Bonzai - It's a New Puppy! - Comments Page 3

Bless you and your wife for adopting instead of buying a purebred! I used to be a breeder, maintained a registered kennel for a number of years. -- No more. I only take in rescues now, as they are the ones who will not find homes unless we help, and these so-called "mixed-breed mutts" are absolutely WONDERFUL! -- No matter how big (or small) they may turn out to be. I have one who must be the "funniest-looking dog on the planet," but -- what a personality, and what a HEART! I do agree with the previous writer, though, that now is the time to begin training. A large dog can be much more difficult to manage if you wait until past adolescence.

Golden Retriever for sure, and perhaps some Shephard. They're all big guys, but wonderful pooches. Goldies are great with kids, probably the best breed for the little guys. And just look at that face.....

What a GREAT pup! I know you, and your entire family will get years of joy from him. From years of experience of being owned by Goldens, I'll guarantee that he is a lot Golden. Congratulations!!

Congratulations to your family and to Bonzai! I agree with the Shepherd/Golden Retriever genealogy!
Thank you for adopting from a shelter. I've just adopted a rescued breeder dog from a puppy mill ... the mother of some of those cute puppies in pet store windows. Daisy (Princess Daisy Brave and Beautiful is her full name, according to me!) has spent the first eight years of her life without care or human connection. She is slowly getting used to decent food and medical care, a house with a human who cares about her. To keep connected with her other rescuers, she has a blog at: http://fur-licity.blogspot.com

Dear Bob:

Just by looking at your new dog, I think he is a combination of German Shephard along with Golden Retriever and possible Labrador Retriever. If he is eleven weeks old and weighs around 25 to thirty pounds; then he will be a big dog! He will probably weigh around125-130 pounds when he's full grown. I do not think he has chow in him because of the color and length of his hair. That looks more like Golden Retriever! It's good to hear from a bona fide dog lover!

Congratulations. There is lots of love in that dog. Good on you for going to a shelter for a pet. The years of joy you will have will be just great. Well done.

Bob! What a beautiful and wonderful lifetime friend and companion you and your family have adopted. I am now living alone and have been looking for a friend just like Bonzai, or a similar mix. I wouldn't be surprised if Bonzai had a little Lab in him also, which is good.
Thanks for brightening our day by including Bonzia in your letter.

If you really want to know Bonzai's heritage there is a new test, which gives quite specific results. Ask your vet. Please take a bit of advice from a long time big dog owner: 1) Don't let him do ANYTHING as a puppy that you don't want to see in an adult dog (ex. sleeping in your bed, jumping up on people); socialize him with other people outside the family--the more people he interacts with as a puppy, the more prepared for successful adulthood he will be; 3) Everyone in the family needs to use the same terminology--ex. off is different from down; 4)The Michigan Humane Society has a great video called "Manners for Life." click on behavior; 5) Have fun with your dog, but remember you are his pack leader.

Fuzzy Wuzzy will be a Bonzai Bear! Good on you for saving him. Also: You might want to try the Nylabone treats instead of Rawhide chews, my son's Golden Lab stays healthier with them. Bless you and your extended family!

Very attractive puppy, Bob. Cute as a button. I can see why you wanted him. Congratulations on your new family member.