What should I do?

[welshlibranr]

Not sure what to do here!............lost my dog 17 months ago,he was 14, had him since he was 10 weeks old, broke my heart to lose him, still miss him! he had been diabetic for about 5 years, such hard going, couldn't leave him for more than an hour or two, didn't have a holiday at all in that time, my oh works away from home, and I miss the company, but am not sure about having another dog, I suppose I'm afraid that when it becomes older I'll have to cope with simiiar problems again!.....have seen a little puppy that I'm really interested in!.............but not sure whether to commit to adopting her!.......what do you all think?.................

[Souldarkness]

If you need to ask then the answer is probably no...

[welshlibranr]

well, thanks for that Soul, just wanted some opinions!..............and that's yours!..........

[boxtops]

I would. We said we wouldn't get another cat years ago when our then-cats died, but they bring you so much pleasure. The next one might not have the illness you experienced with your last dog. Puppies are really hard work though, my neighbour next door has one - you need to be prepared to cope with the energy and the poo and the chewing and the digging....

[classylady60]

It is so difficult isn't it? I can see how you are torn, would love the company and give your love and time to another doggy... Such a lot of work but worth it for the love you have and how much the dog gives...but then the downside of course is medical conditions, not that it is probable but as you've been through it once before it will make you think. So sorry btw that you lost your darling dog though, must have been heartbreaking. I hope you will be able to decide what to do...but take your time if you can and run through pro's and cons.....I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you and the dog if you think it through thoroughly. Good luck whelshi.

[welshlibranr]

boxy I know, I haven't been tempted till now!..........but I find living alone hard work!......I'll give it some more thought!.............hope your Rover returns soon!..........

[rowanwitch]

I think I understand where she's coming from....you admit you are not sure...that to me would indicate you need to spend a bit more time thinking about it...if you don't have this puppy...then later you will find the pup that's perfect or the one that needs you... Haave you thought about rehoming a slightly older dog to get past the chaos caused by a puppy...could still be a young dog...

[JMR27]

Hi I've got the same problem. Our last cat had to be put to sleep just over a year ago and we miss them so much. Like you, I missed out on holidays for years and they had a great demand on my time but oh dear I miss them. For a while now we've been considering a dog (wouldn't have another cat as our road's got a lot busier).
What does your OH think about adopting the puppy?

[karenmac60]

Welshy, you know how the saying goes - better to have loved and lost etc. If you could turn back the clock to when you got your old dog and make the choice again, knowing the heartache you'd suffer later - would you choose not to have him? The end is always hard, but the rest of it makes it all worthwhile :)

[Chaffinch]

Welsh, You gave your dog 14 very happy years, for which I'm sure he would thank you with all his heart. Why not do the same again??

Go on you know you want to xx

[Jemisa]

welshy its really up to you, why not write a little list of pro's and con's & see what wins.

someone to wag a tail, be pleased to see you, good company, love in their eyes,would be top of my list.

jem

[welshlibranr]

Thanks classy and rowan, I have thought about an older dog, but more worried about health problems then!................not sure about this puppy, but will take time to think about it!............not going to rush in!................

[tamborine]

go for it - you can give the pup a loving home with your experience and you get the longed for company - bonus.

[welshlibranr]

karen, yes you're right!......I enjoyed having him so much!....and chaffinch.....thank you, yes so right!..............JMR, my OH is a lovely man, he says, I should do this, if it's what I want!....and Jem, yes I know what you're saying, I miss the company!.......I suppose I'm a bit scared of the end!..................

[Carakeel]

Karenmack is right ... sadly, we all have to say goodbye to our beloved pets at some stage. We have our Irish Wolfhounds, so not a breed you can easily take on holiday with you. But to be honest, they give us so much love, so much pleasure, so much joy ... along with a bit of frustration at times of course ... but I would hate to be without them! As long as your lifestyle is suitable to the breed you chose, I would go for it. If you don't want to commit to too many years, then perhaps take a rescue dog or take a breed you could take on hoiday with you maybe? Good luck, hope you find your solution and it gives you loads of cuddles!! ;o)

[welshlibranr]

tambo, thanks!!..............think I will!...............

[wheaten]

We had Dylan Wheaten for 7 years, then got Floyd Wheaten. Dylan died when he was 13 so we then got Lexi Wheaten as company for Floyd (does this make sense?). We know that Floyd won't last forever so we'll get another as company for Lexi. Just think, you'll be giving a dog a home and love and he/she will give love and company back to you, also walks are good exercise and you meet other like-minded people. So go for it!
Love Floyd & Lexi Wheaten and Frog & Mowgli Cats (it's like living in a zoo round here!)

[welshlibranr]

Carakeel thank you, yes, you are right!.........can't manage large breeds now, can't manage the walking, so wouldn't be fair, but this little girl seems good for me!.......ok she may have a little chew!...........no problem, I'm her most of the time anyway!.........we can have lovely little walks by the sea together!...............

[JMR27]

I think you (and I) are thinking too much about the end of our last pet's life and forgetting all the happiness and joy that came before. Life's too short to be lonely.

[welshlibranr]

wheaten, thank you!...............I think I waited too long to get another dog, and then got scared of commiting!...........going to adopt her I think!..........will give it some more thought!..........need to be sure!...........have to be fair to her, if I take her on, then it has to be forever!................

[welshlibranr]

JMR, yes you're right!.............that's exactly what I'm doing!............that's what's sacaring me!................I still remember it so well!...............