I think we've covered everything for now. It's up to you to do your doggy homework. So, yes, we're finished today but will be here for future questions.

OK! Talk to you soon! And thanks!

Snowball, I got my first dog when I was 12 years old, somewhere along the line I made a huge fatal mistake. My "baby" was a 95 pound black lab, she ran 8-9 miles a day, ate 5 cups of food a day, and listened to every command I taught her. I assumed I had a great dog on my hands. One day I was outside playing with her (which I did everyday, every minute I was home) and she jumped the fence and killed a dog that a lady was walking by. Guess what? My dog was killed for MY actions, I had to hold her and tell her she was a good girl as her heart stopped beating, and her lungs stopped working, I cried for weeks, why? Because, in the end it was me who had failed her, I was the one who made the fatal mistakes in raising her, she was an amazing dog, with a strong need to please her owner, and I ruined her. Everyday I think "If i had given her to someone else and let someone else raise her she would be the most amazing dog" I had no idea how to raise a dog when I was your age (assuming your 10-11-12), no idea about alpha positions, nothing. I had no help from anyone. Shortly after she died I got a dog from my cousins farm, he's been a great dog, but since Tosha (my black lab), I learnt about the care a dog needs, if you go through my posts you will see the numerous problems I have with my dogs. Don't get me wrong I love them and wouldn't trade them for the world, but I admit I took on more than I should have, and am reminded everyday by the scars Hunter has left on my arm/face/neck/back/legs/hands. Please think twice about getting a dog at this stage in your life.

You probably won't listen to me, or anyone on here, but I thought I'd share my story, and help you learn that when this dog does something, it is YOU who has failed the dog.

I've added some pictures.



This here was my baby. Tosha.


This here was the dog she killed. Bubbles.


Here is where Tosha is now.

Emily - well said and heart wrenching. This will haunt me, and with your permission it's an experience I will tell to other people. Very moving.

I was put off by the "baby" language - these are not "babies." These are not fur covered children (as much as I would like to believe that). We are talking about animals - more specifically, dogs.

I see a reluctant family, probably tired of OP begging and nagging for a dog, ill prepared, not understanding the responsibilities, maybe ready and able to pay Vet expenses, maybe not. These are the dogs that don't get neutered/spayed, "get themselves pregnant" and then more puppies are without homes.

This thread haunted me all night. I am also well aware that OP is not going to listen to any of us and is going to blunder into owning a dog. It's one thing to know you don't know what you are talking about, to ask for info, to learn. It's another to admit you have no idea - and you have minimal interest in learning.

The good news is that the OP doesn't want her dog to get parvo. (Tongue firmly in cheek)