Sunday, November 9, 2008

BIG NEWS!!!!

First things first, before I go into my actual post today; to my friends who have tagged me with different awards and meme(s), I promise to post mine this week. I actually have several subjects that I want to share with you, but for now this topic at hand is a little more pressing and by the time you finish reading it, you'll see why. Okay. I had to get that out. Thanks!

OKAY..... here goes!

I'm going to have a baby in my home soon.

What in the world am I rambling about now? Let me explain.

For a long as I can remember (& my mom tells me that it's been all my life) I've had this one great fear that I've dealt with for many years. I feel that I've restricted myself in a lot of ways in my life with this fear. I say that I've buried this fear because I was never forced to deal with it. However, I have shared it with many people not only for prayer, but in hopes that I would one day be healed.

Ready to know what it is?

ALL of my life, I've have been deathly afraid of ALL animals; mainly dogs and cats. I was never attacked by either of them. We never had a pet when I was young. I didn't go to other friends' home if they had a pet. In my adult life, I have restricted myself from environments where animals are. Okay, for Moms that are asking yourself if my girls have been to the zoo? Yes, they have, but it was torture for me most of our visit there. I never go to anyone's home without first asking if they have a cat or a dog. If they own either, I will ask if they mind putting it up during my visit. Fortunately, I've never had someone who would not put their pet away.

Okay now that you have a little history, let's fast forward to a few weeks ago.

I am totally aware that God does not give us a spirit of fear. In fact, I have heard many sermons and other teachings about how we should face our fears head on. Well, it's only taken thirty-eight years for me to REALLY grasp these words.

To sum it all up and after recently listening to yet another sermon on facing your fears ......I FINALLY GOT IT!!!

I'll spare you the details on the sermon and what actually happened with me during the service (including friends of mine staring at me - holla Jessica!).

The main thing that I wanted to share was that I have made a promise to my family that I would try this...facing my fear head on. To finally answer your question dear friend April, YES WE ARE GETTING A DOG!!!!! And YES, an inside dog!!!!

Dirk is doing lots of research to get the perfect dog for our family. Wow! That sounds weird! I have requested a couple of things from him;

1. Must be a miniature dog
2. Must be short hair

Now friends, I need your help in a couple of ways.

1. Please pray for me about this. I do have peace about this, but Satan keeps showing his ugly face and trying to talk me out of dealing with this issue.

2. Right now, we are thinking of getting a Mini Dachshund. However, we are not 100% set on it. Sooooooooo, we are somewhat open for your suggestions and comments on this.

We've already heard that dachshunds can be somewhat difficult to house train. I also know that there's not going to be a perfect dog. Darn it!! So with that being said, give me your opinions and comments.

Whew! I've wanted to share this for a few weeks, but I've had so many other subjects to post about.

I must admit that I (and a whole lot of other people who know us) am very surprised that I am doing this, but I feel good about it!

38 comments:

More Than Words said...

Daphine!!! LOL, at first I "gasped" (a good gasp) because I thought you were going to say you were pregnant. I'm sure I won't be the only one to say that.lol.

I'm so proud of you for taking this leap of faith!!! Just agreeing to buy a dog is one thing, but letting it be an "inside" dog is another!! That is majorly huge on your part!! Just as long as everyone knows the responsibility of taking care of it, and cleaning up after it's messes, then everything will be fine! We have a dog (border collie), but it's a backyard dog. Plus, he's way big to keep in the house. Me personally, I told my family that the ONLY way I'd have an inside dog is if it really small (like a terrier). I'll be praying for you to get over that hurdle of fear, but it looks like you're on the right path! I'll be praying that God reveal to you why it is you have that fear, and to help get rid of that root!!! Wow, I'm excited for you, and can't wait to hear about your adventures with your new addition to the family!! Have a wonderful day!!!!!

April said...

Oh, Daphine, like Alicia...I thought you were about to announce that you were pregnant!! My heart, literally, skipped a beat or two! Whew!

I just had a gut feeling you were going to be getting a dog! I don't think you're going to regret it, at all! They become such an important part of your family and you'll never believe how much you'll grow to love one of those little creatures. I wouldn't trade our dogs for anything in the world! They give us unconditional love and there's nothing like it!

