for dog people

[tulip]

I have not had a dog since I was in high school (which was a long frikkin time ago!) Having recently gone through one of those Life Transitions, and having just bought myself a house with a fenced yard, the thought has crossed my mind several times that perhaps my solitary life could be augmented by a canine friend. But I never put more than a passing "someday" thought to it.

Last evening, my SO and I were out at a local botanical garden. Unknown to us, it was the once monthly Fidos After 5, and there were lots of people and lots of dogs. The SPCA was also there with adoptable dogs identified by blue bandanas and being walked around by volunteers.

There was one young hound with a blue bandana that caught my eye. My SO and I both noticed her. She's quiet but inquisitive, seems intelligent, medium sized (I'd say about 35lbs), short haired, and very sweet and pretty. We admired her from a distance, and then decided to go meet her.

I talked to the volunteer and I walked her around. She's about a year old and knows how to sit and obeys well. She does tug on the leash. We later went to the SPCA trailer and got an application for adoption...

I have not decided anything yet. I'm alone alot, which I don't mind a bit, but having a companion dog would be nice. I also work from home. There's a new dog park in the neighborhood that just opened. I haven't come to terms with the whole baggie routine (my last dog--25 years ago--just lived outside and did her business in locations unknown to us), but I think I could handle it. The downside is that I couldn't just take off to Paris on a whim, but I've never done that and it's unlikely that I ever would, dog or no dog. But it would mean less spontaneity, or more accurately, less of potential spontaneity. It's a big commitment, and I don't go into big commitments lightly. I also have to weigh all the plusses and minuses--ALL of them. I'm an uber-Libra and sometimes it really slows me down!

Today I'm going to call to find out some additional information. In order for it to work, she would have to be already house trained, and would need to not get car sick, as we would go places together.

[Becky]

Yay for thinking about adopting a dog! I'm glad to hear that you're really thinking it through, and weighing the responsibility.

Having volunteered in a shelter and having answered the housebreaking question *a lot*, I'll say this: Most shelters (including mine) aren't set up to teach or reinforce housebreaking skills. There are simply too many animals and not enough staff and volunteers. So I recommend that you assume that your pup is not housebroken. Start from scratch and, if she was previously housebroken, it will come back to her pretty quickly. Kind of like riding a bike!

When we adopted Cody, it only took about 3 days before we were convinced that he was housebroken. No accidents in the house, but we watched him like a hawk any time that he was out of his kennel for those 3 days.

As for the car-sick thing, they got her to the garden, right? What did her handler say about her car behavior?

Goood luck with your decision! Post pics if she comes home with you

[Tuckervill]

I'm sure they'll let you check her out more. Usually those places foster the dogs out and they live in someone's home, so if that's the case, the foster parent can tell you whether it's car sick or house trained.

I think one beating heart needs another and you should adopt a pet. But choose carefully.

At a year old, there is still chewing and digging to be dealt with, though not as much as with a younger dog or some breeds.

If you have issues about dog hair on the furniture, come to grips with it now. There will be dog hair. I know some people have trained their dogs to stay in the kitchen or off the furniture in the name of limiting dog hair/mess. I think dogs that are trained to stay in one room away from their "pack" are not the happiest dogs. They're going to be really excited every time you finally come in the kitchen from the living room, so that's one of the trade-offs. It's almost like being in the back yard all the time, from their point of view. If you don't mind it following you around and getting dog hair on the floor, but just can't tolerate dog hair on the sofa, then okay--keep it off the furniture, but give it something lovely to be on, instead.

All that to say, decide now how you're going to think about dog hair, and all the other things that a dog will introduce. Compromise with the dog, remember it's a pack animal, and it needs to be near you. Even with all the advance planning you do, this dog may have quirks and personality and habits that you didn't expect and couldn't have planned for. So, be flexible.

It's a great thing, having a dog! Good on ya for considering taking one in! It will be so grateful!

Karen

[tulip]

Well, I don't have any furniture at the moment, aside from my bed and two chairs. I've simplified to the point of ridiculous. I'll be sticking with tatami mats for a while longer. Dog hair is an issue I've thought about. My father and stepmother have a golden retriever and there are always big tufts in their house, floating around on the floor. I don't want a long-haired dog for that reason. But I know that short-hairs also shed plenty. I had a parrot for 10 years before the divorce, and he was messy in a different way--bird poop and tearing things up all over the place. I think a dog would be alot easier than a parrot. A cat would be even easier, but I'm allergic to them and they freak out my SO.

