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foreverempty posted 4/21/2013 14:04 PM

I guess it's as simple as the title suggests.

Is it fair? I'm really wanting some company at my house especially as I'm now looking to keep it.

I've set my heart on a Portuguese Water Dog, ideal due to their suitability for allergy sufferers which my mum is.

I miss my old dog that I had to get re-homed last year when I was struggling to stay alive at times and was living with my parents.

My parents are worried it will be another complication in my life and I should settle into my new job and see how things go first with if I can keep the house as part of the divorce.

Ummmm.....

I've just read that through! I think I know what the responses will be now!

[This message edited by foreverempty at 2:28 PM, April 21st (Sunday)]

clralb posted 4/21/2013 14:19 PM

Yeah, probably a good idea to wait.

I understand wanting a dog, I really do, but at this time it is unfair for the four-legged little furball.

Wait a bit.

foreverempty posted 4/21/2013 14:29 PM

That was meant to say that I am keeping the house, autocorrect said I was not keeping it. LOL

turned123 posted 4/21/2013 14:32 PM

After being in my new home for awhile after I moved out I did decide to get a rescue dog. It did help with my kid withdrawal when they were not with me. I do have to work full time so I felt bad for the pooch being home alone all day. It gave me a great excuse to hit the bricks as soon as I got home from work we walk a lot! after another year I ended up getting a chocolate lab puppy to keep doggie #1 company while I was at work. Ive had dogs forever but Oh my gosh did I forget how much work a puppy is the only downside for me has been it gets a little complicated when I want to travel. Waiting a while is a good idea. Settle in to your new routine and then decide. I love my doggies and they are soo much part of my family but they do deserve much attention because they are family

KeepOnMovin posted 4/21/2013 15:51 PM

A dog can be a total anchor. makes for difficulties with work schedule and if you want to go out of town, etc.

i've had my rescue dog for about 4 years. with my kids now gone half of the time, Sunny makes for great company. She's a lab of some sort. Sheds more than STBX did, but is better company. Less two dimensional, always supportive of me if i want to go for a walk (every morning at 5:30!), and doesn't fool around with other men.

So, it is work, but my dog has helped me tremendously. Glad i have her!

phmh posted 4/21/2013 18:34 PM

Thanks for really thinking about this before making a snap decision.

I have done a fair amount of volunteer work with rescue animals (mostly parrots and reptiles, but some tangential work with dogs) for the past 10 years, and it makes me so sad how many are surrendered a year or so after the novelty wears off, when people realize they really don't have enough time for the pet.

Especially since you've had to rehome a dog recently, I think it makes a lot of sense to get more settled before making such a serious decision. (Full disclosure: I love dogs and XWH and I were going to get one this year, once I stopped working full-time. I'd love to get one, but my life now doesn't support it, so I definitely understand where you're coming from!)

I don't know what options are in the UK, but here a lot of shelters need volunteers to walk dogs that are waiting to find a home. Perhaps volunteering at a place like that could satisfy some of your desire to have a pet, while possibly meeting new people, helping animals, and making you feel better about yourself (studies show volunteering is one of the best ways to feel happy.) It's a win-win-win-win situation!

foreverempty posted 4/21/2013 18:53 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

Jjust writing it out made me realise I need to hold back. Sometimes seeing it written down makes all the difference.

Phmh, I've though about volanteering at a dog shelter, but my life and the work I've done hasnt allowed me to do a great deal at home as I've been away in a hotel for weeks at at time.

My new job will have me local to my house permanently so I'll be home every day, hence the thought of getting a dog.

Maybe I need to look again at the volanteering.

nutmegkitty posted 4/21/2013 21:00 PM

In fairness to the dogs, they do get lonely left home all day, and that can cause them to act out and get into mischief.
I know how strong the pull of wanting one for companionship is. I would love nothing more than a Newfie or St. Bernard to keep me company and be my buddy, but I'm not home near enough to be fair to the pup.

Dawnie posted 4/22/2013 10:46 AM

Dogs are great but like previous posters said can really weigh you down. Have you ever considered getting a cat? They are great company and dont weigh you down nearly as much as a dog. If you get 2 cats together they will always have a companion and you dont have to feel guilty about leaving them alone. Just food for thought...

Crescita posted 4/22/2013 11:45 AM

In addition to your work schedule, consider your after work routines. Do you like going straight home after work? Staying in most of the night? If you have friends or family nearby, or a neighbor that can help out from time to time it’s easier, but a dog can really cut into your social life if you don’t have anyone to help. People joke about cats running things, but I think dogs are the ones that have a way of keeping responsible owners on a short leash. I mean just think about those puppy eyes, they will keep you tethered.

Mousse242 posted 4/22/2013 15:23 PM

My parents are worried it will be another complication in my life and I should settle into my new job and see how things go first with if I can keep the house as part of the divorce.

Wait. If you find you cannot keep your house, you will find yourself with the probability of having to find a home for this dog too depending on where you end up.

Also consider a rescue/older dog (you can look for a rescue PWD) instead of a puppy with your hours or consider a walking service that will come once a day to walk the pup mid day while you're working.

When I'm working - I'm laid off now - my mom comes by most days to let them out for me, when she can't my neighbor often fills in her place and lets them out for me.

Exit Wounds posted 4/22/2013 15:24 PM

I. Would. Wait.

sparkysable posted 4/26/2013 12:32 PM

You could always get a senior dog. They are always the first to get put down at the shelter and the last to get adopted. They don't require as much exercise as young dogs, and you'd be saving a life.

Catwoman posted 4/26/2013 12:34 PM

I vote for a cat or to wait. I love my dog dearly, but he does tie me down in terms of schedules and such. I wish I had a little more freedom.

My cats are wonderful company.

Cat

foreverempty posted 4/26/2013 15:17 PM

Thanks everyone.

On reflection and feedback from you all I am waiting and seeing how my life settles.