I have always kennel trained my puppies. And it works great while at work. It also works great at night and while house breaking. They like being kept in the kennel (not an outside one, but the kind you get for traveling)because they feel safe and can't get into any trouble. While house breaking you just take them outside to go potty as soon as you get up, and pretty soon they get the idea, they won't go in the kennel so they learn to "hold it". Of course you can't give them anything to eat or drink at night.

I'm going to contact some breeders tomorrow, but I'll also visit the Humane Society this week. If I can get the breed we wanted, I'm going to do it. I don't care if the sparrow sees it as some ridiculous trick. I'm not going to sweat her reaction this time.

GC

You said it was a breed that BOTH of you liked - it's only natural that you would still be fond of that breed. Like you said - don't sweat her reaction.

I can't remember who's wife it was that left them and was running all over town - actually turned out to be married, to a DIFFERENT OM than the one she left him for, within a week of the divorce - that he didn't even know went through.....ANYWAY, she actually was shocked he was still going to build a new house - her reaction was "You wouldn't do that to me would you??" HUH?? Like he was doing it out of spite or to get her back or something. Yup - some people get REALLY wrapped up in themselves.

GC, just wanted to make a few comments after reading this thread since the last time i replied.

first definitely read LOSTVA's story will help you have hope.

whenever there is something you don't want to "give or compromise on" just say "i'm going to be firm about that" and just say it pleasantly and non-controlling.

you do have an advantage w/the OM being M, i know you don't probably see it that way or at least feel that way most of the time in all your hurt. but the OW in my case is 20 yrs old, single, and still lives at home, and a knock out, how would you like to compete w/that?

again, another commonality between us, the MIL. i have not talked to my MIL since 2 weeks before mother's day and the last time i talked to my FIL or any of his family was on easter. you would think that for someone who has been apart of their family for over 10 years would get at least a little support. especially from his mom who has always given me stuff that said she was glad i was her daughter in law and if she had to chose anyone for her son it would be me. anyway, i really try not to think about his family too much, only in my prayers. they actually live in even another state than i live and where my H lives w/our house. but i do know that my MIL has met the OW, says she's young but "nice." my H says that his family (4 sisters, 2 brothers, 4 are married w/kids) that they do not approve of what he is doing but are glad he is finally happy. whatever, like to see what they would do if something like this happened to them. no one is immune, obviously and to think that if you have kids it's different, well it is, because maybe if i did i would actually have SOME support from my IL's.

the only word of caution i would issue is to still be cautious what you say to your MIL because they might use or say what you tell them to tell their child. in other words, they (IL's)may act like they are on your side but in turn say something different to the WS. i would really hate for this to happen to you and i'm not saying your MIL has ulterior motives but just be careful.


FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE RESCUE A POOR MUTT!! from the humane society or go to a rescue society for the breed you want. help those that can't help themself.

noticed you said:
"I feel a little better, but I see this long, rough road with so many valleys ahead. The sparrow has told several people she's done with me, and it's so discouraging. I can see what she remembers when she says "I haven't been happy for a long time," and it fills me with regret."


it is a rough road (and i could say pun intended) and i've heard the same thing, that he was just in such a place in his life and was so miserable and was so unhappy for so long. i honestly believe that he was unhappy but don't think he realized this until he met the OW who was just a pretty girl who was nice to him (his words). again, whatever <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> i am big about regrets and regretting things that i've done in the past, i wasn't a bad wife but i really don't think i was a good wife but i was faithful but i do have lots of regrets about the way i was in our M. but i know now what i need to do and that makes all the difference. and when he brings up the way things were all i can say is i'm sorry but that's not me anymore,

much prayers to you, rR

<small>[ June 28, 2004, 10:12 AM: Message edited by: roughroad ]</small>

Thank you roughroad; you have been so helpful. I hope the new place is going to be good for you, that you can get the dogs, and that your 4th of July trip is a smooth one.

I read the lostva story and bumped it the other day (it's probably on p.3 of GQII right now); remarkable. I emailed it to OM's W. She is having trouble resisting the temptations of anger and sanctimoniousness.

This week I will be seeing a therapist, but I can't really afford SH. If I wind up divorced, money is going to be incredibly tight. I can't quite afford to keep my house, but I'm going to anyway.

My MIL was a little sore at me for calling her on Friday. She remains supportive of me and upset with her daughter, but says that being in the middle of it is too upsetting. Besides, I think the sparrow's talk about "that's it, I'm done" has lots of people convinced, and those people seem less and less comfortable being in contact with me.

Sparrow looked bummed out and sorry again for a second yesterday when she left. Not sorry enough to cut it out and come back, more like sorry-but-this-has-to-be-done sorry.

If "I'm perched on a chair and need help getting off" boy has doubts about this A, this week will be a nice break for him.

GC

Don't worry about the in-laws. They are acting like most of them do. I was very close to WH's family. As soon as he got with OW, that was practically the last I heard from any of them.

I think it makes them too uncomfortable.