Shall we get a wee dog?

We had 2 dogs in the 1980s/90s when our 2 children were in their teens. About 4 years ago I needed a dog again - the grandchildren were grown up and the OH and I needed something else to focus on apart from our aches and pains. We bought a Welsh Springer Spaniel from a reputable breeder and have never regretted it for a moment. She is funny, trusting, affectionate and adorable. The poo thing is something you get used to. Go for it!

Lollee I agree. People think I’m very strange as I consider keeping domestic animals is almost medieval. We no longer keep pigs and sheep in our homes. I also feel that it is akin to slavery. The owner decides their walkies food etc. Isn’t it rather odd.

When DH retired we did consider getting a dog, we'd both previously owned dogs, I grew up in a home with 3 dogs & 4 cats. Whilst we worked full-time we always had cats, much easier. DH's health was a consideration so we decided a dog was not for us.

After I was widowed I briefly considered a dog, so glad I didn't get one as I've had a few spells in Hospital. I did however "inherit" a cat, he was my DD's cat, I had moved nearer to DD & she had 3 small dogs & cat. The main problem was he was always getting injured fighting. Hence I have a cat, cat flap fitted & lovely neighbours feed him when I go away. I definitely couldn't have a dog much as I love them.

Oldbatty.
A dog or cat you give a home to is a responsibility and the cost of vet care can be very expensive. Pets can be wonderful company if you live alone. Dogs should not need their back sides wiping unless you are feeding the wrong food which is giving it the 'runs' .Or it has a medical problem and needs the vet. Keeping it groomed and too much fur in that area should be part and parcel of its grooming and but one issue but to take on any pet then find its too much of a responsibility is the reason there are so many unwanted pets..

Never mind the poo bags-most dogs at some time feel the need to roll in other animal's poo!
Our gorgeous girl was the perfect dog-we could take her anywhere & she was as good as gold. Never a minute's trouble. Until she found a patch of deer poo or fox poo or any type of poo really in the woods when she would dash off & roll in it & come back covered &, stinking to high heaven. The ride home in the car even with windows open was vile. Then there was the bath that followed.
I have had many dogs & most of them did this. Luckily we adored them so it was a small price to pay.
Maybe get a cat--although you may then get birds & mice brought in as presents for you. We had a lovely rat brought in once- very lively-took us ages to get it out again.
The there was the goat........

HildajennyJ - we are trying not to have another dog for all the reasons you mention. but it's very hard not to. For the last 2 year's we have been pet sitting to get our 'fix'. We joined a website where you sit for free and have travelled all over the UK and Europe - looked after many beautiful dogs and cats and met many interesting people along the way. Some of which have become friends. This is the next best thing to owning an animal, but still hard to leave them. We go back where we can and do repeat sits just to spend time with them.

I think picking up the poop is minor compared to the commitment and expense a dog is. Vet bills, injections etc etc. I love dogs, but wouldn't have one now. It is a big commitment....and also a tie.
I think it all needs thinking through. You have to weight up the companionship and pleasure against the costs.
My friend got a little dog 2 years ago. She is now 67, and she is really worried about what would happen to her dog if anything happened to her. Her family would not be keen to take him on. He is very spoilt so not sure how he would fit in if the unthinkable happened. She's is fit, and we try and reassure her....but it is another consideration as you age.

Oldbury - sorry but if it was tongue in cheek, why ask it?

I didnt say I wouldnt pick up after a dog. Trust me , after years of living here and having it on shoes, pram wheels and on one occasion accidently trampled through the house, I would be a responsible dog owner.

You have to pick up your dog's poo by law. So if you can't do it you can't have one.

Don't have one unless you are fully committed. Kennels for when on holiday are very expensive, a week away could cost easily £200.00. Vet fees, and treatment unless insured are over the top, so stop and think.

We had a toy poodle when the DC were little. He was bonkers. I did have to wipe his bottom! Often I had to clip the fur off from around his under tail area to prevent the build up of such poo. He was costly, as he had regular trips to the grooming parlour.

Let's hear it for dogs - yay ??

Have you considered looking after other people's dogs? There is a website - borrowmydoggy.com that puts you in touch with local dog owners who need occasional or regular help - either taking their dog for a walk while they are out at work/looking after a dog for a weekend/helping with their dog while the owner recovers from illness etc. If you set up a regular "borrow", you can enjoy all the benefits of a dog, without the long term commitment and cost of ownership (you will still have to pick up their poo....).

