Getting a dog.

[Doasbedoneby]

After being divorced. And also being the resident parent for years, my children are getting older.

So for an easy life (and after some difficult relationships) I thought me and and a dog = happiness.

Any thoughts?

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

I'd ask over in the MN forum called the Doghouse. (I used to be able to make links on MN while on my iPad, but apparently progress has removed this ability...)

Anyway, when you say "getting a dog", do you mean a puppy or a slightly-older rescue? Purebreed or mutt? How many hours a day are you/your older dc around at home? How much do you like being out in all weathers to walk the dog? Do you live in a flat, a place with a garden, rurally?

Rather than just thinking it would be cool to have a brilliant, loving, trusting, unquestioning relationship with a dog (and I do understand that), you have to think, "What can I offer a dog so that s/he and I can make that relationship happen?"

[BoneyBackJefferson]

One of my lasting childhood memories is having to walk the family pet, (rain, snow, sleet etc.) that I didn't ask for or want.

other than that, what oldlady posted

[FrontForward]

I love my dog. However I think the relationship is very like having a child and you need to be prepared to put time and money into it.

If you want that (sounds like you do) then get one :)

[atthestrokeoftwelve]

I agree wth the others. Dogs need a lot of time and attention- and excercise is crucial to calm the temprament and stop unwanted behaviours- and that means walks twice a day, not just let out into a garden.

I adore dogs, but that is the reason I don't have one atm, as thay are such hard work. Thay can be immense fun, great company though, but you need to be prepared for the work involved.
OP have you had a dog before?

[staffylover]

Get one! I met my wife 10 years ago and had never had a dog/cat/pet of any sort. She had two dogs and a cat. We now have two dogs, two cats and two birds and would not be without them! I feel I have missed out on many years of having a wonderful, playful, loyal, fun loving pet. I`m not sure where the hard work comes into it. It is sheer joy to be out and about with them!

[deepbluetr]

"I`m not sure where the hard work comes into it."

Getting up early in the morning to take a dog a walk can be a lovely start to te day, but it can be crap if you are late for work, it's raining sideways, dark and freezing cold.
Dogs can be destructive, they can get ill- meaning some shit or vomit to clear.
Dogs love the outdoors but hairy coats attrack dirt and transport it into your home meaning mud sand and worse ending up on your floors, sofas, carpets, skirting boards and car. Dogs do smell ( I am a dog lover) but owners become immune to this.
They also will often roll around in other's dogs mess, rabbit or sheep droppings so do need bathing.
Food bowls and eating areas need regular cleaning. Food has to be bought and transported home.
Even well behaved dogs will trash gardens, feet will impact on lawns, borders, favourite plants.

I call all that work.

Yes dogs are lovable, playful, make fantastic pets but I am under no delusion the work they create.

[staffylover]

You talking about dogs or kids? Seriously the positives far outweigh the negatives!

[deepbluetr]

staffy- depends how much time you have.

I already told you I am a dog lover, I have owned 4 dogs in my adult life.
Dogs do need a lot of care and attention, especially regular exercise.
We are too busy to give a dog the attention and time it deserves- however I don't rule out getting another in the future when our lives are less busy.

[staffylover]

Deepblue........Sorry to hear you cannot have dogs at the moment!

I work 12 hour days, and my wife is a full time carer for her severely disabled daughter. We still find time to walk the dogs for 2 hours daily, we still find time to play with them in the garden,and as far as all the other things you have mentioned, it just isn`t hard work for us! My hard work is at..........work! Anything to do with the dogs/pets is relaxing whether it be picking up the mess, walking, feeding, cleaning etc.

[deepbluetr]

Staffy then we will have to disagree on what constitutes work- I can't see the pleasure in picking up faeces.