Who doesn't love a puppy?

So, Tom and I are thinking of getting a dog. I know that's a huge step. I know it's somewhat crazy for a single female who loves to pick up on a whim and fly across the country to get a dog, which requires constant love, attention, walks, and bathroom breaks.

But everytime I think about how happy it would make me to have a little friend here, I just have to smile. I am a dog person, and I miss my family dog who died a couple years ago (also named Tommy. hehe) Also Tom is extremely happy like a little kid when he thinks about us getting a dog.

So anyway, a few weeks ago we visited the humane shelter in the Raleigh area. That was an experience! I always knew a pet shelter to be this dark, dingy, concrete-ridden sad place where unwanted animals spent their last few days of life before being euthanized. Well the SPCA of Wake County runs this new adoption center that is absolutely phenomenal. It's a brand new facility, and there's like a dog wing, and a cat wing, etc. Then there is like a dog bedroom, a dog playroom, and it goes on forever! There is actually - or so it seems - a bit of competition to get the animal you want. We didn't find anything small enough to meet our needs or wants.

We've been checking Craig's List. I'm in touch with someone about these little black and white puppies - maybe even just being a foster home for one of them to try things out - but I am afraid they will grow to be too big. Hmmm.

But the two breeds we are most excited about are a puggle or a Cocker spaniel. They are both so cute. I lean more towards the puggle and Tom wants a Cocker because his grandfather (I believe) had one and he has good memories.

The only problem is I really hate the idea of buying a dog from a breeder. It's not the cost, but rather the principle of ignoring the bajillions of unwanted dogs being put to sleep each year in favor of designer dogs. Even just that phrase "designer dogs" totally sucks. But then I don't know if I should feel the guilt of all the dead pets in the world just because we choose a puggle. Again - hmmm. I'll let you know what we decide, if anything.