On Feb 9, 7:39*am, Tracey K wrote:
On Feb 8, 11:59*pm, Kathleen wrote:





Jane wrote:
I want to get a small dog. *It can't weigh more than 7 lbs full grown
(I have a bad back problem). *I want a dog that I can train to go to
the bathroom in the house. *I understand they sell special paper or
pads (Piddle Pads?).

I want love and affection. * I want a dog that is friendly and
healthy. *I know that certain breeds tend towards particular health
problems.

I was wondering what breed of dog might be best for me. *I'd be more
than willing to get a full grown dog if it would be possible to
retrain it to go in the house instead of outdoors.

My husband is very sick. *I believe that getting a cuddly dog will
help to make me feel a little better. *I love animals and have always
wanted a dog. *It wasn't practical until recently.

A dog that tiny will be quite delicate and the only ones that small that
I have known personally (3 over the many years) had numerous health
problems and were never fully housebroken - there were tons of
"accidents" in various locations throughout their owners homes.

Given your circumstances, perhaps a cat might be a better choice. *Small
size, easily litter box trained, generally healthier than the average
stunted teacup dog, self cleaning (mostly - I have known cat who were
slobs). *And while I have heard cats described as aloof, I myself have
never known one who didn't love a warm lap to sit on, and who didn't
respond to loving and petting with ecstatic purring and affectionate
headbutting.

Siamese and siamese crosses are among the most dog-like of cats. *They
are readily trainable. *Mine came when I whistled, loved car rides,
enjoyed being worn like a feather boa draped around my neck and would
fetch thrown pencils and paper wads. *Downside? *Very vocal cats, with
really loud, annoying voices. *No worse, though, certainly, than a small
yappy dog.

Cats are also easily exercised indoors, and are endlessly entertained
(and entertaining) by the cheapest of toys. *A piece of string, a paper
grocery bag, a peacock feather.

I went to Petsmart today to buy a betta fish and they were having an
adoption event. *There was a gorgeous blue lynx point girl, an adult,
who broke my heart. *I love my dogs but I miss having cats, too. *She
came to the front of her cage when I called to her and she chirped at me
hopefully and rubbed against the fingers I held through the bars. *If my
husband and both kids weren't horribly allergic to cats she and her big
blue eyes would have come home with me then and there.

I know this probably isn't what you wanted to hear but I hope you might
keep an open mind and an open heart.

chiuaua's can be litterbox trained. The only thing with wanting a
small breed dog, they can have more health problems. Toy poodles are
supposed to be under 10lbs.

I do agree with the oriental/siamese cat suggestion. They are very
vocal, talk to you like some dogs do ;o)- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I think the cat suggestion is a great one!