Shall we get a wee dog?

wow thanks , that sounds ideal.

If you just want a dog mainly to walk then Borrow My Doggy is worth a look.

If you think you may want a bit more then the Cinnamon Trust looks for people to dog walk for the elderly and infirm who can no longer excercise their pooches.

They also need foster carers to take on dogs/cats/budgies while their owners are in hospital or for long term care. My DM’s 10 year old Staffy found a long term foster carer in Derbyshire and lived out the rest of her life there. Cinnamon Trust pay all vets bills and insurance and I believe may even cover some kennel costs when you go on holiday. The dog comes on a weeks trial too!

Bluegal I have a cockapoo - he's been more work than any foster or rescue dog, despite the fact I chose carefully from a reputable breeder, health checked parents, both of whom I met and also the fact a number of his half siblings live locally, all lovely dogs. Mine however, drama queen, very bright but very scatty - reminded me of a show pony for the first few years. He is now a lovely dog.
RawDiets have a genuine following and that is fine. Don't forget though, those of us with challenged immune systems are advised against feeding raw. There are some excellent kibbles around - research, decide which diet is best for your dog as well as fits around your lifestyle and other issues.
Dogs eh - by the way, to those posters who say that dogs are dirty etc etc and shouldn't be allowed near children. Can I ask you to look at the research, which suggests children who grow up with animals/dogs have less allergies and better immune systems. (They're also happy, imo and learn so much about caring for others and acting responsibly). Rest my case m'lud.

If I had to choose whether to have animals in my life or humans, it would be animals every time. So much joy , unconditional love, loyalty, what more could you ask for?.

reasons for pondering this were.....motivate us to get out and about , especially in winter. A companion, a shared interest. Fun.

Old batty. Aside from you being facetious about picking up the poop, what are the advantages you envisage? Perhaps if you state what you think owning a dog would bring then others could come in and advise what type of dog would suit your needs?

I would never suggest anyone gets a dog who doesn't understand the breed they are getting or who doesn't have the time to be 100% committed. I am horrified by 'friends' who think a dog is like a cat! They are not (I've got both b.t.w) I haven't seen my cat all day, but my dog doesn't leave my side. We plan holidays with him, we plan nights out with him in mind.

I've had various breeds over the years, German Sheps, Labs, Retrievers ...but that was when I lived in Scotland and had lots of open land. Since moving into more confined space I didn't want a dog but was persuaded otherwise so I looked into it and have got a Cockapoo now.... he is brilliant for the grandchildren, doesn't shed hair and loves other animals too.

Doesn't mean to say we didn't have to TRAIN him. In fact, spent the first year wondering "what the hell have I done". He seemed so stupid compared to say the German Shep but now he's fabulous (4) and I am glad we got him but ...lots of work no matter what type you get. Rescue dogs can come ready trained but others are even harder to train - depending why they are there. Some people think Collies are adorable and make wonderful pets - NO they don't, they are working dogs and need to be worked!

So I would say, do your homework....ask yourself what type of dog do you need (for instance I didn't want a terrier type who's instinct is to chase rabbits, cats and anything that moves)

And yes, dogs can bring so much to your life for the right reasons.

breeze, your tree root story had finished this dream.

re the original post , there is a world of difference between could and would.

re being tongue in cheek, has that been banned now?

thanks for some thought provoking comments.

If you want to reduce the poop, feed it a Biologically Appropriate Raw Diet. We changed over to raw when our dog was a puppy and he went from doing great big roundabouts to doing about a third of the amount. What is more, 10 years later, he has been incredibly fit and healthy, his coat has been amazing and all his dandruff disappeared overnight. It is also cheaper than a good quality kibble (a bit of an oxymoron really).
If you don't have much experience of dogs, maybe you should try Borrow my Doggie first. Dogs who may be left all day without company are matched up with people who'd love a dog but aren't able to have one full time. Rescues are often looking for foster homes so that may be a way to go too. You'd soon find out if it was for you.
There are websites where you can input what traits you want from a dog (or cat) so you can match the breed to your needs. Older dogs may be house trained, a puppy almost certainly won't be so that might be worth considering. Of course, they might have additional problems so you might want to ensure they don't suffer from separation anxiety or nervous problems.

