[nagdu] Intro and Pondering a Second Guide

[Debby Phillips]

Hi Joe, my name is Debby and I'm a TSE grad.  Yes, three years is 
a while to be without a dog, and every dog is different.  Every 
dog has some issues, but yes, that wonderful smooth traveling is, 
for me, worth it all.  I love walking with my Neena.  She's my 
7th dog.  I definitely understand about issues.  I've never 
worked with a Shepherd, so I can't compare.  But I have had four 
Goldens.  Yes, they can be pretty silly when not working, but 
they are loyal and hard workers.  They are very much into 
pleasing their person.  They are very loving, and loyal.  However 
they love everybody.  Lol.  That can be a good, and bad thing.  
It's bad because they have to be worked with so that they don't 
want to socialize with other people that you come into contact 
with.  It's good though in that my Neena is actually helping with 
my granddaughter.  My granddaughter is a special needs little 
girl and something with her really clicks with Neena.  I am 
amazed at how good Neena is with her, and how wonderfully she 
interacts with Neena.

I think only you will be able to decide whether you should have a 
dog again.  There are definitely advantages and disadvantages.  
You have probably gone over all of those in your head a million 
times.  So what ow will say to you is this: if you decide to get 
another dog you aren't alone in doing the education thing, we all 
do it all the time, and yes, it gets to be a real bummer 
sometimes.  When push comes to shove, it will be what YOU feel 
inside.

One of the things I noticed since my last time at Seeing Eye are 
that all of us used crates, no tie downs.  Some people like this 
and some don't.  Crates do take up a lot of room, but they also 
give the dogs a safe place to go, and also sometimes it gives you 
a break from an exuberant puppy.  (Grin).  The second change I 
noticed since 2008 is that we feed our dogs dry, not putting 
water on their food.  It doesn't seem to bother Neena at all, she 
drinks plenty of water.  Otherwise at this moment (and maybe cuz 
it's morning) I can't think of anything too relevant to say.  
Hopefully I haven't rambled too much.  Good luck in your 
decision.    Peace,    Debby and Neena