Meyer, Night One

Meyer, the 8-month old pit bull pictured in the previous post, spent the night last night, with the understanding we’re doing a little “trial foster care” to see how things go.

Meyer’s about 40 lbs, but will fill out to about 50. He’s great. He’s a dog. Pink crayon flashing in all its glory, he was a bit restless as he alternately explored his surroundings and chased his tail (he really spent a lot of time chasing his own tail, including a number of instances where he did it while sitting, which netted an effect much like watching a dog on a sit n’ spin). He’s generally pretty well behaved, and responds pretty well to the all-purpose “off,” which can refer to “off the couch,” “let go of the frisbee,” “paws down from me,” and any number of other instances.

I have concerns. Concerns about the amount of energy, effort, and time it will require to discipline this dog to the extent that a “bully breed” requires. Raising these two kids with the amount of energy & devotion we do is a full-time job and a half. There’s nights where we barely stagger to the finish line, and I’m not sure I can imagine staying on top of doggie discipline as religiously as Meyer deserves.

As much of a concern is the idea that kids under five are not to be left alone with pretty much any dog, much less a dog of this breed. Moreso because of kids’ unpredictability than dogs’. We don’t leave the room with Rose in Lucy’s care for the same reason. Lucy is a really intelligent, amazingly responsible little girl for a four year old. And it inevitably takes all of about two minutes of “sister time” for her to forget that Rose is indeed a sister, not a toy. While pit bulls are supposed to be amazing at letting kids tug, pull, play with their paws, etc. – I just don’t know if there’s any accounting for some instance where Lucy tries to jump over Meyer while he’s sleeping, and fails.

I think if Sharon & I were childless, it would be a slam dunk. As it is, we’re in a re-evaluation mode.