Well I haven't done a blog before, so I suppose thay're about everyday life with your dog. To start with I thought I'd talk about how I got a Staffy, then why I got another before i start on regular news.

I knew nothing about them at all. I never even was aware of the bad press about them. The only Staffy I remember before getting Gonzo was at obedience class with my old (Heinz 57) dog about 15 years ago. She was black and very short and sweet. 

The first inkling happened aroung Xmas time 3 years ago. We got a call from the KC asking about our papers for a Staffy- they used his KC name. We assumed it was a mistake. I really should have had a clue as OH had been hinting about getting a male dog and calling it Gary when our by now very elderly dog passed. He always went on about how he liked his friends dogs but I never met them. Turns out they knew the breedersof their dogs were having a litter and decided to get OH a belated Xmas present. 

First I know Oh is calling me downstairs from putting the kids to bed.  He'd just got back fron seeing his friends first time since New Year with a little bundle in his jacket. There he was trotting about the floor sniffing everything. So of course the kids all get up again.  He got a fright and shot across the room at high speed and hid in Sally's fur- that was that. After they were all settled again he snuggled into my neck- he was only about 7 weeks. I think the decision was made then- minus the name Gary. We did try to find other options. Noone was interested. I could not dump him in a dogs home and it was not politic to give him back to the breeders. By then I'd done some research on Staffs and decided I would not advertise free to a good home.

That does not mean we were the best home for him. It was very difficult and we made lots of mistakes along the way. Mostly mine, for keeping giving OH chances to sort out the dog he wanted, but doesn't have time for. I put the work in and I reap the rewards. I've learned to love Staffies warts and all, the worst and the best of them. As soon as our circumstances changed and I gave up work the first thing I did was hire a  dog trainer. Since then things have improved as to be unrecognisable. I found an internet forum and at last I was not alone! 

My goal for 2009 is simply to keep working with him until he can trot along by my side anywhere without causing problems.

One day I will figure out how to post some pics!

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