I need to make a decision. Anybody want to help?

It looks like my new potential dog (nee: Pork Chop) will be available this weekend.

I'm clutching a bit, but I'm not sure why.

Yes, I have been enjoying sleeping in a lot, but that seems a feeble excuse for putting it off.

On the other hand, I feel so weird walking in the world without Bartleby and I have no place to put all the love/focus that makes me feel alive.

The dog lives 3 hours away, but it feels like an appropriate investment of time in light of the 10+ year commitment. He is the one who most closely fits my criteria of all the ones I've looked at.

My most severe block is figuring how how to tell the foster person that I need to test the dog in an environment like my neighborhood before I commit to him.

Ideally, I'd like to bring him home for the weekend with the caveat that I would take him back if things didn't work out. I assume I'd have to pay the adoption fee upfront, but I'd love to know that I'd get it back if I took him back.

I hate to be all dodgy, but this is a huge commitment and I need to know that my lifestyle will work for the dog. The last potential would have been miserable here.

I know it is impossible to make a perfect decision, but this one seems worthy of scrutiny.

bonny, don't hesitate to ask for that trial weekend.

After Anna died and I was looking for my next kitty companion I found Rose at an adoption day. I thought she was perfect for me - and I was sure I was going to adopt her (I posted her picture here). But before I committed to the adoption the woman who was fostering let me take her on a trail basis. I didn't pay the adoption fee up front and I think I had a week to decide. This turned out to be the best thing because Rose wasn't the right cat for me and she ended up going back with no hard feelings between me, the woman who was fostering her, or the organization she was with.

Bonny, what askye said.

G has a stomach bug. So, no babysitting again this week.

bonny,

what askye said. I'm in the amen corner. no reason to hesitate.

He is the one who most closely fits my criteria of all the ones I've looked at.

Do you want the best dog of the lot, or the right dog for you?

It's like the Mr. Right or the Mr. Right Now question. Thing with guys, you can just not call.

the right dog for you?

Definitely this. Plus, I want to be the right person,in the right lifestyle, for the dog. It really isn't all about me.

I think it's fine to ask for the trial weekend, but I've also got a good feeling about this dog and you.

Some of your trepidation (I think) is just being on the precipice of a new relationship which could be very meaningful for you.

looks like we may have a nice lady potential tenant in the townhouse. Fingers crossed that a) she is actually a nice quiet lady and b) she signs the lease, if so.

bonny, I would definitely ask for a trial. Plus, I would hesitate buying a pet from someone who wouldn't let you have a trial or who asked for a non-returnable deposit. I've had local friends who had very bad experiences that way.

Nora, that's really great news! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Some of your trepidation (I think) is just being on the precipice of a new relationship which could be very meaningful for you.

A world of this. So _very_ this.

It isn't that I'm not ready. It's just so BIG. I know that I'll never feel the same again. Bartleby took that huge chunk of my heart with him...and I'm okay with that. But I do make a comMITment when I commit.

I would hesitate buying a pet from someone who wouldn't let you have a trial or who asked for a non-returnable deposit.

I would never buy a dog. The money in question is the adoption fee. I don't remotely begrudge those monies. The little guy has required medical attention and neutering. It's just that I would need those dollars for the next potential if he does not work out.

Though, like David, I have a really good feeling about this one.