| Steve has finally started talking to me again! I had been looking on the internet at some different kinds of dogs. I really miss our working dog, but I know a breed like that isn't suitable here in Welly. I liked the idea of a small indoor dog. I was doing loads of research about the breeds and which one would suit our family best. Steve was not terribly enthusiastic about the idea but he let me do my research. The most suitable breed kept coming up as a british bulldog, but they're hard to come by here in NZ and they're pretty expensive. The next best thing could be a Cav King Charles Spaniel, they are very cute. I toyed between that and a Schnauzer. For weeks I contacted breeders to ask advice and questions and toured the internet reading up. I would see a dog I really liked, only to discover it'd sold within a day. My choice seems to be everyone else's! Then yesterday I logged onto my favourite, trademe. And there was a British Bulldog about an hour's drive from me. I couldn't believe it, as with most breeds they tend to be in Auckland. I telephoned the breeder and we had a chat about the dog. I know most reputable breeders don't use website advertising, but merely go on word of mouth to sell their dogs. He had never used trademe before, but this time had one remaining pup left and decided to try it. The advert specified that he would only go to the 'right' person. I told the guy I would drive to him right now and see the little fella. Knowing that in the space of a day he would almost definitely be snapped up. Thursday is the Nanny's day off, so I bundled up little Pip and off we went for our spontaneous road trip. On arrival I was quite intimidated, there were loads of Maori waiting outside the house. When we arrived I was introduced to the little guy and he was beautiful. Really cute. The breeder had arranged for the parents to be there as well so I could see how healthy they were. Transpires he is registered with the kennel club and is well respected in the area. We spoke for quite some time about the breed and its health, etc. He asked me if I was interested in the puppy. I said I was but understood he might want to meet other people first. He said he had been doing it long enough to know who would look after his puppies and said he would be happy for me to take him. I offered a $200 deposit to hold him while I spoke with Steve over the weekend. He agreed. When I arrived back from the cash point he told me I could take him now. He already had my address for the paperwork and felt able to trust me - for some reason! I explained I wouldn't be able to give him all the cash straight away because the amount was so big it would take a few days to move money around. He didn't seem to mind. So, the next minute saw me bundling this tiny little puppy into my car! As I was driving home I knew Steve would kill me. Not only had I gone against his wishes and purchased this dog, it was also a huge amout of money that I hadn't consulted him on. But god he was cute! When I telephoned Steve he was so angry. I don't think I've ever heard him that upset before. He could barely get the words out. When Steve got home from work he could hardly look at me. The dog did little to help the situation by weeing constantly on the carpet and terrifying the hell out of the cat and Pip! Finally, with the girls in bed we were able to talk properly. The little stocky puppy curled up on Steve and I could tell he wasn't able to resist his charms! Sure enough, 'Sam' has fitted in very nicely with the family. He slept with us on the bed last night which means I'm so tired today. I didn't want Steve disturbed at all, so I got up constantly to make sure he peed and to look after him. He's a real baby, afraid of the dark and he needs company all the time. He really cried when I had to get up and refused to sleep anywhere on the bed where he didn't have contact with me! Really good practice with the baby! He's so adorable! Everytime I have to drive anywhere, I take him along with me! The toilet training is really hard he doesn't get it at all! uh-oh, another wee on the carpet....grrr! |