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Hey, you should name him "Sparky!" (I love that name.) Heehee, yes, I thought of that too. His name is "Scooter" right now, can't decide if I will keep it or change. However, my mom has a million nicknames for Chip, among which are Scooter and Sparky. Not sure how those came about but it could get confusing!

We have always had dogs -- all my life, ever since I was born (my parents used to breed cockers). I love all dogs. Right now we have a Westie. We used to have two Westies, but we had to give one away because they did not get along.

We thought the first Westie would be lonely because, at the time, we were working full time, so we got another Westie puppy to keep our 2 year-old company. When we brought him into the house, the older dog went ballistic, obviously not happy with us! She pooped and peed all over the house, telling us she was most "put out" by what we had done.

Over the years we hoped things would change, always being very careful to pet the older dog first, feed her first, hold her first, and wash her first. But one time we forgot, and washed the puppy first. The older dog pooped all over the bathroom floor to show us her displeasure.

The older dog never forgave me, and one day, after several years of being unhappy, she growled at me. That was it. We found her a good home where there was no other dog, and have followed up ever since, checking on her periodically. She is apparently extremely happy now and supposedly never gives the new owners any trouble. Oh my, that is quite a story! I'm sorry you had to send Murphy to another home. Luckily, I discussed my concerns about the two dogs getting along and the breeders, who obviously want a good home for the little guy, agreeed to take him back for a full refund if the dogs could not get along. Plus I will only be at my parents' til the end of summer at the latest and then I'll move to my own place w/no other dogs.

I hope Chip handles this a lot better than Murphy did. Look for telltale signs like Murphy's (e.g., pooping and peeing all over the house), and if you detect that Chip is not happy, well, I hope you can find Sparky a good home.

Meanwhile, ENJOY! I don't know what a Papillon is (a terrier?), They are a toy breed, I'll post a pic later. but labs are fabulous dogs. Do you live by the water, I hope? Do you take Chip out for swims? They're so fun to play with in the water! My dad takes Chip for a run in the country every Saturday and he swims then. It is the highlight of his week! (Chip's, not Dad's, but Dad has fun too )

Good luck,
Bev

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