Hi, I'm Kim and I'm a Disboards-and-Dis-Unplugged-podcast-aholic. I love them both and can't give them up.
But that's another story. I tend to spend most of my time on the Budget and Camping at Disney Boards, but I'm posting here because I know so many of you (both podcast members and listeners) are animal lovers. Here's the question: Should we adopt another dog or not? I'm having a real heart vs. head dilemma.
A quick background: We had 3 dogs - 2 springers and a yellow lab. One springer was going on 16 (we got her one week after we got married) when we had to put her down last spring. Our lab, Lanie, was just 4 when we had to put her down last fall (a year ago next week) because of kidney failure. She had joined our family two years earlier after she was abandoned by her owners. She was simply the best dog - great with the kids, gentle but playful, smiled and wagged her whole body every time we came home. We all loved her, and it was a really difficult loss. We now have Lexi, our going-on-5 yr old springer. She's a good girl, but she doesn't really have a connection with our kids. She's good with them, she just doesn't really care about them. Since the other 2 dogs have died I have said that Lexi is going to be our last dog. I'm tired of being tied down by a dog - we can't go out at night since she's been kenneled all day, we have to find a dog/house sitter for trips, even short weekend trips, etc. It's a sacrifice you make for your pet(s), I just don't to have to make it anymore (well, after Lexi passes in another 10 yrs.)
So, last Saturday there was an article in our paper about an animal hoarder from whom 34 dogs were taken, yorkies, min pins and dachshunds. I was dumb and went to the animal shelter to see them. I've fallen in love (there goes my heart!) with an 8 month old min pin mix. She's beautiful and calm and just wanted to sit in my lap while I was there today. Of course, behavior can change when a dog gets more comfortable a home, but she is very sweet. My kids (8 and 10, especially the 10 yr old!) would love to have another dog who loves them like Lanie did. Again, of course there are no guarantees that she'll like kids (there's my head talking).
So animal lovers, what would you do? Should I stick with my original plan of no more dogs or should we add a little love to our family?
TIA for reading this post and for letting me know what you think.
But that's another story. I tend to spend most of my time on the Budget and Camping at Disney Boards, but I'm posting here because I know so many of you (both podcast members and listeners) are animal lovers. Here's the question: Should we adopt another dog or not? I'm having a real heart vs. head dilemma.
A quick background: We had 3 dogs - 2 springers and a yellow lab. One springer was going on 16 (we got her one week after we got married) when we had to put her down last spring. Our lab, Lanie, was just 4 when we had to put her down last fall (a year ago next week) because of kidney failure. She had joined our family two years earlier after she was abandoned by her owners. She was simply the best dog - great with the kids, gentle but playful, smiled and wagged her whole body every time we came home. We all loved her, and it was a really difficult loss. We now have Lexi, our going-on-5 yr old springer. She's a good girl, but she doesn't really have a connection with our kids. She's good with them, she just doesn't really care about them. Since the other 2 dogs have died I have said that Lexi is going to be our last dog. I'm tired of being tied down by a dog - we can't go out at night since she's been kenneled all day, we have to find a dog/house sitter for trips, even short weekend trips, etc. It's a sacrifice you make for your pet(s), I just don't to have to make it anymore (well, after Lexi passes in another 10 yrs.)
So, last Saturday there was an article in our paper about an animal hoarder from whom 34 dogs were taken, yorkies, min pins and dachshunds. I was dumb and went to the animal shelter to see them. I've fallen in love (there goes my heart!) with an 8 month old min pin mix. She's beautiful and calm and just wanted to sit in my lap while I was there today. Of course, behavior can change when a dog gets more comfortable a home, but she is very sweet. My kids (8 and 10, especially the 10 yr old!) would love to have another dog who loves them like Lanie did. Again, of course there are no guarantees that she'll like kids (there's my head talking).
So animal lovers, what would you do? Should I stick with my original plan of no more dogs or should we add a little love to our family?
TIA for reading this post and for letting me know what you think.
(both our dogs are females and, although a bit rocky at first, are now the best of friends 
)
to our forum and I hope you find peace in whatever decision you make! Adopting a new dog is a big decision. I know you'll find great advice here! 
