Do I need this? Enablers welcome.

[kgizo]

If he’s a rescue - YES! If not, the shelters are full so perhaps you can find an Aussie rescue group. As others have mentioned, aussie’s are great dogs but they are a working breed so you will need to keep him mentally and physically stimulated with walks, toys and training. He is super cute!

 

[mrs-b]

Ok - just came back to add.....

My life largely revolves around dogs. Rescue, show, household pets, breeding - etcetcetc.

My rules of thumb are these:

1) can you afford it? That's always the number one question for me. Food, grooming, dog walkers, vets, boarding, trainers, destroyed...everything, all of it! Dogs = $$$.

2) do you have the time? Dogs are time-sucks, and puppies especially. You're mom. That's it - no equivocation. When that dog toddles through the door - you're mom, for the duration of its existence.

3) can the household tolerate it? Kids, husbands, other dogs - is EVERYONE on board?

4) (and this is the deal breaker....) - were you intentionally looking for a dog BEFORE you saw this face? If so - and if the answer to the first three questions is yes - then have at it! But if you weren't, an adorable face is not a good enough reason to get a puppy, and a puppy who looks like that is never going to be short of a home.

I occasionally do new-home interviews for new rescue adopters, and those are the questions I ask. So I thought they might be of use to you in this situation. Adorable puppies raise an emotional, visceral response. But there ain't nothin' warm and fuzzy about changing the sheets because the puppy peed on the bed at 2am.

(...and I definitely agree with @kgizo's comments above.)

ETA And I'm sorry if I sound like a party pooper - I don't mean to! I suspect, from what I know of you, Gussie, that you're an excellent dog mom!

 

[DAF]

Yes, you NEED him. Love the bright blues with the merle pattern. I have a bi-blue sheltie. Smart as a whip, very visual.

 

[Cluless]

Yes he looks like an Australian Sheppard.
Our Rocky had a sister that could have been this little guys twin, Rocky was black and white from the same liter lol.
Smart, you bet ya! He knew when it was Friday 4:30 PM and would sit by he fridge and wait for me to clean it out and give him leftovers and he was veeeeeeery patient as long as he got what he wanted at the end lol .
Gosh I miss him xo

 

[scouty]

Look at his spotted nose!!! What a cutie

 

[Bonfire]

YooHoo @Gussie don’t keep me in suspense!

 

[Gussie]

Wow! What glorious enablers yall are! I appreciate all of the feedback.

He is a mini Aussie and will only be about 25 lbs, small compared to my 75 lb. lab and 65 lb. mixed breed. I can easily check all boxes on @mrs-b list and meet @Arcadian points as well.

The only thing holding me back is traveling back and forth to the lakehouse. I fully admit 2 dogs and 3 kids already makes for a long drive, even in a Suburban. Adding another pup does give me pause.

I have wanted an Aussie for quite sometime and he popped up on my FB feed. He is from a reputable breeder and they do have puppies often so he doesn't "need" a home in a rescue sense. In fact, I suspect if I don't put a deposit down soon, I will miss him. So, hearing that dilemma, what are yall's thoughts?

 

[bludiva]

yesssssss! adorable. and if i remember correctly you have room for this little one to run.

the pets still don't outnumber the people so, you're good =D

 

[scouty]

My dog would love to go to a lakehouse seems he will have a great life. My brother has a mini Aussie, he is very loyal and attached to his owners. Loves to go for runs with them. Not sure that a 3rd dog is much more "work" after you already have 2! Also a 25lb dog is very manageable size.

 

[Bonfire]

How would you feel if someone snatched him up? Disappointed, indifference, relief, mad at yourself, I can always get one later? How is the rest of the family weighing in?
Yikes, sorry for the interrogation.

 

[eapj]

I’m getting third dog on Saturday so I’m a huge yes!!!!!!

 

[Horsegirl76]

How old are your other two dogs? I only ask because that factors in when I decide to get another dog. I have a mixed breed that is now 11 and my beloved running companion, but I know she only has a few more years with us, so I got a puppy for Christmas to start up. I usually follow this cycle for my dogs and horses so I am not so devastated as to not be able to get another. I have one that comforts me through the loss. I know this is a different approach but maybe it will help with your decision.

 

[TooPatient]

I'd have to meet and decide if personalities matched.

Right this minute, I am exhausted and the thought of adding another anything to make more messes and noise and expense and fur is just more than I can handle. I love all of my furries, but it gets to be much. In your case, I would also look at the age of the kids. Are they able to help? Are they old enough to have lives but still have interest? Our neighbor ran into problems when his kids hit high school age as they had sports and other things and the dogs didn't get the attention they needed. He was running non-stop trying to get the kids to everything so he couldn't give the dogs as much time as they needed either. (They ended up at a wonderful ranch home with lots of love and the neighbor got plenty of pictures and the occasional visit until both dogs passed away.)

Breeding is a tough subject. Especially with breeds with lots of them in the shelters. If you know the person and they really are reputable -- all medical tests done, pampered mama dog, limited litters, etc then maybe. Too many of the "reputable" ones will still dump any less than perfect at the area shelters and/or the mama when she is done. If you know this is not the situation, then go back to the last paragraph.

 

[TooPatient]

Oh, and $$$$ and time for regular care almost went without saying. My three dogs eat 8 cups of food per day. That comes out to 2 bags per month at about $65/bag. Not bad. Until you get to the vet....
One of my guys routinely hurts himself and goes to the emergency vet 2-3 times per year. $500-900/visit. Plus the regular vet for each. Plus cones, bandages, etc, etc, etc, etc.
Each emergency vet last 2-5 hours depending on what he did and how busy they are.


ETA: On a purely selfish side..... DO IT!!!! I need beautiful puppy pictures to look at and there is no way I am going to be getting one.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Pop him in your backpack----DONE!

cheers--Sharon

 

[the_mother_thing]

OMG he is too cute! I wouldn’t object to seeing more pictures of his adorable, furry self!

One of the local upscale jewelers I used to visit, the owner had one that he brought into the store periodically. He was so sweet, cuddly and loving ... in hindsight, I think I stopped in there more often to see and snuggle the pup than the bling.

 

[Gussie]

I completely understand going the rescue route but I have had my heart set on a mini Aussie for a long time. My childhood dog was an Aussie and I loved him so much. Our current dogs were both rescued, Dirk the lab, was from an accident litter of 2 full blood labs. Long story there, but we ended up with a fabulous dog. He's nearly human (except he will get the corn husks from tamales out of the trash every single time, lol). We adopted Gus, the mix, from a no kill shelter when he was about 12 weeks old. He was fostered by a really nice old lady who spoiled him rotten. We have definitely had challenges with Gus. He looks exactly like a brown and white Border Collie. He absolutely loves us. LOVES US. He's fine with other dogs but not so much people outside our family. He really scared me a few times snarling at my kids friends. Last year we sent him to an intensive training camp for 6 weeks. We missed him terribly but they sent weekly videos and kept in touch with his progress. It was the only way we could keep him; although he never bit anyone, he was on his way. When he came back, he was unbelievably well trained. He is a much better dog but we all still watch him closely. He doesn't "act out" very often but we all had to learn to handle him. Gus has my heart for sure but it was pretty stressful, and training was $3600!!! So, this time I am going buy from a breeder. I know it probably seems a bit selfish but I would like to have a better idea of temperament, kwim?

Soooooo, I sent the deposit!!!!

 

[Slickk]

Yay @Gussie I was rooting for this to come to fruition! Congratulations! You definitely seem like you have the perfect family to bring a new pup into! So looking forward to following along your journey if you care to share. I just lost my pooch of 17 years and I am living vicariously through @Queenie60 and you. A loving pet is priceless! Can’t wait for more pics! When do you get to bring him home and what will you name him?

 

[eapj]

@Gussie - congrats! FWIW I’m in a similar spot - 2 rescues now (and two before that) and the two we have now are challenging in several ways. The 3rd we’re getting is from a breeder and it took me me years to come to terms with that and be able to say yes to it but my husband and has always wanted a certain breed and we want an idea of temperament this time because of our current high maintenance 8 and 9 year old dogs. I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ll rescue again when the time is right.

when do you bring the new pup home? So exciting!!!

 

[Gussie]

Yay @Gussie I was rooting for this to come to fruition! Congratulations! You definitely seem like you have the perfect family to bring a new pup into! So looking forward to following along your journey if you care to share. I just lost my pooch of 17 years and I am living vicariously through @Queenie60 and you. A loving pet is priceless! Can’t wait for more pics! When do you get to bring him home and what will you name him?

I probably won't sleep for 2 weeks! He's only 6 weeks now so 2 week wait. Still thinking about names.

