I love reading about dogs... hell, I love writing about dogs. Does that make me weird? Boring?
Bring it, I say!
I am of the belief that every non-allergic child needs a dog. (And that every allergic child needs a dog and a strong antihistimine.)
You did the right thing.
He is too cute and I love the name. I enjoy dog names that are people names. My dogs are Gus and Walter.
I have to agree with Elizabeth; you can't go wrong writing about dogs. See e.g. Marley & Me.
Best of luck pottytraining.
Talk about the dog as much as you want. I'm just sooo happy you adopted a shelter dog, you could talk about nothing but poo and potty training for the next month and I would still come back. =)
How great! Congratulations - he is very handsome. I feel like adding a dog to our family (the precondition is to move to a house from our small apartment - which means leaving NYC) will mean we're truly adult. The baby was just a stepping stone.
I, too, like reading about dogs. Almost as much as about monkeys that smoke cigarettes. So don't hold yourself back.
I agree - a kid should have a dog, and dogs should come from a shelter if possible. And congrats on acquiring them in the right order! Our poor dog is still recovering from the birth of our daughter 18 months ago.
You are fooling yourself if you think you're going to stay on top of the hair problem, though.
He is such cutie. I have two boxers and can't imagine coming home to a house without a dog. Even if you are in a bad mood when you come home, they are always so happy to see you.
This made my heart leap. YEAH!
Awesome. Don't hold back on the dogblogging. We have a shelter basselope, and he is totally the perfect sidekick for our baby. Well she is the perfect sidekick for him, I guess, since he was here first. Pointers are great, and he is beautiful. Welcome Wendell!
Very handsome creature. And I echo the sentiment that I would love to hear more about him!
Our 85 lb white labrador retriever was originally named Alex. Then we had a baby and named her Alexa. You see the problem. Now the dog is named Floyd. He was 10 when this took place. He's gotten used to the name, however. 
Get a stick vacuum - it works for sucking up dog hairs. I do this at least once a day. We own a fur-bearing-shit-machine and he's wonderful. He's 13 already, and I am afraid he won't be around much longer, and I'm not sure about whether or not we'll get another dog right away or wait a while. Hootie LOVES the dog, but it might be nice to be dog-hair-free for a little while!
"I can't tell you how amazing it is to have a dog put his head on my knees and look up at me and to know that he is mine."
Correction. You are his. Or at least that's how it works in my house.
Congratulations! He's a very very handsome (and lucky) dog.
How wonderful you adopted from the shelter and that you picked a bit older than newborn. He is adorable and PLEASE, omitting him from your posts would be like omitting a kid! Congratulations ... lucky you, lucky Wendell.
We have had a German Shorthair since my son was 1--he's 9 now and they've grown up together. They are the sweetest, most loyal dogs but they need lots of exercise. They love to run and play outside. Good luck with Wendell!
That doggie is SO adorable but looks SO scared in the second pic! hahaha awww so happy to hear when someone adopts!
Can I just say I LOVE GERMAN SHORTHAIR POINTERS. Sorry, just had to get that off my chest. If I didn't have a highly territorial cat and if I could stand all the damn dog hair, I'd get one.
I approve! Have fun with the new family member!
oh Wendell. i love him. write about him tons please!
I'm glad you got a shelter dog. We have picked our last two from shelters and they are/were beautiful additions to the family.
Enjoy your new puppy!
He looks really cool. Good for you guys! I'm with M. It probably would have been better to have the baby before the dog.
Delurking to note that we too have a German Shorthaired pointer adopted from a Michigan shelter. She's one of the best dogs ever - and I've had a lot in my life (long story). Just to warn you though - German shorthairs are HIGH STRUNG. Everyone keeps telling us Zoe should calm down soon - hasn't happened yet and she's 7 now.
Congratulations on the newest member of the family. I, too, would love a dog, but my husband is allergic and thinks dogs should live outside the house, which means bringing a dog into the family would entail kicking my husband out.
Did I mention that Wendell is one handsome dog?
Awesometown!
May you walk around the house singing Arrested Development, and may Juney learn early not to put her finger in any holes.
OMG, we had a german shorthair when I was growing up. Friends of ours found her walking along Novi Rd. She didn't play well with their dog...they knew we were looking for a dog, so we took her for the weekend. And ended up having her in our lives for 12 more years. I have heard what the previous poster said about the breed being high strung too. However, our dog was not like that. She was not a puppy when we got her, but she was very obviously abused, and sounds like she came from a smiliar background as the shelter thinks Wendell did. Maybe he won't be so hyper.
My heart did a big leap when I saw his picture.
