I have something to tell you !

[kateincornwall]

There is to be a new arrival in our family , not for me but , shock horror , my sister Yes , she who is indifferent to dogs has today astounded me with the news that they are going to have a puppy in the very near future I was in shock when she sprang the news, but apparently , they have been discussing this for some time now as she is very taken with our Nelly and has decided that some sort of smallish breed would be the way to go . Thankfully her daughter, my lovely niece Abi has been going through the pros and cons , Abi is dog mad like us and has suggested some possible breeds , Border Terrier is looking a distinct possibility . My sister is very fit, she walks every day , they have a large house with a very large garden and also have many dog walks right on their doorstep in West Berkshire . Niece Abi is on hand for puppy sitting and offering advice , I am in absolute shock

 

[FayRose]

Good luck all round. Great Abi is involved

 

[Boogie]

 

[Candy]

Ooooh! I shall follow this thread with great interest! Might you and your sister have something in common now? You may even find it brings you closer to each other!

 

[kateincornwall]

She did say that her busy social calendar had somehow become unimportant recently , that she suddenly felt more grounded . I hope that she makes the right decision , but whatever that decision is , she has become more precious to me x

 

[Joy]

What a surprise! In later life my parents had a couple of Westies and they were lovely amenable dogs, though a bit barky.

 

[Selina27]

Yay !

 

[Candy]

She did say that her busy social calendar had somehow become unimportant recently , that she suddenly felt more grounded . I hope that she makes the right decision , but whatever that decision is , she has become more precious to me x

That's so good to hear Kate! I always feel sad about siblings not getting on well. My relationship with my Little Brother is very important to me, even though it mostly consists of banter we both know it springs from years of love, and wouldn't allow anyone to put either of us down.

 

[SwampDonkey]

She just wants to he like you

 

[Cath]

I can't believe Kate

 

[Jacqui-S]

Oh wow!
Silver linings for you all Kate x

 

[Kelsey]

 

[HAH]

How surprising! And hopefully it’ll be a lovely new chapter for them, and for you too. Do you know how her husband feels about dogs? X

 

[Cath]

 

[Shaz82]

That is surprising, let's hope that she will have the patience with her dog that she didn't with Reuben.
And of course, no matter what the breed you must try and get some puppy pics.

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Would she be willing to consider adopting an older dog? A terrier puppy seems a tall order for a formerly non-dog-loving retirement age person. Unless Abi doesn't mind that there is a high likelihood that puppy will essentially become hers.

When I volunteered in rescue in California, there were always a surprising number of returns or re-home surrenders from first time older dog owners. While certainly every case is unique, we saw more successful adoptions where older dogs were matched with first time older dog owners.

 

[Stacia]

Border Terriers can be a nightmare, I remember one when I was a vet nurse, the owners just couldn't cope with the energy. I am slightly concerned as to why she suddenly wants a dog, I hope with all my heart, that she really does and it isn't a case of 'it seems a good idea at the time'. Thank heaven you have your niece Abi to be on hand to help. I would have thought a King Charles Spaniel or Cavalier Spaniel would be better, though sadly they do have health problems. Sorry to be a wet blanket, I hope that it will be a wonderful revelation to her and she will wonder why she has never had a dog before.

 

[kateincornwall]

I have been giving this a lot of thought since yesterday , it does raise a few issues which sit uncomfortably with me . I dont think for one moment that this desire to have a puppy is a snap decision , my sister does not make snap decisions but I wonder if she likes the idea of having a dog , and hasnt really thought of the implications , the reality of owning one . They are very wealthy people who live an orderly life in a very perfect house , ok thats not what concerns me but what does concern me is , is she really ready to have this life disrupted ? They have never had a dog so are pretty clueless and whilst Abi lives nearby and is on hand to help , it still niggles me . I have sent her a friendly e mail , just outlining the negative ( for them ) side , and just asking her to think very hard about all aspects , I cant do more than this really , so watch this space xx

 

[Atemas]

Funnily enough, I kept thinking about your sister yesterday with exactly the same thoughts. Her life will be disrupted getting a puppy. Even with the best best intentions and commitment we know it‘s hard work. I do question her motives after her intense dislike of your dogs in the past.

A slight aside but on the same subject. We moved a heavy oak chest in our hall yesterday and I noticed the feet of it had been chewed. Now that was either Sky or Red - doesn’t matter - I like these little reminders of their puppyhood - will she?

 

[Heidrun]

All the border terriers I know are a nightmare - snappy with other dogs and prone to going off hunting, definitely not a good choice for a first time dog owner.