Our oldest has been asking for a pet for several years. We stopped the "can I get a cat?" questions by buying some stuffed cats and explaining that Steve and I are not cat people. Well, the questions have started again, although it is another animal that she is asking about.
So I've been thinking about getting a pet for my family(alright, I'll admit it, I wouldn't mind having a pet); namely a dog. Now I don't have very much experience with dogs. I never had a pet until Steve and I got married. Steve and I have had three dogs, two were for about two years (they spent part of the time at my mother-in-law's because of our housing situation at the time), and one was for about six months (she needed more attention than we were able to give her). There is more to those stories but I won't bore you with the details.
Now our housing situation is more stable, and we are fencing our yard. I wouldn't consider it if we weren't fencing the yard. I really like the lab and retriever breeds, but I'm not closing the door on the possibility of another breed. I'd prefer the medium breeds for a few reasons. The top two being: durability (after all I have four kids) and mess size.
If you ask Steve, and I have, he will say that we are not getting a dog/pet. Why? Well, he and I will end up taking care of it. He is not fond of cleaning up after them (who is?). He will also tell you that his allergies act up more when he is around animals. I know that is true around cats, but I'm not sure about dogs. He also says that we need more room to have a dog. Are these excuses because he's loved a couple dogs so much and now they are no longer with us or has he become a no pet person?
What to do? What to do?
UPdate
14 years ago
10 comments:
I had never had a dog growing up... We chose our dog, Candy, because #1 She does not shed. #2 She is smaller, but thick and tough (great to rough around with the kids!) Small poop is easier to clean up...
We tried a big dog first, though. Lasted three days. Couldn't handle big poop! And the darn thing was soooo loud! But the kids loved him and still talk about him.
Good luck! Pets can be a wonderful part of the family!
NO PETS. They are such a pain. Unless you can get one that DON'T Pee or Poop,shed,doesn't do no yappin and no ankle biters. The only animal I recommend are Fish.
P.S. Does the truck have 4 Wheel Drive and AC?
I'm gonna say....get 2 dogs. They will be friends and you won't feel guilty about not spending alot of time with them, especially in the winter. Build a nice little dog run and the poop will be confined. Send the kids out once a week to clean the poop. It's all good.....the kids need some little furry friends. P.S. Does Shauna know that fish actually poop, and probably pee........and you do have to clean a fish tank. I like fish and their fun and all, but we got rid of ours......all outside pets! Ha Hee Ha!
I say get a dog, I have had my little dog for almost 8 years. I just love him to peices and so do the kids. If it is an outside dog and you dont have to worry about potty training then its not bad, but if you potty train you just have to get past that, then you will be happy.
I HATE cleaning up the poop, I have no choice since he has been mine since before we got married, but I think it is worth it. Kaitlyn already takes Lucky out whenever he needs it, and feeds him all on her own. So really the only thing I do is baths and clean up.
Good luck deciding on a pet. I'm a cat person but I can see why people love dogs so much. They are so loyal and I think your kids would love having a pet.
It must be going around -- my little boys want a dog too, but we're mean and keep saying no. I would love to have one if I didn't have to clean up after it. Good luck, Chastina. (I'm jealous that you're getting a fence.)
I agree with Molly. 2 dogs work great just don't get 2 females and if you get opposites make sure you fix one of them....we learned that the hard way. When we only had 1 dog it was harder but once we got her a buddy it was easier. The kids are totally old enough to take care of them. Hailee and Lauryn alternate feeding, watering, and cleaning up poop. Brent helps occasionally with as a 'pooper scooper' but the girls actually LOVE it.. They get paid 5 cents a scoop. We've had goldfish before and they are alot more maintenance and stink more too. Shauna must just flush the fish down the toilet when she doesn't feel like cleaning the bowl. HAHAHA (I know she's reading this right now, rolling her eyes, and saying WHATEVER!). Anyways.....Brent and I just got back from Seattle for 4 days and didn't have to worry at all about the dogs the girls took care of them both. Tell Steve to suck it up.....the kids need a dog just like dads need their trucks. :)
Do ya really wanna go there???
Okay, here's my two cents. Pets are really good for kids but you are absolutely correct. Do not have any romantic ideas that they won't fall onto you and Steve. The kids can take care of feeding, watering, and scooping but you still have to over see and remind.
We have had a TON of pets over the years and be prepared. They will do WAY more damage to your home than your kids in all the years you've had your kids will ever do. It is absolutely amazing. We love our dogs but they have been hard on the house. It is just the way of pets. Dirt clings to their fur even if you can't see it and makes everything dingy. They have "mistakes" in the house. Even the best trained will have accidents. Also, all those quick trips that you want to make spur of the moment can't happen. You always have to find someone to take care of your pets.
All that said, we have always had pets. I feel that they are great for kids. They teach them responsibility and love and care for another. Your kids are definetly old enough to care for a pet.
One of our dogs is a West Highland White terrier and I have to say, if ever we get another dog (when she dies) I will get another Westie. They are THE best dogs. Small and sturdy so kids can play with them and small poops. Very good temperment and EASY to train. They want to please.
So there ya go. My two cents. :D Pets are a pain but the good out weighs the bad in my opinion. If you do get a dog/puppy get it into obedience training ASAP somewhere like PetsMart. You'll want to start off on the right foot. We ruined one dog by not knowing what we were doing.
I have a cat and dog! Alexis asked for a bunny a few weeks ago. I told her ask again and all the pets go. Seriously I love my pets but the cat is almost 6 years old the dog 5...I am done. I hate the hair, the litter box, groomers, expensive food because the dog is allergic to corn. The list goes on. I think you should borrow a dog from someone who is going on vacation and let your kids see how they really like it. It is much easier to say no if you don't already have the dog.
I agree that kids should have pets or something to love but it is a huge commitment. I really hear of way too many people getting a dog and then after a year trying to get rid of them.
Pets are a lot of work but good companions too. They do take a lot of time even more than some kids. You do become attached more than you think. We never had pets when you kids were small and at home but now we have had three. I still miss Shadow. Get medium small and two do keep each other company which helps. I suggest get one first then after you get it trained then decide if you want another. Training can be expensive and if you are doing the training the two will work against each other. I am still having problems with Oreo and her training. Get a intellagent breed but don't over do like with Oreo she is just to busy trying to be a herder and I haven't taken as much time with her as I need to and everyone needs to train the same and be willing to work with it. I always had dogs when I was growing up and Grandpa and I was always working with them. I love dogs they are so loyal and only want to please....
I hope this all helps!!!
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