Unfortunately, even though my sister and I had no problems with our dog, my sister has reacted ( allergic) to the breed since. Because of that we are not able to have pets....my sister is the type who reacts even if she doesn't touch an animal, just being in a pet house does her in. As much as I would love to have dog, I love my sister and want her to be able to visit.
I hope to live vicariously through your dog.
Oh my God those eyes. That is EXACTLY how my own shelter mutt snagged us. I am sure the shelter people warned you about this, but be super careful about not letting him get out. Our dog is a noted escape artist (seriously, one episode made the neighborhood newsletter and is legendary among our friends).
Love shelter mutts. Ours is also a reformed hunting dog, I think, part beagle and part spaniel or pointer. She drives me up a wall but she's Maggie's best buddy and a very sweet, loving dog. You won't regret it!
you are a bold, brave mofo, dutch. first you braved sesame live (we went last fall -- hella good times), now this. you could totally handle a new baby.
I thought Juniper was cute ... but man, those soulful puppy eyes. He's adorable.
Congratulations on your growing family, and keep the pooch pics coming!
Delurking...
He is beautiful, just beautiful.
We are also enjoying the book.
Congrats Wendell, on your new people. You look like a swell dog, just swell.
Swiffer! And a dyson!
Congratulations! He's fabulous! I 100% agree you should blog about him! Pictures included!
welcome, wendell! what a sweetie! i knew it as soon as i read the story about hondo...no good animal person can go to a shelter and not get sucked in to wanting to rescue them all.
so very happy for you! what a wonderful addition! he seems like a great fit- and i agree that every kid needs a dog- unfortunately my husband does not agree. we'll wear him down, too. mark my words, we will wear him down.
Uh, yeah, as a dog trainer I do little more than talk about dogs and read about dogs. And as a mom the rest of the time is spent talking and reading about kids. One more parent blogger with a dog? Hell yes I want to hear about your dog! And your kid. And your kid with your dog. But you can keep the poop, I have enough of that myself.
Good luck with the house training.
Oh, the cuteness. I cannot convince my husband we need another dog. Write all you want about him. I am sure we will all enjoy the journey.
Wendell is a fabulous name.
We had a German Wirehair Pointer, which is almost the same as Wendell. He lived 15 years and was highstrung his entire life. He had some very quirky habits, but was very much loved.
Also, a brother of a friend has a German Shorthair and she can climb trees. If Wendell climbs trees, I think we deserve to know about it.
You didn't name the dog Carl? This is the new babysitter for Juney, right?
I think you should call him Mr. Wendell, and hum the song every time.
I grew up in the country with several bird-dogs at various times in my life. And at least two of those wandered up to our house beause the previous owner no longer desired their companionship (or hunting skills) and just dropped them off on our side of the county to find another home. But I can't imagine someone just letting a bird-dog out loose on the streets of Detroit. Oh well, worked out great for you!!!
Congratulations to your new family member--he sounds like he fits in perfectly, and kids who grow up with pets learn compassion much earlier in life than kids who don't (read that somewhere ...). Once he figures out, with your help, where the outside is, the pooping will stop.
We had a german-shorthair/lab mix growing up. They are lovely, beautiful, smart, active dogs, and great with children. I can't imagine a better dog for a kid! Good luck with Wendall.
Cutest dog ever. Got to love those hound dog ears. We have a beagle who was our first child and is now our 2 year old's sidekick. It took the dog some time to adjust to not being our only child when the baby came, but he settled right in to the food bonanza toddlers can be. The dog hair is a minus, but the floor clean up is a plus. (He can do wonders for your car interior as well.)
I second the recommendation for the Dyson. Gets out dirt and hair you never knew you had. Goes great from hard floors to carpet with no adjusting. Every time I use it is a mini science experiment. I am continually amazed by what the thing picks up. My husband is tired of me showing him the canister and saying, "Wow, look, isn't that disgusting!". I suppose I am easily entertained.
One of my first words was "dunshit," my interpretation of what my dad used to yell at our German Short-haired Pointer when he pooped in the house. It's when my dad first realized he had to stop swearing.
I love that expression they get when they look up at you like that, though. It's as if he's saying: "It's really not so bad that I pooped everywhere, is it? With these eyes?"
Congratulations! Maybe this will quell the hormonal urge for another (human) baby. It's the strategy I'm adopting over here since hubs in practically ovulating in anticipation for a sibling. Nay, I say.
I thought he looked a bit like a blue-tick coonhound before I read the rest. Very cute, with VERY long legs. Juney can saddle him up and ride him to preschool.
welcome to the new puppy club!
