[honeychile]

((((((((((((((((VAgirl18)))))))))))))))

Please accept my sincere sympathy; it truly is a member of your family who passed away. I pray that your mother finds peace and quits blaming herself.

I don't even want to admit how long it took me between pets! They truly are "furkids" to me. I don't know how your mother would react, but rather than possibly ruining Christmas, it might be nice to get in touch with a shelter or breeder, and have her see the dog as he or she is, rather than as a replacement. The pup might wrap her around his paw very quickly, or it might not. If they fall in love with each other, then make your move. Many shelters will let you "try on" a dog nowdays. I can recommend a great organization that rescues "fluffy white dogs", and there are a lot of puppies right now. PM me if you'd like to know more about it.

If you have a doggie daycare center in your area, you could also ask them to recommend breeders (if you want a specific breed), or shelters. Dogtopia in the DC Metro area is great for that.

Whatever you decide, good luck!