I Think I Need A Pet-----Preferably a dog.

L

Lon

Well-known Member
Location
Central California
I live as a single in a three story age 55 or over apartment complex that allows pets up to 25 lbs. It's been years since I had a dog and I don't know if now is the right time. I see others in the complex taking their pets for walks and I am envious, and when I see these TV commercials from the local SPCA showing these dogs up for adoption I want to run right down a get a dozen. I miss the love and mutual affection of a pet. In years past I had a Toy Poodle as a family pet at different times.
 

Yes,can't beat the companionship of a dog or cat. You must think long and hard on it. Who will take the pet should something should happen to you. Can you walk him in all kinds of weather? Can you afford Vet bills especially if you adopt an older pet? I miss mine so much but we travel to see my daughter and it just isn't feasible.
 
I'm with Ruth on the companionship of a pet, I won't ever be without a dog or a cat in my home, especially if I lived alone. I agree with her that it's something that needs to be thought about a lot beforehand. If you're physically able to walk the dog at least three times a day, I think I remember you saying that you might use a cane in the house and don't walk as fast and securely as you used to.

Also, there's a lot of work taking care of the dog, daily feedings, water changes, grooming, cleaning up after their messes, even if it's muddy paw prints on floors and furniture. If it's an older dog that's reliably house trained, it will be a lot easier for you. Also, whenever they go potty outside, you have to pick it up with a little plastic baggie.

I understand that some people with very small dogs use a litter box for them, like they do with cats. Just in case they have to go and you can't take them out. If you're ever gone for a few days or a week, someone will have to doggie-sit for you in your absence. Also, some small dogs are yippers or barkers, don't know if that's an issue in your building.

There's great rewards having a loving pet, but lots of extra work too. If you're up to it, you should go for it Lon, I know you'll make the right decision. :)
 

I think I had better forget about a dog and settle for a parakeet or maybe a nice friendly frog or gold fish. I know it's not the same and I can still pet and play with my neighbors dog. My having a dog would not be fair to the dog given my coming and goings.
 
Maybe you could foster an older dog that doesn't need much exercise? The shelter probably takes care of medical expenses but I don't know that for sure. Ask first. If it doesn't work out you could call the Animal Rescue and have them come and pick it up and hopefully they can find another home. Rescue Shelters are usually "no kill" shelters. You can ask first though.
 
We'd love to have a pet, but, we wouldn't be able to travel like we want to. Plus, my mom (stupidly) got a Schnauzer at the age of 79. Mom got sick and we had to figure out who'd take care of the dog once she was gone. If you do get a pet, make absolutely sure you've got someone to look at it once you're gone.
 
We have the best of both worlds...regarding a dog. The neighbors have a wonderful little beagle, and when they go to work, or leave for more than a couple of hours, she comes over to visit us, and take her naps on our front porch. She is a real "people" dog, and if someone is around to pet her head, and rub her chest, she is in heaven. So, we get the pleasure of having a great little dog for dozens of hours per week, and between us and the neighbors, she gets plenty of attention. Since we leave the house a couple of times a month to go to the city for a couple of days, having our own dog would not be practical.
 
Lon said:
I think I had better forget about a dog and settle for a parakeet or maybe a nice friendly frog or gold fish. I know it's not the same and I can still pet and play with my neighbors dog. My having a dog would not be fair to the dog given my coming and goings.
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I thought about getting a dog as well but you know it's not really fair to a dog to be cooped up in a small apartment for most of the day and just getting out for an hour or so.

I do have an aquarium. And you know, when I get up in the morning and walk over to the aquarium they all come waiting to be fed. It's fun. And it does add humidity to the room.
 
Maybe a caged critter, such as a hamster, guinea pig or rat. They do have a shorter life expectancy, 2-5 years. Mainly have to keep them fed, watered and clean cage. And they make great companions. Plus you could set the cage up by your chair
 
First, you're an old geezer. So am I. So getting a puppy is out of the question. Puppies take a lot of work. Then there's your ability to take care of a dog. Can you realistically do that? If you can, you also mentioned your "comings and goings". Would that be beneficial for a dog? If not, maybe you should try sharing a dog with a fellow resident. You get the dog on these days and he gets him on the others. The SPCA must have older dogs, who is just right for you.
 
Toomuchstuff said:
I love having a dog , but they are
"anchors" for sure. We haven't taken vacations for eons - I never want to leave my dogs alone for more than 12 hours.
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My friend and his family went to a wedding at one of those resorts. I offered to look after the dog. They took him to a kennel. The dog took off on the first day they left and ruined their vacation. A Boston Terrier. Smart dog. Survived for a week in the winter. He showed up when his owner went looking for him at the last spot he was spotted when he got home.
 
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