Having a dog? - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes

karen4656 · 09-11-2008, 06:13 PM

My husband and I have two Jack Russell Terriers. Kirby and Tessie are litter mates. They have never spent a night apart. When we had them spayed and neutered, they went the same day. Tessie is more my husband's dog; and Kirby is my pride and joy. He is so cute and sweet. He sleeps curled up beside me. He looks for me when he comes back in the house like he is in a panic to find me. He's my little boy!!

We don't have children so these little guys are the "children." They have a cat sister named Fraidy. They get along well.

I love having dogs in my life. It is one of those unconditional loves that doesn't come around often!!

JanieGirl · 09-11-2008, 08:46 PM

I have 4 dogs a mutt, a chihuahua, a sheltie/papillon mix and a cavalier king charles spaniel. They are all small dogs and have run of our house. My husband gets to come home for lunch for an hour but does not walk them. We walk them at night. I have 1 daughter. They are happy, healthy and are a huge part of our family. If you get a smaller dog they do not require as much excersize and can be paper trained unless you will be kenneling them all day.

JuliaGulia · 09-11-2008, 08:49 PM

I agree with Baja....

to leave them alone while you work is unkind I think. They need LOTS of love and attention!!!

some believe if you get 2 of them they can atleast play together when they are alone.

so if you decide to get a dog I would get 2 so that they have companionship in eachother and arent just waiting for you to get home for hours on end.

Vikkator · 09-11-2008, 09:06 PM

Dogs are a lot of work, but also a lot of love. It's really not fair to leave a dog locked up alone all day. We had one when my kids were young and I worked full time. It was tough. As they got older, they were able to take care of the dog. You might want to wait until your kids are a little older so they can participate in the walking, care and attention. Mine were 8 and 10 when we got a dog and that was a good age. Not too young that they couldn't handle it and not too old that they didn't care.

I do have a menagerie now (two birds, a dog and a kitten), but I work from home and so does my husband. They have someone around all the time. My son wants to take the dog with him when he moves out but is afraid he'll be lonely because he's so used to being around people all the time.

Of course, it does depend on the dog. If you really want a dog, do some research and find a breed that suits your family. One that needs a lot of exercise might not be in your best interest right now with all you have on your plate.

heidiw · 09-11-2008, 09:15 PM

I have a hubby (acts like a child), 1 child (9 going on 18), & 2 labs. My 2 labs are 2yr female & a 9 month old male. I work full time with an hour drive to work. My husband is a truck driver who we see every week or two. I also just discovered that my female is pregnant & should have puppies by November. Plus everything else that is going on in my life.

My dogs are my life & calm me. When I am sick they are there to comfort me. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Even with puppies on the way I am joyous for her. They are a huge part of my family no matter what.

CanuckDiva · 09-11-2008, 09:28 PM

Hi Mia,

I was in almost the same situation as you. I work full time and have two children and am a single mom.

A couple of years ago I adopted two shih tzus, a mother and son, and the son had some visual disabilities. The mother died - unknown causes - in her sleep a few months later. We still have the son and this past March I got 'sucked in' to getting another shih tzu because of the death of the mother...

Well, I love both dogs but I look at my life now and how busy it is and how my daughters and I are not home all day and this is just not fair to the dogs. Also, it's impossible to train them properly when you're not home - trust me, we still have training issues.

I'd say wait until you really have time to devote to a dog.

Hugs,
Kimberly

pummychal · 09-12-2008, 08:21 AM

We had dogs in our home from the time our boys were about 5 yrs old on. Dogs are such an awesome part of the family and add to every family member's life. I think it's awesome for kids to have a dog. I now have no kids at home but have even more dogs. I breed Boston Terriers and have pups coming in Oct.! Dog people are good people!

Mia · 09-12-2008, 09:57 AM

Thanks for all your input!

I knew there had to be some dog lovers here!!!

I read all your great advice. I will probably wait until the girls are older and come home from school early... It is a great responsability and I do not take it lightly.

Maybe I will see if I can voluntere at some shelter to walk the dogs... I think it is an activity I would love!!!