My mother rescues greyhounds and currently has two plus her trusty spaniel mix stray that she picked up some time ago. And three cats. Her house and life are ruled by the animals (and the house has that doggy smell that dog owners don't seem to notice but the rest of us do!). I think that's why I'm hesitant to just go out and get a dog.

I'm happy to have it follow me around, I mean, that's the whole point here, right?. I don't know if I'll do the crate thing or just a dog bed (assuming I get the dog, that is). Still some studying up to do.

Unfortunately, they don't know where she came from, if she was a stray or someone gave her up. The SPCA got her from the local shelter, and the local shelter either didn't know or didn't pass on the info. The SPCA lady said that the shelter has a pretty quick kill time, so they rescue dogs from the shelter before that happens.

The SPCA has a 30-day return policy if things don't work out.

My other thoughts on dogs is that I could foster dogs (but then having go give them up might be hard, I don't know) or raise puppies that are on track to becoming guide dogs. But the puppy part is very intense and messy, and also guide puppies need lots of socializing, and I'm not terribly sociable myself!

Thanks for your tips and I'll report back on my decision.

[Iris616]

Is there any way they would let you "foster" this dog for a while? That would let you get to know the dog and see if there are issues that you haven't thought of yet. Also, remember there are plenty of dogs out there. I believe the right one will definately find you, if you are open to the idea.

[fastdogs]

I've had dogs for years and years, and competed with them in racing and coursing. When doing that, they do take up a lot of time- conditioning, traveling to events, etc. I really enjoyed it, but when my youngest two retired from competition due to injuries, thats when I took up cycling- before that I really didn't have time. Now I still make time for them, but there's no conditioning or traveling to events so I have time for other things. They can take part in the cycling, up to a point, since they enjoy trotting alongside the bike on a springer attachment for exercise occasionally (like when I can only go short distances slowly, like when my 4 year old son goes riding).
As for the doggy smell, anyone who fosters ex-track dogs will have that smell since they are kennel dogs. If the dog lives in the house and has baths when they are dirty, most short haired dogs have little odor. The odor comes from unwashed bedding, etc- only buy dog beds that can be laundered.
Housebreaking can be made easier with a dog door, but some if the dog barks (many hounds do) you may not want her able to go out at all hours of the night.
The pulling while walking can be handled easily enough, with training and maybe type of collar.
If you aren't sure how she'd work out, maybe you could foster her for a while- you'll either fall in love and have to have her, or decide it's not for you.
vickie

[roadie gal]

I've always had cats, never dogs, but at the age of 46 I decided I wanted dogs. Now I have 2 collies. The dogs are a huge commitment, much more than the cats. A lot of my day revolves around walking the dogs, feeding the dogs, etc. You do also lose a lot of spontaneity. BUT I love my dogs and wouldn't trade them for anything. My 2 cats are wonderful, loving creatures. But the dogs take it to a whole other level. Toby, the rough coat guy, is a charming, mellow gentleman who is there whenever I'm down. Cameron, the smooth coat, is a happy go lucky goofball who can always make me laugh. The dogs are a bigger expense, and dog hair is a food group around here ( along with cat hair for spice), but the decision to get them is something I'll never regret.

[arielmoon]

I adopted my dog a few months ago from the animal shelter after loosing my 7yr old rescue dog to cancer. I am adament about not purchasing a dog when there are so many good ones that need homes. Good for you for going that route too!

My Jasmine is a wonderful dog but at one year (give or take- she was a stray) she is still very much a puppy! A 65lb puppy that has delusions of being lap sized still. Anyway, be aware that although they are fun at that age you may want to find one that is a little older and out of the puppy stage. I also highly recomend crate training for any dog especially one coming in to a new home after being a shelter dog.

I dont see myself ever being without the companionship of a dog! Good luck to you!

[newfsmith]

Dogs do tie you down. It's not just the fantasy quick trip to Paris you have to worry about, it is the family medical emergencies, your own medical emergencies, etc. Part of your decision has to be are you ready to call people on short notice that will be willing to take on your dog. That may be difficult in a new neighborhood.

Just like kids get you more involved in a community, so do dogs. That is both an advantage and a demand, only you can make that decision.

[Becky]

I also highly recomend crate training for any dog especially one coming in to a new home after being a shelter dog.