What a softie you turn out to be! Keep vacuuming & happy training. Oh, and GSPs are fabulous family dogs. Ours is half GSP, half Great Dane. He is convinced he's a lap dog and our almost-two-year-old is convinced he's her baby. Win - win.
OH!! My heart skipped a beat when I saw the photo of your new addition..in 1992, I adopted a German Shorthaired Pointer from the Rescue in Palm Beach, FL, after Hurricane Andrew - he had been abandoned..he died almost a year ago, at "almost" 14..his name was Buddy..he was the very best dog I ever had - I hope your Wendell gives you as much love and happiness as my pound dog gave to me. BEST WISHES!!!!!!!
Puppy! I didn't grow up with a dog, but my parents have a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, which are extremely similar to the German Shorthair/Wirehair dogs, and he is pretty much the sweetest and awesomest dog ever. He just turned 4 and he's calmed down a lot.
If you haven't already, might I suggest getting him microchipped? They implant a tiny smart chip with your contact info in the back of the animal's neck and then if he runs away, whoever finds him can have the chip read. It's really a great thing.
Congrats on the new dog! I absolutely love his name.
Welcome to the club. It's awesome. Petunia was almost Juniper's age when we got Lilah, and Lilah was three months older than Wendell. It's been just over a year, and it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
Siobhan stole the Mr. Wendell joke, and I would just echo other suggestions to get a BAGLESS VACUUM. And a gross of Swiffers.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Wow!
Beautiful!!!!
Congratulations!!
(Makes me think of Wendell Berry & Woody Guthrie, good souls)
Sprout says that she wants to go live with Juniper. She already says that she loves Junie, but now there's a dog involved too... Sweet Juniper may have to join Law & Order: SVU on the list of things that I must wait to indulge in until after Sprout is securely in bed.
Can I be the only one humming "Mr. Wendell"? He's beautiful, truly, and you write about him all you want. I know Juniper is going to love growing up with a dog for a playmate - it's definitely important. And yes, shelter dogs all the way! Or heck, pick up off the side of the road dogs! That's my personal favorite.
He. Is. So. Cute.
I love that the upper picture of Wendell is echoed in the Flickr sidebar (for me) by this.
He's lovely, I'm jealous!
Dogs are miraculous creatures - I truly love them.
Wendell and Juney will have a special relationship for many years to come, and I look forward to hearing what will surely be many tales in which they plot, and attempt to execute, your overthrow.
Hurrah, congratulations! Getting a dog again is such an awesome feeling. I always had dogs as a kid and it breaks my heart that we don't have one now. I swear, our next apartment WILL be more pet-friendly so my boyo can grow up enjoying dogs, too.
He is beautiful,looks so loving and the name is perfect. I grew up next door to a German shorthaired pointer named Gypsy and he was a wonderful dog with all the kids. I'm glad you found each other.
r.e.m. fan?
A shorthair? Perfect! We have 2 males, and I can't imagine having a different breed... They've got so much personality. And energy. And they're beautiful. And they have lots of energy. And mine love to snuggle. Oh, and did I mention all of the energy they have? I already know you guys are going to have so much fun walking him all over the city... I see "puppy in front of graffiti" pictures in your future.
His face breaks my heart. You guys did a great thing.
I was just thinking: If you guys don't write about your dog, I will.
Love the new addition.
And you'd better talk about him. Lots. We love our 4 legged babies as much as our two legged ones.
Silly
I love you for rescuing him. (I'm still feeling great guilt for being the idiots who fell in love with the proverbial doggie in the window and brought her home.) What a great friend for life Juniper is going to have.
Two words: Dyson Animal
I have never met a german short-haired pointer who skulks about. Congratulations on your new addition, and I can't wait to see more of your excellent photos.
i too say bring on the dog... i grew up with a german shorthair and i miss her dreadfully.
My first real job: Boarding kennel employee. I dare say it was the best job I ever had, particularly because it involved working with furbabies and not people.
I did that for four years and we always had dogs at home.
That said, now I have cats. Cats just aren't the same as dogs. Dogs show love, affection, loyalty. Cats just want food and for you to change their litterbox. When the cats kick off, I'm so getting a dog.
Congratulations on your new baby (that's exactly what they are). I, personally, think you should've named him Urchin or something...
Vorschtehunds, or German Shorthaired Pointers, are great dogs that need an exceptional amount of exercise. They are not easily trained. They are very smart, but terribly headstrong and have a serious case of wanderlust. They are fabulous family dogs, but you MUST have self-closing doors and windows that the dog cannot crash through. Because he will, if he sees a squirrel or a raccoon or something else he wants to chase. I know from experience. I grew up, bred, raised, trained and showed them for years. Great dogs, but don't expect docility.
