Shall we get a wee dog?

BorrowMyDoggy Link

Agree Iam64 fosterers need to be experienced dog owners used to dealing with all the issues you mentioned and more.

I suggest oldbatty visits a site called BorrowMyDoggy. This links up dog owners who, for example work, with those who would like to have a dog but cannot commit to owning one full time.

MagicWriter2016, fosterers for dog rescue take on a huge responsibility. Dogs that need adoption often have "issues" that need a lot of input. They may howl at night, Or if left alone, destroy carpets and other things, are likely to be unpredictable. I had one aged 5 that the owner told me (with pride) - oh it's untrainable that one, still thinks its a puppy. It was trainable but 5 years of running wild took some turning around.
Oldbatty doesn't really want a dog. She's acknowledged that now.

Oldbatty, have you considered being a fostered for a dog rescue. Some look for fulltime fosterers for old dogs, they pay any vets fees. It means you may not have a dog for long as they will either be going on to a permanent home or sadly will die, but at least you will have the comfort that you made that dogs life happy and full of love for a certain amount of time.

That's a really positive post Mercedes55, as well as telling it like it is about dog owning. I have two dogs, one is large the other middle sized. Both need grooming 6 weekly, they're insured because their breed = high prey urge = injuries very possible. So your £50 a month can probably be trebled here if I'm honest (which I'm not really, I kid myself they're cheap to run)
There is a largely lovely dog walking community around where we live. The downside is because we have parkland, woodland and resevoirs to walk, it's a magnet for 'professional dog walkers'. Like every other area where people are employed, they're a mixed bunch. Most are very responsible, friendly and skilled at keeping their 6 - 8 dogs under control. I recognise the vans on the various car parks and avoid areas where I know the less paid dog walkers will be.
I've made a number of very good friends through dog walking or training groups.

We've got a 6yr old Shih Tzu and she's just precious, before her we had a Labrador for 14yrs but thought a large dog might be too much work as we get older.
I was never a dog lover before and had only ever had cats.
Now I can't imagine not having a dog. Yes they do cost money to keep and if you get a puppy there's a lot of work to do at first, but they soon settle down and become part of the family.
One of the things we enjoy the most are the lovely walks in the park that I am sure must be good for our health too. We go out morning and evening and each time we have to walk up over 100 steps in the park, which at first was quite exhausting, but now we manage it quite easily. I don't think we would ever choose to go out walking anywhere if we didn't have a dog.
There is also the social aspect of dog ownership. I've met so many lovely people in our local park and each morning we walk around the park chatting about all sorts of things and it's a great start to the day.
I think with food, insurance and grooming we pay out about £50 a month and that's before any other dog related stuff, so the money side of it is something to think through carefully too!

Many thanks breeze

I,m not a dog lover and also wouldnt be able to pick up after them,would rather have a cat.

oldbatty Have you considered pet sitting or dog walking rather than ownership of a dog. You get to enjoy the company of dogs, or cats or other pets without the long term expenses and worries. Caring and responsible pet sitters and dog walkers are in great demand.

Crystal47 We also have a Welsh Springer Spaniel. He joined our family last autumn and is now 10 months old. Best thing we ever did. He is the most loving and characterful dog we've ever had and follows my DH everywhere like a shadow. We could not imagine life without him now.

its true about the fish?

as the young uns say LOL

My heart wants a dog but I go away quite a bit, it wouldn't be in the best interest for the dog....so I foster for a dog charity when I can. It is hard emotionally but in this way I hope I'm helping the dog, charity and future owners!

You know Oldbatty...I have just got off another post saying that all the responses may help people even if the original poster wasn't genuine.

I don't know what kind of kicks you get out of all this but am generously thinking your life is so empty you feel the need to post such rubbish? I feel sorry for you oldbatty and I hope you get the help you so clearly need

I did have goldfish. They learnt how to look for food when they heard us switch on the kettle in the morning.

