Should I get a puppy?

Ordinarily a very noble thing to adopt- however, that isn't the situation. This is a specific offer of a specific puppy as a gift to me if I want it. I either take it or leave it, I'm not in the general market at this time. I have done a lot for this person over the years and it was a gesture of kindness and friendship.

I believe you are trying to talk me into it, TeaC!

Of course not, John. It is a personal decision only you can make. My function is to be a mere sounding board as you carefully reflect upon your situation and realise you've got only four weeks to get ready for your new puppy!



So...what were thinking to call it?

How old is your current dog MT? Do you think they would enjoy puppy energy? Could you talk to the breeder to make sure if the pup is stressing out your dog you could return him...?

I think dogs prefer to be in pairs, just the age difference your current dog may think differently haha.

I'm glad your experienced. Dog people are hands down just awesome haha.

Dogs are expensive. But having an unconditional sidekick is something I'm more than willing to sacrifice for. I guess the answer is simple (since you're already a dog owner)..can you invest the time and money to take care of him/her properly, and is the companionship worth it, or is now a time in your life that you'd prefer to lower your commitments?

PS...Personally, I'd get the dog. The work and cost is worth it for the unconditional everything.

This thread talked me into getting a rescue or retiree. Not right away, but as soon as i can feed myself. A farmer needs a dog.

I love dogs - and I had two adorable Bichons for more than 14 plus years. Caring for them took on average 2 to 3 hours a day of my time, or longer, but I had the time to devote to them … initially. After the death of my husband, when I went back to work full time, I was forced to neglect them, so I enrolled them in a doggy daycare; expensive. Finally, when only one was left, and a senior citizen dog, I had to find daycare in the home of a vet tech, as the doggy daycare would no longer take responsibility for her. Also expensive. Oh I miss her so much since she passed away in 2008, and now I live with cats. Cats take care of themselves, provide me with company, not the same as a dog, not as endearing, but it's something.

Think long and hard before adopting a dog. A dog is like a child, and it takes a village to care for them. A cat … well … they’re OK. They like me well enough, and I like then well enough. We hang out together, but it’s not the same as a dog. I’d rather have a dog, but I can’t take care of a dog any more than I can care for a child.

Ok, I didn't want to jump in on this thread....for a variety of reasons. But here goes!

Oh I wish I could get a dog! I used to have a dog, 2 in fact, and missed them dearly when I had to leave them behind with an abusive ex husband. That prick actually threatened to kill my favourite dog, my fur baby at the time, unless I went back to him! Don't worry, Baldrick the golden Labrador lived on to die of old age in a loving home.....not with the prick!

I also want a dog so that my boy can learn to overcome his fear of them, and have a companion growing up and learn to care for something else. I also want one so that I could walk daily with it, and get and give cuddles, companionship and affection on a daily basis. (I get and give that from my son, but he is not always with me).

Get another dog Johnny. Just saying.

Edit: (Interesting, this site doesn't recognise 'prick' as swearing! Heehee)

Dogs are great but puppies are a lot of work and it can be stressful. As someone else said, I would suggest a young adult, and possibly one of the calmer breeds. I have 3 myself, one of which was raised from a pup, but I do have help with them. He was a smart puppy so the house training was easy, but the stuff he chewed up when he was unsupervised. I can not stress how much I benefit from my dogs and how calming they are.