We have a long-haired dachshund and a Shih-Tzu. Our dachshund sheds quite a bit, so that's one reason she does drive me a bit crazy, at times. In fact, I didn't realize it until AFTER we brought her home. Our Shih-Tzu does not shed and that, to me, is the reason, she's the perfect house dog. She doesn't have an odor, either, and she has the most pleasant personality you've ever seen!

My mother-in-law and brother-in-law both own short-haired dachshunds and they both shed A LOT. I don't know if that's an issue for you, but it can be a problem for many people. Some dachshunds tend to be a little yippy. My husband's uncle has one like that, but I think it just depends from one dog to the next. Ours is very sweet-natured.

The only thing about a Shih-Tzu is that you do have to have them groomed on occasion. We get Bella's hair cut about every couple of months or so to a puppy cut. Other than that, she is low maintenance and she's definitely a snuggle hound!

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions. I'll be happy to answer them all! I am so very excited for you and your family. Whatever breed you choose will be one lucky dog, that's for sure!!

Stacey said...

Daphine, I am so happy for you and your family. Pets really are a blessing and will become an absolute part of your family.

Wendy said...

Oh I'm sooo Happy for you Daphine! For getting a Dog which will become just another family member, and for also facing your fear head on. WELL DONE YOU!!!
I held a taratula this year, being aracnaphobic, this was SUCH a big deal so I understand where you're at!
I'm sooo proud of you!
We have onlty ever had Cavalier King Charles Spaniels at home so I have no clue about raising other breeds, I've also encountered very "Yappy" daschunds though!
Good Luck with your choice, whatever he/she is, it will be perfect for your family
..x..

April said...

Oops! I meant "yappy", Daphine, not "yippy". Thanks, Wendy! :)

Speaking from the Heart said...

Daphine,

Congratulations on overcoming your fear. I also thought you were having a baby.

Laurin Pearce said...

I am so proud of you! This is an amazing step for you and I will keep you in my prayers. I have a mix breed. My grandfather saved her as a puppy, fed her with a bottle and everything! She is a yorkie/poodle mix which is wonderful! She has a cute little face, is very mellow and never...ever really sheds! She is wonderful with children! They say that poodles are great dogs because that are very smart and so friendly. I've been told that Yorkies are great because they are fun dogs that like to be active. So of course my little Sugar is the best of both worlds! She's an inside dog and weights only 9lbs.

Debra Kaye said...

Daphine,

Blessings to you sweet sis! I have had a fear of animals my whole life until I had children and they wanted one. When we got our "lady" she set me free from the fear of dogs. She was a blessing to us.

I know you will be blessed by whatever dog the Lord leads you to because He is leading and you are following!

Love ya bunches,
Deb

Heather said...

aww, that's great that you're going to put this fear to rest finally! it's funny but my mom did the same thing recently. she is terrified of snakes and they have a lot of snakes in her area including her property. so she prayed that she would no longer be afraid of snakes, she prayed she wouldn't be afraid of them anymore.. well the funny this is, she started seeing them all over the yard when she was doing yard work and gardening but instead of being afraid she was more annoyed for once! so then she started laughing and prayed out loud in the middle of the yard for God to change that original prayer to not only make her not afraid of snakes anymore BUT to also keep them out of her sight, LOL. how funny is that!

Lorrie said...

Hi Daphine, I'm afraid I can't give you advice on the choice of a dog. We have cats currently but when we did have a dog it was a Great Dane! He was an inside dog and a fabulous member of the family. I'll pray for you to find just the right small dog for your family.

Jessica and Matt said...

YAY!!!! Get a GREYHOUND!!!! They are the best in the world... granted, mine is like 85 lbs, but he does have short hair, sheds very little, and doesn't slobber. Love that dog! Love you! Can't wait to meet your new baby and loooooove on him/her. I will teach him/her to lick everyone's face--YAY!!! :)

Jenn said...

I think I need to rub my eyes and go back and read this post again because I thought it said YOU were getting an inside dog. Seriously, has someone hijacked Daphine's password and written a post?!! lol!

I will warn you that dachsund's shed really bad....you will be constantly vaccuuming up hair! Our new puppy is a Yorkipoo, simply because they do not shed (and they are small). Of course, they aren't short haired but, since they don't shed, it's okay. The only time you will have a problem with hair in your house is when they loose their puppy coat and get their adult coat....but even that is minimal compared to the shedding of some other breeds.