I got a new pup 3 months ago. I’m 73.
I knew she would be hard work and she is. I never sit down without having to get up fast to let her in or out, stop her barking, take something off her, stop her chewing furnishings or electrical leads or the cat.
Walking her is still a pain as she hates her lead but she’s very good off-lead and comes when called. This may all change when she reaches adolescence.
She brings in sticks, windfall apples, dirty wet paws and snails. She jumps up at strangers in clean trousers or scratches their bare legs. She growls at big dogs and barks at everyone who passes the house.
This is the reality of owning a wee dog. Oh, she also costs £30 monthly for insurance and flea and worm control plus food, toys, harnesses etc.
The fun and love bit costs nothing.

Now oldbatty...you are taking the proverbial P!!! haha ha... Was this all a wind up? I am thinking you are referring to Graunty Helen's post? Am I right? She didn't put a full stop in the sentence. Ok ....hold my hands up - you got us BUT don't even get a goldfish Oldbatty bahahaha x

BUT I really hope others reading this will take note t.b.h.

Over and out

Bluegal, thanks so much. Whats a dog husband?

Agree Iam64.... But I truly believe there are no bad dogs - just bad owners! As I said, I've had a lot of different breeds but at the end of the day...they are all dogs! They need time, discipline and most of all time devoted to them. To me they are very much like children. They need guidance, love and perseverance. If anybody disagrees then they shouldn't have a dog imo.

I don't go with the saying "its only a dog" NO... my dogs have always been as important to me as my family! (got a lot of stick for it and people disagreeing but its how I feel)

I would never try to be disrespectful to people who don't understand, but I would try to discourage people such as OP from acquiring a dog because if their heart isn't in it or they think it will fill a gap...then ...disaster!

Ive never had a dog husband never not had one. After we got married I found the perfect compromise we volunteer dog sit for our local branch of Barking Mad We have had a dog this year as often as weve not had one I really enjoy all our doggy guests and have had my life enriched by them in unexpected ways but I still get and enjoy dog free time too

I hope comments like ours will encourage people who believe cockapoos are ideal
First dogs, easy to train, good with children and don’t shed might re consider before dashing out to buy one

I am64 .... .... Same here! Total nutcase for the first year, calmed down in 2nd and now is 'Perfect' but not before ruined clothes, toys, lawn etc. In face, he's fab now but this week STILL dug up the lawn .....grrrrr

Old Batty - actually reading your reasons for a dog ... I don't think a dog is your answer t.b.h,.

Maybe join a club like a walking club? That will get you out over the winter. Shared interest? Possibly? but (this is just my experience) Dogs are 'pack' animals and they pick their leader with care. Sometimes my DH tells me he might as well not be there as HE (dog) only responds to me!! He feels superfluous to requirements lol. As I said, please try to understand a dog completely before you get one. Rescue centres are full of dogs that owners got on a whim and never understood their actual needs.

My advice to you is not to get a dog - walk one - sure. But don't get one. Not being disrespectful, just trying to save another poor dog from being mis understood.

P.S. and having read an article in a magazine about doggy bad breath (evidently a low grade diet can be the cause if its not the teeth) her breath is always perfectly acceptable....just a bit meaty after a meal!

I know that raw dog food has its following but there are very good quality processed dog foods out there. We use a company called Millie's Wolfheart. Its a dried food that keeps well in a sealed bin in the shed. Suits our rescue dog's initially very delicate tummy. We get very neat compact poos and everyone comments on how fit she is and how sleek and glossy her coat is. Its a very high quality protein food so measurements are important, it might seem a bit more expensive at first but it does work out very well as there is no waste and we get it delivered, so no carrying home!

Hi,
I do not think a dog is for you, I don't think your heart is really in it. A dog is for life and if you don't think you can manage to pick up poo, how will you cope if said dog was ill, with sickness and diarrhoea?
I have never been without a dog, the last one was 16 1/2, the one I have now will be my last dog as I am 72 and he is 4, Do you want to be going out in all weathers with a dog, when the rain is falling or snow and ice and even now with the heatwave, I am up and out taking my boy out for his hour walk at 7 am.