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Wednesday, May 03, 2006

Puppies!

I was on the road for five hours yesterday. I'm happy to say the physical therapists changed one of my exercises, which completely eliminated the nausea and extreme pain and I'm functional again (*knock on wood*).

So, I hit the road yesterday to visit some important colleagues and drop in at a potential client's. The day was gorgeous; warm and slightly windy with puffs of cloud but no threat of rain. This, incidentally, is becoming a problem right now. We're in the middle of a drought. Those rain clouds were merely teasing us.

My trip initially took me to a relatively undeveloped part of Florida, which is mainly farmland or road construction and little else. It took 1 1/2 hours to get to my first goal, then another 40 minutes to get to my future client's (let's call him Jed). I was startled to discover it was a home address when I pulled in, but that's not unusual. Many businesses are home-based.

When Jed opened the door, four dogs barrelled out. "I'm so sorry," he said, "I hope you like dogs!" There were three adult shnauzers and a small white puppy gambolling about on the lawn.

"Ohhhhh! Yes I do!" I said, excitedly. I helped him get the dogs inside, scooping up the tiny white puppy and cuddling her. She was a cute little thing with a roly poly belly.

"Good," he said, "because there are three other puppies inside."

We took a good 20 minutes to play with the dogs and the puppies, and talk about the brood. Mama had gotten pregnant unexpectedly and he has all these puppies that he doesn't know what to do with. I was enchanted, and (seeing a sucker) Jed gave me a photo so that I could think about it. I really adore the little white female but all are very sweet:

The puppy at the back of the picture died recently from falling off the seawall into the ocean outside his back door (how sad!) but the others are just a little older than this picture.

I never knew that shnauzers come in more than one color! But the white ones will turn into a beautiful white/silver color as they age. I am so terribly tempted.

I already have two dogs: BoBo and BugEyes. But BugEyes is a behavioral nightmare and I have tried everything but can't stop her barking. That's a problem because I work from my home office and it hardly sounds professional when you have an idiot dog yapping away brainlessly at the slightest imagined noise. We have been discussing giving her away to a good home. She isn't cheap; she's cost me over $1000 so far - so I'm not taking it lightly. But I think it's time to cut my losses. And as an only dog, she would probably thrive.

However, BoBo would be very lonely. Perhaps a puppy like this would help?

After we discussed his dogs, Jed and I discussed his business. It turns out his father is a multi-millionaire with a large company, so I naturally suggested that I go after that business, too. He shook his head emphatically. "My dad doesn't need your services," he said. His tone indicated something; a slight verbal retreat. So I didn't pursue it.

But a little later, he made the comment that although his dad is rich, he is unwilling to share the wealth with his son. "Well, you know what they say about millionaires," I said, consolingly. "They wouldn't be millionaires if they gave it all away!" He nodded glumly.

As I left, I commented on his house. "I just got a new roof last year after the hurricane ripped it off," he told me. "Of course I should have flood insurance too, but I don't have a mortgage so I'm not forced to get it. Dad holds the note on the house."

Their relationship sounds difficult. Millionaires: You can't live with them, you can't live without them. As for the puppies, oh, they're so precious. I probably won't get her, but the little white one is calling to me...

27 comments:

High Power Rocketry said...

Puppies are great :)

I just woke up from a dream (how early do you guys start posting anyway?) where I had a rabbit and a cat as pets. They were really fun, which helped because I was stuck in Italy the whole dream trying to get the subway home (yes the subway from italy to new york.)

They took my mind off the stress, and there was also a rap gang fight at the hotel which explains why I lost all my bags.

Saur♥Kraut said...

Alex, they are sooo cute. It really made my day, which was great anyway! BTW, I'm so sorry I haven't linked to you before. I keep meaning to, then forget, then don't have time...yada yada yada. Now you're in my links. ;o) I like the new rocket blog, too!

Saur♥Kraut said...

Paris Guy, me too! I checked out your blog, it's excellent! And your offer for free blog design services is very nice. I'm sure you'll get lots of takers!

Dave said...

Saur,

What is the world coming to when your wife tells you that you have to stay home with the sick kids. She wants to make more money than me this year. Competition is wonderful.

I use to have a schnauzer, I bet you can guess her name, they have a bark that turns into a scream. They don't live that long and they have sensitive skin.

Saur♥Kraut said...

Mr. Gator, Good for you! I've been looking for a guy like you all my life. ;o) As for schnauzers, sometimes it's hard to tell when you're kidding. Are they difficult animals? Tell me!

Dave said...

They don't have the mind of a Golden or Lab. After several weeks she understood the doggie door and after about 6 months she understood the invisible fence.

She was a sweet dog. I gave her to my mother and my Mom left Gator more in her will then she left me. That might tell you something.

Ed said...

I've seen lots of people spoiled by inherited wealth. That is why I told my parents that I hope they die spending their last penny. Of course I hope they don't spend that penny for many more years to come.

Saur♥Kraut said...

