Should I?

[Redhelen72]

We have been offered a labrador puppy for free (my friends had an accidental litter).

I would really love one and I am of course aware that it won't be easy - Colin and Jess took 1 day to toilet train because they were 8 months old!

I have a lot on at the moment but I am also having disturbes sleep because of a geriatric cat - so it makes sense to me to get a puppy now instead of in a year when the cat is gone and I am back to sleeping full nights!

Am I mad? I work full time - I study on top of that and my MIL has been diagnosed with dementia which will also mean more work.

Opinions please

[wolf63]

I think that getting a puppy is a stupid idea.  You should get two at the very least.😁

[barry1010]

Helen, I was being jokey, I thought you was joking when you said 'My husband wants a happy life!!!'

[Smowball]

Red - just being nosey again as my memory is appalling - what is your job again? X

[Countrylover]

Lol

To be honest,  chewed up furniture wouldn't worry me too much if it meant I had another Puppy.  I'd sit in the dog basket with the pup.  Unfortunately,  we could not now cope with another dog.  Poppy our dog is the first only dog we have ever had. 

[Khandro]

Getting another dog is the one mistake you never regret 🙂

[Countrylover]

Smowball.  She's a spy so she can't say!!   She'll  be here in a minute to tell me off giving her away. 

[Redhelen72]

I am a financial investigator Smow.

wolf I agree it should be 2.

Barry apologies for missing the joke.

[lankeela]

On a different tack, although it was an accidental litter please ensure that both parents have had all the relevant health checks - Labradors have the most tests available for any breed as they have several conditions that can affect them.  A 'free' puppy could end up costing you a lot of money and heartache if not from correctly tested parents.  Both clinical (eye tests, hip and elbow scoring) and DNA tests for several conditions are recommended for this breed.  

 

[Countrylover]

Lankeela.  I'm one of those that would happily home a puppy or kitten with defects and be prepared.  We have done that throughout our married life.  I told Mr L that is why I chose him!  We have never bought a dog or cat.  

[lankeela]

List of conditions that can be DNA tested for in Labradors - the CAGT at University of Cambridge do a 'bundle' offer for several tests:

 

Degenerative Myelopathy
Exercise Induced Collapse (Retriever Type)
Hyperuricosuria
Macular Corneal Dystrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA1 type)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA2 type)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRCD type)
Stargardt Disease

 

Also I would caution against two from the same litter - it will be harder to train as they will bond with each other and the humans will take second place.  

[Countrylover]

Red already has 2 labs.

[lankeela]

Countrylover that is fine if you know what you are taking on.  As someone who works in breed welfare there is nothing more distressing than the phone call from owners who have discovered their beloved pet has a condition that causes pain and distress and will need a lot of money and veterinary intervention to live anything like a normal life.  

[Redhelen72]

Thank you lankeela, I have known my friend for 38 years so trust her implicitly.

she was planning on breeding next year as she felt the sire was too young- evidently not.

both parents are pure bred labs who have had all the necessary health checks 

[Countrylover]

Lankeela.  I understand, but I have to admit I don't care whether a dog is a breed or a mongrel.  Some of our rescued dogs and cats  have cost a fortune over their lifetime.   All we have ever wanted is to give the unfortunates a good life.  Our present dog was sold as a puppy as a cocker poo.  She isn't a cocker poo.  We took her on at one year old.  She's a delight.  

[Countrylover]

Apologies from me too Barry.  Looking at it again, it registered!  

[barry1010]

No problem, CL