I’m so sorry but I lost that information a few years ago shuffling contacts to a new phone, and I’ve been kicking myself because Szuka has been the absolute best. Great temperament! It’s been over eight years, but I do remember that they were located about an hour outside of Toronto and the woman’s name was Gabrielle (Gabriella?).

Thanks so much for the information about the allergy shots. I'm nervous about them, but knowing they work makes it worth it. Even without a dog, my allergies are a daily inconvenience and I have had trouble breathing sometimes when a really bad attack hits. Once we're settled I'll track down a good allergist and give it a go! You've given me confidence to do it. Thanks for the other tips, too. I will definitely designate a Szuka blanket and keep her clean. Right now she's scared of any hose/shower but we've given her one bath already (I used a watering can to rinse her, lol).

I'll just chime in quickly and say that I had allergy shots over a period of years, and so did my husband. Don't be afraid of the needles! Recent research has improved the effectiveness of the tests and the shots a whole lot, and the relief you will achieve will make it worth your while to do some deep breathing exercises and overcome your fears. For what it's worth, I found that nurses give ten times better shots than doctors (more experience, more confidence!) and that the injection itself lasts such a short time that it's more like getting bumped when you're stepping on or off a bus than anything else. The biggest nuisance is that sometimes you get something like a mosquito bite where the shot went in – you're allergic to the stuff they're injecting, after all. In the meantime, Tanya… get a nice washable blanket to put on any surface where you will be cuddling with Szuka, so you can throw it in the washer often. (Not getting dander on the couch or rug could be a challenge, otherwise.) And do keep her clean. The dirtier the dog, the higher the dander content. I used to use a shower massage attachment in the tub for my dog — easy to get at all sides, and actually soothing for the dog if you have the gentle setting on. Hand-held hairdryer works well, too. Don't let her outside before she's dry, or she'll just go and pick up more stuff that you're allergic to and bring it back in. Having said all that, I'll just say I'm envious! What a sweet pooch. I'm sure you're going to love having her.

We picked the Komondor partly because they can reportedly best a bear or wolf and are fiercely protective. I'm not super worried about bears, but there is a whack of bear poop on our lawn so I know they are around. I hope just having her will make sure they keep their distance. I've never had a big dog, only a wee little Jack Russel Terrier, so it's different but I'm excited for her to grow big, although I will miss this fun puppy-stage. I understand about waiting – we were going to wait until we actually live at the lakehouse and aren't split between the two cities but we just couldn't wait any longer and this litter popped up and they weren't insanely expensive like at some breeders so we took the plunge. I hope your selling/buying goes smoothly and I can't wait to hear what kind of dog you get!!

Definitely, I will. I have to undergo the allergy testing first, although I already know what my allergies are: the world and everything and everyone in it. But I seriously think you are allergic to more, lol. Perhaps targeting the most obtrusive allergies would be more feasible? Anyway, I'll be sure to update you. Unless I die of fear. Needles, my gosh.

If you end up getting shots, can you let me know how it goes? I'm undergoing rigorous allergy testing right now and so far I have 75+ pages of things I'm allergic to. I'm thinking shots might be a good way to help me live my life, but they kinda make me nervous.

Thanks! I can't wait for you to meet her – I hope she's still in this sweet puppy stage when you do. She's so playful and cuddly right now.