 

[the_mother_thing]

@Gussie Please don’t feel compelled to justify your decision, though I do appreciate that you have adopted rescues and all you did to help Gus acclimate behaviorally. All too many would have discarded him; thankfully he landed with a caring, loving family. I know breeders as a whole get a bad rep, but there are legitimate reasons people want/need to go that route. You’re expanding your fur-family, and that’s a wonderful thing! Congrats!

@Slick1 I’m so sorry to hear you’ve recently lost your fur-family member; that is a pain we never fully “get used to” no matter how many times we face it, nor do I think we ever fully heal from. ((hugs))

 

[Jambalaya]

I don't know, maybe the little puppy would be better in a quieter household with more individual attention. Two large dogs and three kids sounds kinda stressful for the little guy.

 

[Jambalaya]

Argh, sorry, I didn't read the update! Congratulations, and I'm sure everything will work out well!

 

[Bonfire]

 

[OboeGal]

@Gussie, I just want to throw out another caution here. You've described some behavioral issues with Gus - when you add another dog into the pack, and especially when you go from a two-dog pack to a three-dog pack, it will really destabilize the pack dynamics, and they will have to resettle into a new normal. This could bring Gus' problems to the forefront again, or change the manifestation of them, or create new ones with him or with Dirk. Given Gus' history, I would undertake this very carefully and with plenty of professional guidance.

 

[Gussie]

@OboeGal , I definitely considered this too. He has never had a problem with other dogs or puppies. My sister has brought her puppy to visit and my parents always bring their dog when they come. He plays with the neighbors dogs and they have 3. I will definitely keep the trainer on call but I think he will be fine.

 

[Gussie]

Yay @Gussie I was rooting for this to come to fruition! Congratulations! You definitely seem like you have the perfect family to bring a new pup into! So looking forward to following along your journey if you care to share. I just lost my pooch of 17 years and I am living vicariously through @Queenie60 and you. A loving pet is priceless! Can’t wait for more pics! When do you get to bring him home and what will you name him?

I'm so sorry @Slick1 for your loss. It is so hard to lose them, they are family for sure.

 

[Gussie]

@Gussie - congrats! FWIW I’m in a similar spot - 2 rescues now (and two before that) and the two we have now are challenging in several ways. The 3rd we’re getting is from a breeder and it took me me years to come to terms with that and be able to say yes to it but my husband and has always wanted a certain breed and we want an idea of temperament this time because of our current high maintenance 8 and 9 year old dogs. I totally understand where you’re coming from. I’ll rescue again when the time is right.

when do you bring the new pup home? So exciting!!!

We are in the same boat! What are you getting? Pics?

 

[Cluless]

I completely understand going the rescue route but I have had my heart set on a mini Aussie for a long time. My childhood dog was an Aussie and I loved him so much. Our current dogs were both rescued, Dirk the lab, was from an accident litter of 2 full blood labs. Long story there, but we ended up with a fabulous dog. He's nearly human (except he will get the corn husks from tamales out of the trash every single time, lol). We adopted Gus, the mix, from a no kill shelter when he was about 12 weeks old. He was fostered by a really nice old lady who spoiled him rotten. We have definitely had challenges with Gus. He looks exactly like a brown and white Border Collie. He absolutely loves us. LOVES US. He's fine with other dogs but not so much people outside our family. He really scared me a few times snarling at my kids friends. Last year we sent him to an intensive training camp for 6 weeks. We missed him terribly but they sent weekly videos and kept in touch with his progress. It was the only way we could keep him; although he never bit anyone, he was on his way. When he came back, he was unbelievably well trained. He is a much better dog but we all still watch him closely. He doesn't "act out" very often but we all had to learn to handle him. Gus has my heart for sure but it was pretty stressful, and training was $3600!!! So, this time I am going buy from a breeder. I know it probably seems a bit selfish but I would like to have a better idea of temperament, kwim?

Soooooo, I sent the deposit!!!!

awww look at those adorable little faces sitting there waiting for their brother to come home !

Congrats Gussie, I'm excited for you!!

 

[LemonMoonLex]

My mother just got this little guy, a full shih tzu, after losing her one and only lap dog this year.

He is friggin' adorable, incredibly intelligent, and is TINY!

I feel as though Im dreaming whenever we come over to visit!
My daughter is in love with him!

Good luck & enjoy your life long journey with another added member to the family!!

Ive told my own beau that unfortunately I want to stay a cat owner and a cat owner forever because dogs - & especially puppies are SO much more work! Almost like a newborn & Id rather have some more humans before we ever get a dog! Real babies are enough for me right now!

My mothers new baby ❤