Thursday, December 04, 2008

My Christmas Wish

I came thisclose to saying yes to getting a golden retriever puppy in mid January. You see, the breeder of my dreams has a new litter, and while this litter is all reserved, I called to get myself added to the reserve list for the next litter in 2009. But by some fluke it turned out there was one female left because a potential family had a change of heart. I spoke with the breeder, she asked me questions, etc and in the end said if I wanted it, the pup could be mine.

Did I want it?

That’s like asking me if I’m partial to filling my lungs with air.

But the timing was all wrong. It meant getting the puppy in mid January, well before the BF and I were under the same roof. And, for anyone who has ever entered the crazy days of puppydom, you know once that little critter lands on your doorstep you are a bit housebound while they become acclimated and housetrained and a million other things. Which meant the BF and I would see each other only on the occasion when he ventured over to my abode, as his apartment does not allow dogs.

I hemmed and hawed. I wanted the puppy sooooo bad. The BF said if I wanted it we would make it work. But the facts were what they were. And there was also the financial consideration. Pure breeds do not come cheap, and even though the BF said he would get the puppy for me as a gift, there was still the additional cost of food, shots, puppy classes and spaying to consider within the next few months. Costs I hadn’t budgeted for and wasn’t sure I could manage while still paying all the living expenses myself.

So I did what any Capricorn would do in this situation. I made a list. Pros and cons. The Con list was all the practical reasons listed above. The Pro list read something like this: puppy puppy puppy puppy puuuuuuuppppppyyyyyy!!!

And not just any puppy. But THE puppy from THE breeder that I really, really, really wanted.

I mulled. I considered. I rationalized to the best of my ability. But in the end it came down to the same thing – I couldn’t give the puppy what it needed right now. Four months from now – no problem. But not right now.

Sigh…I hate when logic rears its ugly head.

So sadly I called the breeder and gave them my decision and asked to be put on the reserve list for the next litter. Which it turns out is due January 29th as they did two breedings with two of their females. On the downside, the litter is already reserved by others. So basically I’m number 8, putting me on the reserve reserve list. My only hope is that three other families change their mind and I can slip into the #5 position.

And that’s my Christmas wish.

12 comments:

Tess said...

My fingers are crossed for you! What a heartbreaking decision you made, but as you say - what's best for the puppy is most important. Hope you move up that reserve reserve list!

Unknown said...

I think you made the right decision. Much as you want that dog you really need the time in the beginning to get everything running smoothly.

Unknown said...

Oh man, what a tough decision. I hope when the time is right you get the perfect puppy for you!

In the meantime do what I did, get yourself a puppy calendar. In lieu of the Boston Terrier I want, I have a calendar. It's not the same as a warm, wiggly puppy, but all day at work I stare into those big brown eyes and think, some day my puppy will come.

Kelly Boyce said...

Haha...you know I actually did buy a golden retriever puppy calendar for my writing room yesterday.

Melissa Amateis said...

I hope you get one of the little darlings!

I can't even contemplate another dog right now - the loss from my dear Charlie is still too fresh. Plus, I can't have dogs in my new home so it wouldn't work anyway. And puppies are a LOT of work! But I know you'll enjoy every second of it! Well, except for that whole cleaning up the poop stuff...*grin*

Anonymous said...

Keeping my fingers crossed that you move up on the reserve list.

Rene said...

That's a tough decision but I think it is the right one. If I had only been so forward thinking when I had children.....

MJFredrick said...

That was a tough choice, Kelly! I don't think I could have said no. I hope you get one of the new litter. I really thought you'd get a dog before now!

Annette Gallant said...

I really hope it works out for you, Kelly!

michellewillingham said...

Here's hoping that you get the puppy you want!

Dixie Belle said...

So many people don't think about what a pet needs. They just get one because it is cute at the time. Sorta like a toy that they later don't want. I know when you choose to get one it will be the right time and the puppy will be blessed to have a home with you.

Unknown said...

Oh Kelly, I know that was a really hard decision for you. But in the end, it was probably the right one for both you and the puppy. I hope everything works out for you and the next litter.

I also wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas!

HUGS!