Good advice. Lots of it.
“If I ever get another dog,” Sarah tells me, “it will be a foster.” Sherry says, “My vote is for a shelter dog. Rescued souls are the sweetest, and usually grateful.” Mimi, who’s all for the rescue thing, adds, “Don’t let guilt get to you . . . like, awww, I should rescue a dog. Listen to your heart and find a pal with whom you can enjoy life.”
And then there’s Mary. Mary writes, “You’ll know the right dog when you meet him.” This after gently reminding me, “You know I’ve had beagles since 1967.” In the same vein, my sister: “After careful consideration, I think you should get another beagle.” Wait a minute. Haven’t I said on multiple occasions, if I ever even think about getting another beagle, please shoot me? I wrote back to Sandy: “I always thought the definition of insanity was doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Of course Robby, ever open-minded and always ready to compromise, said, after reading my “Future Dog” post: “Ricky is actually 16 times better looking than any of these dogs.”
Oh, my, my, my.
In the meantime, I’ve been hanging out quite a bit with Luke Jr., Mark’s German Shepherd, as I ponder ways to make Carol see what an amazing choice a dog like this would be. So far she’s not been able to see it. We also have a date to visit with Gustav the Norwegian Buhund next week in New Paltz. And last night I got to snuggle with Sammy, my massage therapist’s ferret.
Thinking. Still thinking . . .
LOOK FOR A NEW BEAGLE MAN POST EVERY THURSDAY. OR PRETTY CLOSE TO THURSDAY. COULD BE WEDNESDAY. OR FRIDAY. LET’S NOT GET TOO OBSESSIVE HERE . . . 
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you can’t call yourself German Shepherd Man . . . just sayin’ . . . 🙂
Oy where to begin. First and foremost remember our age. Don’t get a dog that 8 years from now will pull your arm out if it’s socket. Second base the choice on matching the dogs energy level with your likely average for the nextv14 years. So get a dog that likes to jog but not a breed that requires intensive exercise every day.
Some breeds as you know are stubborn. Keep away from those. Your happiness with the dog will be exponentially increased if welll trained.
Other than that I’m a big fan of no shedding breeds but my guess is that wouldn’t be a deal killer for you.
Okay–I had a ferret. His name was Milton. Funny? Yes. Stinky? Yes, yes. A thief? Triple yes. He stole anything wrapped in plastic or cellophane–new sponges, feminine hygiene products–anything that crinkled when handled. He’d hide them under my bed. I didn’t know that until it came time for Spring cleaning and I had the rugs shampooed. OMG! He was a hoarder. He’d also taunt my Labs because he knew where they were allowed and not allowed in the house. He’d attack them, then run. Once, my father was visiting and we were both enjoying a Kettle One on the rocks. Suddenly, Milton ran across his feet, ran into a cabinet (we were in the kitchen) and came out through the drawer above. The drawer just rolled open. Then, he climbed up onto the counter top where a bowl of cat food was sitting, and Milton ate the cat food. I pulled him off, threw him out of the room, and Milton just circled back, ran across Dad’s feet, and did it all over again. Dad had no idea Milton existed and didn’t know what he was. Dad proceeded to put his drink down and wouldn’t touch alcohol again that night. He couldn’t figure out what he’d seen, but it freaked him out.
Don’t get a ferret, Beagle Man. Carol will not be happy. Trust me on this one.