Getting a dog--am I losing my mind?

[NMAmy]

We just moved from a rental to a home and DD is DYING for us to get another dog (we left our other dog with her dad in NM and the dog has since passed away.)

In the paper today, there was an ad from the animal shelter and showed a dog that was a Belgian malanois mix that looks just like our old dog (she was malanois/shepard.) This dog is 3 years old and is housebroken etc. I just keep thinking how much work this would be! I've always had dogs but it is nice not to have to clean up after one and worry about what to do with them when we're on vacation. I have a new house with a landscaped yard, new carpet, new furniture. BUT DD would love to have another doggy pal. DH is an animal person but also enjoying the freedom of not having one--he's told me he's staying out of it unless I need him to do something (i.e. build a kennel.)

Ok, what do you think? Should I go to the pound (by myself!) this weekend and bring home a new baby?

 

[cats7494]

YES! If you have the times, means, and love to share - then I say go for it!

 

[stinkerbelle]

even when I'm having the worst day in the world...crying my eyes out...all my dog has to do is rest her head on my leg and give me the 'look' telling me everythign is going to be ok.


go for it...why not?

We're actually thinking of getting a pup soon...oye, puppy training...not the most fun time...but so worth it to have a faithful friend.

 

[Chicago526]

Well, you're being very responsible about thinking it through and not just running out and adopting!

Having a dog IS a big responsibility and expense. Vet bills (even when healthy they still need to go once a year), kennel bills for when you're away, food, toys, profesional grooming (depending on breed), cleaning up the yard, possible damage to carpet/furnature, etc.

But you also get a lot in return! Unconditional love, the knowledge you saved a life by adopting, a play pal for your child (and yourself!), company when no one else is home, a built in house alarm (an ant can't get near my house without me knowing about it!). As Charles Schultz said, "happiness is a warm puppy!".

I say, if you're prepared to meet the expense and demand of a dog, go for it. The dog is house broken already, so that's a plus. And grown dogs don't need quite as much supervision as a new puppy, another plus. But if you feel that you travel too much and hate the fact that your garden might get dug up, you'd better not.

Only you can decide!