The New Lighter Life

Separation Anxiety and Our Quest for a New Dog

October 2012

*UPDATE* Once upon a time, we had a dog. . . He was an awesome dog. Awesome?! Pretty lofty to describe our 4-footed friend, but awesome he was! His name ...

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Tips for Baking in an RV Oven: Complete Guide

October 2012

I originally wrote this post way back in 2012, when I was struggling to adjust to my RV oven. Today, I’ve got some updates for you to help you succeed ...

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Power Tools and Baby Wipes

October 2012

Remember my post about homemade baby wipes? Well, a friend from church told me about how she used to cut her paper towels in half for her homemade baby wipes. ...

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Combined Accelerated Debt Payoff Strategy ~ 2nd Family Debt Free

October 2012

You may have read about how we have undertaken a accelerated debt payoff strategy with 2 other families. I have exciting news! Last week, we got a message from Gordon ...

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Camper Tour – Kitchen

October 2012

Kitchen View This is one area of the camper that I wish was larger. Who doesn’t want a larger kitchen though right? I have to say, as far as camper ...

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Homemade Peanut Butter Caramel

October 2012

I concocted this recipe for homemade peanut butter caramel many years ago. My oldest little boy asked for peanut butter caramel for his apples. I think he really just wanted ...

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Keeping the Precious H2O Flowing During Winter

October 2012

The other day, we moved into our semi-permanent site. Semi- because we’ll be there for 6 1/2 months. The winter months and off-season at Hart Ranch allow for less moving. ...

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Skirting the RV – Our Options

October 2012

This post may just be the most boring thing I’ve ever written. BUT, with the possibility that it might help someone as they decide how to skirt an RV, I’m ...

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Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

October 2012

Growing up, my mom made this coffee cake quickly before we had to jump on the bus at the crack of dawn. It’s such a simple, easy, and timeless recipe. ...

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Sleep Deprivation in the Camper

October 2012

I could just post happy thoughts. I could tell you all the wonderful things about living in a camper and completely ignore the hard times. I wouldn’t technically be lying ...

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13 responses to “Separation Anxiety and Our Quest for a New Dog”

Kat Theis

October 2012

First off – Gus was an AMAZING dog and despite the whole anxiety thing… he was so wonderful, sweet, mild tempered, and totally put up with all the kids! Remember how he used to sit with his back legs backwards like a chicken??? I miss Gus!!!!!

Now… have I made you cry?? If not – then you should consider getting a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle. I have wanted one for quite some time and I could live vicariously through you!!!! Otherwise, get 1 of my other top dog breeds: a jack russell terrier!!

Back to the first part… if you DID cry when you read that, then you should get Gus back 🙂

Julie

October 2012

I keep saying we should get Gus back….it just won’t work for us and I think we need to accept it. So stop trying to make me cry lady!!

We checked on a mini goldendoodle. $650!!! Insane!

Reply

Chris

October 2012

We had/have similar needs. After EXTENSIVE research we discovered a ‘teddy bear’. Ours is a Bichon Frise/Shih Tzu.
Pros: not yippy, non-shedding, SUPER with kids, 8-10lb max (although I have met a 16 lb ‘anomaly’ teddy bear), hypo allergenic, fast learning, people pleasing, never runs away, super cuddly, really playful, etc.
Cons: scared of thunderstorms (like 30 min b4 they even happen), sometimes she p’s when overly excited (when meeting a new person or when we come home after b’n gone), she’s a ninja licker (which I think is HILLARIOUS but i will concede, it can be annoying), needs a ‘professional’ haircut (either taken somewhere, or buy a professional, $150, clipper), cost around $300-$600 (but they live 20-25yrs), my dad was a vet so I’ve had tons of exposure to dogs & we were/are pro pound people but in my lowly opinion our Miley was worth every penny & then some…
…we got ours at Pets R Inn at the Fargo Mall. Its not a “normal” pet store. They were/are WONDERFUL! She needed to have a hernia surgery right after we bought her & THEY paid for it! They’ve known the ‘mama & papa’ lines for over 30 years of puppies…They are anti “puppy factory”…

Julie

October 2012

Thanks you for the info and suggestion Chris!

We just called on a mini goldendoodle…but for $650, that is a little tough to swallow. *gulp* I’ll check out Bichon Frise/Shih Tzu, maybe someone breeds them nearby as Fargo is a little too far for us.

Reply
Ciara stang

October 2012

We’ve had beagles and they are the best! Pros: besides super adorable, can range from a 15-30 lb dog depending on size, amazing family dog, easily trained, great temperament, no real health problems! Cons: can shed even if brushed everyday, can be quiet vocal with their howling, they are hunting dogs so will take off if off the leash! Overall the pros outway cons for us because they truly are the best dogs and rescued or not I have never heard of a beagle turning on their owner as they continue to love even if abused before! And although we don’t have any at the moment, they will be our choice when it comes time to get a dog again. Any beagle owner will tell you “Once a beagle owner, always a beagle owner!” lol good luck on your hunt!!

Reply
1. Julie
  
  October 2012
  
  Great to know about Beagles! They sound like they have a wonderful disposition. Too bad about the hair – LOL! But it sounds like you guys have found the perfect dog for your family!
  
