We are due to bring Gus home this coming Friday (we changed his name from Leroy).  Saturday, we went shopping and loaded up on training treats, small beds and toys and chews for puppies. Maria hates to shop, but I liked this trip, it signaled the imminent arrival of the next chapter in our remarkable lives with dogs and other animals.

We bought two small collars, three bags of training treats, three small stuffed squeaky toys and some balls (thanks in advance for not warning me about any of them.)

Many people were surprised when I wrote I was thinking of a small dog.

I have always been drawn to Labs and border collies.

I first thought about a small dog when I got to know some of the big men in trucks who help make our lives possible – Greg Burch, the lumberman (pug). John Hallaron, the ex-NYPD big man (English Bulldog) who fixes our wood stoves and chimneys, there was the gravel man with five Corgi’s in his truck, the trash man with a Pekingese, and somewhere in there, a big man with a feisty and loveable Boston Terrier.

I know Jamie, an organic farmer and border collie lovers, who practically bursts into tears when he talks about how much he loves his Boston Terrier.

Why are these big and powerful men so fond of their small dogs? I think it’s somehow because they are small, an outlet for their emotions and big hearts, so often hidden away. Most of these men cry simply talking about their dogs.

Since dogs are in part how I make my living, I thought it would be worthwhile for me to experience the small dog, a kind of dog I have never lived with and want to learn about. I am excited about writing about this dog and learning how to photograph him.

I started researching small breeds. I was instantly drawn to what I read about this breed. They are smart, loveable, filled with energy and personality. Like all short nosed dogs, they sometimes have respiratory issues or trouble with heat. Their problems, say several vets, are not universal, and are not as severe as the respiratory problems of other small breeds.

The vets I spoke to said they are generally healthy dogs with few chronic problems. They just need to be watched in extreme heat.

They are considered a wonderful urban dog, but they seem able to live anywhere. Lots of people put sweaters and booties on them in the winter, lots don’t. I expect we will be among the latter.

They are not prone to allergies, the ones I know have been healthy and vigorous.

I know several farmers who have Boston Terriers who run all day with border collies. They are tough dogs, bred to be ratters and they are fast and agile. Trained properly and rationally, they can be calm and quiet in the house.

They are high energy dogs, they need stimulation and activity. They are protective – they bark when people approach – but not aggressive. They are known for loving children and the elderly, two find traits for a therapy dog, which I hope Gus will be. They are playful, and like border collies, can quickly become ball or toy addicts if their owners are not careful.

They are family dogs, they adore their families.

These qualities began to add up for me. They make great therapy dogs, they love to love and be loved, they are happy to sit in laps. They are utterly trustworthy with children and people, if bred well and socialized. They are house dogs, they stay close to home.

These dogs are accepting and easygoing around other dogs. I think he will be an engaging companion for Fate, the ultimate high energy dog. Red will pay no more attention to him than he does to Fate. Gus will challenge and sharpen my training skills and hopefully, my understanding of dogs.

Gus looks like the right dog for us. He comes to us when we visit, he is active but not crazy, he already loves to be held. It’s almost eight weeks, and I can see this is the right time. His mother Hannah, is getting tired of mothering and Gus is getting eager to see the world.

Why do I want him? I am open to change and challenge, these dogs seem full of love and connection to me. I need that in my life, I was deprived of both for some time.  I think this dog is an absolutely perfect dog for Maria, who is also all about love. They will spent many cozy evenings together reading.

This chapter begins next Friday..