- I will train the dog
- I will clean up after the dog
- I will stop nagging you and telling you that I am bored
- I will have company
- I will do chores in the house without an allowance!
- I will be out walking the dog AND think of all the fresh air and exercise I'll get.
Okay so the list went on and on. However, my eldest son did corner me because I told him that if he took on dog walking for a year ( walking the neighbours dog) then that would prove some sort of responsibility. SO of course after the year was up, he asked me again and proved his case. I thought he would have forgotten. I guess this kid's going to become a lawyer! I then advised him that if we dogsit then that would also prove the responsibility. So along came Mia, a sweet natured boxer & terrier mix. Our neighbour was going on holidays and asked us to look after Mia...we graciously accepted. What perfect timing I thought. This was sure going to be a summer to remember. A dog to look after for a whole month! Deven promised to get up at 6am everyday to walk Mia. Surely that won't happen I thought. Well, Deven did surprise me. He got up everyday for an entire month and walked Mia. They were inseparable. We loved Mia so much that it was hard for us when the neighbours came and took her home. Sometimes she would sprint down our street on her walks to see if we were around.
On our family trip to Tremblant in 2008, stuck indoors on a rainy day we happened to watch the Wesminster dog show and this cute little dog named "Uno" became the first beagle to win best in show . The kids got quite interested and we took over Amit's ( my husband) laptop and googled and gathered information on Beagles. Those adorable floppy long ears and sweet face just got to my heart. Beagles are high-energy, carefree, stubborn and strong willed. If you don't give them enough exercise then that build-up of energy may release some of the mischievous nature in them. Perfect fit for the family!
My husband was having a panic attack as he thought it would be too much for us to handle a dog. I decided I wanted one as well. Perhaps it would be nice for the kids. I convinced Amit, my husband and he reluctantly agreed. I think he was missing Mia.
So along came Winston, our dearest and youngest member of the family. The little guy was 8 weeks old when we picked him up from the breeder. I read beagle books, all about training, asked my friends in the neighbourhood about vets, best food etc... Yes...he was really stubborn with the training but our dog trainer kept us focused and told us not to give up... We trained Winston in the middle of winter. I would advise others to get a dog during the spring as all those trips outdoors training a dog can be extremely tiring. We managed to get through the winter of 2009 and trained Winston. We were on shifts for training. I was the morning shift, Deven the afternoon shift and Amit was evening shift. Dylan our youngest said that he was exempt due to his age plus being -30 he said it was not a good idea for him to go out in the cold. Hmn! Smart Kid!
Winston gives us so much happiness, love and he's just a wonderful dog. After owning a dog, I totally understand how owners talk to their dogs when walking them, all about the unconditional love they provide, how you'll do anything to look after their health and buy those treats and toys without even thinking! Training is a must and if you do decide to get one, do your research as to what breed is best for your lifestyle, factor in vet costs and remember patience is a must.
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