We began our search for a dog about a month ago--We signed up with several breed adoption groups, filled out endless applications and even had our house inspected by the Schnauzer rescue people.  But they did not have a schnauzer to offer us.  Instead, they brought a very cute and sweet spaniel mix, Sadie.  When they let us know we were eligible to adopt a dog, we came close to agreeing to take Sadie.  That night, I stayed up late reviewing pictures of dogs at the local shelters.

Earlier in the week, Sadie's foster mom had explained to me that the Schnauzer rescue folks get their dogs from local shelters.  The foster parents begin training the dog so that health and behavioral issues are picked up by them, and initial action can be taken.  This service is reflected  in the price the rescue agencies get for their pets.  A pet from a rescue group costs between $300-500, while the local shelter asks about $125.  I think, all else being equal, it's worth it to use the rescue groups so that you get the close evaluation.  Here though, all things were not equal.

The local shelter, Durham APS, had three or more dogs that met our qualifications in terms of breed and fluff--a schnoodle, a cockapoo and a Yorkie caught my eye that night.  However, a dog listed as a Tibetan Terrier mix really knocked me for a loop.  Friday morning we went to see them, and were told that we could not visit with them individually until Saturday morning.  We took a walk-through of the kennel, and discovered two pekingese that were terrific as well!

The place opened at 10 am Saturday.  We arrived at 9:15 and were third on line.  The two folks in front of us wanted the pekes.  We asked to see the TT, the schnoodle and  the Yorkie--we had noticed that the cockapoo was very nervous, and, indeed, she was not ready for visitors.  We actually met only the Yorkie and the TT.  Both were great dogs, though the TT seemed more reserved.  The Yorkie had a rash, and seemed to have lost some of his coat.  The APS people said it was an allergy to fleas.

By now, Sadie was little more than a fleeting memory.  I knew that there was a waiting list for her, so I didn't worry that she wouldn't find a home.  The Yorkie had the spirit we sought, but we did not want to deal with flea allergies.  Besides, Someone had put a bug in my head about TTs years ago.  We had to wait a week to pick him up, but could visit him daily until Then.  The days passed, and last night we brought him home.  It is my pleasure to introduce Schmootzie to you--

Schmootzie is a 20 lb ball of fluff.  He is about 2 years old.  He'll have to wait to be groomed until his surgery heals, but he has hints of Tibetan Terrier, Shih Tzu, Schnauzer and who knows what else.  He promises to be beautiful, and has already demonstrated a great personality.

I invite you to follow is as we explore the fine points of pet ownership as we experience it.  We are not totally naive about dogs, having had pets for the last 40 years.  Still, we recognize that each of our dogs had behavior problems, and we would like to help Schmootzie become a dog who is welcome anywhere.  That will take discipline and cooperation on all our parts.  I hope Stan will contribute his ideas here as well , but we have decided that I will be the primary trainer.

Because he had just had surgery, I could not implement my initial plan to exhaust Schmootzie before he came into the house.  We stuck with simply giving him a good walk and then bringing him inside the house.  He is already house-trained, and knows the sit command, so we are able to allow him in the main part of the house.  We soon discovered, though that he will not negotiate stairs.  It has yet to be determined whether that is because of the surgery or a behavioral issue.  He did go into the crate fairly easily--no need to force him, just not over-eager.  He slept there overnight.

This morning Stan took him into the backyard.  He let him off leash, and `Schmootzie began a playful vigorous romp, emptied out without a problem, and came to me when I appeared.  Off to the Vet we went.  He came home with a clean bill of health, a collar to prevent him from touching the surgery site and a few new members of his fan club.  While he's not happy with the collar, he seems to be getting used to it.

When we got home he demanded my attention for the next hour and a half.  Eventually, I grew tired, and crated him for an hour.  He seemed to settle down.  Since I released him from the crate he seems to be amusing himself with toys, rather than poking at me or trying to pull my clothing or room decorations.

For the next 3 weeks things are going to be very demanding around here.  We have to take 2 overnight trips, and will have a pet sitter here.  I have sermons to write and we begin courses on Monday.  I feel OK about crating him right now, especially because of the vet's admonition to limit his activities.  Once he's stronger, I'll look into doggy day care for him.  There is also that great unknown about why he doesn't like the stairs.

I'll try to keep you informed.