This could be a very BAD idea, but...

[numptynoelle]

What are our thoughts on a Spangle and a Border Terrier cohabiting?

Back story: Friends of a colleague have a border terrier called Spike (3 yrs old) who has basically run riot from Day 1. He had a good grounding in the basics and actually has a decent recall (when he wants to), but he’s not particularly stimulated at home and gradually has switched off from his owners. It’s quite heart-breaking to see really – he’s a lovely chap who meets everyone with a friendly “wuff” but he just doesn’t seem as, well, sparky as he used to be. His owners are going away on holiday in a few weeks...and we’ve just had a disturbing conversation, went a bit like this:

Me: Of course we’ll look after Spike – he’s such a sweetie

Them: Great, thing is...we’ll need a few days once we’re back from holiday to get settled again, and then the kids have such a lot on at school – could you keep him a bit longer than the two weeks?

Me (bit surprised): Erm...I’ll need to check with OH, but should be fine, how long are you thinking?

Them (sounding shifty): Well we know you’ll look after him, so if it works out for the few weeks, how would you feel about keeping him, like, forever?

*Numptynovice’s jaw hits floor*

Now whilst we’re more than happy to look after Spike for the initial holiday time (and to be honest I’m a bit in love already)...a bit of me is thinking, if we did take him permanently “am I letting these people off the hook too easily?” After all, they are responsible for this dog - they bought him and now they’ve decided they don’t want him, are we just an easy and incredibly convenient way out?

My head is just spinning going through it all (think I’m a bit in shock to be honest) but what are everyone’s thoughts on this? He’s such a lovely dog, just needs some proper exercise and boundaries I think...and I hate to think of him stuck with such (apparently) unfeeling owners

Sorry for all the waffle, but I just needed to get it all down!

Any comments or advice very much appreciated!

 

[FestiveSpirit]

I loathe Border Terriers, every one I have ever come across has been a nasty biting little s**t, but if he gets on with your spangle during the trial run then I dont see why not

 

[CorvusCorax]

You could see it as a compliment that they think you could give him the home he needs?

There are loads of dogs I would love to take for a few weeks, as long as I could give them back when they were better

but it could be a great challenge for you, you could give him the home you needs and it would be good company for The Spangle

 

[soloabe]

Do it, do it, do it!

You know you want to!

And i know your spangle would looooove him.

 

[prosefullstop]

Hmm, well, that's kind of how the conversation went before Prince came to live with us. Like you, I knew the dog and had a sound understanding of his good and bad points. I knew he'd ft right in with us, and lo and behold, he has.

Sounds like you're already a bit smitten with the Border fellow. Has he met your spaniel before?

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

My RI's Border Terrier gets on brilliantly with St Sweep and of course he and Max just tear around together!!

I would tell them you are making no commitments about having him long term until you see how they get on during the holiday period - which is fair enough as it then gives you time to adjust to two dogs together 24/7, walking, feeding etc etc

Also it means they have to think about what they may have to do when they get back instead of skipping off on holiday having offloaded their dog that they can't be *rsed with anymore

- even if you have no intention of him ever going back.

 

[numptynoelle]

Gazey - he's quite long and skinny for a Border, if you squint he looks almost-sort-of whippy like...

(that might be a bit of a lie

)

CC - I'm quite up for the challange, I think with some Ultimate Flingball sessions with Jilly, he'll be much better. I've developed quite a good "NO means Don't you b****y DARE" voice with the spangle which I think is all he really needs.

And I *could* give him back...

Katie - *whispers* J already loves him... I'm not sure she's twigged he's a dog, she used to bigger dogs!

Prosefullstop - nail on head! Who am I kidding? He's more than likely staying...

Slinky - Thanks, that's exactly what I'll tell them tomorrow - brain was too shocked to tell them tonight!

Should have known you lot would only encourage me!

 

[Ravenwood]

I am no fan of little dogs, particularly terriers - Except borders!!

I think they are fab

Really independent, no yapping and very sensible - there are very popular round here.

Mind you he might not be much use on the beating line

 

[FestiveSpirit]

[ QUOTE ]
Gazey - he's quite long and skinny for a Border, if you squint he looks almost-sort-of whippy like...

(that might be a bit of a lie

)

[/ QUOTE ]

LMAO, love it

I rather suspect you might not have needed much persuasion here

, I will keep my fingers crossed for you

 

[Spudlet]

Just make it really clear to them that you are committing to NOTHING until you've had him while they are away. And be prepared for serious emotional blackmail if for some reason you decide not to have him...

Give it a go, chances are you'll be a two dog house before you know it!

 

[numptynoelle]

Good lord, I'm going to need a bigger sofa aren't I?

Seriously though, thank you all - I'm trying to stay as neutral as possible (he might be a little s***e after all) but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

I've always liked Borders y'know... not quite sure how my mental status will cope with a Spangle and a Terrier though. Wine will help, won't it?!

 

[Spudlet]

Many supermarkets have two for one offers on wine, so you will be fine

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Wine helps with everything......

 

[numptynoelle]

Funny you should mention that...I've got through half a bottle already

Half a glass did go to the dog mind you, she goes mad for red wine and I didn't get the glass away from her in time

Slinky - I am definitely adding that to my siggy!