April 16, 2006
Man's Best Friend
So, after wanting one for forever, and thinking about it for a long time, and researching it seriously for the last month or so, I'm finally getting close to having a dog again. The itch has been there for a long time - I've had a dog in my home for most of my life, including just about my entire time in Jacksonville, as well as most of my time in the fraternity. It's been almost three years now since I've had a dog, and while I missed having one the whole time, for one reason or another I got real serious about it lately. I think that part of the reason it took so long was that, though I've always had dogs, I've never purchased one, nor have I been the sole owner for one, so admittedly I was a bit nervous.
For months I've been considering what I would want to get, and my initial thoughts were to get a beagle. I can't say why exactly: maybe it's because I simply love the way they look. It's more than just that though - I love their energy, loyalty, adventurous spirit, and low-maintenance coat. But I was hesitant because of their stubbornness towards obedience, high cost, and tendency to bay quite loudly. In the end, I decided that it would be a safe move to avoid a beagle. This means that it's unlikely that one of my roommates or neighbors will kill me due to the barking at all hours, so I guess that's a good side-benefit.
After doing some research and trying several online "dog breed picker" surveys, I stumbled across the Brittany (above, left). Honestly, I had never heard of them before, and still have not seen one in person, but everything I have read about them sounds fantastic. The first thing I noticed is how sharp they look - though they have several coat colors, orange/white is the most common, and I think it's a great look. Plus, they have a really intelligent and alert face, which isn't just pretend: they are a highly intelligent and aware breed, which comes from years and years of being bred as a bird hunting dog.
Beyond their appearance and intelligence, they have a lot of other good traits:
- Like beagles, they are a very high-activity breed, though not as hyperactive. They love a good run/swim/hunt, which fits in nicely with my desire to have a running partner.
- Their coat, though medium in length, is surprisingly low-maintenance, and produces minimal shedding.
- They are hypoallergenic, making them great for people with allergies.
- They are highly sociable dogs - they get along great with other dogs, humans, and children.
Everything I have read suggests that they are a great breed, and I think getting one will be a good fit for me. I should know a lot more once I actually make a visit out to a breeder to see the dogs in action. Thus begins the long road toward actually getting a Brittany...
... which is actually proving more difficult than I thought. I figured I would do this right, and actually buy one from a responsible breeder. I know this is a contentious issue, but it's nice to know that a dog was raised right, and you can learn a lot about him from his parents. I've been making some calls, trying to find some referrals for local breeders, and it's just about impossible to get anyone to answer me. I did, however, get ahold of one breeder who lives about an hour north of here (in the bustling metropolis of Clemont, GA) and we had a nice talk. Apparently, the male dog who he has been breeding with is a local champion, which means the puppies are likely going to be from excellent stock. I'm going to be speaking with him in two weeks about coming out for a visit. Hopefully I will make it out there, like what I see, and get my name on the waiting list for one of the pups. They only just bred last week, so the pups wouldn't be ready to come home for 3-4 months, which gives me plenty of time to get what I need and mentally prepare for the changes associated with being a dog owner.
Galleries Updated
For those interested, I posted two new galleries: some pictures of our house, and some random pics/videos of my roommate being retarded on Easter with his paintball gun. Fun times. Go to the main page and look at the "galleries" section on the left for your viewing pleasure.
Three's Company
In other news, our new roommate Adam has been in for awhile now. I think things are all settled now, and the arrangement has been working out quite nicely. On the pro side, it's nice having another friend and fraternity brother around for those times when nothing else is going on. In addition, his exercise routine is pretty regular, as far as running and weightlifting, which provides me some encouragement to keep going with my own development. Not that I couldn't do it on my own, but it helps to have someone else there who's going through the same kind of stuff. Call it mutual reinforcement, I guess (though I doubt I'm having any reverse effect on him, but whatever). Contrast this with Jeff, my other roommate, who pretty much does nothing. Just seeing someone else trying to stay in shape helps keep it on my own mind.
There haven't been any real negatives. Sharing a bathroom for the first time in awhile isn't as painful as I expected (it helps that Adam is pretty clean). And our schedules are staggered enough that we don't get in each other's way. However, we have a tendency to get on each other's nerves a bit. I think this is just because we're both more outspoken and particular than Jeff, who is extremely easy-going and wouldn't complain unless you really put him to it. So, we've butted heads a few times, but nothing serious. All in all I think it's a positive experience.
What's Wrong With This Picture?
First, a disclaimer: Netflix is a wonderful service, and has consistently provided me with good movie recommendations based on my personal tastes.
But I guess even the best are prone to an error in judgment on occasion. Either that, or I need to seek counselling. Behold for yourself:
