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adoption (š¾š¾dog)
- Thread starter jeyf
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If you have to talk yourself into it, and have a specific list of requirements (down to their personality), then I would quite strongly suggest that you shouldn't get a pet.
It's like trying to have a child and beforehand having decided exactly how they will look and act.
Animals have personalities, and you will need to adjust to it as much as it will need to adjust to you.
You can't just blindly decide on a pet. You need to meet it, play with it. Find out if you are a good fit for it.
I have had numerous cats and 4 Dalmatians, they were all different personalities. Go to a shelter and rescue a dog. Our first two Dalmatians came from a Breeder, one was dumb as a rock and the other died from seizures. #3 was a gift from my inlaws after the first male died. He was a good boy. The fourth was smarter than than the other 3 put together. She was a great dog, she was a rescue about 2 when we got her. My wife was on the board of our local shelter and her friend who worked at a county shelter that wasn't a no kill, called and said she had 2 yr old Dalmatian and she had only hours left. We jumped in our van and rushed up to get her. I sat in the back and she sat in my lap all the way home, that was it, she was my dog from then on. Rescues are eternally grateful.š„°
Seeing that about rescues being grateful I just really wanted to add that some animals definitely act like the worst *******s ever. (It's like with me, I can be absolutely hilarious; but living 24/7 with me should legally qualify you for a get-out-of-jail-free-card if you ever kill me.)
You might find your pet being like some boomer-humor stereotypical mother-in-law that in the most impolite way ever slaps you in the face at 4 am, every single day, as you clearly should have been up preparing breakfast before then.
That doesn't mean that you got a faulty/broken toy, it just means that you've signed up for about 20 years of being a slave to your furbaby.
And in some cases there's just no amount of training or positive reinforcements that can turn your pet into what you would prefer; so you either accept them for who they are, or we're in that whole area where people either just kill or abuse the animal.
Not to mention that you can't just leave for vacations, can't put in whole workdays without having someone taking your dog out for a walk, always have to go home straight after work to take your dog out for a walk, can't just come home and go to sleep as your dog needs a walk. And dogs get like their whole worldview from smells, so they don't just need a 2 minute "walk" as a quick bathroom break; they need proper time out exploring the area. Depending on the type of dog, and their individual personality, anything shorter than an hour (every time!) might make them pouty, sad, and straight up depressed. Or perhaps nothing short of a daily 3 hours at the local dog park will make them not pester you as you try to relax/get work done.
All that being said, I wish I could get a dog again.
You might find your pet being like some boomer-humor stereotypical mother-in-law that in the most impolite way ever slaps you in the face at 4 am, every single day, as you clearly should have been up preparing breakfast before then.
That doesn't mean that you got a faulty/broken toy, it just means that you've signed up for about 20 years of being a slave to your furbaby.
And in some cases there's just no amount of training or positive reinforcements that can turn your pet into what you would prefer; so you either accept them for who they are, or we're in that whole area where people either just kill or abuse the animal.
Not to mention that you can't just leave for vacations, can't put in whole workdays without having someone taking your dog out for a walk, always have to go home straight after work to take your dog out for a walk, can't just come home and go to sleep as your dog needs a walk. And dogs get like their whole worldview from smells, so they don't just need a 2 minute "walk" as a quick bathroom break; they need proper time out exploring the area. Depending on the type of dog, and their individual personality, anything shorter than an hour (every time!) might make them pouty, sad, and straight up depressed. Or perhaps nothing short of a daily 3 hours at the local dog park will make them not pester you as you try to relax/get work done.
All that being said, I wish I could get a dog again.
i have had irish setters all my life. You notice common breed specfic things.
the last irish lasted 15 years. Very sweet animal. Near end of life they are significantly more maintnace
the second to last, definitly not very enduring, lived 13 years.
so yes they varry
risk!!!
on petfinder.com you dont get a chance to mind meld so the up front research is functional
the new house is smaller, more urban.
i really dont want another 80lb animal.
dogs are about on par to a 2 year old child.
guys; what dog breeds do you like
the last irish lasted 15 years. Very sweet animal. Near end of life they are significantly more maintnace
the second to last, definitly not very enduring, lived 13 years.
so yes they varry
risk!!!
on petfinder.com you dont get a chance to mind meld so the up front research is functional
the new house is smaller, more urban.
i really dont want another 80lb animal.
dogs are about on par to a 2 year old child.
guys; what dog breeds do you like
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I like them all, but would primarily look to adopt a (big) GSD if I got a dog again.
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Our last dog died a decade or more ago. A rescue, my wife who got the dog had less time for it when kids showed up. Dogs are work and it's wrong to get one and then ignore it, except when you feel like engaging or when time permits. For that reason my wife agreed to me telling her there will be no more dogs after the last one.
I also grew up rural in the 80s where the dog slept outside in the doghouse. That sort of thing doesn't fly now - you're an animal abuser if your dog isn't allowed in the house.
