dog

[gilby]

me and my partner went to our local rescue centre today. We saw a gorgeous lab cross, about 12/18mth old. she is lovely but quite timid. the problem is we both work during the day. my mother in law has offered to take her for a walk at lunch time and we would walk her and take her out in the morning, evening and at weekends. She would not go without love. we also have a cat but she is very laid back and i dont think she would mind at all. we do not go on foreign holidays so if we went away she could come with us. Do you think it would be fair to adopt her... i cant bear the thought of her sitting in a cage at the centre. she has stolen out hearts.

[kittenlittle]

Have you owned a dog before? I got my first rescue dog in May this year and he is the joy of my life. If you are able to build up to leaving your dog, and manage the relationship so that your dog does not become too dependent on your company, there is no reason why you shouldn't offer love and a home to this dog. My dog is on his own for part of each day and has become quite used to it.

I wish you luck and a happy New Year.

[gilby]

thnkyou. I was just worried about leaving her for 8 hours a day. But then i think it is nicer to be snuggled in a bed than out in the cold. i have had a dog before but that was when i lived with my parents.

[kita1]

Don't feel sorry for a dog in rescue kennels!

In a well run kennels the dogs have lots of company from others of their kind - they can interact with each other. They are fed at least twice a day, they are walked often (though they do not really need it), have lots of cuddles of the kennel maids and voluteers, and have their own bed with blankets and a safe place to sleep!

Dogs prefer to be out all day running around and playing rather than shut in a house!

Please think carefully - a dog like you describe will not be happy to sleep all day and could well wreck your house (rip your sofa's, carpets, etc). It could also howl and bark all day long - do you have neighbours that would complain?

What happens if she is ill and on say antibiotics? You have to give them four times a day? What if she cuts a paw and has stitches and needs constant supervision?

To be honest eight hours a day is too long for a dog of this age to be left alone, even with a guaranteed walk at dinner time (will your mother in law be prepared to do this for the next 10 years?). Do you really mean you would walk her EVERY morning and evening? In the dark and rain? Would you get up an hour early before you go to work, when it is pitch black outside and pouring with rain?

She may have stolen your heart, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE think long and hard about this - for the dogs sake.

I would stick with your cat (which would probably leave home if you got a dog!!!).

[garner]

I have to agree with kitia1

[gilby]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your honesty. The dog would be a valued and loved member of our family but being at work all day it would not be a good idea to get one. I suppose I will just have to wait until we win the lottery and can stay at home all day.

[kita1]

The dog you described would not be suitable for you, but if you really are keen to own a dog it might be worth looking at greyhound rescue. Two greyhounds (providing they have proven to be safe with cats) would be company for each other. They don't need a lot of exercise and if you can get someone to call in during the day and let them out they are quite happy to curl up in a nice warm bed for the rest of the time. There are a lot looking for good homes, most rescue's have more than they can cope with.

If you are honest with the rescue centre and explain your situation they may be able to find a suitable dog for you. But I would definately avoid breeds like collies, labs etc. They are bred to work all day and are VERY active.

Other than that, why not volunteer at the rescue centre? They need people to walk dogs etc. It gets the dogs out of their kennels and socialises them. You would be getting the fun and the exercise without the responsibility!!!

[gilby]

Thankyou. I would love to volunteer at the centre but it is too far away. we have been offered an ex-racing greyhound before from a friend. He was only 4 but he didnt like cats and he wasnt house trained. I would be willing to spend a lot of time training the dog but I would not want to put the cat in any danger. I think we need to sleep on it for a while, if we still would like a dog in a few months we could maybe have another think about it.


Thankyou all