  Reply

Gisela

October 2012

I have 2 Papillons ( each 6 pounds) … Love them more than anything! Why don’t you pick a dog from a Shelter? Or maybe 2 .. this way they keep each other company!

Julie

October 2012

I’d LOVE to go to a shelter and really don’t care so much about the breed or being purebred. The local shelter doesn’t currently have any non-shedding types. We aren’t in a hurry, (Mark is in NO hurry) LOL! The shedding thing is a big deal for us though.

Papillons are adorable!! At that size, you could probably fit 5 in a camper! 🙂

Reply

Denise

October 2012

Gus! Great dog. I vote for Gus, though I know that’s crazy.

Julie

October 2012

Just goes to show you how great of dog he REALLY was!!

Reply

Michelle K.

October 2012

What about a dachshund?

Julie

October 2012

Unfortunately they shed quite a bit Michelle. Too bad because they are so cute!

Reply

The New Addition to Our Family Our Shorkie Pepper |

November 2012

[…] we posted about trying to find the right breed for our family, we didn’t even realize that friends of ours had pups who were about ready to […]

Kat Theis

October 2012

First off – Gus was an AMAZING dog and despite the whole anxiety thing… he was so wonderful, sweet, mild tempered, and totally put up with all the kids! Remember how he used to sit with his back legs backwards like a chicken??? I miss Gus!!!!!

Now… have I made you cry?? If not – then you should consider getting a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle. I have wanted one for quite some time and I could live vicariously through you!!!! Otherwise, get 1 of my other top dog breeds: a jack russell terrier!!

Back to the first part… if you DID cry when you read that, then you should get Gus back 🙂

1. Julie
  
  October 2012
  
  I keep saying we should get Gus back….it just won’t work for us and I think we need to accept it. So stop trying to make me cry lady!!
  
  We checked on a mini goldendoodle. $650!!! Insane!
  
Chris

October 2012

We had/have similar needs. After EXTENSIVE research we discovered a ‘teddy bear’. Ours is a Bichon Frise/Shih Tzu.
Pros: not yippy, non-shedding, SUPER with kids, 8-10lb max (although I have met a 16 lb ‘anomaly’ teddy bear), hypo allergenic, fast learning, people pleasing, never runs away, super cuddly, really playful, etc.
Cons: scared of thunderstorms (like 30 min b4 they even happen), sometimes she p’s when overly excited (when meeting a new person or when we come home after b’n gone), she’s a ninja licker (which I think is HILLARIOUS but i will concede, it can be annoying), needs a ‘professional’ haircut (either taken somewhere, or buy a professional, $150, clipper), cost around $300-$600 (but they live 20-25yrs), my dad was a vet so I’ve had tons of exposure to dogs & we were/are pro pound people but in my lowly opinion our Miley was worth every penny & then some…
…we got ours at Pets R Inn at the Fargo Mall. Its not a “normal” pet store. They were/are WONDERFUL! She needed to have a hernia surgery right after we bought her & THEY paid for it! They’ve known the ‘mama & papa’ lines for over 30 years of puppies…They are anti “puppy factory”…

1. Julie
  
  October 2012
  
  Thanks you for the info and suggestion Chris!
  
  We just called on a mini goldendoodle…but for $650, that is a little tough to swallow. *gulp* I’ll check out Bichon Frise/Shih Tzu, maybe someone breeds them nearby as Fargo is a little too far for us.
  
2. Ciara stang
  
  October 2012
  
  We’ve had beagles and they are the best! Pros: besides super adorable, can range from a 15-30 lb dog depending on size, amazing family dog, easily trained, great temperament, no real health problems! Cons: can shed even if brushed everyday, can be quiet vocal with their howling, they are hunting dogs so will take off if off the leash! Overall the pros outway cons for us because they truly are the best dogs and rescued or not I have never heard of a beagle turning on their owner as they continue to love even if abused before! And although we don’t have any at the moment, they will be our choice when it comes time to get a dog again. Any beagle owner will tell you “Once a beagle owner, always a beagle owner!” lol good luck on your hunt!!
  
  1. Julie
    
    October 2012
    
    Great to know about Beagles! They sound like they have a wonderful disposition. Too bad about the hair – LOL! But it sounds like you guys have found the perfect dog for your family!
    
Gisela

October 2012

I have 2 Papillons ( each 6 pounds) … Love them more than anything! Why don’t you pick a dog from a Shelter? Or maybe 2 .. this way they keep each other company!

1. Julie
  
  October 2012
  
  I’d LOVE to go to a shelter and really don’t care so much about the breed or being purebred. The local shelter doesn’t currently have any non-shedding types. We aren’t in a hurry, (Mark is in NO hurry) LOL! The shedding thing is a big deal for us though.
  
  Papillons are adorable!! At that size, you could probably fit 5 in a camper! 🙂
  
Denise

October 2012

Gus! Great dog. I vote for Gus, though I know that’s crazy.

1. Julie
  
  October 2012
  
  Just goes to show you how great of dog he REALLY was!!
  
Michelle K.

October 2012

What about a dachshund?

1. Julie
  
  October 2012
  
  Unfortunately they shed quite a bit Michelle. Too bad because they are so cute!
  
The New Addition to Our Family Our Shorkie Pepper |

November 2012

[…] we posted about trying to find the right breed for our family, we didn’t even realize that friends of ours had pups who were about ready to […]