Should I Get a Dog?

Should I get a dog?

  • Yes

    Votes: 8 53.3%

  • No

    Votes: 7 46.7%
  • Total voters
    15
Beezer said:
My wife lost both of her parents last November. My daughters think a little dog might be the right tonic to give her some companionship and exercise. I'm still on the fence about this...I know they are a lot of work. But I am semi-retied and there are 4 of us. Hmm...
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I don't recommend you get any dog without having several long heart to heart discussions with your wife. Both of you have to really want a dog in the house, and be ready for the daily walks, vet expenses, and other responsibilities involved. Unless she is really excited about getting one, I would not bring a new pet into the home.

I have a labradoodle and I have to say that any poodle mix requires high maintenance in the grooming department. I groom my own dog, and it's a never ending job. I'm not fussy about his appearance in general, but the hair grows constantly and within two weeks his eyes will be blocked with hair, his hair will start matting and tangling even with frequent brushings, etc. I don't trust professional groomers, but unless you or your wife is willing to pay for grooming, probably on a monthly basis, or do it yourself, a short haired dog is the better option.

Consider that some, not all, small dogs can be barkers, which may be an issue in your house, yard or wherever the dog is. Some breeds are more vocal than others too.

Some breeds are more active, nervous, demand more physical exercise than others. I love dogs (and cats), can't imagine not having a pet or two in my home. Of course if we are too old and sickly in the future, we'll have to do without.

I suggest you do your homework, research different types of dogs, but most importantly, make sure you are both on the same page, both excited to bring a dog into your family, and both willing to do all the things necessary to make a happy family with little stress or turmoil. Also, you should both be involved in the purchase or adoption of a particular dog. Spend some time with him/her before you bring them home.

Good luck! I didn't take the poll, because until your wife weighs in and you have considered it a bit longer, hard to say yes or no.
 
Thanks all for the thoughtful responses!

We won't be making any rash decisions at this moment. We'll wait and see how this plays out. But because I'm still on the fence I should probably take some more time until we are more fully committed.
 

Beezer said:
My daughters think a little dog might be the right tonic to give her some companionship and exercise.
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If the dog is intended mainly for your wife, shouldn't she be the one to decide "yes" or "no" and what breed? I've always had dogs - and cats - and birds as well as a number of other pets because I enjoy and love them. My feeling in re the pain of losing them is attributable to the old saying; " 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all"
 
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Beezer said:
My wife lost both of her parents last November. My daughters think a little dog might be the right tonic to give her some companionship and exercise. I'm still on the fence about this...I know they are a lot of work. But I am semi-retied and there are 4 of us. Hmm...
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You are on the fence, your daughters think a little dog might be the right tonic . What does your wife think? Who exactly is going to do the lot of work ?
 
Dogs are great, but they do require daily walks. Cats can be great pets too, but they use a box. BTW A neighbor of ours retired and started a dog walking business — which can be very lucrative, very.
 
SeniorBen said:
Dogs are about a twelve year commitment, so don't get one without taking that into consideration.

I love dogs. They've been my best friends throughout my adult life. I didn't have one as a kid.
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Same here. We lived in an apartment, and I wasn't allowed to have any pets. I had a couple of gold fish, and my brother was allowed to have a couple of tiny turtles.....none of those pets lasted very long. I was actually afraid of dogs when I was young, but as time went on and I met some mellow friendly dogs that my neighbors had, did I relax enough around them to know that I liked them.
 
Lately in my area it seems the shelters and rescue organizations have a number of senior dogs. These are dogs that have been surrendered because their owner died or went into a nursing home. They are so traumatized in noisy shelters and having aging issues of their own. You might consider taking in one of these. They may not be around long but they will be grateful and no puppy training.
 
I am a big dog fan. I have 3 right now. The second and third came to me through a family friend The second dog the friend found was to replace my husband's chemo dog. The third was this family friends pet but our friend died suddenly. No one else wanted the much loved dog so he came to me the night his Dad passed. The first dog I got from a shelter about 9 months after my husband passed, the doctor ordered that I get a puppy to make me get out of bed.

The one thing I know now is get a small dog. Get one that is not a shedder and constant grooming needed. I would no problem house training a new puppy but that is also something to think about for when picking a dog. Yes, they are going to need routine medical care, if they get sick it can be expensive. If you live in an apartment or condo walks will be needed. I have a backyard for them to play,

It can be a challenge if you are a person that travels, the dog or dogs will need to be kenneled or stay with someone you trust.
 
SeaBreeze said:
Same here. We lived in an apartment, and I wasn't allowed to have any pets. I had a couple of gold fish, and my brother was allowed to have a couple of tiny turtles.....none of those pets lasted very long. I was actually afraid of dogs when I was young, but as time went on and I met some mellow friendly dogs that my neighbors had, did I relax enough around them to know that I liked them.
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My family lived in apartments, too, except for a few years when we lived in a small rental house. We were always moving to another apartment, lord knows why.
 
Well this is giving me a chuckle!

I told my daughter I would abide by the poll results on my forum in regards to getting a dog. She keeps asking me every day now what the results are. As it stands, it's 7 for and 7 nay. lol!

I said I was on the fence about this purchase and the poll results are reflecting this to a tee!
 
One thing about the work required for a pet, a lot of it is easier than it sounds because you'll have the pet motivating you. Like my cat every day when I get up expects me to toss the rattle-puff-ball toys for him to bat and play with. Although it is a pain and not what I would choose to do, I don't have to provide self-motivation because he will either entice me by flattening himself and looking all cute and ready to pounce, or if that doesn't work he'll consider feet going down into a pant leg as a toy (which definitely motivates me to throw the balls to get him off my foot).

You wouldn't think that anyone would want pet chores the minute they come home from work after the grueling commute, but in my younger days when I'd drag into the house the hysterical happiness of my chihuahua the second I opened the door would bring me into the moment and laughing and feeling playful.

So I don't think the decision should totally depend on whether a person thinks they want the work load.

 
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