I've always wanted to use the poll feature and now I have an excuse!! Its on my sidebar. Please take it!! Before you take it, though, here is some background information to make a more informed vote:My children have always wanted a dog. The first time we had one, Sunny was VERY old and lasted a little more than a year. The second time we had Maggie. She was a beautiful rough collie that was well mannered and very ladylike .... EXCEPT when it rained or thundered or there was a drop in pressure. In those instances, she would go berserk and poop everywhere. After 1 1/2 years I couldn't take it and we gave her back to her breeder.
So, now my kids are begging for another dog. And I'm more than hesitant. I wish dogs could come with a guarantee. I don't want them to chew my furniture, pee or poop, shed hair, mess up the back yard or dirty the house! That's all! LOL!!
But, I do want my children to love, feed, walk, cherish and play with a buddy that will be devoted to them. I did not grow up with a dog and always wanted one. But, now that I'm a mom, I can only see all the had work and trouble they will cause me.
We've been thinking about it for 5 months now. About a 1 1/2 months ago at our last homeschooling meeting, the hostess said she had a dog they had found. The dog had been with them for about a week. He was well behaved and didn't seem like he'd grow too big. She already had a family willing to take him but was mourning the fact that she liked him and wanted to keep him except that they already had 2 dogs. I said, "Too bad, we might take him if he's as wonderful as he sounds."
Well, yesterday I got an email saying this family has changed its mind. They were in the process of moving and she was holding onto the dog until they were ready. She says he doesn't chew on furniture, is very nice to her girls, has never peed in the house, and is just a sweetheart. But they can't have 3 dogs.
Is this the one????
Also, in addition to the above, I can't factor out how he looks. And I think he's rather ugly!! But my kids think he's cute (of course). Am I just too old to get used to having a dog?? Am I just not a dog person?
Vote on the right. But please feel free to leave comments, too. If we did get a dog, I would hope he could be an indoor dog with nice manners and just be part of our family. Also, any suggestions on any specific type of dog, if not this one?? I was leaning toward either a chocolate or yellow lab.
Posts
8 comments:
I voted yes and I should tell you that I feel the same way about dogs as you do, but you have the perfect situation there. Our only dog was a mutt that someone else found and he turned out to be the most loving, most loyal dog I have ever known. You have the ability to "test him out" by talking to this family that has been taking care of him. And I agree, he is cute. Mutts are the best. With a dog that has been bred, you just never know what you'll get.
That is an ugly dog, but if he's well behaved, well, I'd say he's a keeper. HOWEVER, don't think the kids are going to take care of him. You'll get stuck with walking him in the rain and keeping the baby from eating the dog food and vacuuming up the dog hair and whatnot. Also, make sure he doesn't act up when left alone. Our dog did and we had to crate her every single time we left the house, else she'd chew up anything left in her reach. She chewed up the linoleum on my kitchen floor, for crying out loud! So. If YOU want another kid, and one who never grows up, by all means, get him.
Kind of reminds me of a rhodesian ridgeback...without the ridge?
sometimes the ugliest dogs are the cutest ones. if someone you know well has been keeping him and says he is good, i'd trust that. they wouldn't lie to you about it if they have to see you again, haha, so it's a pretty safe bet he is as well behaved as she says. especially if she doesn't mind holding on to him waiting for the right family. if you don't decide to get a dog now (although this seems like a safe bet as far as getting a dog goes), i would say be very careful if you are thinking lab. just know they are super energetic and need a lot of time running around, and although ours stays inside mostly, we have to get him out A LOT. they also don't seem to "grow up" until they are around 3-4 years old, where as some breeds seem to calm themselves between 1-2 years. good luck on your decision!
I'm curious how Craig feels about getting this or any dog at this time. If you're going to have your hands full with the new baby AND your other children, is he willing to ensure that the older children fulfill their responsibilities with the dog?
Frances, Craig is totally a dog person!! LOL!! He's just waiting for me to come around. He wants this to be my decision so I won't feel angry later. He definitely has his own opinions as to what kind of dog but wouldn't mind having one ... AS LONG AS I'm happy with the set up.
And we've pretty much accepted the fact that waiting until the kids get older doesn't seem to work around here since a new baby shows up every other year or so! LOL! And there always seems to be a toddler and preschooler. Life will never calm down around here. LOL!!
I just need to find the right dog and then understand and accept what life will be like with a pet. :-/
Jennie,
You bring up some very good points!! Hmmmmm.....
I did talk to the lady today and she mentioned that he's not ugly in person. She said the camera distorted his head so it looks bigger. She couldn't get a good picture of him. We'll be meeting the dog on Sunday and we'll see.
Although, I'm not crazy about having a perpetual 2 yo (LOL!), I think I have enough little persons to walk and tire this poor creature.
Also, I have a history (just once) of returning a dog to its breeder so the kids know that I would do it again! LOL!!
Aw...I think he's cute! I have the same hesitations about having a dog as you. The rest of my family desperately wants one....but not me. I don't like shedding, I don't like animals in my house, I don't like spending so much time on something that doesn't have an immortal soul (haha). At the same time, we did have a really nice dog once and he was delightful, especially with my girls.
Also, I grew up with a lab. Those things are crazy!!! She was always eating my toys and knocking me over. They are sweet, but sooo energetic!
It sounds like if you do want a dog, this would be a nice one!!
Post a Comment