We, we know Leroy can relax.

Robin Gibbons, his breeder, sent me a text photo of Leroy taking a nap this afternoon on his back, exposing his stomach to the world, which animals only do when they feel safe and comfortable. He looks great, we are hoping to visit him tomorrow if Robin is home and available.

Robin, a first time breeder, works at a local American Legion, she is thoughtful and conscientious, it was nice of her to send us that text. Leroy does seem calm, I have a good record for choosing puppies, I remember how calm Lenore was in the litter, Leroy is the same way.

I look to see how calm they can be, how comfortable with people, how responsive to eye contact and touch. I don’t want a puppy in the middle, one who is active but not crazy, calm but not lethargic. And I want a puppy with a good and loving mother, a great indicator of temperament in my mind.

This ability to relax is a good quality for a dog in a household with Fate, and also with me. This is also a dog who is a candidate for therapy work. I believe the litter has a profound impact on the temperament and demeanor of a dog, and most people never get to see dogs in the litter.

Good breeders always are happy to show their dogs at any age, and their parents as well. They are invariably open and eager to answer any questions. If they don’t, be careful.

Robin is open and quite thorough, she won’t accept any deposit or money until she is certain her dogs have no hip or other health problems, another thing good breeders do. I have had rescue dogs and dogs from shelters, and also dogs from conscientious breeders. Those are all good ways to get a dog for me.

Red and Fate came from a wonderful breeder, Karen Thompson, of Thompson’s Border Collies. Lenore came from another wonderful breeder, Gretchen Pinkel of Kee-Pin Labs. I am lucky to know both of them, and I feel the same way about Robin Gibbons.

I don’t ever tell anyone else how to get a dog, unlike many people on social media. It seems an arrogant and unthinking thing to do. I belong to the Church of Minding Your Own Business. Like the Quakers, we are a tiny and dwindling faith. Beyond that, getting a dog is a serious and very personal choice, depending on so many factors we cant know or see.

The best thing I can ever do for a dog is choose is thoughtfully and wisely. For me, it is not a moral decision, an opportunity to feel good about myself. It is a very practical decision Will the dog be happy and safe? Will the people be happy and safe? That’s where I start. Then, the gathering of all the information there is to know about the dog, the breeder, and the source of the dog.

I have a good feeling about Leroy, call it an instinct. He is four weeks old, he’s coming home to us in four weeks. We bought a small crate at a yard sale, and I’m boning up on Boston Terrier nutrition and training. A different kind of challenge for me, I am eager for it.

Leroy will be the first small dog I have ever had.