That Kind of Person

I hate being "that kind of person". But, this weekend we are. We bought Bubba an English Springer Spaniel back before the holidays because he loves dogs and Bailey - the 12 yr old chihuahua - is just not a kid kinda dog. He's a grumpy old man. So, we thought (and still think) that Bubba needs a dog. However, we got a bit more dog than we bargained for. She was way to hyper for in the house, drove me & Sweet Pea crazy, whined & barked if we put her in her crate to have a moments peace, nearly made Bailey lose his mind. So, after spring break, we put her outside, thinking she'd be happier. Wrong. I couldn't even open the blinds without her barking like crazy wanting out of her fancy (and big) pen. If we were outside, we had to let her out or she'd bark herself hoarse. She just wanted love and attention, but she needed more than we had to give. So, we made the decision to try to sell her. She wasn't a cheap dog, so we put an ad in the paper listing her for 1/2 of what we bought her for. The second day we got a call from a couple that has another dog just like her, just a few months older, who needed a "friend". These are true doggy parents...their dogs are their kids (much like bailey!). They came to see her, loved her, and took her home. The lady called me this afternoon to tell me that she is doing great and loves her new buddy. I feel good about how it's turned out, we obviously weren't the family meant for Dixie. She's going to have it good now, doting parents and a best friend. Bubba cried for a few minutes after she left yesterday, but hasn't mentioned her since. We told him that she was happy at her new home, and then had to explain that it wasn't that she wasn't happy here, but she's happIER there. I didn't like being the type of person to get a dog, then get rid of it because it was too much trouble, but I've got enough to do. We had to make a decision to benefit us AND Dixie. I think we're all better off. She is a sweetie, but man, she was exhausting! And she probably thinks her name is "SHUT UP!"

We are now researching the best (smaller) dog for us. One that is less hyper, more managable - size-wise, and good for little kids. Any ideas?