Do-It-Yourself Robot Puppy

Pretty much the same way with children. The Real Thing with all its trials and tribulations is still more satisfying in the long run, perhaps even because of it.

Sounds like the start of another "free puppy" story to me. There is no such thing, even of the robotic variety.

Biological ones have a personality, if not a soul, and I seriously love them (as does my wife). We got a free "mama" dog recently that was showing up pregnant almost urgent.

We took her in for an evaluation (thinking she was ready to "domino"), but the X-ray revealed a dead, decaying litter (previous holder of this dog was severely negligent, if not cruel, about feeding and nutritional needs).

Vet did nothing, as this facility was not for major surgeries.

Next vet was hot under the collar about first vet, stating this to be a "plugged uterus" condition, where rupture could kill the "mama" dog. About $1800 later, we have a very sweet, gorgeous, loving little doggie, and would not trade her or the experience of saving her life for the world. So no, no free puppies.

That kind of neglect really get me pissed!

The term "drag hang" through a cactus patch comes to mind, but I would not subject my horse to that. Drag hanging by pickup is probably going to be a hate crime, so I really would not do that either.

I would like to tear the original owner limb from limb. Bless her heart, and bless you and your wife for taking good care of her. After six litters over the past 20 years, I've spent about as much money on pre- and ante-natal care, food, inoculations, whelping supplies, "puppy corral" supplies, one c-section, and other expenses, as I've received when I sold the pups. In other words, no one makes money on puppies. And the worry involved in getting them raised, and picking homes ... well, I have more grey hair now.

But they are such loves, especially when they get quiet and sleep in your lap, or give you kisses. One of ours figured out how to work the latch on the puppy corral doggie door, which is impressive. Another one walks on his back legs, just like his father. These will be my last, and I'm trying to soak up all the good stuff and to try to forget the poop.

Cheers!