Cats are much easier to work with and I've had cats (all rescues or kittens of other cats I've had) since I was a teenager. But, we're on the last one. When he dies (which isn't soon) there won't be anymore. I've dealt with 20+ years of litterbox duty and I'm tired of it.
I also grew up rural in the 80s where the dog slept outside in the doghouse. That sort of thing doesn't fly now - you're an animal abuser if your dog isn't allowed in the house.
Cats are much easier to work with and I've had cats (all rescues or kittens of other cats I've had) since I was a teenager. But, we're on the last one. When he dies (which isn't soon) there won't be anymore. I've dealt with 20+ years of litterbox duty and I'm tired of it.
Cats are better house pets, or small dogs like a Yorky. As far as cats, they are not the same as dogs, but can be very affectionate. Iāve probably not convinced you
, but if you get a cat, get 2. They will be happier and healthier, and not much more work.
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When my uncle died, my mother was tasked with cleaning out his house. We were told to come down and get some things, which we did. While there in the back yard we found two kittens that were flea ridden and dirty. So, we took them home with us. Brother and sister orange tabbies.
We found out years later that the neighbor next to my uncle's house had a cat that had kittens. Two of them had wandered off and he never saw them again. Those were the two we found.
We adopted 2 kittens who were sickly barn cats. After they got done blowing snot all over our laundry room we had them litter trained, and then my wife saw the cutest Persian mix at a pet store, so we ended up with 3 which we had for 18 years. Now we are petless.
If you are interested in longevity, they should be strictly indoor cats, spade and declawed too, while I know that is controversial in some corners. Our litter box was in the laundry room. We also had a basement with a concrete floor and when we went on trips the cats stayed there. I acknowledge that for a properly house trained dog, a fenced in back yard is much preferred.
Of note pets are not for everyone. I watched some friendās adult kids first allow a cat to turn their house trailer into something that smelled like a toilet, the smell knocked you over when you walked in. Cat pee in the carpets is a show stopper. They did not notice a smell, thatās what happens.
In contrast no one visiting our house could tell there were cats before seeing them. That same couple later allowed 2 dogs to trash their house, probably doing 20k damage to it. Thatās not an exaggeration, they both worked and left the dogs in the house during the day... a freaking disaster.
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We have our litterbox in the laundry room, in between the door to the water heater and the washing machine. Not a great spot, but better than the kitchen.
I've never owned a cat but I've heard that declawing is pretty nasty. They pretty much amputate all of the cat's front knuckles. I think it's even a banned practice in some places. If it's just to avoid the cat scratching things is it really worth it? Seems like that should just be something you accept will happen when owning the pet. Just like you'd expect a puppy to start chewing on some of your things when they start teething. Again, I've never owned a cat so I have no idea. Just curious.If you are interested in longevity, they should be strictly indoor cats, spade and declawed too, while I know that is controversial in some corners. Our litter box was in the laundry room. We also had a basement with a concrete floor and when we went on trips the cats stayed there. I acknowledge that for a properly house trained dog, a fenced in back yard is much preferred.
Of note pets are not for everyone. I watched some friendās adult kids first allow a cat to turn their house trailer into something that smelled like a toilet, the smell knocked you over when you walked in. Cat pee in the carpets is a show stopper. They did not notice a smell, thatās what happens.
In contrast no one visiting our house could tell there were cats before seeing them. That same couple later allowed 2 dogs to trash their house, probably doing 20k damage to it. Thatās not an exaggeration, they both worked and left the dogs in the house during the day... a freaking disaster.
This is my opinion, based on my experience with declawed cats. There is nothing nasty about it. I'm sure I'll get some pushback about this. Animals do not suffer and you can't even tell by looking at their paws that the operation has been done, except there are no claws to be extended. Our cats, all declawed, were healthy and happy animals. The qualification is that this is for indoor cats. It can be argued that out door cats need their claws, and yes cats can ruin your furniture with them and having claws, it takes all the fun out of when they kneed your legs to show their appreciation.
My mom's sofa was ruined by her cat.
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I currently have a golden retriever. Love her to death, she is a great family pet.
Before her, we had a sheltie. He was great as well.
Beagles... hounds.. do you like your dog to bark?
emborapets.com
How Often Do Beagles Bark? - Embora Pets
Beagles aren't known as yapping dogs, but when a beagle has something to say, he isn't afraid to speak his mind. That being said, I wonder how often beagles
emborapets.com
I have always had rescues - all from animal shelters and they have been the best!
Last time I had a purebred, it was more trouble, expensive and did not not live very long.
We recently had our 15 year old lab terrier mix pass and he had no health problems at all for 14 years!
Our current dogs we have are: 6 year old small Maltese-Poodle-Terrier mix and a huge 2 year old Labrador-Boxer-Terrier mix both are healthy not needing any vet care other than the annual rabies vaccinations.
Our newest addition:
Last time I had a purebred, it was more trouble, expensive and did not not live very long.
We recently had our 15 year old lab terrier mix pass and he had no health problems at all for 14 years!
Our current dogs we have are: 6 year old small Maltese-Poodle-Terrier mix and a huge 2 year old Labrador-Boxer-Terrier mix both are healthy not needing any vet care other than the annual rabies vaccinations.
Our newest addition:
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Your disagreement is noted.
"And lastly, beagles shed a lot. This is how all short-haired dogs maintain their coat length. If you have allergies or consider yourself a "neat freak", beware!"
so skip the Beagle idea
poodles dont shed as much
i should get a standard poodle for a larger dog
or
there are a lot of poodle mix ups out there these days
Goldenoodle, Cockapoo, Yorkipoo are so popular
here is a web site describing various combinations: thesmartcanine.com/poodle-mix/
hmmm
When I was growing up we had a wonderful Beagle/German Shepherd mix.....she looked more-or-less like a Beagle with her ears and tail, as well as her physical overall size, but her coloring was more like a German Shepherd's. She was sweet and lovable but, oh, boy, if strangers approached the house and she were behind a closed door where she couldn't be seen, barking and growling loudly, they immediately assumed she was a fierce German Shepherd defending the household!
Later on in mid-adulthood, I had two Siamese cats, littermates, and they were a delight but also definitely a responsibility. I did not have them declawed -- didn't feel the need to do so -- but they were primarily indoor cats. I had a cat tree and a cat tunnel for them to play in and for keeping their claws trimmed. They were pretty good about not scratching up my actual furniture and such, and truly enjoyed their carpeted cat tree and cat tunnel. They could scratch to their hearts' content on the carpeted surfaces of both pieces of cat-designated furniture. I also played with them a lot so that we all were active and amused, and I think that helped, too. When I was still living in the townhouse where there was a fenced back yard I did take the boys out there to enjoy the grass and the fresh air, and even bought a netted "gazebo" for us to sit in out there as well. Later, when we had moved to a condo apartment, I would take them out on the deck, but they were always under supervision, never left alone, as I knew that finding themselves out there on their own they could've discovered all kinds of mischief into which to get! I also often left screened windows open in nice weather so that they could sit on nearby furniture or the windowsill and enjoy fresh air even when they were not outdoors. It is definitely possible to have indoor cats who are not declawed.
One of my favorite dog breeds is Afghan Hounds, but I know that there is no way that I would be able to provide the kind of life that these gorgeous, speedy and athletic gaze hounds need, with plenty of room to run and someone who is willing to spend hours dealing with the luxurious, thick and long coat that many of them have. So I admire Afghan Hounds from afar.....
After my boys, Harry and Tali, had each crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, I decided that while I loved them both dearly, that I had had my fill of dealing with all the various responsibilities which come along with being a caring pet owner and so since then haven't had any new feline or canine members joining this household. I do enjoy interacting with friends' cats and dogs, though, and from time to time think, " gee, wouldn't it be nice to have another pet, maybe a dog this time....?" And then it rains or snows or is bitterly cold or brutally hot and I see neighbors out there walking their dogs and think, "nope, no dog for me!"
Later on in mid-adulthood, I had two Siamese cats, littermates, and they were a delight but also definitely a responsibility. I did not have them declawed -- didn't feel the need to do so -- but they were primarily indoor cats. I had a cat tree and a cat tunnel for them to play in and for keeping their claws trimmed. They were pretty good about not scratching up my actual furniture and such, and truly enjoyed their carpeted cat tree and cat tunnel. They could scratch to their hearts' content on the carpeted surfaces of both pieces of cat-designated furniture. I also played with them a lot so that we all were active and amused, and I think that helped, too. When I was still living in the townhouse where there was a fenced back yard I did take the boys out there to enjoy the grass and the fresh air, and even bought a netted "gazebo" for us to sit in out there as well. Later, when we had moved to a condo apartment, I would take them out on the deck, but they were always under supervision, never left alone, as I knew that finding themselves out there on their own they could've discovered all kinds of mischief into which to get! I also often left screened windows open in nice weather so that they could sit on nearby furniture or the windowsill and enjoy fresh air even when they were not outdoors. It is definitely possible to have indoor cats who are not declawed.
One of my favorite dog breeds is Afghan Hounds, but I know that there is no way that I would be able to provide the kind of life that these gorgeous, speedy and athletic gaze hounds need, with plenty of room to run and someone who is willing to spend hours dealing with the luxurious, thick and long coat that many of them have. So I admire Afghan Hounds from afar.....
After my boys, Harry and Tali, had each crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, I decided that while I loved them both dearly, that I had had my fill of dealing with all the various responsibilities which come along with being a caring pet owner and so since then haven't had any new feline or canine members joining this household. I do enjoy interacting with friends' cats and dogs, though, and from time to time think, " gee, wouldn't it be nice to have another pet, maybe a dog this time....?" And then it rains or snows or is bitterly cold or brutally hot and I see neighbors out there walking their dogs and think, "nope, no dog for me!"
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