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May I suggest a cockapoo (cocker spaniel-poodle mix) for a dog? My dog Stalker is a very bright, friendly, loving dog. He especially enjoys swimming and catching cloth Frisbees. He doesn’t shed much, and I think poodle fur is supposed to be hypoallergenic. He is named after the Russian science fiction movie Stalker (directed by Andrei Tarkovsky). The premise of the movie is that a meteor has crashed in Siberia and created an area called The Zone that is full of strange alien artifacts and deadly mantraps. Despite the danger people try to get into the Zone because of a rumor that in the center of the Zone is a room. Anyone who enters that room will receive their hearts deepest wish. The army surrounds the Zone to keep people from entering, because no one can be sure what someone’s deepest wish might turn out to be. The Stalkers are people who guide pilgrims past the army patrols and through the dangers of the Zone to get their wishes. (I tell you all this so you won’t be scared off by Stalker’s name.) It is a very spiritual movie, which is surprising, considering that it was made in Brezhnev’s Russia. A dog figures in the movie, I think as a counterpoint to all of the intellectual-spiritual-psychological argument engaged in by a small group of pilgrims. The point of the dog in the movie is to remind us that humans have an animal as well as an intellectual side. Which is the purpose of dogs and pets in general. To help us stay grounded in the animal part of our nature. Dogs can’t get you into that Room, but they can help lead you there.
If you get a rescue dog, see if you can go to a rescue that will let you meet the dog first. I was able to do that with my dog and it was really great. You are able to get a better idea of the size and temperment of the dog if you are able to spend some time with them before you get them. Also I agree with Kira, with small kids in the house it is better to get a puppy, even if it’s an older puppy like 6 or 7 months. It is better to socialize the dog to fit your familes lifestyle than get an older dog that may have more issues. It is alot of work but in my opinion worth it. There were times i was ready to send my dog to my sisters and be rid of her but after a few months of consistant training she is really amazing and I can’t imagine life without her.
My dog is what they call a Lurcher, border collie/whippet mix with probably other stuff. But she doesn’t shed much, she doesn’t bark (which is why they called the lurcher the poacher’s dog) and although she loves to run when you give her the chance she’s a couch potato because of the whippet in her.
My oldest daughter with her pup. See how great it is to have a dog.