Do you think this is a good idea (DH, cancer treatment...........and a DOG!?)

[always quiet]

We've been wanting to get a dog for quite sometime. The kids think getting a dog NOW will help Dennis get through these next few months. Not a big dog, maybe medium size, not hairy (cat hair is enough around the house, thank you!) and it would have to have a good dispostion around kids, cats..............and rabbits!


Do you think this is a good or bad idea?? I know my husband would really love it and it would help keep his mind off things, but, not wanting to sound selfish, all I can see is the work it's going to involve. The kids all say they will take care of the dog, but what about those 6 hours during the day when they are in school??? Who's going to get up in the middle of the night (if it's a puppy) and take it outside? They won't hesitate to do the fun stuff but all the work?? (Funny story, my son quickly volunteered to take the dog for walks....Jeana steps in and tells him he doesn't want to walk the dog, he just wants to take it to 'pick up chicks'!! He's 14................... )

Dennis doesn't know about this yet. The kids wanted to get it the week he is in the hospital and surprise him with it when he gets home. That week will be spent running back and forth from the hospital, the kids will be in school and I am not comfortable leaving a new pet home alone for that amount of time...........especially with a cat and a rabbit who can't defend himself.

We could get it now so it would be settled in by the 13th...........there is a Petsmart within 10 min from me.................

OK, enough rambling..............give me your honest opinions.

 

[RNMOM]

I think it sounds like a good idea. Let me tell you what we did. We had "grandma" and a neighbor lady as back up who both wanted to come over mid day to let our puppy out. He was crate trained so all they had to do was put the leash on him and take him outside. I found out later both of them spent a lot more time at our house than need be. They kinda fought over coming over in fact.

Do you have a neighbor who could help you out for a day or two while you are at the hospital? If DH would love it, I think you might find a dog pretty special too. They can be good listeners when you need one.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

all i know is that when my brother and i begged my parents for a puppy years ago, we promised up and down w ewould take care of him,,,honestly, that lasted about a week....then we were in school and everything like that and it ended up my mom being the one to be with him all the time..so depending on the age of your children ( i think i was in 7th grade at the time)....make sure they plan on actually working with the puppy...
either way, it may be too much..but if it helps your husband, then it would be good...sorry, i know im not any help.but good luck!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Just wanted to say that I don't think Petsmart would be the best place to get a dog--if you really want a dog, most people here would say get a humane society or rescue dog. I know your kids hearts seem to be in a wonderful place, but don't make a snap decision--your dog should be with you for a long time and you want to make the right choice.
Robin M.

 

[Microcell]

How about an adult from the pound? No training would be needed. If my family ever get me worn down (I don't like the doo everywhere part) I want to get one just over a year old myself!

I know it would be alot of work, but if the kids think it will help your DH, it could mean alot to them to feel like they are helping him when otherwise they don't have alot of control. But if you have too much going on , I understand your hesitation.

 

[always quiet]

I don't know if all Petsmarts are run this way but our local WILL NOT sell any dogs or cats. They have local animal shelters in the stores, complete with some pets, and you adopt from them. I will never buy a dog from a pet store or puppy farm. I think there is information on their program on www.petsmart.com. When you get a dog or cat from their adoption services, they give you $50 in store coupons to help with all the little things that quickly add up.

 

[chyam]

I think it is an excellent idea.......how about finding a slightly older puppy, maybe 6 months, there are many pound puppies that need homes, and once they become that age they aren't adopted as quickly, also sometimes breeders keep puppies thinking they are show material and once they get a certain age they find out they aren't. That is how I got my Saluki, that was 12 years ago. I think getting a slightly older puppy you wouldn't have all the accidents since their bladder is a little more developed. It would probably be great company for your husband, but I would look for a little more laid back kind of dog, nothing high energy. Also have you considered a greyhound? some of them can be adopted at 2 years old, they don't shed and they are used to being crated most of the day. They are used to being handled by many people so tend to be very friendly. I have had several and most that you are adopt are fostered before being put in a home, they are cat tested too. As far as the rabbit I am not to sure...........but most that I have had or met are wonderful pets. But no matter what breed you get people will give you good stories and bad stories about a particular breed. I just suggested a greyhound since I know they shed very little and are crate trained already................and they are wonderful on a leash.
Good luck to your husband. Added note about greyhounds......
They also do not need all that much exercise contray to popular belief, a good romp in the yard is usually sufficent

 

[always quiet]

Here's some info on petsmart:

http://www.petsmart.com/adoptions/index.shtml

Just in case anyone out there is interested!

 

[chyam]

Originally posted by Rock'n Robin
Just wanted to say that I don't think Petsmart would be the best place to get a dog--if you really want a dog, most people here would say get a humane society or rescue dog. I know your kids hearts seem to be in a wonderful place, but don't make a snap decision--your dog should be with you for a long time and you want to make the right choice.
Robin M.

PETSMART does not sell dogs and cats............they donate an area in each store for humane societies and rescue groups to find homes for pets in their shelters.........They are very adament about this practice and also have several fund raising events every year for all sorts of animal groups. SO DO CHECK OUT PETSMART! It's a great company

 

[RNMOM]

always quiet,

I agree about Petsmart. Ours also works with a no kill shelter here and they always have a number of beautiful animals. I have seen mostly cats at our but I don't tend to be there on the Saturdays when they bring the largest group out.

