As of right now, today, I have two fur children (Carin [boxer] and Charlie [Dane/Lab]) and two human children, but that is a totally different subject! Sadly Carin (my best friend for the past six years) is in the final stages of renal failure. We tried the IV treatment, but all it did was make her miserable. My sister and I decided at this point the only thing we can/should do is make her happy. She is off her kidney diet (she wouldn’t eat), she has blankets folded everywhere for her so she isn’t laying on the ground, everyone is at her beck and call and we are making sure she knows how much we love her as often as possible. 
Charlie is my child with ADHD! If he sees a shiny light you are not going to get his attention for anything. All he wants to do is play and he loves playing rough, when appropriate. I love watching him play with my boys because he is semi gentle with them. With me, we get in wrestling matches and he is able to throw more weight around. If we are outside he will come at me full speed and slams into me (he usually hits my hip, I see him coming and I get ready), this is NOT all the time. He understands play time, he also seems to know when I am hurting, at which time he is more gentle with me then he is with my boys. Before Carin started getting worse (she was diagnosis with renal failure over a year ago) they would go at it in the back yard. She would go after his ankles, he would go after his ears, she would get his drawls, they would body slam, they were in heaven! In the past few weeks, I have seen Carin go after Charlie (in their playful way) once.
When I got the updated word on Carin’s condition I knew I would have to start looking for another fur child. I wanted a bulldog, but after a lot of thought, a bulldog would not be a great fit for Charlie and any new fur kid brought into the house would have to fit into the entire family. Then I stumbled across an ad for boxer puppies (after almost getting scammed over bulldog puppies). I spoke to the woman about the puppies and explained the situation I was in. The puppies would be going to their new homes on 14 Aug 10 and she had boys available. Mind you, I have always preferred girls, no particular reason, I just have. Girl boxers are actually known to be very dominating (Carin is a prime example), so having a boy would be a change. Sitting on my bed that night, I was trying to figure out a name for the new puppy. Charlie was sitting right next to me just looking around. I kept naming off names, I really wanted something that went well with Charlie. I said a few names then I said Freddie, Charlie started licking me like mad! I said a few more, Freddie – same reaction. Ok, so Charlie wants to know this dog Freddie! So we will have Carin, Charlie and Freddie. Or when the boys are in trouble Charles and Alfred (Carin never gets in trouble)!We now have begin the preparations! We will have a puppy coming into the house, who I am sure, will want to chew everything within his reach! So, that means books come up off the bottom shelves, under beds get inspected, shoes get put up high… There is also the shopping aspect! He needs a bed, bowls, leash, collar, harness, toys, food, blankets, tooth brush and so on! He already has his first vet appointment set up, and they are looking forward to meeting him. Carin met a puppy at the store the other day and was very calm with him, I am hoping she will be the same with Freddie. Charlie on the other hand, I have a feeling, will be scared of this little new comer. But time will tell!
