My dog situation.

[RealPitBull]

So...I thought I would just update everyone on what is going on with me, since everyone has been so kind to recommend tons of dogs available for adoption on a regular basis

Basically, I haven't been ready since Luca passed. I really felt like I needed some time. It wasn't just about Luca, it was about me and my personal life which has been very up in the air and I didn't think I could make the commitment to bring another dog in right this second.

But the past few weeks I have been really missing a dog. I miss being involved in rescue, I miss fostering, and I think instead of avoiding advocacy work due to my personal life, getting more involved, head first, is actually what I need. I hope RPB becomes more active in the second half of 2013, it is my life's work and the reason for me getting up in the morning, all things said and done.

Over the weekend, I heard about a French Bulldog that was losing her home. I've wanted a Frenchie for a while, and a small-ish dog, of a breed I've long-wanted, that was just falling into my lap, felt too much to pass up. As it stands now, her family has been wishy-washy, and I just don't know what is going on with her. The Universe knows what it is doing, so maybe right this second is not the best time for me to bring a dog in.

However, almost-getting a dog this past weekend really got me into a frame of mind where I realize I think I am ready, that I miss having a dog, and that maybe it is time to start looking. So last night I contacted Luca's breeder, as well as Castle Rock, just to put my feelers out there and let people know I was looking. We'll see what they say. I know Castle Rock has a gorgeous 1yr old show male available.....which would be perfect for me (due to my work sched, a puppy would not be the best bet).

I'm rambling...

I just wanted everyone to know what is going on. We shall see.

[michele5611]

He is a beauty!!!!!!

[loverocksalot]

I just want to say that yes you should get back into your life's calling. I dont know what exactly your situation is. But I will tell you that my mother is bi-polar, when she has had episodes they always came with schizophrenia type tendencies. (real bad). Anyway she normally is a very caring, giving and creative individual. No outsider could ever believe what I grew up with during my teen years. Anyway my point in saying this was when she had her last episode I told her among other things to use her artistic abilities and share it in order to get joy out of life. You see she loves the summer and when labor day comes she would go into depression that the pool was closing. She spent every day there and (volunteer) taught people to swim. So I suggested she volunteer at her church to teach arts and crafts. Which she did and is still doing up here (she moved up here 2 yrs ago from southern NY). Often making things which are donated to battered woman's shelter. It just makes the winter more enjoyable she has something to look forward too at the end of summer. She has been doing quite well for many years now even after loosing my step dad. Whatever is going on, I think for you getting back into things and getting a dog now that you feel ready is a great thing. Loosing your dog was a serious change to your life. The best thing anyone can do for them self is to just DO IT! Do life and love it! Regardless of what anyone has to say! It took me a while to learn this and now look, I admit I own an American Pit bull terrier, I am an NRA Pistol instructor. And Yes I do own an AR-15 and you can ask me why if you want to know why. I own and ride a Harley. I love heavy metal and hard Rock. I love classical too and to top it off it makes me happy to fix things and help people. And My dog taught me to be who you are and teach others not too shun because of these things that scare many people and never judge a book by its cover. OK now I am rambling.

[perseus]

I say ramble on ladies - it's all good. FWIW, I believe our dogs help us in so many ways w shit we struggle with.

[emilys]

Jan 22, 2013 11:23:30 GMT -5 perseus said:

I say ramble on ladies - it's all good. FWIW, I believe our dogs help us in so many ways w shit we struggle with.

I agree! and getting a dog is entirely a personal decision and no one else's damn business what kind or when. So do what your heart tells you, Mary!

[catstina]

We're all here to support you and we all believe in RPB.

[RealPitBull]

Btw, this is the dog I am currently considering:

vacavalleyamstaffs.com/Atom.html

[maryellen]

OMG... i think if you are ready he is the one for you...... you could always take a leap of faith and just GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nyri]

Wow, he is beautiful! Good luck with whatever you end up deciding

[AmyJo27]

He is GORGEOUS!!!!!!

What ever feels right to you is what you should do!!

Good luck, I know making these kind of choices are really hard to make.

[RealPitBull]

Atom is a Castle Rock / Vaca Valley dog.

[perseus]

Good looking bull dog

[melonie]

First off do what feels right in your heart, because at the end if the day, it's what you want that matters. We will be here to support you no matter what.

Second...that dog is beyond gorgeous!

Sent from my XT881 using proboards

[RealPitBull]

Yup, waiting to hear from Genoa at Vaca Valley. We shall see.....

[RealPitBull]

You guys make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Love yous!

[loverocksalot]

He is just gorgeous.

[adoptapitbull]

Wowza!!

[catstina]

Mary he is absolutely gorgeous!! If you end up bringing him home, you have to take so many pictures! Would you be showing him at all?

[RealPitBull]

So, I talked to Atom's breeder Genoa last night. To make a long story short, Atom sounds amazing. He is very solid, temperament wise, very loving and people-oriented. He is a typical, feisty intact male AmStaff. The reason Genoa is looking for a new home for him is that he was placed with a good friend of hers who eventually started having relationship problems and what it boils down to, the home just wasn't for Atom anymore.

Genoa first and foremost wants him to be a companion dog to sit on someone's couch and be loved. He can be a showdog second.

I'm going to sit on it over the weekend, but I just think that this dog is exactly what I had pictured when I got another AmStaff and it would be very hard to pass him up. So we shall see.

[adoptapitbull]

Like x100.

I wouldn't mind seeing photos of him every day.