I love my dog. But.

It's not that I'm actively looking for a replacement for my dog. I'm just doing a little occasional research ahead of time. Window shopping, if you will. It's good to keep abreast of your dog options. Unfortunately Thankfully though, I believe poodles have a tendency to live for a Very Long Time indeed. So, by my calculations, I have another 8 or more years (God help me) to go before I can trade up sadly turn my thoughts to getting another pet.

Don't get me wrong. I love my dog. What's not to love about a neurotic, yapping, jealous, kid biting poodle? Oh, he LOOKS sweet enough. But he is plotting revenge for a wrong that was wrought upon him six years ago when William was born. He's never gotten over it. If you can imagine a 14lb poodle holding a grudge for all that time, that would be our dog.  

We have considered getting rid of finding a new home for Raffy at various times. It's not nice to live in an environment where your dog could turn feral on your child at any minute, but William will not hear of it. He loves the dog despite the fact that the dog clearly loathes him. He won't tolerate being petted by William. He growls if William walks into a room, especially if he's sitting with me or Joe. William has never done anything rotten to Raffy. Never pulled a tail. Never dragged him by an ear. Never kicked him. Even when Raffy has helped himself to a small chunk of this child, the child continues to defend him. I think we've always been very careful to make sure the dog is included, and not neglected as a member of our family. But still, William is less than dirt to him. What to do? 

Raffy, in happier times, unaware that a change was gonna come.
Pic taken approx. one month before William was born. See how happy he looks. 

OK. What manner of creature is THIS? William, about 10 days old. Raffy, seriously, p'd off
at this rude turn of events.  

He's always there in the shadows. Watching, waiting. 

Still there. Biding his time. Like a stealth bomber. 

You think you're safe in that thing kid? Don't bet on it. 

One false move kiddo. No one will blame me. I'm too cute. 

Oh sure, I'll accept goldfish handouts. And then nip off your finger.

This will make a cute picture, kid. They'll say 'oh look, they're just like brothers...' And no one will
 know the truth but you and me. 

What our next dog will look like...

This is a chocolate Australian labradoodle. They retain some features of our current model (no shedding) but hopefully come without the attitude. Just look at those sweet eyes...