Talk me off the ledge

A. Nonymous

A. Nonymous

AC Members
Feb 4, 2008
499
0
0
I'm thinking of getting a dog, but I'm having second thoughts. The last time I had a dog I worked at a job where I worked 50-60 hours a week and honestly did not have time for him. Sadly, he ran off before I got my current job and I never saw him again.

Now I have a bigger back yard and a job where I'm only working 40 hours a week and have a lot of time on my hands. So, I'm thinking of converting part of my detached garage into a canine haven. I figure I can put a crate in there or a small dog run and have a dog door that goes out in to the yard. When I'm not at home Fido can chill in the garage or in the yard as he desires. When I get home we can go for a walk in the evening for 30-45 mins and he can spend the evening either inside with me where I can keep an eye on him or outside if I'm busy doing stuff. I'm leaning toward a bassett hound as I want a dog that's more laid back. The last one I had was extremely hyperactive and probably wasn't the best fit for me. I don't really want a dog inside if I'm not there as I don't trust the animal to not tear up my house. If it's bone cold outside or extremely hot outside exceptions would be made to this rule of course.
 
Reefscape said:
For me, i think the point that your having second thoughts, is telling you something, in my opinion....
Click to expand...

Can't disagree about that. To be honest though, I do have second thoughts about everything.
 
Do you plan on ever being barefoot in the backyard? I went through every classification of pet in my childhood except for dogs simply because my mom didn't want us tracking poo in from the yard or it getting flung out of the lawn mower and she knew no one would ever want to scoop it. When I look at pets I first look at personality and time constraints, and then waste management and how willing I am to deal with it. Dogs are too high maintenance in that regard for me...my cats and ferret always go in the same, contained, easy to scoop spot, water changes on the tank are easy, but a shoe covered in dog poo ruins at least a small portion of my day.
 
Last edited:
justahannah said:
but a shoe covered in dog poo ruins at least a small portion of my day.
Click to expand...

Yup, dog poo on a shoe is a definite buzzkill. So is walking barefoot in the yard and realizing when you step, that the ground seemed to have a little more 'give' to it than you were expecting... Been there, done that. :eek:
 
Don't do it. That second thought is there for a reason.

Offer to baby sit a friend's dog while they take a 2 week vacation and see how you feel about the commitment. A dog is such a time consuming venture - if done right.....and like we do with out tanks, why have one if you can't do it right.

This is coming from someone who would love a new dog but knows she can't give it the proper time commitment with three small children. I'm a dog professional too, a groomer.
 
Having second thoughts means you are considering every aspect and the responsibility that goes along with owning a dog and being the sole caretaker of it just as you would a child.

As far as dogs in the house, unless they are supervised, I would not let them run free either. My cocker and rottie are crated when no one is at home, and while we are at home if we need a break or its there rest time.

If you are willing to go the distance to take care of a dog, going on daily walks regardless of the weather, seeing to its health care, and over all well being, feeding it a diet that isn't like most of the trash marketed now adays (not going to name brand names cause that would start a war, if you want info pm me), and have a best friend for life that is there no matter what and that will never judge you, you are ready to get a dog.

Be careful about the breed you select, or mix you select. be sure that it will fit your life style and situation. Research for a dog just like you would a fish before you get it, and help and animal out, check out petfinder.com. Don't fall for the I want to rescue you because you are so cute and look so pitiful, make sure you get a dog that is right for you and that you are right for the dog. There are lots of rescue organizations out there that you can adopt a purebred animal from that needs a home as well.

Good luck on your decision, Im happy to see that you are making an informed one and actually weighing all the pros and cons before you proceed.

Blue
 
Madcrawdad said:
Yup, dog poo on a shoe is a definite buzzkill. So is walking barefoot in the yard and realizing when you step, that the ground seemed to have a little more 'give' to it than you were expecting... Been there, done that. :eek:
Click to expand...


ROFLMAO!!!! :laugh::rofl::rofl::rofl:


How about a warm smushy cat hairball at 3a.m......right between the toes!!!! :silly:
 
Having a specified area that you walk your dog, and cleaning up after it prevents teh poo on the shoe, and the spread of disease as well..;)

Bubbles2112 said:
ROFLMAO!!!! :laugh::rofl::rofl::rofl:


How about a warm smushy cat hairball at 3a.m......right between the toes!!!! :silly:
Click to expand...

been ther edone that, many times!!!! My ten year old loves to leave me presents!
 
I am so grateful my cats are young, short-haired, and quick n easy to brush. After 6 months I have yet to encounter this....with them. The cats that stayed on with the parents are a different story... many a morning on my way out the door I'd step on something crunchy only to realize it was a present left by our resident bird killer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom