It was a choice between a trampoline that he wouldn't really get to enjoy until late spring due to cold and wet weather, or a Puppy.

So, I went to the humane society and we now have a mix Black Lab puppy. What he's mixed with is apparently a cross between puppy and a 60 ton excavator with jaws. Within 30 minutes of being in his new home, he cut through Carol's cell phone charge cord... with one bite.

He's six weeks old.

I hadn't really wanted any new pets until I could move us out to the country again instead of living in town, but my wife used the sad puppy eyes and that was pretty much it. His name was/is Tarzan currently, but I expect that to change as soon as Sam meets his early visit present from Santa. I was going to buy him and let him stay until a bit closer to christmas, but I got to thinking about all the stuff puppies can pick up in a kennel and decided to just bring him on home.

To anyone with kids, ya can't bring them all home, but saving a pup or kit from a bad fate ain't a bad thing to do for Christmas. And every kid should have a pet.

Lucky Sam! May he and the currently named Tarzan have lots of fun together.

I got my cat at the shelter just for that purpose. I also got a cat that was over a year old as I thought more likely other people would take the kittens.

Well, I had thought about an older dog, but Sam needs someone he can bond with and roughhouse with a little. And older pet might not be up to a rambunctious 5 year old that's as big as some 8 year olds.

I forgot to mention that Tarzan chewed through the dog carrier on the way home, it didn't even make it out of town.

I wasn't criticizing. A puppy is good for a little kid.

Was the carrier made of cardboard? That's what my shelter gave me for Belinda. Sounds like you need to get some chew toys and one of those tough rawhide bones pronto.

You also need to posts some photos at the LMBPpets thread.

Tarzan is a great name for a puppy. I hope Sam decides to keep it. Sounds like you have a chewer. I hope you aren't too attached to any of your shoes or furniture... And, watch those electrical cords.

Well, I kinda liked Tarzan as well, but Tarzan is now Buster Rocket Bennett.

I'll see if Carol can post a few pics from her facebook account. I can barely log on and use the stuff here, much less figure that out. There's a reason I'm in timber and not computer support systems, lol.

That's a great present and Sam's old enough to appreciate a dog. Maybe they'll tire each other out.

I hope you have a crate! Based on my experience, it's really helpful to be able to confine the little @%$^* and not worry about the destruction overnight. We got LOTS of chew toys, the hard rubber ones. Sweets just ate the stuffed animals.

Well, my bathroom is the catchall, lol. But, the first two nights he's spent sleeping on Sam's bed.

He's definitely an alpha male pup, and I'm gonna have to train him up well. Naturally, the thing he really wants to chew on is our shoes, or my fingers.

Still, the official record so far is:

1 cardboard carrier from the Humane Society.
1 cell phone charger cord
1 christmas tree stand
1 shirt (boys, size 6)

stay tuned. Marley hell, Cujo with a 'tude, lol.