I need advice about adopting a dog

[cally]

It makes no logical sense, but I want to adopt a dog. So some background....

I had a golden retriever that was my friend. He spent most of his days following me around and being by my side. I had him for 15 or so years but we decided to end his life a year ago. Ummm, he was about to suffer a horrible death so we ended it so he didn't have to suffer the pain.

But my husband and I plan to travel once the kids and pets are gone. We have a cat that is my companion.

I still want a dog. I almost adopted a pet last week. My husband is totally opposed to a new pet.

Advice please

[femmocrat]

1. It sounds like you are ready.... why is your husband opposed?

[salin]

2. New dogs (pups or adults)

are a huge time commitment, esp in the first year, are you ready to take that on, on your own (if hubby is opposed, you can't expect him to put in that time.) If you are - and he isn't opposed to you taking the burden on - then go for it.

On Edit: My family lost a long-time companion Golden and took on a golden pup. We had forgotten how MUCH it takes to raise them as babies - and luckily this one started settling some after a year (while the last one, which we had conveniently forgotten, had taken almost three to four years to start really settling down). The older golden is such a wonderful companion - and demands so little. But the young one... can take years before they grow into that easy companion. Spend some time dwelling in the early years with your last one (and try to think of the most challenging times) - to bring back the memory of what you may be getting back into.

We love our youngster, and have no regrets. But we had seriously forgotten about how challenging the early years were.

[AtomicKitten]

3. a couple suggestions

Perhaps you might want to consider doing volunteer work for your local rescue organization (SPCA, etc.) or maybe even fostering animals. Rescue groups are always desperate for help and the commitment is temporary. Best of luck.

[Flaxbee]

4. maybe foster a dog every now and then?

just to get the 'feel' for it again, and ease your husband back into the idea.

How much do you think you'll travel once the kids and other pets are out of the house / passed on? How long 'til the kids are gone? There are SO MANY wonderful, adult dogs in shelters who would love a home, even if for the last few years of their lives. If you could have a good friend, and give a sweet dog a few happy last years, I say definitely go for it.

[xchrom]

5. so many dogs need a good and loving home --

if the two of you can come to concensus -- and can provide one --
you will really be doing a sweet soul a good deed.

and as you already know -- that dog will love you both to no end.

ALONE AGAIN

I wish someone could tell me
What it is that I've done wrong,
Why I have to stay chained up
And left alone so long.

They seemed so glad to have me
When I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do
While I was growing up.

They couldn't wait to train me
As companion and as friend.
They told me they would never fear
Being left alone again.

The children said they'd feed me,
Said they'd brush me every day,
They'd play with me and walk me,
If only I could stay.

But now the family hasn't time.
They often say I shed.
They wont allow me in the house,
Not even to be fed.

The children never walk me.
They always say, "Not Now!"
I wish that I could please them.
Won't someone tell me how?

All I have is love, you see,
I wish they would explain,
Why they said they wanted me
Then left me on a chain.

From The Detroit News 2/25/1999
Author Unknown

A Dog's Best Friend

O Lord, don't let me once forget
How I love my trusty pet-
Help me learn to disregard
canine craters in my yard
Show me how to be a buddy
even when my sofa's muddy,
Don't allow my pooch to munch
postal carriers for lunch,
Shield my neighbor's cat from view,
guide my steps around the doo,
Train me not to curse and scowl,
when it's puppy's night to howl,
Grant I shan't awake in fear
with a cold nose in my ear,
Give me patience without end-
Help me be; A DOG'S BEST FRIEND.

Author Unknown

[philosophie_en_rose]

6. I suggest a friendly, calm little dog that can travel with you.

Maybe a cairn terrier or dachshund or an older yorkie from a rescue society? www.unitedyorkierescue.com (or .org)

Whatever you do, please microchip.


Actually, you may want to borrow a small dog to take on a trip from a neighbor or relative. Many people think it's oh so easy to travel with every cute dog, but that's not true. Even calm dogs need exercise and a space to pee. Only you can know if you're ready for that, but you could try with someone else's dog first.