My journey continues...

[finn's mom]

Hey, thanks guys. Donna, I know, I'm happy that this has happened for him and me, I think it's important, too, to be friends first...I've always lacked that connection at first.

Karen, me, too! We are going to take as many precautions as we need to to make this a smooth situation.

Any suggestions on introducing new dogs to eachother would be greatly appreciated, of course.

Dudley and Freckles are smaller dogs (schnauzer and whippet mix) and are both five. Finn, of course, is about 2 1/2 and weighs over 80 pounds. We're thinking of introducing them on neutral ground, off leash, with muzzles, just to be on the safe side. Not completely sure, though.

[carole]

Geez Kari i cannot believe i missed this, so sorry, but what wonderful news, so romantic, i wish you all the happiness in the world for you and David,you really do deserve it, so excited for you both, yahoo.

[finn's mom]

Geez Kari i cannot believe i missed this, so sorry, but what wonderful news, so romantic, i wish you all the happiness in the world for you and David,you really do deserve it, so excited for you both, yahoo.

It's all right, it wasn't up at the front for very long. I don't talk much on pet talk, so, I don't mind...it happens! Thank you for the well wishes, you are a friend, and, next time I chat, I'll more than likely be in Texas!

[Rachel]

Please let us know when you arrive safely, as some of us have a tendency to worry about *the youngins*. As for making the big decisions in life, I'm afraid it really never gets any easier. For what it is worth, I think you are right to take this opportunity to develop your relationship with David. It is a big step but finding your partner for life is well worth the risk.

[finn's mom]

Please let us know when you arrive safely, as some of us have a tendency to worry about *the youngins*. As for making the big decisions in life, I'm afraid it really never gets any easier. For what it is worth, I think you are right to take this opportunity to develop your relationship with David. It is a big step but finding your partner for life is well worth the risk.

Aw, thanks, I will for sure let everyone know when I get there tomorrow night! David has internet at home, so, before bed, I will post a new thread. And, yeah, I'm also not getting any younger, and, David and I both want children, and, we don't want to be 40 when we have our first. He's 31, and, I'll be 30 in September, so, if all goes well, we will be trying to have a child here in the next few years. Wow. Can't believe I'm even saying that!

[pitc9]

We're thinking of introducing them on neutral ground, off leash, with muzzles, just to be on the safe side. Not completely sure, though.

Yes, that is the BEST way!!
If none of the pups normally wear muzzles, then it's best not to start when you first get them together. Having something new on their faces/mouths may make them nervous and may send the wrong signal to the other pups!
Keep in mind... good meeting behavior for dogs are to greet one another side by side. (head to butt) Not so much straight on. To a dog, that is the least threatening greeting posture.
(Learned that by reading the book "How to Talk Dog" Lots of good things in there!)
I wish you all the luck in the world!!

[RobiLee]

Wishing you all the best. Have a safe trip.

[beeniesmom]

I just saw this now! Whoohoooo! Good luck!

[finn's mom]

Yes, that is the BEST way!!
If none of the pups normally wear muzzles, then it's best not to start when you first get them together. Having something new on their faces/mouths may make them nervous and may send the wrong signal to the other pups!
Keep in mind... good meeting behavior for dogs are to greet one another side by side. (head to butt) Not so much straight on. To a dog, that is the least threatening greeting posture.
(Learned that by reading the book "How to Talk Dog" Lots of good things in there!)
I wish you all the luck in the world!!

Thanks! I will let you all know how the introductions go.

[finn's mom]

And, thank you Carmen and Robin! I'm excited!