I live on Lake Norman in North Carolina with my husband, Rick, and our 15 year old Golden Retiever, Scout. Although Scout is trying to prove me wrong, I knew he couldn’t live forever so I started doing some research for our next dog.
Since we live on the water and I was a bit tired of sweeping up dog hair, I decided to search for a non-shedding, hypoallergenic water dog. I was familiar with the Portuguese Water Dog since my sister Stephanie owns one, but I had never heard of the Lagotto Ramagno. After some research, I fell in love with the idea of owning one.
We weren’t sure that bringing a puppy home to such an old dog was the right thing. Because the wait time for a Lagotto puppy can be very lengthy, I got on a couple of breeders’ lists on the East Coast. Who would’ve thought Scout would be around when it was time to bring the puppy home?
After many discussions with my husband, Rick, we decided to pass on the puppy we were supposed to bring home in July, 2010. I was sad but wanted to do what was right for Scout. My sister JoAnn (I have 5 sisters!) said “things happen for a reason”. Little did I know that some “things” were about to happen.
My phone rang two weeks later. It was Robin Morehouse, professional breeder and trainer from “Clever Canines” in Sante Fe, New Mexico. She received my name from a breeder on the East Coast. She had two male puppies for sale and wanted me to buy one. I explained that we just made the decision to pass on a puppy while Scout was around. We didn’t think it would be good for him. She told me I was mis-informed!
Robin grew up in the Lake Norman area and she wanted one of her puppies to live here. In Robins’ eyes I was the perfect Lagotto owner. I had worked at IBM as an Engineer for 24 years, but now I spend the majority of my days outside enjoying the lake, my garden and a variety of sports. I love animals and Robin knew I would spend a lot of time with a new puppy.
We agreed to purchase Lucca as long as she facilitated the introduction to Scout and he accepted Lucca. Robin agreed to drive Lucca to us and she ensured a smooth transition.
Since we live on the water and I was a bit tired of sweeping up dog hair, I decided to search for a non-shedding, hypoallergenic water dog. I was familiar with the Portuguese Water Dog since my sister Stephanie owns one, but I had never heard of the Lagotto Ramagno. After some research, I fell in love with the idea of owning one.
We weren’t sure that bringing a puppy home to such an old dog was the right thing. Because the wait time for a Lagotto puppy can be very lengthy, I got on a couple of breeders’ lists on the East Coast. Who would’ve thought Scout would be around when it was time to bring the puppy home?
After many discussions with my husband, Rick, we decided to pass on the puppy we were supposed to bring home in July, 2010. I was sad but wanted to do what was right for Scout. My sister JoAnn (I have 5 sisters!) said “things happen for a reason”. Little did I know that some “things” were about to happen.
My phone rang two weeks later. It was Robin Morehouse, professional breeder and trainer from “Clever Canines” in Sante Fe, New Mexico. She received my name from a breeder on the East Coast. She had two male puppies for sale and wanted me to buy one. I explained that we just made the decision to pass on a puppy while Scout was around. We didn’t think it would be good for him. She told me I was mis-informed!
Robin grew up in the Lake Norman area and she wanted one of her puppies to live here. In Robins’ eyes I was the perfect Lagotto owner. I had worked at IBM as an Engineer for 24 years, but now I spend the majority of my days outside enjoying the lake, my garden and a variety of sports. I love animals and Robin knew I would spend a lot of time with a new puppy.
We agreed to purchase Lucca as long as she facilitated the introduction to Scout and he accepted Lucca. Robin agreed to drive Lucca to us and she ensured a smooth transition.
Lucca and Scout are the best of buddies and Scout has a new pep in his step. We’re planning to celebrate Scout’s 16th birthday in May. He’s still trying to prove me wrong. He may just live forever.