ASPCA & Animal Shelter Commercials

[superdiz]

Why do you plague me? We are moving into our brand new house end of June and I want to adopt a rescue pup, but DH thinks we should wait until we're settled and doesn't want to ruin the rugs/hardwood. Regardless of when we adopt a pup, some rugs are going to be soiled, that's what dogs do in new spaces! I don't know why we'd wait. I am talking about a 3+ year old dog who most likely is already trained but needs a home because he/she has been abandoned. Still accidents I'm sure but surely not as many? I work 3 days a week and I plan to use a dog walking service and do not plan to crate. How to talk him into it? Any suggestions?

 

[Northstar]

Sounds to me like it's the commercials that are the problem... like all commercials, their job is to convince you to buy now. You are being overly influenced by that.

There will be just as many dogs needing homes when you are settled in. New home usually means a fair amount of chaos related to moving and getting adjusted... a rescue dog sure doesn't need the stress of your adjusting to the new home.

I vote to wait!

Now, if your significant other is just saying later because he doesn't want a dog at all, that will become clear when you're settled in and he's still saying no. You can deal with that problem if it arises!

So stop watching the ASPCA commercials! They're messing with your head.

 

[Planogirl]

I dive for the remote when one of those ASPCA commercials start. They are way too sad!

Maybe you could get your SO to commit to a certain date? That's what I would shoot for.

 

[superdiz]

Ah voices of reason. I know it makes sense to wait. He does want a dog eventually, I guess it won't hurt to be 100% prepared. I do have to dive for the remote though! lol

 

[Pluto 2]

I dive for the remote when one of those ASPCA commercials start. They are way too sad!

Maybe you could get your SO to commit to a certain date? That's what I would shoot for.

me to i do the same thing i cant watch it very sad.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have 3 dogs - 2 are rescues (won't go the breeder route again) - and I foster on a fairly regular basis and I have to turn the station for those commercials. I either cry or start begging DH to take in just "one more."

Wait until you're both 100% ready - it'll be worth it. You don't want to get into a position where he resents you and the dog because he wasn't ready.

 

[Pigeon]

We adopted our rescue mutt when she was 11 months old. She was completely housebroken, and if you get an older dog that's been fostered, you can get a good idea of what they are really like. The only time she ever had an accident was when she got sick after we introduced new food. Our fault, not her fault.

Before her, I'd only gotten dogs as puppies. Never again.

I agree it's good to move in and get settled, but after that, go for it. It's not going to make any difference to the rugs if they've been down for six weeks or six months if the dog is going to have accidents.

 

[PatsMom]

We don't have a dog but I have a real hard time with those commercials too! We do have a rescue cat and have had several others. I agree with those who say wait - a move is stressful on a pet just like it is for people. And a rescue animal sometimes needs just a little more love and attention and could be especially upset by a move because his new "people" are distracted and tense.

It is great to want to rescue! There are so many who need it.

 

[CathrynRose]

Charley (the one with the Mickey ears, below) - was adopted at 17 mos.

One accident in the entire 3 years we have had him. AND my husband and I BOTH worked late.... and knew there might be one. We both ended up home, at the same time, looked around the house, and saw nothing. Cool.

Then my husband walked into the bathroom - and he had peed smack dab in front of the toilet. Can't be mad at that.

I say, go for it - but this is coming from someone who just adopted a 4 month old puppy 2 weeks ago.

 

[punkin]

I dive for the remote when one of those ASPCA commercials start. They are way too sad!

so true. I can't watch them.

 

[superdiz]

Thanks everyone! We're going to hold off for now. I can't wait to start our search. We have an 8 year old guinea pig and would never imagine buying again from a pet store. Of course we learned all the information after the fact, but small animals such as guinea pigs are basically milled out and people consider them disposable pets, shelters are just overflowing with piggies that need good homes. And 3 year old pigs on petfinder are classified as old both our girls lived well past 6. I contribute that to good care and responsible pet ownership - small animals need vet attention too! I really cannot stand ill informed pet owners and those that consider any pet disposable! We will always adopt

 

[Luvchefmic]

The commercials are heart breaking I tear up & get a lump in my throat too. But I am consoled that we have opened our home & hearts, occassionally we can afford to open our wallets & send something re-the commercials but we do our part.

I was in dogs rescue and we have 10 rescues here, 8 dogs, our cat, and our horse was a rescue too from Canada

A few things OP that I would like to share my humble opinion with, please both you & DH be on the "same page" regarding when/if you add a dog to your home....also you said you didn';t plan on crate but again IMHO a crate is not a bad thing, in fact the dog feels its a safe place, never a place to be sent as a punishment, a cozy place like a den It will also usually prevent damage to your home; when doggie is alone if in his/her crate. Our dogs all have their own crate...their own space...and they know which is theirs