Again, another subject on which i have strong views that are sure to be slated. Personally the thought of picking up dog poo every day turns my stomach, especially in public. I too cannot get past the unclean bum bit, trotting in from garden after pooing and snuffling amongst the dirt then putting said bum and nose on my carpets, chairs etc. Even beds as some people allow!
To save my son money i swallow all this and occasionally look after their gorgeous pooch when they go away. He is cute, loving and cuddly but boy, am i glad when he goes, the sense of relief is overwhelming.
To add to the poo, bum, nose bit........how on earth can anyone allow their dog to lick their face.....ugh!

If you are even imagining you might not pick up the poop, then don't get a dog because you will become public enemy number one, and there's a chance you will be named and shamed with photographs on some community facebook site, by local people for whom getting rid of dog poo is such a high priority that they feel this approach is justified.

As for wiping the dog's bottom: a short haired dog doesn't have this problem. At least ours doesn't.

Indeed it appears that the OP had not fully considered all that a dog might bring into her life and so I paid attention to "filling her in with detail" however quite frankly although I presume the post was written somewhat "tongue in cheek" the fact she does not like the idea of "poo picking up" is a deal breaker, and I have to then agree with the majority of you...............perhaps a dog is NOT a good idea oldbatty ..................but at least you have been furnished with the whole facts.

I hate dogs; but equally hate to see them maltreated, as any animal.

We never had dogs when the children were little, even though one DD really wanted one. I explained to her that unless dogs were absolutely your "thing" and that of the whole family, it would be cruel to take one on.

Interestingly she is now a mother of two and says that, much as she loves dogs, she just couldn't cope with one.

pheonix, my former bosses had 2 French bulldogs whose bottoms had to be wiped - preferably by a minion - prior to them being allowed indoors. Yuk! But I'm afraid I'm in agreement with the majority that a dog for oldbattyis probably not a good idea

can I just say, I have no intention of being cruel to an animal or letting a dog end up back in a rescue centre.

Yes the original question was tongue in cheek.

I am hoping the question from oldbatty was a bit tongue in cheek.
If that is your main concern before getting a dog then don't do it. Dogs give us an extraordinary amount of love and pleasure but against that they can be messy and definitely expensive.
Iam64 is right please don't let another dog end up in a rescue centre,

Panache, your post sets out in more details what most posters said. Dogs are a life long commitment, very expensive and time consuming. The concerns expressed by the OP suggest she likes the idea of a pet but already knows that bringing a dog into her life is likely to have more downs than upsides for her.
I don't want to be a misery guts but any dog lover/owner/person involved in dog rescue organisations is well aware our dog sanctuaries are already over flowing with dogs people bought or took in on an impulse and then 'got rid of' for whatever reason.

My first instinct as a great dog lover is to say yes in capital letters.
However by taking on a dog, you are taking in a new life and a responsability for the rest of its years.
A dog is not just for Christmas or Easter............it is there for life.
You get unconditional love and great loyalty,companionship and reams of pleasure from the licks every time you return home, to the dog walking daily where you soon meet and get friendly with other pet owners.
But of course they do not come cheap and you must factor in their Veterinary care throughout their lives,foods,grooming .....and if you go on holidays there maybe kennel charges to consider.
All dependant on the dog you choose.... from a little loving lap dog to a great huge wolf hound, the expenditure will be accordingly.
When you have factored in everything, and yes, there will be daily poop picking up and perhaps much else besides, for much as any human,they do get sick and all kind of things.
Your home may never be quite as spotless again.Your favourite settee may well become your dog`s "abode!!"
You need to be completely and utterly responsable so that your pet is well cared for from every sense.
Without a doubt they are amongst the best investmnent you will ever make, and you will reap such huge rewards.
You will find that they become a family member and the day will arrive when you may well think............. "How on earth did I manage to live without!!"
Good luck,do your homework well and invest wisely...........I hope you find the ideal pet for yourself

I think the short answer is no.

I had dogs in younger family-centred days but wouldn't contemplate it now.
Poo-picking a bit of a problem? Think about that task at 11pm on a cold, wet November night!
My DS has 2 dogs. DD1 - 2 dogs. DD2 - 1 dog and 2 cats. I'm happy to see them when they visit but long ago decided I couldn't take responsibility (even shortterm).
They have all managed to make holiday arrangements for the pets and accept my view without resentment.
Love the idea of a little furry friend but reality kicks in and I won't do it!