Ed, funny, I had almost the same conversation with my own parents recently! Good for you!

Mr. Gator, thank you. I was wondering. BoBo is extremely bright (equivalent to a lab, I'd say) and BugEyes is extremely stupid. I'd like to get him a companion of similar mind. Maybe I'll just get another miniature poodle (they're uncommonly bright). I want to find a good home for BugEyes, though!?

divine oasis said...

i adore puppies. maybe u should pick up the white one? she was talking to you, right?

truly horrible about her brother's fall to the death. that's an extreme tear-jerker.

peace love and balance

michelle said...

Little man is killing me. He wants a dog so bad. I have the worst time with my allergy's though. He keeps telling me, "Don't say no mom, say keep saying you will think about it."

Saur♥Kraut said...

Michelle, you need BugEyes! Maltipoos and poodles are hypoallergenic. I'm a chronic asthmatic and have no problems with them, and they don't shed. If you want BugEyes, you've got her! ;o) She makes a great watchdog!

Divine Oasis, she is sooo cute. But, I do have to add that she's not hypoallergenic!

Anonymous said...

Saur, Schnauzers are a Terrier breed. Rather high strung and yippie. I don't know if you would solve your barking problem with one of these pups.

But, puppies are hard to resist!

Saur♥Kraut said...

Kathleen, then they definately wouldn't work for me. I'll stick with the miniature poodle breed (which is what BoBo is) because he's smart, gentle and quiet.

Reverberate, it's such a shame to get rid of a pet. I hate doing it, because a pet is a serious commitment for me. But I'm not seeing many options.

Kristie said...

I say go with your gut and get the white puppy. Give your psycho dog to a family who will let him be an only dog. You will both probably be happier. And those white shnauzers are beautiful. My neighbor has a white one. My grandparents have always had shnauzers, and they are wonderful dogs. Easy to train and pretty laid back as far as i have ever known. ;) Go for it!

Kristie said...

oh ya, my grandparents make the drive every year from RI to FL with the dog. (and past dogs before this one)...They are the best behaved dogs i have ever seen and they didnt do much to train any of the ones they have had. Just another plus i thought of in favor of shnauzers. ;)

Deb said...

Wow-- great story. These pups are too too cute! I'm with Michelle though---my allergies are awful. I wish I could own a few pups.

Scott said...

I have a schnauzer and he rocks. Was so easy to train and loves loves loves all people. He started out all black but is now grey and silver and black.

Scott

Jamie Dawn said...

Ohhh, look at those darling puppies!
It's sad that the guy's dad is stingy when it comes to his son. Maybe there's more history there that would explain it. Or maybe the rich man is just a putz.

Ellen said...

Make the decision with your heart, and everything else will fall into place. Besides, you are a good mom, and any dog would be lucky to have you around!

AQ said...

As a fellow asthmatic and allergy sufferer, I have to warn Michelle about the "hypoallergenic" dog. No such animal - lol.

This is what I found online:
http://dogs.about.com/od/dogbreeds/a/hypoallergenic.htm

It says: "Hypo means less, not none. Hypoallergenic dog breeds will still produce allergens, but because of their coat type, will typically produce less than others. People with severe allergies and asthma will still be affected by a hypoallergenic dog.

There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog."

We once adopted a (free) Bichon Frise. It lasted 2 days. That's how long it took for me to not be able to breathe. Normally, it would take about 10 minutes (depending on the breed) and I can VISIT people who have a Bichon Frise or a poodle. But can't own one - nope, not a chance.

I know some people's allergies are not THAT bad. But if yours are severe, I'd say borrow Bug Eyes for a few days first.

My kids would trade me for a Black Lab before you even finished making the offer. My husband would too, until he realizes that without me, he'd have to do all the doggie duties AND the kid stuff! LOL

michelle said...

AQ is right. I have friends with hypoallergenic dogs. NO SUCH THING. You can wash them and shave them and keep them off the furniture and sweep and vaccuum and you can buy almost saliva free dogs - - Not enough!

michelle said...

ps,
check your email

High Power Rocketry said...

Yes, thanks, I will link you up as well. I will be gone on work until Sunday so until then!

clew said...

Ohhhhh ... dogs rule! What's cuter than a big mess 'o' puppies?

Money does strange things to people. I wonder what the full story is there.

I agree with Susie. Try a zap collar before giving your baby away. A friend of mine used one when their dog kept licking holes in their drywall. One little zap and that was the end of that! May not work as quickly for you as that but it's worth a try! :)

Nihilistic said...

There is NOTHING better than puppies!

Michael K. Althouse said...

Puppies are a good thing!

~Mike

mckay said...

puppy breath is the best! they're so dang cute. i had a schnauzer when i was a kid. great dog, and no barking, as i recall.

when i was a kid, my best friend had a puppy fall off the back lawn and into the newport harbor. it was a sad thing to go through. i ended up naming one of my dogs after the lost pup.

i wouldn't blame you if you got the white pup. she's adorable.