I wish you well yorkshiregirl I went through exactly the same as you and am now clear 8 years on. I hope that helps you to know, that, as tough as it is at the time, you can get through it. Glad your little girl got you through and lifted your spirits. You are a good example of how much they lift us in dark times.

You raised a good point re rescues. It does not always go well as I can vouch for (still got the scars on my face!) Very important you realise they will often come with issues due to poor previous ownership. Not their fault of course. But good to be aware, especially if you have visiting grandchildren.

I went through the exact same, and then decided to get a little Shih tzu. A few weeks later diagnosed with grade 3 aggressive breast cancer, and thought I would have to rehome her.

We coped through months of chemotherapyand radiotherapy, and a year on I'm still having treatment. I've walked her even after chemo, and believe she was my little angel sent for a reason to get me out of bed.

Very hard work with a puppy,and I did try a rescue dog but it went for me twice in 24hrs, but thankfully was on trial.

Mine is very costly as on special diet, and needs clipping every 8 weeks at £30 a time. Add on vaccinations, vet bills, kennels for holidays and pet insurance. Also I'm always watching the time when out, so very restrictive.

On the plus they are company and good excersise.

Would I do it again...not sure I would, but she has been good for me, and lifted my depression.

I see everyone on here is talking about getting a puppy - not a dog. I'm 65 and my babe is not likely to see the year out. I will get another - I see no point in life without one - (although I am also considering fostering) but it will be an older dog. If you get one from a reputable rescue, they will know all about its character and behaviour so you will know what you're getting. They will also take it back if, for whatever reason, you can no longer look after it. Not many breeders will do that. Get an older dog - from a rescue. It is more difficult than buying a puppy, but that's because they care about the dog, not just the money it can make them.

I get the feeling Oldbatty you possibly worded your initial post badly as you later said you certainly would pick up the poo. You also said you have visited the rescue centre several times. So you're not rushing into anything. There is no reason why you can't rescue an older dog. Lots want the younger ones leaving the oldies behind. Which removes the worry of whether it will outlive you. Which you didn't mention but others have. Retired Greyhounds can make good companions for older people as they don't need loads of exercise and are usually sweet natured. Some rescue centres will help out with any existing/ongoing health problems too. But you would need to check this and factor in the HUGE cost of vet care should an older pooch require it (difficult to get insurance with older dogs). I think, done responsibly, having a pet as a companion when you are older is a wonderful thing. As proven by health professionals. Makes a person get up and go for a walk when maybe you would've stayed in the chair. Come rain or shine! Just don't 'joke' to the rescue centre you're 'not sure' you could pick up the poo. They won't let you have one! I took you seriously. As others have said, if you are squeamish, picking up a nice dry ish poo is doable. In all my years of dog ownership however, I can report there have been times I've been mopping runny ones off the pavement. Which is how I learnt to carry a bit of kitchen roll and some wet wipes! Oh, and one time my whistle went into my poo bag when I leant forward and another time I fell over a tree root onto my 'two' poo bags, which burst and I was smothered. Hopefully that won't happen to you though! Do think it through and I hope you make a good choice.

May I just point out that O P has said original question was 'tongue in cheek'?
Read into that what you choose.

Iam64 is absolutely right. A dog is a commitment and clearing up the poo is one of those commitments. If the issue of poo and bottom wiping are high on your list, don't bring a dog into your life and home. I have a long coat chihuahua and a Maltese who bring unconditional love, pleasure and companionship to me: clearing up their poo and grooming them are minor tasks compared to the pleasure my little dogs bring.

Another consideration is age. We still miss our fifteen year old Lab who was such a part of the family even though it is years ago that we lost him. We would every so dearly love to have a dog now but know it would be unfair to the animal as we are almost eighty even though in good health for the moment. You have to look ahead for fifteen years or so and it is doubtful we could give a dog the life it deserves for all that time.

