I've Got the Fever.

I'm just going to come out with it.

I've been consumed -- I'm overcome with Puppy Fever.

It's SO STINKIN' CUTE!

I'm convinced that it accompanies immediate life after the wedding.  I seriously just cannot help myself.  I browse Petfinder.com like crazy, and I'm constantly in the hunt for breeders on Google.  Gah, what is wrong with me?!

I've theorized that it's probably because Mr. L and I are nowhere near ready to start a family that involves actual children, but at the same time, I'm having an urge to nest.  Unfortunately we just can't afford a dog right now (or the two dogs that I would much rather prefer), and we've estimated that we probably shouldn't get one until the start of the new year.  I'm just hoping I can hold out until that long!

Anyways, even if we can't get a dog or two now, we can still daydream about it!  Well, I think I'm doing most of the daydreaming, but regardless, we have a couple of breeds in mind.  Our guidelines are kind of strict, meaning that whatever we get, it must be a low-to-no shedder.  My poodles have utterly spoiled me in that department, and I would so prefer not to have to worry about dog hair.

So the two breeds in the forefront of our minds at the moment are the Miniature Schnauzer (or Standard Schnauzer, depending), as pictured above, as well as the Italian Greyhound:

I'm so in love!

The Miniature Schnauzer is Mr. L's clear favorite, and I think they're so cute.  But I also love the Italian Greyhound breed as well.  Unfortunately the closest IG rescue to us is in Missouri.  However, the closest Schnauzer rescue is actually about 3 1/2 hours from us in Birmingham, AL, so there's a great opportunity!

I guess it will come down to which dog will be available for which price at the right time.  Until then, I suppose I can get my fix scouring the internet for breeders and rescue operations...<twitches>