Don’t get a dog

I think you’re completely missing the point. You’re turning a macro problem with dog ownership into a micro problem for this op. Since Covid dog ownership has soared. You refer to your village as a doggy village but all villages, towns and cities are overrun with dogs. I see dogs being dragged around and involved in Activities that are completely inappropriate for animals, all in the name of spending time together. I don’t think the op is intending to highlight their own regret over taking on a puppy, this is an acknowledgment that dogs are a responsibility and not just an on trend family accessory. I am glad that you know only people who’ve researched fully before taking on a puppy because I concur with others on here who now hate walking their dogs because they’re at the mercy of newbie dog owners who can’t be bothered/don’t understand that puppies need training in socialising. And that’s before touching on the environmental impact of increasing dog populations…

I used to think I’d never be without a dog. My current dogs have put me off owning any ever again. Their ex-owners are a classic example of why certain people shouldn’t own dogs. Expected the dogs to magically know what was expected of them. No training, no structure, allowed to do whatever they please. No desensitising to grooming or being taught to walk on a lead. Resulting in two needy, reactive, unsocialised pups unable to be left on their own. The constant retraining of already established bad behaviours is so draining and feels hopeless at times. Not something I’d suggest to someone to cure their depression. The amount of visits they’ve had to the vets and groomers really does add up.

My first dog was a perfect angel. A total sweetheart that had everyone he met wrapped around his paw. My best friend that made me laugh with happiness everyday and then cry at the thought of ever living without him. If all dogs could be like him I would want them all.

I do hope you dont' have lany children with an attitude like that re dogs cos there's not much, if any, between them is there?

The meaning of life? Blimey, you need to get out more.

I hear your pain. I got a one year old rescue cat 4 months ago and I didn’t think thru the restrictions costs and responsibilities. I think dogs are even more hard work. If I had known I probably wouldn’t have proceeded but I don’t regret it. I was very lucky with her (touch wood). I did all the research after the event and now realise it could have all been far worse. She has cured my AUD (no shit). Just hoping it all continues to work out ok. But yea, think v carefully before getting any pet!

Depends on the cat. Ours is like velcro, to me especially. He's wonderful, runs to the door to greet me whenever I come home, knows his name, chats away, sleeps on (or in) the bed and is generally the lovliest, most affectionate companion. We're very lucky to have him.

Completely agree! I’m was more talking run of the mill depression rather than serious MH difficulties.

Also, please don't get a dog if you don't look after it
We have spent the whole evening hearing the neighbours dog barking. Non stop.

I think dogs should be prescribed for people with depression and anxiety! They’re better than a pill that’s for sure.

I get your point @bonzaitree but it very much depends how bad a person's depression and anxiety is. It can be really unfair on the dog and can actually make the person worse if they are so depressed they are unable to meet the dogs needs.

My dog is honestly my single source of serotonin. She genuinely makes me so so happy.

I think dogs should be prescribed for people with depression and anxiety! They’re better than a pill that’s for sure.

I do agree with the sentiment of the OP though- if you aren’t responsible enough to deal with one then don’t get one.

All true

We have a Shih Tzu. She is 3. She isn’t much bigger than a small rabbit and has cost our insurer over £20,000 in those short years! Her insurance has tripled but that seems fair! Grooms every 4 weeks, pet plan, amazing sitter and all the other stuff including toys that she won’t play with!

worth every single penny.

if you get a dog, get good lifetime insurance.

I love dogs more than people but I would never be able to commit to one again, much to my children's disappointment. I couldn't take the heartbreak of losing them either, it's absolutely devastating.

We got a dog, and after six months he became aggressive and bit me quite badly, we had to rehome him, it was utterly devastating for the whole family 😢

I have a dog, love him to bits. I honestly don’t find him too expensive at all though. He’s a whippet, so the only grooming he needs is his nails clipping every three months - £10 each session. And I never understand it when people take their dogs for flea and worm treatment to the vets, unless their insurance plan covers this. I treat mine with over the counter stuff, which is just as effective, and a lot cheaper. And also people who take them for regular check ups. It’s like a human going to the GPs for check ups if nothings wrong with them - people just don’t do this, so why do it with your dog unless they’re displaying signs of illness? sure there might be times in the future that will be expensive, such as illnesses whereby an excess is to be paid, but on the whole I just don’t really find I have to outlay a lot of money on him.

Dogs do not need regular worm & flea 'medication'.
Nor do they need annual vaccinations.

This. It is such a monumental rip-off.

Our last dog had her puppy vaccinations and nothing else. When she was 9, she had to be admitted to a vet clinic to get something she’d eaten removed from her throat. Part of the admissions process was to test her immunity. Despite having only her puppy vaccinations, she had FULL immunity to everything - 8 years on.

I would never have my dog immunised annually.

They need annual vaccinations if they go into kennels.

Dogs do not need regular worm & flea 'medication'.
Nor do they need annual vaccinations.
All a con by the pharmaceutical companies who incentivies the big vet companies.
Furry rabbit ears & a worm count of their poop will usually do the trick, we have done this for 3 years & both dogs have been worm free. After their initial vaccinations they can had a titre test & they are very likely to still have immunity so need no further vaccinations.
We also find coconut oil rubbed on their coats keeps the fleas away, again this has worked for us for 3 years.

Why are some people writing Pooh instead of poo?! 💩

Always had dogs, cats, and other pets, and I wouldn't want life without them. Yes, they are a responsibility and you need to be aware how much so before going ahead. Vets' bills have become increasingly more expensive so you do need to make sure you have the funds to look after their health, pet insurance etc. So I agree don't get a dog unless you know how to look after it properly, training takes time and patience, so if you don't have these qualities it's not fair on them. Xx

I don’t get the puppy appeal, which is why I always have rescue dogs. Came house trained and independent, can be left, is crate trained and is the kind of dog which lots of people comment on, as he is really quirky, funny and handsome. Yes, he’s expensive now he’s reached his senior years but had no issues for the first 10. Main cost has always been walkers and dog care.

They also cause huge heartbreak as they don’t live as long as us. We’ve just lost our beloved stinky dog of 12 years. The house really doesn’t feel the same without her 💔

If you get a dog in your mid 60s it will have slowed down as much as you have when you’re in your late 70s. I was 66 when we got ours, she’ll be an old lady too when I’m 80.

I'd add - don't get a dig when you retire. A good companion and reason to get out of the house when you are 65, is much more of a challenge when you are in your late 70s and in failing health

I have a dog, she was free and is a black mongrel. I didn't want a puppy and usually prefer the rescue route, which I know isn't something a lot of people are willing to do. We got her a couple of years ago when she was about 11 years old. She was housetrained, walks like a dream on the lead, great recall ( although this is not as good as it was due to deafness ), happy to be left for a few hours snoozing on the sofa and has trained us to within an inch of our lives, to cater to her every whim