Prepare yourself now for poop and pee on your floors....it's inevitable with a puppy. I purchased a spot bot and it works great at cleaning up after an accident! Oh, and I also suggest crate training so the dog will not be roaming the house when you aren't home!

Edie said...

First, Yay for you!

That being said, it is NOT wierd to research your pet before getting one. If more people did that their would be fewer animals at the pound. I LOVE animals. They speak SO much about God's character. I cannot look at any animal (including insects, yuck) without wondering about God.

A dog is a good choice because they love unconditionaly. Housebreaking is easier if you use a crate (dog cage) during that period. It sounds cruel to some but dogs are den animals and feel secure in a cage. Dogs won't potty where they sleep if there is any way they can avoid it. So they go from crate to outside, then a little playtime then back to crate til next potty time. Also they go out right after eating. That way you train them what times to go potty.

Ok, sorry for all the (maybe unwanted) advise. Pray that God brings the right dog to help you overcome your fear. I am praying with you. And PLEASE post a picture!

Anonymous said...

Daphine,

I am so glad that you are facing your fears. I can't help you on the dog breed issue. Bryan is allergic to dog sweat & saliva so we have never had one. We've always just had our little kitties. I hope whatever you choose brings you much joy.

Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M said...

Wow? A dog? :)

We have a toy poodle, they do not shed and make for excellent house dogs. Ours is very well behaved, maybe you should look into those as well.

It was great to see you yesterday (and Jae! She's beautiful!)

-Jaelan

michele said...

Good for you!! I think dogs are a lot of work, but so much JOY and wonderful companions!
I am very happy for you! Congrats!

Diva Ma @ Mommy Fabulous said...

Well good luck on this. It won't be bad at all when you get it as a puppy. You'll fall in love with it like it was a baby. Just continue to pray. I love the tiny ones, although mine is certainly not small. I saw some pomchi (pomeranian and Chichauau) puppies once and they are small with not a lot of hair. Dachis have even less hair.

Good Luck!

He & Me + 3 said...

That is awesome! Good for you! My kids really want a puppy too, but I don't want the extra work. Rick is gone too much, so I would be doing it mostly myself. I will be more ready when the baby is a little older and the kids more responsible, but I am so happy for you. It will be so fun! Enjoy!

Alicia The Snowflake said...

That is exciting! You can do it my friend! God will show you the right dog for your family! You have conquered this fear, my friend! Don't give up!

Have a great week!

Melissa said...

Good for you for trying to conquer your fear!

I'm sure that you will love having a dog! Your girls sure will! There's just nothing like the companionship a dog brings to the family. I grew up with pets, and I really miss having one! Once we're able to buy again and once the kids are a bit older, we'll be getting another dog.

I would suggest looking into a cocker spaniel, maybe? They seem like a really great dog, and they're not big. I think that will be the breed we will be researching when it's time for us to get a dog.

Jennifer said...

How exciting....just like a new baby!! What love they give (I actually have a post about that this week...) You will wonder what you were thinking all those years - I'm sure (and I'm not a real animal lover myself). Keep us updated! I am excited....

Robin Beck said...

Hi Daphine,
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!
Hey on your new baby deal-Congrats! I have been a dog person my whole life. I don't think I have ever not had a dog. I have a purebreed Chihuahua that is my baby but is a royal pain at the same time! Chihuahua's aren't really a dog that you want to get for your "first dog." I think the best thing you can do is what you are doing...Study up on the different breeds. Even then you might go get the one you think you want and when you walk out of the pet store you may have a completely different dog because it just seemed "to fit" with your family! I bought my Chihuahua because I felt sorry for him. He was in a little glass cage with a hamster water feeder and NO blanket all curled up in the corner. I thought he was a hamster and when I asked the lady what he was and she asked if I wanted to hold him -I couldn't put him back in that freezing cage-He has been loyal to me since. ~♥ But he is still a pain and he knows it! :)
Make sure when you are buying the dog that everyone in your family pets it so you can make sure that no one is allergic to it!
Have fun...I really think love is going to take the place of any fears you might have had very fast. (But that's how God works-He is all about the love)
Robin~♥

Jill said...

