The preliminary search begins

I'm starting to seriously consider getting a second dog. And as such I'm starting to make a list of the qualities I'd like to find in a dog. Since it's slightly slow at work, what with the bad weather, I shall list some of these things here.

- Must come from a humane society or rescue
- An adult dog above the age of 1.
- I have a personal preference for male dogs, but think a female would work out better with my current male dog Mojo
- Small to medium sized. I will take a large dog if it's got the energylevel of like a greyhound
- Color isn't an issue. - my dogs are not required to match either my clothes, my decor or each other.
- Short single coat
- Mid-exercise level... I do not want a dog with either a border collie's or jack's energy level. I'm pretty low energy, but I do enjoy going hiking when I can.
- Dog friendly
- Kid friendly - I do not have children, and have no intentions of having kids, but I do have my nieces and nephews to be concerned about the friendliness factor.
- Intelligence - if it's smart enough to get the meaning of my training that's good.
- I'd prefer a fairly healthy dog. I'm not rich. But I try my best to keep my dogs up to date on shots and will take to the vet as often as required (especially in emergencies).


(I admit I am more of a temperment first person than intelligence or looks first. A match on my lifestyle is another must.)

What do I have to offer?

I have a small, single story house. My yards are not fenced in although that is a future plan. My current dog goes out on a tie out for the time it takes him to go potty. I am never far away from him when he's out on his line. When we go out he is leashed at all times. I feed high quality premium food - no wheat, corn or soy, with fresh water available at all times. I do not free feed. I am low energy and I do have health problems but i try to put my dogs first because I've suffered enough heartache in losing pets due to circumstance.

I am not a breedist although I do have my preferences when it comes to dogs. I prefer mutts. I love and advocate for pit bull types. I also enjoy the other "dangerous" breeds that have fingers pointed at them so often. I'm interested in whippets, and greyhounds. Mojo is interested in everyone but he seems to occasionally have a hang up about dominant male dogs and/or german shepherds. He enjoys younger dogs as he still plays rough, despite being nearly 7.

I do not think I am ready for a second dog just yet ... I am attempting to go back to school while holding down two jobs. This may not be a good time to consider this...

But it is my belief that it is better to try to get your own list of requirements in order first so you don't just fall for the first cute face. I want another dog that works well with my current lifestyle and personality as well as Mojo's. I don't want to discover too late that I've bitten off more than i can responsibly take care of.

This is how I started off my search that led me to Mojo. And I've had nearly five years with him - five good years of not regretting my decision to adopt him. I'd like to give another homeless dog a home, a soft bed, plenty of food, vet care, and snuggles. We all deserve that in some form or another.