Revised August 10, 1999

Here they are! Lady Ashley's three little men. It is hard to say which is cuter, but each and every one got loving permanent homes. Yes! At least one is written up further down the Happy Endings line. It's the middle boy, first named Casper, now called Bailey in his forever home.

Many out there were moved by the precious squishy faces, but I had to ask that everyone make very sure that they were ready and able to handle adopting and raising a puppy before applying.  And then I launched into my puppy spiel. It's important to keep it here -- for future reference on other puppies that come into our Center.

Puppies are an incredible amount of work. They are constant bundles of energy, and they go, go, go. They chew whatever they can get hold of, with razorblade teeth that feel like needles when they sink into your hands, feet, and ankles. Puppies don't know how not to hurt when they play bite. They also don't know the difference between their chew toys and your $200 pair of Italian loafers. Anything they chew up is the person's or family's responsibility. 

You must not leave things in their path. They will run with a roll of toilet paper like it's New Years Eve. They will rip up carpets and tear apart wallpaper. They are always underfoot, tripping and toppling their people. To some, this is delightful behavior. To others, it's a reason to kill. Potential adopters of puppies must make sure they are prepared.

Puppies also need to be housebroken. They piddle and mess constantly. You must get them on a training program right away, and stick to it. Summer is an excellent time to train, and most pups catch on quickly, if the family is truly willing to work with them. You must have the time and the energy to invest in your baby. Therefore, if you live alone and work all day and would leave a puppy crated for eight hours or more five days per week, well, this is not much of a life. The puppy will be lonely and bored. You will come home tired, in need of rest, and the poor puppy will be wired for sound.

I sincerely believe that two puppies are easier to care for than one, as they play together and tire each other out, and keep each other company. Yes, the labor is significant when rearing a puppy, but the rewards are worth it -- as any of our successful adopters can tell you. These three boys are very lucky indeed -- and growing up happily ever after.