posted 12-11-2003 09:29 PM         

Anyhow--DAPHNE:

So your choices your going w/ are the Cocker-Spaniel or a Toy Poodle... Wow, tuff choice!
I'd probably go w/ the toy poodle... But that's me.

I remember in a post a while back that you said your currently in highschool, correct?
Well, are you working at the same time going to school?
If no, than this is a MAJOR reason why you should/need to tell your mom.
Whomever is going to be "financially" responsible for taking care of your new puppy is going to have to know, no joke.
$MONEY$ IS ALWAYS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE.

You say that you have the time & patience, and i'm sure you do, but like you said your still under your parents roof, and possibly their still your guardians. Meaning, that they (your parents) will be the ones "responsible" for your new puppy/dog.
Even though your gonna be the main person to raise the puppy, and perhaps become the pups "master" so to speak, if your still under 18 years old, your parents deserve all the rights to know what your gonna bring home and add to your family, regardless.
(look at me, sounding like i'm a parent... LOL )

Look at it this way... If you know your Mom loves dogs, and you know that she would'nt dare try to find another home for your surprising new family memeber, than you have nothing to worry about. Tell her.
If you know that your "ready" and prepared to handle the responsibilities of raising and taking care of your new Spaniel or Poodle, then show your mom how prepared you are.
Tell her what you've learned about the certain breeds (Spaniel or Poodle) and what you know about caring for puppies/dogs in general. I'm sure she'll be happy to hear that your not only eager, but your seriously "prepared".
Most importantly, tell/show her that it would'nt effect your school grades, and stick to your word .

Well, if all else fails... It's time to do HOUSE CHORES !!!

posted 12-11-2003 11:09 PM         

If you don't mind my asking...how old are you? I think I remember you saying you were in high school. The reason I ask is because it has some impact on what the future brings. Will you be going to college?

posted 12-12-2003 08:09 AM         

Waking up at 1-2 4am to let it out, cleaning up the accidents and stuff it tore up. It will play alot, needs much vet care and costs a pretty penny, plus with that mixture not only is it going to be hyper, but will need grooming.

So if your really prepare, which I don't think you are, you better get these supplies:

Bowl for water
Bowl for food
Kennel
chewies
Puppy food canned and wet
Health Check from your vet
Vaccinations for all the following: Parvo
Parainfluenza, Distemper, Canine hepatitis, Rhino, and later the Rabies,
Your going to need to worm it ever 10 days 3 times....then monthly,
you'll probably need suppliments and vitamins
collar
leash
bed
and training pads.

And thats only the begining and the basics...its going to need much attention, love and care.

posted 12-12-2003 01:59 PM         

Is it possible to ask the breeder (or have your friends ask the breeder) if the dog can stay with the mom for 2 more weeks? Perhaps offer to pay her for her trouble? Unless the breeder's home is not a good environment, like if she really doesn't want the puppies and just wants them to be gone. In which case, the dog is better off in your home, even at 6 weeks.

I would thank your friends, and then somehow tactfully make it known that buying an animal for someone is NOT a good idea. It is a HUGE responsibility that no one should be thrust into without their consent. And with something like a dog that will be with you for the next 15 years or so, it's nice to be able to pick one out yourself so you get what you want.