Ok, so

as most of you know, I have had cancer. I have never been "angry" that I got sick, I truely believe that everything happens for a reason. Cancer has made me who I am now. I love my life and feel blessed to be able to do the things I can...Today though seems to be a particularly hard day...I am very frustrated. More because there are things that I would like to do/have but can't--doc's orders or I just don't have the money or people tell me I should "wait". It really frustrates me. I want to get a puppy the doc has given me the OK problem is, my boyfriend and I just bought a house. Money is not the issue (get to that in a sec), he thinks I should wait until I am done school ( I am still on medical leave from school until January), when I will "have time"--ummm I HAVE TIME NOW! I am not working, not going to school, my energy is good--I have the time to focus as much attention on the puppy that is needed. Now about the "money"-its obviously NOT an issue since he feels he can go out and buy seasons tickets for the local CFL team, buy baseball tickets whenever, Cds, DVDs etc...etc... so my point is he is not being fair--I wish I could work so I could spend my money as I please and get a dog cuz then all his arguments would be invalid....PLUS I moved to his town and have nt made friends yet...so a puppy would keep me company!
I am frustrated that I can't go "away" like really really go away...I had planned to go south this past winter but since I my immune system is still recovering , I can't just yet. And plus I don't have enough money anymore!
I am frustrated that I am NOT able to be in school...I was in teacher's college...loved what I was doing and wish I could be back there inspiring those little ones!!!
arrrrrgh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK--pitty party over...gonna go for a walk!!!

I don't know how common they are in Canada, but in the US there are a lot of rescue groups where you can get a dog that was a stray or an owner turn-in. I volunteer as a foster "mommie" for a collie rescue group that works out of Maryland and Virginia. Most of the dogs that we get are already trained, or we train them the basics (like sit, lie down, and "pee pee outside") and are at least a year old so they have settled down a little bit. The dogs are a bit cheaper than buying a purebred from a breeder, too. We placed two full male collies, ages 3 and 4, with a family for only $225, and we placed a full female collie, age 1.5, for $125.
I wish you the best in getting your dog!

Fitgal, is it typical of your BF to care more about his wants than yours? Or is this just an aberration?

You've already posted that he gives you flippant or evasive answers when you bring up the possibility of marriage. Now he doesn't even want you to have a puppy, even though you can afford it and have the time to care for it.

I'm sure there are a lot of wonderful things about him, or you wouldn't have stayed with him this long. It's just that from the little bit you've shared so far, it's all about him and what he wants. There are some people who are great at being there when you're sick, because they like the feeling of being needed, but then they aren't so comfortable when the relationship becomes more equal. Is it possible your BF is in that category?

Shalll I bring a covered dish If anyone deserves a bit of a pity party it's you. Boys are boneheads sometimes. I think I probably say more mean things about mine than I say nice, but he's pretty wonderful really.

It seems to me you need a long conversation with him about your goals and aspirations, and about how you are going to get through the next 7 months without going crazy. A dog would be great for you, you meet so many people just walking the dog.

I get the feeling that the cancer has knocked your self confidence somewhat, and perhaps because of all the treatment and hassle you've been through, you are worried a lot about other people and their feelings, so I guess it's going to take a while to get your groove back.

Are there any support groups, or some volunteer work you can do to get out there and have your own stuff going on before school starts again? Or perhaps start a bit of studying to get your brain primed for January?

I love having a dog, she gives me love, and I personally know that you can't beat unconditional love. When I wasn't feeling well she was the one who snuggled up to me.

I just finished reading a book called WHAT THE DOG DID, by Emily Yoffe, I loved it, made me laugh and love my Miss Skittles even more.

Can you possibly volunteer at a shelter for a bit to know and see what types of dog would work for you? ie: big, small, long hair, short, friendly and active or more for security.
I love my jack russel and no shes not hyper, shes a big baby who likes being snuggled or carried like a new born. I even sometimes find myself holding her against my shoulder, rubbing her back and swaying...as I did with my babies....lol

Awww thanks for coming to the pitty party!

I really don't give my boyfriend enough good praise to you all, he is really fantastic...I just feel its better to take my frustratins out here so I can talk to HIM RATIONALLY once ive calmed down.

thanks Ladies!!
Oh and ME SKITTLES is THE CUTEST NAME EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In that case, go out and get yourself a dog. Your BF will just have to get used to it. He may object to a dog in the abstract, but I bet he won't be able to resist a real, live, tail-wagging, face-licking puppy, especially when he sees how happy it makes you.

Hi, just wandering into the pity party with some calorie-free chocolate chip cookies. (The beauty of the Internet, right? )

I don't have a lot of words of wisdom, but I would probably be frustrated in the same situation. Especially because I love doggies with all their tail-wagging, face-licking, bouncing, and sweetness.

I like the suggestions of going to volunteer, maybe even in an animal shelter. And perhaps once your DBF comes to understand how much happiness a dog will bring into your life, he'll consider it more seriously. My DH goes around grumbling that pets are messy, pets are destructive, blah, blah, blah, but when I see him throwing the ball for my parents' doggies or sitting with the cat in his lap, I somehow think that his outlook isn't as harsh as it seems. Best of luck!

Thanks for the company ladies!!!!

So I had a chat with the boyfriend. SUCCESS we are going to look at puppies!!! he emphasized the "look" part hahaha but there is NO WAY he is going to be able to resist- he is soft like that!! hahaha I let you know if I come home with one!!! WEEEEEEEEEEE