WOW!!! I'm so proud of you. You are right, we are not given a sense of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline! You can do this!!

Denise said...

I am so happy for you, and your family. You will be in my prayers sweetie.

Kitty Scraps said...

Hi Daphine,
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving such sweet comments!

You have a very uplifting blog and I'll be back to visit you too *smiles*

I love my pets, they are a very special part of our little family. They have made our lives richer and we love them dearly. I'm happy for you taking a leap of faith and getting a pet of your own. There are so many abandoned and abused animals out there that need loving homes. I will include you in my prayers that you'll be blessed with just the right pet to love.

Have a wonderfully blessed week!

Betsy said...

I can't even imagine having to face that big of a fear. I commend you. Good luck with your baby. You will LOVE it and it will soon become part of your family.

Anonymous said...

This is Big news!! Congrats to you. It will be an adjustment but.... you can do it! :) Be the train, "I think I can, I think I can."

I want pictures!!! :)

Tracie said...

DAPHINE REEVES....A DOG....

WHAT?????????
I can't believe it....I can not wait to see this dog...I am so happy that you are doing this though... That is awesome..
You go girl!

Anonymous said...

WELL, IT'S ABOUT TIME! HALLELUJAH - THERE IS A GOD IN HEAVEN! Does that mean I don't have to put my dogs up when you come visit now? And will you come visit more? Seriously tho, I am so happy for you and for your girls....every kid needs a pet.

Make sure it's not a dog that sheds alot! We adopted a mutt one time....and it turned out to be the BEST dog! I truly think it was grateful to have a family love it. Small dog tend to be more high-strung....just something you might want to know.

I am sooooo happy! Love ya, Sarah T.

Anonymous said...

Okay, I'm sorta back...I'm eating lunch at my desk today and it's quiet around here. I thought I'd jump on and read your lastest. I'm really glad you are going forward with this. It may take time, but you'll look back and realize what you had been missing out on. Surely the video at church yesterday touched your heart. That dog LOVES his master. They are so loyal. And I know Dirk said no poodles, but you really should think about it. I saw that someone else mentioned poodles too. They don't shed and are so sweet. Just make sure NOT to get a chocolate brown one. They have been bread and bread to get that color and it has made them even more high strung than normal.

Can't wait to meet the new member of the family. And I promise to try harder to get back on-line and start posting again. I need to download some pictures and a super sweet video I took yesterday and do a post about my weekend. Had a great time with Steph and Garrison yesterday.

Love you!
Jen

Anonymous said...

Daphine, WOW! You must be ready for a big change.
It is going to be fun for the girls.
Brenda

Anonymous said...

Daphine,

I am still in shock about the dog!But I am so proud that you are overcoming your fears of animals. I know the girls are thrilled about the dog.

Tonya

More Than Words said...

Hi Daphne!! I have something for you at my blog!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations! A NEW BABY : ). Dog or otherwise, it is sure to be super exciting. I wish I could give you a good suggestion, but I don't have any. We had a golden lab mutt from the SPCA when I was growing up and he was the best dog ever. He was definitely big though. I am so excited for your family! It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to see pictures! And hear name choices....Oh the excitement!

Unknown said...

Daphine, I can't tell you how much I understand this one. Did you see my post on chicks??? If you have time and can offer help, stop by my last post. Thanks and take care!!
JuJu

Unknown said...

Dogs are great good luck! We have two inside dogs just a piece of advice short hair dogs shed a lot we have both a long hair and short hair. I can't wait to see pictures!

Rebekah said...

I thought you were going to say you were pregnant too!
Bless you for standing up to your fear. We tried having a kitty in the house, but it didn't last very long....Violet is now an outside cat!

Darlene said...

One word for a dog - POODLES!! OK I know I am a little biased since that is what I have always owned but they really are very smart, gentle, don't shed and you will absolutely fall in love with one. The only downside is that you have to take them to be groomed and depending where you live that could be costly. We take both of ours once a month. Be sure to know that most puppies are kind of wild and rough....you will have to teach it to be gentle and they are not attacking you but wanting to play with you. My young poodle is at my feet or in my lap wherever I am throughout the day.