Oh Lordy, Please Help!

[codexsmom]

I am posting this for my sister, because she sent this to me in an e-mail. I want to e-mail her back with all of your opinions, not just mine. I own two collies, but this is what she e-mailed me:


I went to John's* house today to pick up the kids, and I saw the new puppy he bought. It's a Shetland Sheepdog, but John said he can't handle the rambunctious puppy. Remember Gracie*? Well, this was a Gracie moment. I look at the puppy (John named him Rocket), and I nearly started crying. He was so cute!

I offered John 125$ for him, without the crate, food and stuff. I have to pick rocket up by Friday night, and I need your help, (*insert my name here*)! You bought all the stuff for Gracie and I only had her for three months. Can you send me a list of what I should buy? What about training? Will you come over and help me?

What I need:
1. A list of things I need to buy before tommorow (friday) night.
2. Some training tips. (Rocket is 14 weeks old, 15 on saturday)
3. A couple quick tips and advice.

(*my name here*), your realy good with dogs! You brought up Codex and Bonkers up great, you need to help me with Rocket!

Sincerely,
~ (*enter my sisters name here*)

* John is my sister's ex-husband.

** Gracie is a stray dog my sister took in a long time ago. Whenever my sister sees a yellow lab now, she always says 'that dog looks like gracie'. It was realy sad. Gracie was nearly her best friend, and someone stole Gracie and shot her because they were scared they would get caught.



My sister has a heart bigger than her brain, but I realy think she has the capability to take in this dog. She took good care of Gracie, she just needs a good chance. Rocket is a perfect oppertunity for her. So, can you guys PLEASE help me here? I want to make sure I give Rocket a good home, especially because my sister needs him right now.

 

[Zoom]

We're always happy to help, but as you already own two dogs, what exactly are you asking us for? You already know what she needs to buy.

Training tips would be to make sure the dog is current on his vaccinations and start teaching him proper manners immediatly.

 

[ToscasMom]

The best advice I can give you is to tell your sister to contact a professional obedience trainer in her area and start training the dog ASAP.

As for the list of things she will need, with two Collies, I imagine you pretty much know what the dog needs. Good food, a vet appointment (and up to date shots), leash, collar, a crate if that's what she will be using. And plenty of time, energy and patience.

 

[codexsmom]

I know. I wanted a second opinion so I don't screw up or forget anything. I want this to be good for my sister. When we were growing up we had a GSD named Spud, when we I was in grade 8 and she was in grade 5, we came home and found out my dad had put Spud down. My sister doesn't have a lot of social interaction.

Thank you guys!

 

[noludoru]

I'll bite.

You will need.. I mean your sister will need:

-Crate: something that will eventually be his as an adult but with a divider in it
-Leash and Collar: something strong that fits. Possibly a harness as well
-High-quality dog food: Innova, Karma, Orijen, Canidae, etc. Tell her to avoid pet stores and things she sees commercials for.
-Bowls: I personally like stainless steel, but anything with a heavy base that is functional will do
-Toys: Tennis balls, bully sticks, etc. Buy cheap stuff at first till you find out if he's picky.
-Baby Gates: Unless you have a terribly small house and every room has doors, and you don't have other pets.. I see a possible need for one.
-Several good books.. How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With, Don't Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor, etc.
-Grooming Tools: Brushes, especially if he is a shepherd mix. Combs. A shedding rake for when he's older.
-Nail Clippers: self-explanatory.
-Puppy-proof house. Yeah. Necessary.
-Bitter Apple: to spray on things he might like chewing.
-Earplugs: for when he barks in his crate at night.
-Nature's Miracle: for accidents that will happen unless he's watched 100% of the time.
-A camera.
-A lot of patience and energy.

 

[Mayasmydobe]

why not encourage her to join Chaz? she will get a butt-load of usefull information here and that way you wont be her only source for questions, that might keep you from getting stressed out.

 

[squirtsmom]

Send her over.