Reunion

We bought Finn at a pet store. Believe me, I have already heard enough opinions on this. We have even discussed the idea of just telling people we bought him through a breeder to avoid the comments and looks. Maybe I perceive the looks, maybe no one really cares where we bought Finn but it sure feels like they do.

The simple explanation is that we had never owned a dog or even really been around dogs growing up. We were totally new to the whole thing. We wanted someone to hold our hands through it and tell us exactly what we needed.

We’d been stalking puppies at Petland since Halloween with no real intention to buy one. And then one day we did.

This iPhone picture was taken during our first play session with Finn at Petland.

I was shocked to find that it takes hours to buy a puppy. I don’t think they prepare new parents as well as they prepare new puppy owners. Petland includes in the purchase price of the dog a “welcome home” kit. The kit includes everything you would need for your puppy during the first few weeks and beyond: a crate that will fit him as an adult, food, treats, toys, nail clippers, shampoo, tooth brush, etc, etc. They go through the whole kit with you and explain how to properly use everything. They give you step-by-step instructions on how to feed him, groom him, potty train him. They explain what is a medical emergency and what is not. On top of that, you can call them anytime if you have any questions or problems with the dog. It was reassuring to feel like we had some kind of backup system.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that Finn was not a healthy puppy. He was very sick for the first month or so that we had him. In the far future, if we buy another dog, I’m not sure if we’d go to a pet store. They were what we needed as first time buyers, but we are more knowledgeable now and more sure of ourselves.

It’s clear though, that they care about their animals. When we bought Finn we were stopped no less than three times on our way out of the fairly small store as employees wanted to say goodbye to the little puppy that was only there for a short time. When we’d come in later to buy puppy food, Mike, the guy who sold us Finn, would stop us, and ask about Finn by name. It was a caring atmosphere.

Today at the puppy park, we ran into Mike and his dog. Finn definitely seemed to remember his short time in Mike’s care as he ran up to him, put his paws on his shoulders and gave him a vigorous face licking. Which, as everyone knows, is Finn language for “you’re one of my favorites.” It was sweet and it solidified in our minds that we did make the right choice buying him from a pet store, or at least that specific pet store.