Marley & Me: Discussion - Preface & Ch. 1

[Novel]

Although this thread will remain closed until Sunday, I wanted to share a few discussion ideas to get us started on Monday.

Preface: The Perfect Dog
Why start the book with this story?
Why do you think so many have similar early memories?

Chapter 1: And Puppy Makes Three
Why do we add dogs to our families? Why do John and Jenny?
What red flags did you note about this breeder? What is being done responsibly?

[Novel]

So, who wants to start??!!

[calgal]

Wish I could but I'll just look forward in others response to see what's happening.

[bigdoglover]

Me! Me! LOL

I think we add dogs to our lives for many reasons. Some of us (like John and Jenny) had dogs growing up, and feel that they make things complete. They fill a void. Plus, the "all American Family" stereotype puts us with 2 kids and a dog. For some people, it's almost mandatory. lol

John and Jenny both have wonderful memories of their childhood pups, and the fun they had. Not to mention Jenny wants to test her "maternal instincts" with a pup.

Red flags? Many. John admits this person was a BYB, plus she was advertising in the newspaper. They show up, and she is covering for the male not being around. And the "Clearance Dog"???? Goodness. She knew something and she wasn't telling! No contract? No proof of health or anything? HELLO!!

I think the only responsible thing this woman was doing was keeping the pups inside....the whelping, etc was done in her house. Keeping in mind, however, it wasn't the best set up, at least it was not out in the barn somewhere.

As children, having a dog is fun. No responsibilty (not enough to matter) especially back when some of us "old farts" grew up. For me, I don't ever remember house training, feeding, bathing, vet visits, etc. I only remember going to the park, riding my bike, hiking, etc with my dog. As adults, we choose to see only those memories, therefore making the decission to get a dog some glorious event. We have not much of a clue what comes with it. Granted, these days many young adults are into showing/training, so they know what is required. In my day, that just didn't happen. Then we are overwhelmed with the responsibilities that suddenly come with this bundle of fluff. JMO

[Novel]

I agree that this lady was a BYB, but does John know that, and is that how he portrays her in the book? I got the feeling by these words that he has hobbyist, reputable breeder mixed up with BYB unethical breeder...

Originally Posted by pg 7

Lori was what is known as a backyard breeder...Lori, on the other hand was a hobbyist, motivated more by love of the breed than by profit. She owned just one female and one male. They had come from distinct bloodlines and she had

Originally Posted by pg 8

the paper trail to prove it. This would be Lily's second and final litter before she retired to the good life... With both parents on the premises, the buyer could see firsthand the lineage...

To me it sounds like he warns about the puppy mill and its dangers, but he has no idea that there's unreputable small time breeders too....

I shuddered when I read those two pages... thinking, how many millions of Americans (and other countries citizens) were just given a lesson in its alright to buy from a woman because she loves her dogs, and she's not a puppy mill.... UGH!!

[bigdoglover]

So true, ....I can't wait to discuss the other chapters, they would really pertain to this part of the discussion.

Maybe he was trying to be "politically correct" and not offend anyone??? By not pointing fingers, or openly accusing Lori's breeding practices (or anyone elses) he was covering his own butt? In these days and times there seems to be a lot of CYA, (and I'm not defending him) maybe he was keeping hate mail and lawsuits out of the picture. But on the flipside, he went about it wrong. Condoning her practices by labeling her the "hobbyist". Just a thought.

I also noticed how he wished he had done more reading! LOL

[Novel]

I'd thought of that... that he was just trying to not be too outspoken. Does he really want his book to be focused on because of that or because of it s great story about Marley. I think it was wrong, either because he purposely steered clear of the issue or because he unknowingly doesn't know the difference. I don't think people want Marley experiences... or do they? Is it once more romanticizing something?? the badly bred dog? I hope not!


Back to the childhood best dog ever... I grew up amongst a whole crew of 'em. My parents would probably disagree, but in my memories of our dogs they could do no wrong. Sure they ran away, dragged my mom on a leash, peed on the floor inside, etc... but I guess I grew up thinking that's normal for a dog. I slept with those dogs, ate with them, played with them, built forts with them, explored with them, experienced life with them. They were my constant companions. They were my protectors and my playmates. What kid could ask for anything more??? But.. looking back, they were not perfectly mannered dogs, and they'd all be on a trip to obedience class if they were with me now, but that makes them no less special when you're a kid.

[bigdoglover]

I think in a way he is romanticizing the story a bit....making excuses for this mentally deficient dog. Always on his side, chalking it up to "that's just Marley". I would like to think that he knows the difference, but again, he might be trying to avoid the topic so as not to get into a big debate with his readers.

I had the same experiences with my dogs growing up. Like I said, I think because we are older, we block out all of the "bad dog" things. We always want to remember a good childhood. I always have fond memories of my dogs growing up. Maybe that's what pushes us to make our dogs that we have now special too.....maybe we are trying to relive some of our childhood!