I think in your situation, your children are aware of your family's special situation and will pitch in. It might also be the key to your husband getting up and being active when he is allowed.

Hugs and best wishes to all of you.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Sounds good, but if you're concerned with the "work," I would get an older dog and not a puppy. And there are plenty of them at your neighborhood pound!! I got the sweetest flat-coated retriever at our pound. Sweetest disposition, very protective, must have been about 3 or 4 years at the time, and he was trained!! This dog knows EVERYTHING!! That was what the trainer said when I took him for basic training. And he knows the hand commands. I don't even know those except for the trainer showing me the sign for sit. Max sat right away.

Richard and Max...

I'm not going into the Devil Dog...Skippy! Got him at Pets Mart. He's my boxer/lab.

 

[ca859093]

I don't think I would get a puppy, but I would get a slightly older dog, maybe 1 or so, who is still "puppy like" but is a little more independent. Good luck to all of you

 

[MeanLaureen]

I say it's an excellent idea.

It has been proven many times over that pets, dogs especially, are one of the best therapies for people recovering from a major illness.

Coming from someone dealing with illness myself, I can tell you that my pups help me endure any amount of pain without saying a word.

I would think about getting a smaller dog, something that can sit in his lap and lay next to him.

And I agree about PetsMart - one of the most reputable companies out there if you ask me

 

[candykisses]

I think that bringing a dog into the family is a decision that only you can make. Dog or puppy, both will require a great deal of time and patience. In return, your pet will give you years of love and devotion.

I can say from experience that having a dog has made some of the more difficult times in our lives easier. They offer love and companionship, asking little in return.

Ray once fell out of his wheelchair and off the patio. He landed pretty hard in the grass. He couldn't move, but Albert (a Bichon Frise) stayed by his side for 2 hours until I returned home.

Recently my brother stayed with us. He has Hodgkin's Disease and Asthma. The tumors in his chest and a build up of fluid sometimes cause him not to be able to walk, talk and only gasp for air.

One night we all went to bed. After 45 min or so, Magoo (a Sheltie) kept going from me to my brother. Back and forth until I went to check on him. Magoo guite possibly saved his life that night. When the doctors heard the story, they gave Magoo visiting privileges.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I wish people were more like dogs. They love you no matter what, are always there with a happy face, and give back more than you ever give them.

 

[PigletsPal]

Last year when I had BC and was on Chemo I also wanted a sm dog just to lay in bed with me to cuddle when I felt so sick. On Jan. 2 we got a lapso from the pound (it takes about 1 wk to get him after we put our name down) he is a older dog, but the light of our family's life. Of course he has become more of my DH's dog than mine, but when I come through that door after getting off of work and he jumps up on his back legs and dances for me because he is so glad to see me just MELTS my heart.
It was one of the best decisions our family ever made without a doubt.
Good Luck to your husband lots of Prayers and PD coming your way that life will not have to many bumps in the road for him.
Let us all know about the dog you get and what he thought of it.

 

[Pam]

I think it's a great idea. If you really want a puppy (and quite frankly, I would want one, too!), why not check the classified ads section of your area newspapers? They usually either have puppies/dogs for sale at a reasonable price or sometimes even free.

We bought our registered beagle puppy from a person that way, he ended up living only 3 miles from our house. Our little guy can be a handful - but the love and comfort he gives back is well worth the hassle! But - don't get a beagle if you have a rabbit in the house!! They are rabbit hunting dogs!!!

And please know that your DH and all of your family are in my prayers.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

We were lucky enough to get a 1 yr. old failed show dog. Most of the work already done!
He is a golden retriever which is a wonderful breed except for the hair.
A freind has two Bichon Frise because their hair is supposed to be less allergenic.
I made us get a new dog, DH had been grieving for 2 and 5 years after the loss of our first two dogs. Every day he thanks me for getting a dog.
For chores: DS has a special treat,icecream bar, that he gets for walking the dog. DS and DD(3) take turns feeding him with my reminders.
Good luck!

 

[dalt01]

several things to keep in mind, pet store dogs and "puppy mill" dogs spend their first 8 to 12 weeks with very little human contact which can affect their personality for the rest of their lives. the reason i say that for pet store dogs is that they most likely start life as a "puppy mill" dog. if you want a certain type of dog you should buy only from an AKC registered breeder, once you know what breed you want these people can be found on the web or in how to dog books. if you do not want a shedding dog, bijon (which i recommend), poodle, etc. you must be prepared for the grooming costs every 4 to 6 weeks. if you get a puppy you must be prepared for (crate training) which i also recommend. dog ownership is not cat ownership and requires a committment on your part. im not talking about the people with a dog house out back and a chained up animal that gets a bowl thrown in front of it once a day. this is not pet ownership its more like pet existence. this animal will become part of your family and will change your life, make sure you are prepared for it.

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by MeanLaureen
I say it's an excellent idea.

It has been proven many times over that pets, dogs especially, are one of the best therapies for people recovering from a major illness.

I have read that also but I know when Matt was going through cancer treatments the Dr's told them NO dogs due to germs so they gave their dog to a friend..(they actually kept it for awhile but once he had to start treatment for a bone marrow transplant the dog had to be gone)...my friends daughter had to give their dog to a neighbor for the 2 years she was going through chemo and cancer treatments also for the same reason....