I was watching the Westminster Dog Show this week, the Terrier group to be specific, and was reminded for the first time in many years of my first dog, Sandy. She was a smooth-hair Fox Terrier, a breed you don’t see very often these days, was lovely and, well… a little bit mentally challenged. You could say she wasn’t the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree but she was patient and kind with my sister and me and a good first dog. My parents got her when I was just a toddler so I have no actual memory of when she first came to our household. She was an integral part of my childhood until she died at age 12 or 13 — I can’t quite remember. I do remember her as a sweet and long-suffering dog confirmed by hours of dressing her up in our clothes like she was one of our dolls.
I wonder if my penchant for loving terriers stems from having a terrier around from the time I was barely crawling. My family owned many other breeds over the years from Irish Setters, to Dachshunds, but as an adult I was instinctively drawn to terriers. They are spunky dogs with intelligence (Sandy aside) and wit. I love their tenacity and playfulness, and particularly the look of a wired-haired terrier. My favorite would have to be the Border Terrier which originates in, and takes its name from, the area near the border between England and Scotland. Their original purpose was to kill foxes and rodents, but they have been used to hunt otters and even badgers. We got our Border Terrier, Rosie, from a farm in Cambridge when we were living in England, and she is absolutely one of the best dogs we’ve ever had.
It’s important to carefully consider the breed and temperament of a dog when you bring it into your family. And by the way, I think a good temperament trumps breed any day of the week! Sandy’s temperament was perfect as I cannot remember one incident when she was aggressive towards us.
Sometime when I’m volunteering at the shelter or on off-site adoption events, I have the honor of helping families with small children select their first dog. Often they are immediately drawn to the smallest puppies and I always remind them that as adorable as the baby is, in a few short days the puppy phase will pass, and the adolescent stage will arrive bringing with it chewing, house training and socializing. The brunt of this work usually falls on the mother, and with small children at home it can be quite overwhelming. At any given day there are plenty of young adult dogs at the shelter to choose from that will fit well into the family dynamic.
You will want your children to have a good experience with their first dog because this impression could determine how they react to animals their whole lives. Take your time with this decision. Make sure the dog is child-safe and that the whole family is committed to caring for the dog. An impulse decision can lead to many arguments and a lot of heartache. The right dog will not only be a good and loving companion, but teach caring, responsibility and selflessness while bringing joy, laughter and togetherness to your family.
u
Denise Cook is a freelance writer/photographer for the Weatherford Democrat, co-founder of Parker Paws, a non-profit in support of the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter, and a lifetime pet owner. Contact Denise at denise@parkerpaws.org, call (817)597-5784, or visit parkerpaws.org.
Lifestyles
A family's first dog
Denise Cook, Democrat Columnist
- Lifestyles
-
-
Hiatt, Duckworth announce plans to marry June 29
Some are granted the blessing of loving deeply only once in a lifetime. For a few, that blessing happens twice.
-
Weaver, Benefiel tie the knot in Grapevine
Rikki Leigh Weaver and Brandon Joe Benefiel united in marriage the evening of May 4, 2013, at Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine.
-
From daughter to mother: a special Mother’s Day reflection
For this Mother’s Day I thought I would say something special about my mom. I rarely say anything, I guess because I take a lot of what she does for granted, because she is mom to me. But there is more to this woman than I could ever have hoped for.
-
Audet, Richardson plan October nuptials
Michele and Jim Audet, of Weatherford, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Rene Audet, to Scott Maclean Richardson, of Washington, D.C.
-
Richards celebrate 60 years of marriage
Celebrating 60 years of love and marriage, David and Jewell Richards of Weatherford are happy to announce their anniversary this May.
-
Bunns to celebrate 25th anniversary
Spending a quarter of a century in love with one person is to be celebrated.
-
WB, Totsie Cook celebrate 70 years of marriage
William Burton Cook and Totsie Dean Grisham celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on April 24. They were married at Shep, Taylor County, Texas, the evening of April 24, 1943, in the home of Rev. Willie Brown, the local Baptist pastor, with Mrs. Brown as the witness.
-
White, Rigacci unite in marriage
Brittany White and Fernando Rigacci were united in marriage March 23, 2013, in the Rotunda at the Dallas Petroleum Club.
-
Horton, Williams engaged
Eddie and Kathryn Horton are pleased to announce the engagament of their daughter, Kathryn Renee Horton to Nathan Douglas Williams, son of Michael and Charla Williams of Amarillo.
-
Stowe-Coronado engaged
Roy and Leslie Stowe, of Azle, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Nicole Stowe, to David Michael Coronado, son of Dave and Debbie Coronado, of Comanche.
- More Lifestyles Headlines
-
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
