To Have A Dog ... Or Not To Have A Dog!

[buffymad]

Help! I need some advice please!

My husband works in an animal shelter and we often brings dogs back home for the night which is all very nice.

We've recently brought one back home who seems to be perfect. He's that bit older, only small, behaves perfectly, hasn't "messed" in the house and tends to just curl up beside you and sleep. And now we're starting to think about keeping him for good.

This is where my headache starts as I'm trying to decide if this is 100% what I really want.

We have two cats - one of 17 and one of 13. The latter was a stray and took about 10 years to go and sit with my husband! They've both met the dog and while the dog didn't bark or go for them, he was very excited and tried to run after them. They just stared him out and then stalked off upstairs (they're both house cats by the way).

On the dog's side all I can see is pros, but I'm worried on the cats' behalves - I don't want their noses put out of joint especially given their age. I don't know if I'd hold a grudge about having to come home straight after work every night rather than call into the pub for a drink or two (it happens!). We wouldn't be able to go and stay somewhere overnight (if we do this we just put extra food out for the cats - can't do that with a dog). The getting up early and going out late to walk the dog is the bit I don't mind!

By the way we both work full time so I'm also worried about leaving him home alone. He only barked when we both disappeared from the room and left him alone for about 3 mins but don't want him doing this all day. And obviously worried about him roaming around with the cats!

I know all the cons make me sound like I don't want him at all, but every night we bring him back he's so nice and sweet and I start thinking well what's the problem!!

So that's why I need some unbiased advice.

Any comments

[Ava77]

I'm concerned that you're talking yourself into this buffymad, when I have to say, you've identified so many reasons why this would be a bad idea.

I'm rather surprised, and a little concerned that the animal shelter that your husband works at would allow him to take on a dog, knowing that no-one will be home during the working day.

I work for the RSPCA, and I hope that the shelter isn't an RSPCA one - as all potential owners (including staff) would be subject to a home visit. Leaving a dog unattended for this period of time would surely result in a failed visit and no dog. The vast majority of animal rehoming charities now follow this practice also.

I know it's not the advice you would want, and that your heart is in the right place. But unless you can make arrangements for the dog in the day, please reconsider taking him on.

[buffymad]

Just an update for all you kind people who replied to my thread!

I got talked into keeping the dog ... and don't regret it at all! I still have my life, I actually don't mind having to come back home rather than stay out all hours - and have even found a few pubs who are quite happy for dogs to come in too - he gets mollycoddled off everyone he sees! He's fitted in perfectly at home, I only have one cat left now (the other one had to be put to sleep on Monday sadly) but they get on together brilliantly. He doesn't bark now when we leave him - that was obviously a one off for the first time! He's extremely clean and hasn't "messed" in the house when he's alone. My husband's mam comes across every day to walk him at lunchtime so he's not cooped up all day. Its all working out great!!

PS - decided not to use a crate, he has the run of the house (well up until the child safety gate on the stairs!).

[snowshoe1]

IF YOU BOTH WORK ALL DAY, IT WOULDN'T BE FAIR TO THE DOG. HE CRY'S WHEN YOUR OUT OF HIS SIGHT FOR 3 MINUTES,WITH YOU GONE ALL DAY, KNOW TELLING WHAT WOULD HAPPEN... HE SHOULD BE ADOPT WITH SOMEONE WHO WOULD HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO SPEND WITH HIM...