Tuesday, February 19, 2008

What kind of Dog?

But WAIT! Before you take the poll, here me out.....

Every since I was a little girl I have wanted a Newfoundland. I first heard about the breed when I read the book With Love From Karen by Marie Kililea. From then on I have waged a campaign to get one. First when I was in high school (I got a stuffed one for Christmas one year - that was the closest I ever came), then later after marrying Prince Charming. He did come with Konga by the way. Big Beautiful Konga. Half Newf/Half Golden Retriever.

In case you are not familiar with what a Newfoundland looks like, here's a picture off the Internet.



Newfie's are BIG. BIG dogs. Like 150 pounds big.





But then, I found the blog that got me to thinking there might just be another breed out there with appeal. Take a break, go to Around the Funny Farm, and look at Gracie in the header. Isn't she adorable? She's a Toy Australian Shepherd. Beth from Funny Farm says that Gracie's coloring is Blue Merle.... Did you see the one blue eye, one brown eye? Isn't she irresistible?




Here's one off the Internet, not nearly as pretty, but still quite charming.




Muncie really wants a baby sister. See that look on her face?

15 comments:

Eleanor said...

Believe me, toy dogs are easier to clean up after. Also they won't scare the neighborhood. I know Newfies can swim & save someone from drowning, but how many lakes, ponds, rivers do we have around here? Remember when a visiting 'gentle giant' bit Skippy? And he was a dog that "didn't bite". Also, remember the household insurance would go up if you had a Newfie. Think, think, THINK about it.

Carol Michel said...

What Muncie is really saying is, "I'm the TOP DOG around here, how can you even think of another one?"

Now go give Muncie a nice treat and just pretend she's a Newfie or one of those other kinds of dogs.

Anonymous said...

I saw one of each! They have lots of friends right? You will end up telling us what you are doing right?

Missy said...

I love the little dogs, but only because big dogs scare me a bit. I did see the adorable pictures on Around the Funny Farm, and that little one is so cute. :)

Lisa at Greenbow said...

You must not get a dog entirely by your heart. Use your head a little.

Is your house big enough for a Newf to romp with Muncie and the children? Will its big tail knock over all your candlesticks etc. Do you have a poop scooper big enough? Bigger the dog bigger the Vet bills. EXERCISE...big dogs need long sessions of EXERCISE to be happy. Of course your other choice has a High Exercise quotient too.

Both dogs are great protectors. Fun loving. I have met both in my life.

I hate to say this out loud but Muncie would be happy to have another dog to boss around. :) He needs a job. I can tell by that look on his face.

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

Do you know what I like BEST about Gracie.. besides her awesome companionship?

I like the fact that I can pack 3 children into the back seat of a 1 ton Dodge... hook-up the horse trailer... and there is still room for my hubby and Gracie! Any bigger.. and I'd go COMPLETELY crazy camping with her and the kids on the weekends at horse shows!

Mind you.. we have a 15 foot living quarters complete with sleeping, kitchen and full bath with a slide out.. in our horse trailer.. so it isn't as bad as it all sounds!

Laurie and company said...

My first recommendation would be stick with Muncie...but Gracie at Beth's place is pretty darn cute!
Big dogs are baaaaaad. and stinkier than small ones and scary for people that come over and don't have dogs...soooooooo. I'm with your mom...if you MUST get a dog (dear heavens), stick with tiny.
How are you today?

Hannah-Indiana said...

I think you should get a Newfoundland. My dad had one when he was younger, and he loved him! That kind of dog is quite a protector take it from Dad! :)

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

You really need to read all of my posts today! I gave you something.. apparently.. I need to TELL YOU TO COME READ! ;-)

XOXOXO
Beth

Aunt Debbi/kurts mom said...

Hey Sherry. My dad's a vet and he said the shepherd too. Big dog, big joint problems.

Sherry at the Zoo said...

Eleanor...good point. I don't know if we have enough yard for all that dog poo - LOL

Carol- no, no...you have it wrong..see that pleading look in her eyes?

Mon@rch...of course I'll fill you in on the outcome- you'll probably hear more than you want!

Missy...Funny Farm's Dog Gracie is absolutely adorable, you're right!

Lisa...that's why we don't already have a newfie...my head tells me it isn't a good idea, especially since it might end up bigger than Grandma!

Laurie...I think your kids would love a Gracie dog...how about it?

Hannah --you have the space for a newfie. I think you should beg your daddy for one for Christmas or your birthday. Go for it! Then we can get the shepherd and come visit your newfie and get our fix that way!

Aunt Debbi...thanks for the vet advice. That really does mean something.

And last but not least- Beth from Funny Farm...THANK YOU for introducing us to Grace. Thanks for you willingness to help us find one just like her (right?), and for all the encouragement. And I did go read your blog. Thanks for the award. You're a sweetheart!

And to everyone...I think the polls show that a Toy Australian Shepherd is the way for our family to go. Thanks for playing and voting in the polls.

Love,
Sherry

Beth from the Funny Farm said...

“A Thousand Tomorrows” by Karen Kingsbury

Here is a great book recommendation!

It features a barrel racer and written very realistically as far as the barrel racing aspects of the sport.

Laurie and company said...

Hey, are you there? everyone OK? when you don't post for a day, I get worried! :)

your fellow OCD blogger,

LY

Anonymous said...

I don't know if this helps or not but the website is: http://www.petfinder.com. You can search classified as well as find rescue groups in your area.

Natalie said...

Love the Dachshund pictures! Those are pretty darn cute. My boyfriend got a black and brown Dachshund about a year ago...his name is Toby, and now he's completely obsessed with that breed of dog as well.

P.S.
Love the layout. Pink? So hip!*Wink*