Know

If your questioning everything about animals and can’t reconcile yourself as to why or why not you have one. Then no don’t get one. They need to be looked after no matter what. Poo sickness etc insuring them visiting a vet has to be considered

You need to explore all the reasons why you want to get a dog in the first place.

Here's the 'low down'.......For starters, it's normal for puppies to have worms and they need to be treated. Puppy will like to chew on your furniture and your favorite shoes. Puppies also have 'accidents''! Be prepared to clean up lots of poop, pee and possibly even vomit and diarrhea for the first few weeks until puppy is 'housebroken' and learns to do its business outside.

Long term, most dogs need exercise and have to be walked daily, anyway. Dogs are also a lot of work. They will shed on your sofa, your bed or your favorite chair. They need to be bathed at least once a month. Some dogs will bark annoyingly... a lot. Overall health and teeth are important too and they need shots and possible neutering, so you need to find a good vet. They also need to be well fed and to live indoors with their owners and have lots of toys and a warm bed of their own, (bedding will need to be washed regularly too). Your dog should never be left tethered outside for long periods, preferably never! Dogs are social animals and they demand a lot of attention but in return they are loyal and able to express love and devotion like no other pet can.

........But (and this is a very important BUT), if you already have misgivings about having to pick up poop in the park, you certainly won't like picking up poop in your own living room, kitchen, front hall etc. (more than once). You also might want to consider a goldfish, instead.

Gosh - a lot of party - poopers on this thread.

Of course before you get your dog the thought of picking up after it seems not nice but once you get to know the little guy/girl it becomes so much easier.

The question is which is the right dog for you oldbatty?

As others have said, the very fact that you are thinking that poo picking could be a problem means that you shouldn't.
We have always had dogs, they are part of the family and I clear up after them when neccessary without a thought.

I have always had a dog in the house I would be lost without one but unfortunatly they do not come "potty trained".

Yes Lollee I too could never hurt an animal. They have as much right to be here as we have. We must also acknowledge that dogs are used as instruments of aggression as in South Africa and Israel. It must be terrifying to be set upon by a large animal with huge teeth.

Can't understand why people are saying a dog is not for you just because of one comment about dog poo. I am sure you would do it without even thinking about it once you have to. Just like you clean up your baby's and children's poo and vomit.
A smaller dog s poo is better to pick up than a larger dogs for obvious reasons!

Reasons against having a dog in your life....
You are out of the house most days and for long periods.
You don't like "stuff" around the house ie dog bed, toys, bowls.
You do not have spare money for feeding a pet and for any get bills that may arise.
You go on lots of holiday where you could not take a dog. Or would not be happy leaving a dog in boarding kennels or could not afford boarding kennels.
You cannot dedicate plenty of time to a dog for walking, grooming, playing.

Reasons for getting a dog.
You can afford to feed it and pay vet bills and/or insurance.
You want a companion who will love you unconditionally.
You can dedicate lots of time for walks, grooming and playing.
You will pick up dog poo's and dispose of filled bags appropriately.
You want to make new friends whenever you walk your dog as people often stop to talk about your dog.

If you decide to get one choose wisely .
Choose a size that will fit in with your lifestyle and the size of house and garden that you have.
Choose the right sized dog for your strength and abilities too
Choose one that will fit in well with your activity levels, not all small dogs like to sit in the sun all day ,some like lots of long walks.
Decide if a puppy or an older dog is for you
Puppies of any breed can be very tiring .
Do you want a dog from a breeder or a rescue
Do you want a pedigree or a mongrel , with a pedigree you have more of an idea of a dogs temperament but with a mixed breed its more difficult to know.
I'm sure I will think of more ..
I cannot stand being in the house without a dog in it.

Blueskies, thought i was the only one! Don't get me wrong i would never harm a pet and when my son's dog stays i give him affection, as, a bit like a child, i would hate if he felt unwanted or unloved whilst with me. I read a lot of history books (love the subject and even give talks) and in medieval times cats were considered vermin and dogs were definitely used as working animals for hunting etc. It was quite a bit later that they became pets and i am sure we all know the story from school about King Charles keeping his spaniels to encourage the fleas off him and onto them!