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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Would getting a dog help my dc?

54 replies

Elsbels00 · 18/02/2025 09:12

We've been thinking about getting a dog for quite a while. I know what a massive responsibility it is and that's why we've never really gone for it.

Both of my children 10yo and 16yo struggle a bit socially at times and I'm wondering whether a pet would bring some joy to their lives. 10yo especially is such an animal lover

I certainly wouldn't be expecting them to take care of it of course, my 16yo is pretty busy anyway.

But a pet to love might be good for everyone. I can rem her being a teenager myself and my pets were always a great comfort to me. All those evening dog walks when I was feeling fed up.

OP posts:
Needanadultgapyear · 18/02/2025 09:19

Would an adult cat who is a more stay at home cat also give you that same comfort. My cats give me more comfort that my dogs do.

Elsbels00 · 18/02/2025 09:17

We could manage a dog just about.

I work part time and wfh a lot. There would be some time the dog would have to be left for a few hours. A couple of mornings a week.

OP posts:
Snowmanscarf · 18/02/2025 09:14

What’s your set up? Do you have time and energy for a dog? Are people wfh? Etc

Quercus3 · 18/02/2025 09:14

Oh I think it would definitely help. I remember feeling so happy to get home when we got our family dog, any school worries melted away. I was 10 at the time we got him.