We are a pet less family. Not because we don't like animals, just that our lives have never been conducive to having pets before. Well now that we are settled in a place we plan on being for awhile (we have moved 6 times in the last 7 years) and we own our home and it has a mostly fenced in backyard the question on whether or not to get a dog has come up several times.
My under 2 year-old is completely enamoured by dogs and "dog" was one of her first 4 words. The 5 year-old is still scared of dogs but she needs to get over it. My husband wants one. I am the hold out. I know it is the classic excuse but I just know that I will be the one in the end taking care of it. Additionally I don't see how it could be fair to the dog? When I go back to work (and that will happen) there are days in the winter when we feasibly leave the house around 7am and do not get back until after 9pm due to the running we have to do. I can't see this working.
So I am the bad guy at this point. Do any of you wise readers have any input on the situation? Do you have dogs/pets? How does it work?
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DON'T DO IT! (At least not yet.)
ReplyDeleteWe have a 9 year-old retriever and she's wonderful, especially with the kids, but winters are a beast when you've got little ones to wrangle and bundle up and then strip back down again and a dog that needs walking. And if this dog is going to wind up being one of your responsibilities there simply won't be time, especially when you go back to work. The guilt of an unwalked, antsy dog is no fun.
Sorry - I had no idea I felt so strongly on the subject.
We have a Bicshon Papillon and an English Springer Spanial. I've always loved dogs, and knew I wanted more than one. 4 years ago my husband and I purchased a puppy, but 2 months later had to give him away as we just never had the time. Now we live in the country and I'm a WAHM. We have so much more time for them. I have to agree witht he comment from 'ck'. BUT, I also have to say, "Do your research" Look for a dog that needs little excersise (all dogs still need exercise) "Apartment Dogs" is what some would call them. Just make sure that you get the right type of dog for your lifestyle!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!
I am in the DON'T DO IT column. I have a miniatre daschund that I fell in love with and had to have, and as she is a tiny little thing I thought she would be okay-it wasn't going to be like having another kid, she will always be under ten pounds. The kids wanted one. They were so very happy when we got her. Long story short, two years later I love the little thing but I would never choose to do it over again!
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