posted!!!
Everything will be fine this weekend! I can't wait to meet puppy Mia!!!
wow how exciting! keep us posted and definitely post pics, i'm sure it'll work out. :)
I hope it works out this time! Just remember that whatever you feel comfortable with and whatever makes sense to you guys will be fine with your puppy...just like babies! You'll find lots of people who think you should do something different...as long as you're feeding it, protecting it, and loving it I think whatever you do is a lot better than some people! Good luck with puppy parenting! =-)
Eeek, how exciting! Good luck!
And really, doesn't everyone have opinions about EVERYTHING under the freaking sun? Not just pregnancy but I'm willing to bet the whole 'parenting' thing is just as bad. But honestly, getting a puppy [which breed? breeder or rescue? crate train or not?] has GOT to be one of the hot opinionated topics out there. I totally understand wanting to keep it a little more private.
You'll do fine and I can't wait to hear all about it!
Ooooh, good luck!
That's definitely one thing I'm NOT looking forward to when we decide to have kids... All the advice.
Best of luck bringing home your baby boxer!
You're going to love your little boxer! Bringing Lola home was one of the best moments of our lives. She is so funny!
You'll get the hang of things all by yourself. Each dog has its own personality and requires different things. Don't worry about what other people think.
All the advice can be exhausting. I agree!
Boxers pups have always been in high demand and hard to find. They rarely show up in shelters and when they do they get swooped up fast. Most Breeders charge astronomical amounts for them even when poorly bred. It's supply and demand and it leaves those looking for a new Boxer Puppy bundle of joy left wondering if they will ever bring home their new pup.
I hope it all turns out well. Heck, your driving far enough so It better ;)
As far as food, crate not to crate etc...It always depends on the dog. Your pup will tell you what it needs and what it doesn't. It's trial and error.
Can't wait for pictures.
It's impossible not to get your hopes up. We went to a few shelters before finding Ozzy and we're so lucky it worked out. They literally flipped a coin to see if us or another couple would get him...thank god we won because I would have been devistated. On the bright side, at least all the dogs you wanted were getting adopted and found homes.
Good luck...I'll be thinking about you guys this weekend and I can't wait to take family pics!
When we first got our dog (adopted pit bull from a shelter) I was soooo annoyed by everyone's opinions. You just have to do what works for you guys. I'm sure everything will be fine.
At least it's preparing us for having kids. People have even MORE opinions about that. Good luck picking up the pup!
Good luck i am sure it will work out! My IL's have a boxer, Chief, and he is a great dog. The two years was a little rough (he was SO energetic and his parents are old, lol) Know, he is one of the best dogs, he is still energetic but so sweet, and even protecting (i have a good story about him and a stripper, lol!!!!)
I understand the thing about peoples advice, people feel the need to tell me whatever they want since im pregnant. Just ignore them, that is the best way you can deal! Can't wait to see her!
Everyone has an opinion, but you've been doing exactly what you should be doing-researching other people's opinions and gathering information so that you can make an informed decision on your own. You are going to make a fantastic puppy momma:) I'm proud of you for being patient in spite of the setbacks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out and that you will bring this little girl home. Good luck to you!
Yay, Lauren!!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.