You guys are studying hard. I can tell from your Saturday comments. Glad you’re keeping up to date with your Saturday Scottie Scholar lessons. You never know when there’ll be a pop quiz.
But not today. No quiz.
Today, we’re learning about getting a dog in the first place. Yes. It’s a tough decision. Or should be. Here’s why:
Just look at this face.
Look at that little angel. That’s my boy. As a puppy. LOVE HIM. And miss him so much I could burst.
Can you imagine bringing a puppy like this into your home without a fence to keep him safe? Or enough time to play with him every day? Or time enough to teach him how to be a dog that everybody wants to be around?
A reader sent an email to me the other day asking what I thought about rescuing a Scottie but without a fence or time enough to spend with a new furry friend though he/she promised that later, a house with a fence and more time was on the horizon.
First, I applaud people who rescue companion animals. There’s a special place beyond the physical world for people who want to rescue. Thank you.
Second, I applaud people who recognize that the time may not be right to adopt a friend.
So, today’s lesson is simply this: if you think the time isn’t right, it probably isn’t. So get your ducks in a row and your house in order, THEN go out there and RESCUE A SCOTTIE!
Remember: Scotties need routines. Yards. Places to sniff and dig. And, like all of us, LOTS OF LOVE and that includes TIME.
And let us never forget what Stuart used to say, “Terrier = earth.” Digging comes with the territory.
Class dismissed for today.
The Scottie Chronicles - Winston's World 
I’m with you… if the time isn’t the right one we will know it…. and it is better to wait than to cause another problem… and in this case it is not only ours, the dog has to bear it too…
This was a great subject for today’s lesson! I agree with everything you’ve said. I look at the rescue groups ads for Scotties and am amazed at how many are looking to be re-homed because they don’t have time in their busy schedule! Why do people so often think getting a dog is like buying a plant – it looks good and you just water it every now and then! Another pet peeve of mine are the people who keep their dogs outside! Yikes!
If someone is thinking of either buying, adopting or rescuing a dog, they should be RESPONSIBLE about all the care it needs!
McDuff & Mom
Stuart sure knew what he was talking about with the terrier-earth. They love to dig and hope to find a critter they can chase or eat. We just got our scottie puppy spayed. You know it is for the best but you feel so bad for them when they are hurting. I agree whole heartedly when you say you need to have enough time to spend with your scottie. They do want you to be around, but not always hugging them. They are an independent dog and they know just what they should be doing. Most importantly, don’t expect them to do your bidding right away. They do it in scottie time.
Also, consider a Scottie mix (like Kali). You get the Scottie personality in (hopefully) a healthier body.
Andy n me thank you for the lesson. One thing to add is to have patience. We don’t always get things right away. That, plus our scottitude can be trying. But we truly promise we are so very worth it! We love Stuart’s baby picture.
For those who have never owned a dog: They require a huge commitment of time and love, and sometimes money. They need your guidance and attention, and to be a true member of the family. Besides expenses that you can plan for (food and routine vet visits), unplanned or emergency vet bills can potentially be hundreds to thousands of dollars (so think about getting pet insurance). Having a dog may also require a lifestyle change. You can’t be away from home for the majority of the time, and you need to maintain a fairly stable routine for them (eating, going out). If you’re going to be away for an extended period, you need to be able to provide alternate coverage. If you’re not prepared for all of these things, then getting a dog now is not the best time. If you are prepared for all of these things, then by all means welcome a new addition to your family, and be prepared for a wonderful experience and unconditional love!
BTW: That’s a truly adorable picture of Stuart!
I have had Scotties since 1968 and I have never had a fenced yard. All of the dogs are walked on leashes at least four times a day. It has never been an issue. The play fetch in the house and it keeps them moving. We have given up on tug for a while. The only digging is in the tile floor and it doesn’t present any problems. Only get a new companion when you are ready.
Dat’s right, Teacher! We are Terriers, and love dat earth! We could dig to China or mebbe da Suez Canal! Den we goes and washes our wiskers in our water bowl and leave a bunch a mud and earth “granules” in our water bowl!
Dat picture of our Stu when he was a pup is ADORBS! “What a face”, is right! He is just so sweet!
We miss him too! Thanks for da memories, Peepstress!
Love and kisses,
Riley-Puppy and Tessie-Girl
Good subject. People should be interviewed and their homes inspected before they are allowed to even think about getting a pet. 😀
That was a good tutorial. Sometimes Mama thinks I need a pal, but Stuart set her straight. He was a very wise Scottie. Xxxxx Skyler