To Get or Not Get a Dog

Since I was a little, I have always wanted a dog. My parents wouldn’t allow any animals in the house, so it was a dream that never came into fruition. I now have Hagi, my black cat, and I love him more than ever. However, I feel like the time has come to introduce a new member into the family. A dog.

Here is my criteria:

1. Small dog
2. Not a barker
3. Gets along with children
4. Gets along with cats
5. Just damn cute

I am excited to possibly get one during Christmas, but I also have my doubts. One thing about a dog is that it’s like a baby who doesn’t age. With Hagi, I can be gone all day and not worry that he is going to pee/poop all over the house. Additionally, if I want to stay over one of my friends’ houses, I just have to ensure that he has food and water for the next day. I don’t know if I will have that luxury with a dog.

I’ve seen friends who have dogs, and they have to always come home to let the dog out. If they want to stay at a place longer than the evening, they can’t. They have to run home to let the dog out before they can drive back. Do I really want that? I don’t know if I do. The kids and I have extremely busy schedules, and I don’t want to worry about having to come home. However, my heart is saying that I should get a dog.

What should I do?

Photo Detail: cute puppy, originally uploaded by iklash/.

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Danielle

I grew up with dogs too, but chose to have cats as pets as an adult because of my busy schedule. If you are prone to spontaneous overnight stays away from home, I would forgo the dog for now, unless you have a reliable neighbor who is willing to help you out. Dogs, and especially puppies, are a ton more work than cats and I don't know if I could go back to doing all of that.

If you do decide to get a dog, please seriously consider adopting one from a rescue group or shelter. If you go with a rescue group, you will (1) save a life, (2) get a dog whose personality is already known by its foster home, and (3) allow another animal to be rescued by vacating a spot in the packed shelters and rescue organizations. There are several great dog rescues in the area, and if you're looking for a particular breed, there's probably a breed rescue group too.

ahr19

You should adopt a puppy/dog if you can. Then your kids can grow up with the dog together. And you can find dog walkers and other people with dogs to watch the dog. It isn't that hard. Plus, your kids will be old enough soon to at least walk the dog down the street and back and pick up the poop. And Danielle is right, please adopt a dog. There are so many that are put to sleep it is very depressing.

dcfemella

Thanks everyone for the informative comments! If I do decide on getting a dog, I will definitely go to rescue groups first. My friend got her Cocker Spaniel pups from a rescue group, and I got Hagi, my cat, from a shelter. <3

/pd

get a puppy

zoblue

My sister once had a long-haired chihuahua and I have to say that boy was damn cute! He was cage trained so he slept in a small cage at night or she'd put him in there if she couldn't take him where she was going. He was really great with my daughter (she was around 1 at the time). Plus chihuahuas stay small so no worries about having to deal with a large dog once it grows up. :)

puppy_adoption

Thanks for information, I'll always keep updated here!

Dogs

Get a dog ! You will NEVER regret it ! and they keep you fit !

Dog Joint Pain Relief

I also love dogs they are fun to be with. Dog is like part of the family to take good care. They remove your stress and makes you feel happy to see them.

Gino

thanks for that post, really helps.

DCFemella

Don't let me be misunderstood

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