should we get a dog

HairyHandofDartmoor

Don't do it earwig! As people have said it is like having another child, they are such a lot of work.

I like other people's dogs but I wouldn't have one because of: Money, Time, and Mess.

Unless you wander around the house saying to yourself, 'Oh I have so much free time and money, I really need a new challenge in my life!' , then don't do it!

dizzy_lizzie

Hi earwig
have to agree with what everyone is saying. We have a jack russell, she's two and a half years old and needs/demands lots of attention. Aside from the extra in pet insurance and food, which we did work out before we got her, the other point raised was holidays. We take ours with us in this country but next year everyone wants to go abroad. That means putting her in kennels, the extra expense, and it will break my heart to leave her with strangers for two weeks and all I'll do is pine for her!!!
Also if you do go ahead, then decide you've made the wrong decision that would be so cruel on the dog, especially if you get her from a dog's home...a taste of freedom and then back again possibly. Please do think seriously about it earwig. We love our jack to bit's (she is the baby of the family) but the committment is HUGE and it looks like you already are a very busy mum.
A dog will love you unconditionally, it's only fair that you'll do the same back.:) Also as a pack animal there could be problems as the dog asserts him/herself in the 'pecking order' of your family. We had this with our dog and our youngest son. (may not happen but be aware because of the children)
Sorry for the ramble but this is a serious thing to consider. x

sally29

hi all, we were in the same situation as you last year, kids and hubby wanted a dog, i didn't, hubby and i work full time kids at school, but they got there own way and we have the most wonderful dog you can get, Harry is a golden retriever and is just perfect, but guess who is left to deal with him, good old mum. I am very lucky that my dog goes to day-care (at my dad's ) and i pick him up after work, but there are all the other jobs and extra cleaning that goes with him.
and guess who walks him at night and weekends !, but the undying love he gives is worth every effort.
so i say if you get one you will fall in love and the work just becomes part of everyday. but you wont get a perfect dog because i have him,!!!

affordmylife

thats not possible sally cos ive got him here. best decision i ever made. i work have 5 kids and a dog is loads of extra work but its sooo worth it. its not for everyone tho.

dizzy_lizzie

I'm so glad it worked out for you both, it sounds like you've got two lucky dogs. The problem earwig has is that she doesn't want a dog and is under pressure from her family. I would worry that a dog would sense that and feel that they'd done something wrong all the time. But then I'm a big softie!!! x

tallyhoh

I love my little mutt to pieces, my darling angel princess. She came free 7 years ago as a stray. Since then she has cost me about 5k in vets bills for a skin condition.:eek:

At least you get kids treated free on the NHS.:p

poppyoscar_3

i would send the kids out day in, day out for a few weeks for a long walk in whatever weather is thrown at them - preferably through part of the winter, and get them up a bit earlier in the morning too, for morning walkies......see how committed they really are!!

cats rock!!

SarahNeedle1872

poppyoscar wrote: »

i would send the kids out day in, day out for a few weeks for a long walk in whatever weather is thrown at them - preferably through part of the winter, and get them up a bit earlier in the morning too, for morning walkies......see how committed they really are!!

cats rock!!

This is a brilliant idea Poppy! They would soon learn how much responsibility it is!
I love my dog dearly (he came way way before DS!) but they are a huge responsibilty.

SSB

Hi

I agree with the previous posters, do not have a dog unless you are absolutely convinced you can cope. We had a dog 10 months ago, she is really lovely and the kids love her dearly.

However, our children are 9 and 11 and fully participate in the care required. They take her for a walk, feed/water/bath/play with her and are just as capable asI am to take care of her. Unless you are sure that the rest your family will help, do you want to take the full responsibility?

Sagaris

We were in the same situation - kids were desperate for a dog (they were aged 9 and 11), so I gave in and went to Battersea and got a stray, after they assessed us and deemed we were suitable - quite right too! We all did the dog training (the kids learned loads, not so sure about the dog though!) and they were good with walking her and all the other things a dog needs. Dog learned her place in the pack too!
Fast forward 13 years, I've got divorced, moved house, gone from part time to full time work, dog has got older so sleeps all day - then the inevitable happened, as it does....................................................................
The kids moved out, and I've still got the dog! :rotfl:
She's been with me through it all, and I'm so pleased I gave in all those years ago!
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.