Good points. I have been thinking about a dog for almost 2 years now, and think that in about 9 more months, I should be ready and able to devote the time and energy to a dog. (If the perfect dog happens sooner, I will embrace it.) Doggy should only have to be alone for up to 3 hours during the day time- if that much, and not at all during the nights that I work, as there are others in the house. The folks I nanny for now have already said if I get a dog, they want me to bring it to work with me, lol. So that part is good. I really am looking forward to the training, and want to learn as much as I can about it before I get the dog. I do like the idea (from another post) of having someone train the dog for me- I think I will start looking into helper dog orgs and see what I can find out. So what breeds of dogs have you had? Do you have any faves?

I know several border collies, and they are so sweet tempered- but that hair, oh that hair! Our last dog was a gordon setter, with long hair and long fetters on her legs- she was miserable to groom. I just don't think I can do it, lol.

This is definitely a post for dog owners/experts. Thoughts from folks who have trained dogs to be working/visiting animals would be really cool. I am currently researching dog breeds. Will be attending the local dog show in March to start interviewing breeders, but want to have narrowed it down to a few breeds by then. This will be my first dog as primary owner. I want a smaller dog, but not one that is small enough to fit into a microwave, because believe me, around here, someone would do it. :tongue_smilie: Not fluffy, due to allergies and laziness (I barely comb *my* hair!), and not highly energetic. I have 1/2 acre, and have chickens, so can't be too much of a bird dog, but a herder would be very helpful. A dog that was a ratter would be good too. Also need a dog that can be alone some of the day without going too nuts. I will be working nights when I start the doula work, so that will help. Gonna get a girl dog. What I am also looking for is a dog that can be trained for special tasks, much like that of a guide dog. I will be training the dog to tell me when someone is at the door, and when my phone rings (due to severe hearing loss issues), etc. She will also need to be good with babies and old folks, and will most likely be sort of a visiting dog. My mother's assisted living home loves dog visitors, and I will sometimes take the dog with me when I nanny. Breeds I am considering are mostly hounds and terriers, and would love to hear opinions relating to my very specific needs. Not in any order: Basset Fauve De Bretagne Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen Hamiltonstovare or Beagle (I hear they are not easily trainable-thoughts?) Black or golden lab (highly trainable, but on the big side) Border terrier (how trainable?) Smooth fox terrier Jack Russel terrier Boston terrier (I would love, love, love one of these dogs, but my entire family makes fun of them. I am not sure why- I have met several dogs of this breed, and they have all been lovely dogs. Mixed breeds- I am looking at labradoodles, goldendoodles, but not many other mixes I know about. Thoughts?

I posted other. They seemed like good big dreams when I was four and dreaming them. I wanted to be a mom, a teacher, and an artist. Working on the third and last part of that four year old dream now, lol.

i only got to know my mil for a few short years. She died when my youngest was less than a year old. I loved her with all my heart though, and she loved me back unconditionally. I know we would have gotten even closer had she lived longer. I miss her often- she was often more accepting and loving than my own mother was at that time.

Glad to see this update from you. Was thinking of you all day today. :grouphug:

Gran- I could do that. not as old-sounding as granny, for some reason.

Hi Eliana, The opening is Friday July 8 from 6 to 9 pm. It is the 30 by 30 show (30 works each by 30 artists) at Avanti Art and Design (73rd and Phinney in Seattle). They have a FB page, but no other links for the show. I sorta do feel a bit amazing today! You are amazing too. :grouphug:

Our children grew up calling us Mama and Papa. The Dude will most likely still go by Papa for the grandkids, and I will most likely be Granny. Kids always call me Nanny now, so I thought the switch to Granny might fit me. Honestly, I hope I don't have grandkids for many years, so not sure what will happen!

I am taking control of my life. I signed up for the Post partum doula training that I have been drooling over for a year and a half. I also signed up for the required lactation support class. :001_smile: I have also signed up for an art gallery showing in July- it means I have to finish 30 4x4" canvases during the 30 days of June. :001_huh: the Dude is out of town all week for work, and I am using the time alone to finish up my resume' (current nanny gig ends with the school year in late June- need a full time gig!), collect letters of recommendation, and am spending much time in the studio. I am doing my best to be the change I wish to see, in my life, as I am not in control of anyone else's.:tongue_smilie: Thank you for your continuing prayers and thoughts- it is amazing how much better I feel knowing that all y'all have my back. :) LB

Thanks so much for your prayers and thoughts. Headed to bed now, kinda wanting today to just be over. I vow to do my best to make tomorrow a good day. Swimming in lemonade,:tongue_smilie: LB

Hey folks. I cannot really go into too much detail without breaking board rules, but am experiencing huge stress in most areas of my life right now: emotional and physical health. marriage, parenting, finances, external family, art block, etc. I am doing my best to keep afloat, and to be true to myself, but I have to be honest and say that I am really struggling right now. I am posting here because I am feeling very alone IRL. I am okay, and don't want y'all to worry or feel pity, or that you need to give me advice: I am in counseling, and am getting proffesional advice and help for as much as I can, but much of what is wrong is not stuff I am responsible for, or can fix. I just need someone to know how hard I am trying right now. I guess a little acknowlegement helps- from wherever it comes. I could really use prayer/positive thoughts for growing the following in my heart and therefore in my life: Grace patience and acceptance (not reacting to others) personal strength (dignity?) courage and bravery peace and calm joy in the moment I have been reading Kipling's poem If over and over and over, especially the part about being able to keep your head while those around you are losing theirs and blaming it on you. It helps a little. thanks for reading (listening). I know there are others who have things worse than I, so part of me feels bad for posting this, but another part of me has to admit that I feel better just for telling y'all that I am struggling. Doesn't make sense, but it is what it is. Lori Beth