[Novel]

Chapter 2 - Running With the Blue Bloods
Choosing a Dog Name. Do you identify with the struggle? Why is it so important to have the right name?
How is John like other new dog owners? How is he different?

Chapter 3 - Homeward Bound
Do you think many owners end up doing their research after the fact?
What has John done right so far? Wrong?

[bigdoglover]

I am AWFUL at picking a name! It either has to strike me at some weird moment, or the dog needs to do something. To me, the name has to fit the dog. I personally think it's silly to name a Chi something like "killer" or "rambo". The name is an identity, just like our own. I know I wouldn't want to be named "Lindsey"....it's not a bad name, it just doesn't fit me.

As for John, I can see the struggle. He wants something that is noble, yet fun. Something that reflects not only the dog, but maybe some inner part of himself. How is he different? As far as the name-game goes, I'll have to do some thinking on that one. Seems all new dog owners are the same. They want a regal/noble name, but somewhere in there is a hidden meaning. Compensation? Possibly.

As for Ch. 3.....I think there are plenty of owners that do their research after the fact. Heck, there are more that don't do any at all!! "Well, I had a Lab as a kid, and he was the best! I'm going to get another Lab." Did my parents research GSDs? Heck no!! They just got them. To this day, they don't have a clue about the breed.

I will give John credit...he is trying. Granted, it's after the fact, but at least he is attempting to learn something. Its not completely right, but its better than not at all. What has he done wrong? Well, lets see....no crate, alone in the garage, no obedience classes, dog runs all over him, ....shall I go on? LOL

[Novel]

LOL.. yes, John could do so much worse.. but it's hard to think where.

Our first dog we tried the whole leave them in the bathroom and they'll be fine. MISTAKE! Unless you crate train I think you resolve to take everything out of that room. So in the end, which is better, a vacant room with toys, or a crate with toys. IMO, I think the crate is alot nicer! Plus, I don't have that many vacant, unused rooms.

I love names, but I was just talking last night to a friend how, as you have more dogs, names become more "This is what your name is going to be, vs. what should your name be?" When you're talking about registered names, you very often have a name picked out before you see the dog. Call names are supposed to be that personal touch.

For Jazz, we wanted a completely different sound. Alley and Laney get mixed up alot when I say them, and they both come, sit, down etc... although that's mostly Alley. She sits when I tell Topper to also.
I wanted a name that went with her registered name... but actually chose Jazz when I met her, and the registered name ended up following the call name. With Spirit, who is not with us yet, the breeders thought long and hard with me about her registered name. I originally wanted something to commemorate my high school English teacher, probably the biggest influence on my teenage years. Her nickname was Sam, which were also here initials. She even named her son Sam. She started me encouraged me to write, read more, and act, and in the end she influenced me to follow my heart to a degree in English Lit and Drama Education. Her nickname for me was Jewel, which happens to be the breeder's kennel name... I wanted something that was very meaningful, even if it was just to me, but the hubby and I couldn't name a dog Sam.... it just wouldn't work for us. So, when we finally decided on Jewel's Novel Inspiration... I loved it, for it's simplicity and the depth that I could put into it... we though Spirit would work well for a call name. I actually wanted Muse, but the DH said, ummm... no!

[RIo&Nickysmommy]

I can identify with the struggle for John to find a name for Marley. I lived in Las Vegas and me and my husband fought over names until we both went to the Rio casino one of our favorites and Bingo that was the name we chose "Rio."
I think most people do not investigat the type of breed they get till they get their pet. I knew nothing about Cockerspaniels was planning on getting a mutt or mixed shelter dog until my brother gave me Rio. I actually would have not chosen a dog such as Rio if I had investigated about them. Of course no that I have him and his brother would never ever give them up. But they are so diffrent then the dogs I had before. These two are so high maintance between their hair and helth issues and training had seemed more difficult with these two then any other pet I have ever had.
I wasn't sure what book you guys where going to settle on but was at the airport going on vacation and saw it and knew it was on the list and had to buy it. I find it rivivting and funny. Reminds me of the funny times and struggles I have with my own two.
Rio&Nickysmommy

[Novel]

Rio & Nicky's mommy,
So given a chance, would you get another Cocker, or go to the shelter, or look for a distinct breed?

From reading the book jacket, I know that John and Jenny live now with another lab. So despite their experiences, they chose another lab. I know it works that way with Weims too. I used to have a Springer, and I'd never get one of those. I love my Boxer, but the health issues may keep me from getting another one.

What kind of dogs did you have before?

P.S. I'm so glad you joined us!

[bigdoglover]

I'm glad you joined us, too! Its good to get other perspectives and stories.

[calgal]

When John and Jenny decided on the breed of dog they wanted, they did not listen to what their studies said, and that was, not to be quick to pick a puppy. They just wanted one no matter what. They knew the rag flag was up the instant Lori couldn't produce the sire, but they were just too anxious to see the pups. I think most dog owners go thru exactly what John and Jenny did when trying to come up with just the right name, but they did the right thing by not being in any big rush and waited till it seemed to fit.