Shall we get a wee dog?

As a life-long dog owner I’d say a dog isn’t for you.

The other posters are right. Don’t get a dog.
I dog sit one day a week for my daughter, a lovely 1 year old rescue pup, purely because we usually go away a lot so a dog of our own would tie us down too much.
Anyway, came back from a very brief walk yesterday, with 2 poo bags, checked her for ticks, she wasn’t very happy as she had been stung by a wasp the previous evening, and then she went into the garden and found some hedgehog poo and managed to wipe it all over herself.
So, really, picking up their poo is not the worst thing you will ever have to do, there is a long list. TBH when we have had dogs over the years we never, ever thought about the poo thing, so the fact that you have thought about it already doesn’t bode well, what happens when it get the trots and poo ends up on your carpet or on your furniture and bedding? Not to mention trying to get hedgehog poo of it before it brings that indoors too!
Please think long and hard about it and don’t rescue a dog only to take it back again as that would be too cruel

No, your comments about picking up poo are enough. As for

" wipe its bum on the way into the house" I have never known any dog do that! Some might drag their bottoms when they have worms, but wiping them is something beyond belief!

Have you considered a fish tank?

If you get a dog, is it likely to outlive you? Some live for 12, 15 years. Will you, by then, still be in good health, be able to take it out for a walk? Be able to afford vet bills? Have a car, to get to a vet?

So many people seem to get a pet (not saying this will necessarily apply to you), without thinking of the lifespan of the animal, and the changes in life in those years.

We got a rescue dog eighteen months ago and after some very intensive training he is now a beautifully behaved, very affectionate companion and we wouldn't be without him. However, having a dog is like having a toddler that will never grow up, so it's a huge commitment and not one that I would recommend without a huge amount of soul searching. Like others, I'm afraid my advice would be that a dog is probably not for you.

thanks hilda.

Having to have my best little doggy friend put to sleep after Christmas has left a huge hole in my life. I wouldn't contemplate getting another. I'm 66, my little dog was 18, if another lived as long I would be 84. I don't think I'd be able to cope. Having a dig is lovely, but you are limited to the amount of time you can leave them alone. I'm finding the freedom I've not had for years rather nice. I can come and go as I please without worrying about what the dog is getting up to.
It's entirely up to you oldbatty, but I would think long and hard about it.

Sorry oldbatty but I'm another whose advice is don't do it. Iam64 has hit the nail on the head as to why a dog is really not for you.

Thank you so much for your inciteful comments. We have been to the Dogs Trust several times and take this very seriously.

No, I don't believe you should. If you can even consider picking up after your dog may be something you can't do and comment that it won't wipe its own bottom then a dog isn't for you.
They are a full time commitment. They cost a lot of money to keep. They need a lot of time, training, and energy plus a commitment to love and care for them for, if you're lucky over 15 years.

Shall we get a wee dog? - oh no.

To be honest the poop matter is secondary....if you really have a space in your heart and home for a dog you just deal with the poop etc. Its a bit like no one really worries about changing nappies for their beloved baby....you just do it because its all part of loving them.
Yep, I might sound a bit preachy and 8 years ago would probably have laughed at such a comment but we felt we could give a Dogs Trust refugee a home and fell for our mad mut. There are poo bags in every coat I posses, even a few pairs of heavy weather trousers but with a bit of due diligence we have her on a decent quality diet that mean nice firm poos....and yes that is important....and hey presto dealing with the poop is way down on the list of life's little hiccups!
Honestly, you really need to be 100% keen or it will ......excuse the pun....bite you on the b*m.

If you need to seek advice on this issue before you do it. The best advice is don't do it. A dog/cat of any size is a permanent responsibility and, as they say, a dog is not just fro Christmas. If you are not sure, and possibly haven't owned dogs before then it is an invitation to disaster for you and the dog.