Congratulations. Archer would be lost without his dogs. He's adorable. !!!
Dogs and kids are the perfect mix. And he has excellent eyes.
Forget about the shit.
Put him in a crate to sleep.
They like it, really, it's their den. But never wash it. Smellier the better. And they will never pee or poo in there.
Dogs rock. Rawk!!
I am so glad that Juniper will grow up with a dog in her life. They're wonderful.
"Windel" is the modern German word for diaper. Apropos for your household right now, huh?
Congratulations on the puppy! I agree with the majority, write about him all you want. It's important for children to grow up with critters because it teaches them how to act around animals.
I didn't read the other comments, but damn that's a cute dog and I wouldn't mind not only reading about him, but more pictures of him (and of him *with* that ridiculously cute kid of yours) would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
I now have the urge to run out and get my kid a dog.....
I saw Sesame Street with my two year old last year at The Fox. I agree, it's all about seeing the joy on your child's face.....
The perfect name for a dog- esp. Guthrie. I'm so wicked jealous of Juniper (and you) it's not even funny. Congrats on your second child.
Congrats - he is soulful and photogenic. My dog is soulful, but the camera can't capture it (that's right, tha CAMERA can't capture it).
I agree you need a dyson, but we are happy with the yellow one. I think you can get cheaper refurbs on overstock.
Mazel tov on the addition to your family! I liked you guys just fine before, but now that you have a dog I like you so much more.
I really like how much you all like etymology over there at the Juniper house. Wendell is a great name. He looks like a great dog.
That's a fine specimen of doghood! Write about the dog. He's part of your context now, and the simultaneous potty-training sounds potentially hilarious. I like reading about dogs. I post about them too.
he is adorable. shelter puppies are the best.
Congratulations! What a wonderful addition to the family. As the parent of Gulliver, Edison, Ada, and Baxter (2 cats, one dog, and one kid, perhaps in that order), I love the fantastic names!
Keep the posts coming!
Here, have a dollar...
In fact, no, brother-man here have two...
OH MY HELL.
THAT is adorableness, squared.
Congratulations.
I had dogs, cats, lizards, fish, turtles, gerbels, and hamsters when I was a kid.
I realized that I was an adult when I realized that I was a terrible pet owner (especially dog) when I was a kid. It was the typical story of promising the moon to my parents and delivering a whole lot of neglect.
We gave the dog that was "mine" to a crop duster pilot before we made one of our many military moves. I would hear about her from letters every now and then and it sounded like she was happy flying in planes and hanging out on a farm with someone that paid her a lot of attention.
I don't know if we'll get a dog. I still think they are great and I am one heck of a pet sitter (I have done it for various friend and family menageries since and have really enjoyed it), I just still feel guilty about my first dog.
He's really cute.
Bring Wendellto the Saturday morning dogpark...for for the whole family!
http://www.detroitdogdaycare.com...com/
dogpark.php
That is the perfect match, that face and those names. Well done.
I, for one, love dog stories. And poop stories. Dog poop stories? Certainly some of my favorite, particularly when it's not my dog. With my dog it's never poop, it's always piddle. Piddle for the mail man, piddle for the kids, piddle for the food and piddle for the wind. When I know you better I'll say piss and other words that consume me when spraying Shout on yet another puddle.
For now I'll say congrats on your hound, may he wnader no more.
I, too, love dogs, but have been assured that there will be no net gain in animal residents in this household as we strive to maintain zero population growth. And neither of the cats has volunteered to leave. But Salt Lake City is dog country--I mean, Chuck alone should make everyone want a dog. So we'll see.
For now, we'll bask in Wendelly cuteness. And the thing is? Wood will probably be more smitten with him than you are. Secretly at first, but then they'll disappear for a few hours and you'll find out later that they were together, and finally one day she'll break it to you that he's stolen her heart away just like Juney did and her father before her.
My sister and I brought our German Shorthaired Pointer/lab mix home from the pound 6 years ago - my sister got custody when I got married and moved into a 'no pets' building, but she remains a beautiful and sweet dog that loves our baby and vice versa. He climbs on her, pulls on her ears, etc. and she loves him. She did indeed start out stubborn and wound up when she was very young, but she has mellowed completely over time. And she's as loyal as the day is long. We think she's the perfect dog. The GSP mottled coat and mournful eyes are, I think, the most beautiful in dogdom.
Have a great time with him.
Let me echo something someone else said above - get the Dyson Animal. It's purple. Worth every penny.
Adorable! We were hasty in the best possible way and used a puppy a baby substitute -- http://contentthatworks.com/bm_b.../?
p=14#comments
It's been simply marvelous. Enjoy Junipers!!
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