Hi Tom!
How refreshing to hear from someone of your age who is taking his responsibilities so seriously!
I was 13 when I got my first dog. I was in almost the same situation as you - mad about dogs, no friends close by, parents working full time etc. My parents were certainly not doggy people, but eventually they caved in, and I still remember the day my Lisa arrived. A border collie, 9 months old. Beautiful! She was my best friend from that day and for the next 12 years. We were inseperable. Apparently they did ask the people they got her from whether or not she was a 'chewer'. She wasn't, but we left her with toys anyway. I had the whole of the summer hols to get her used to being left alone, so when I went back to school she was fine. A doggy neighbour took her for walks at lunchtime. I took her to training classes, even though I had to walk for 1.5 hrs to get there and back again! That led to obedience shows, party tricks etc. All in all a fantastic time the like of which I would wish for anyone to enjoy. I've had several since, all rescued, mostly collies or collie x cos I understand them better than any other. But you never forget your first. So get your ducks in a row, and start looking. Just remember that although all breeds have certain general traits, each will be a different character. Lisa was a collie, but laid back instead of the usual overactive. So ask a lot of questions, and visit plenty of times b4 taking your choice home. Good luck with your hunt.

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It only takes a minute to find a special one, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them, and a lifetime to forget them.

Well, first of all, thank you very much for your compliment.

Next, I never knew Collies could be not too active. But then again, we're surrounded by some elderly people and some workers. So that's a slight problem because we'd have to pay a profesional to do it.

But yeah, thank you very much for your comments. They were very helpful. Thanks.

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