+1!!! on the crate training! CT has proven to be a godsend for us, especially when we're traveling with Cody. It gives him a safe familiar place no matter where we are, and comes in handy at home too. Many shelter dogs take well to CT because it reminds them of their last environment and provides some familiarity. Like all things dog, the decision to CT has to be weighed against the dog's personality, but it works very well for us and for many of our dog friends.

[Trek420]

Thank you for considering adopting a dog. I got "custody of the dog" in the divorce and have never regretted it .... well, maybe briefly the whole flexibility thing. But then she's saved my life so there is that in trade

A well trained dog is a dog your friends may be willing to pet sit, a well trained dog is one you can get professional pet sitters for as a back up.

So events and epic rides are possible, it may take a little planning. And it will take training for both of you. But that's fun on both ends of the leash.

But please consider your decision and the dog carefully

The SPCA has a 30-day return policy if things don't work out.

The dog is not a shirt, a bike, a cell phone plan you may regret or have buyers remorse .... it's a sentient being (cue new age music in the background, maybe some Yani ).

Your dog (you know you're gonna adopt this dog ) has gone from cute adorable/adored puppy to somehow abandoned, forgotten at least once, maybe multiple times. House to house, now fostered .... so when you adopt my feeling is that's it, consider all the options possibilities, can you commit that for the next 10 years or so nothing could or would happen that you would leave this dog?

Yes, I think if you have any doubts volunteering at a local shelter, fostering a dog yourself may help. All the local shelters need volunteers to walk their dogs and help keep them adoptable. That could be a great way to try dogs out. And who knows you may meet "your dog" that way.

But it's not like the epic ride you plan and train for, it's a little bit of a stretch but you think "there is a always the SAG wagon". The day I went to pick up my mutt from the pound there was a guy bringing BACK a beautiful German Shepherd dog. I overheard him say the dog did not get along with his wife, had nipped or bit her and she demanded he bring it back. I saw the look on the officer and the volunteers as they explained training options, what might have happened in socialization, help and classes available .... all to no avail. These were his orders, here's the dog.

This made an impression to me.

If I ever have another dog s/he will be a rescue, I could never bring one back.

[AlwayzOnDaMove]

My friend actually adopted a dog recently. The dog is terrified of men. She loves women and is comfortable around them. When a man comes around, she runs and hides. We don't know what kind of home the dog came from. My friend had no idea why her dog would run away from men. I assumed the dog was abused by a male. Maybe kicked and punched by a previous owner. When adopting animals, you do have to be careful. To bad the SPCA doesn't know the dogs history. I would actually love to adopt an animal but my apt. doesn't allow animals . Good wanting to take in an animal. My mouth dropped when I read the shelter the dog came from has a quick kill rate.

[redrhodie]

The water's fine! Jump on in!

Really, you just have to do it. You sound ready, willing and able. You'll be a great pup-mom. She will add so much to your life that you will wonder what made you wait so long.

I just adopted a baby kitten, and he's been so much fun. Dogs are great, too. They love purely, absolutely, and without judgement. They don't care if you wear flannel to bed. They don't care how you look. All they want is someone to take care of them, and they are eternally grateful.

Go to the shelter, and visit your new buddie. You'll know for sure if you're supposed to take her when you see her again.

[mimitabby]

catlady here.
The last two cats I adopted were my foster babies. It's a great way to go. It's easy to discover who you don't mind giving up, and who you CAN'T.
I adopted Enza after I cried all the way home after giving her back to the shelter so she could be adopted.

[Blueberry]

We have awesome (but very expensive) petsitters. They retain a key to my house (they are bonded, insured, and the keys are not identified except by code should their office be broken into), and come whenever we need them to. Before a trip, we call or book online and make a reservation. If we get stuck out of town, or have an emergency, they have a key. They've been quite willing to accommodate such emergencies. They aren't cost effective for a long term (>1 week) trip - they're about $50 per day for our 2 cats and one dog - but they are super convenient. And it gives me a LOT of piece of mind. I haven't been here long enough to feel comfortable giving (for example) a neighbor a key. They're literally the only other people with a key to my house.

Crate training is awesome. You've met Teddy - he was crate trained. He has been crate free (except when folks first come over, to help in calming him down) for about a year - so, he was in a crate for about 2. It's safety for you, your house, and the doggie, until he/she learns what not to chew and get into.

Good luck!!

CA