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Original poster

My DD wants a dog... We CANNOT have a dog.. What else?

90 replies

LashestoLashes · 25/09/2019 21:18

My DD 13 is desperate for a dog. We are not doggy people and actually I am phobic. I think she likes the idea of a dog, something to look after / love /play with.
Can anyone suggest any alternatives?! We live pretty much on a motorway so a cat is a no no. Im also not keen on rodents.
Can anyone recommend me a good pet for her?

OP posts:
DawgLover · 25/09/2019 21:21

Rabbit?

DawgLover · 25/09/2019 21:24

Years ago I had a friend who kept a Guinea pig in her house, but that may be still too rodent-y for you

purpleme12 · 25/09/2019 21:25

No a rabbit is not a good pet for a child contrary to popular opinion

Interested in this thread?

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Dogs
RandomMess · 25/09/2019 21:26

Guinea-pigs don't have tails if that's your issue with rodents. You can have house cats?

Itallt0omuch · 25/09/2019 21:28

I know you said no rodents but rats make excellent pets.

Isadora2007 · 25/09/2019 21:28

Guinea pigs are lovely and can be handled etc. How old is your daughter? Is she old enough to volunteer at a rescue centre or to walk other people’s dogs?

ZogorElmer · 25/09/2019 21:28

I would suggest a house rabbit. At 13 she is old enough to care for it as king as you are prepared to foot any vets bills.

PenguinsRabbits · 25/09/2019 21:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Thecurtainsofdestiny · 25/09/2019 21:31

Rabbits are a lot of work, need loads of attention, and space, are expensive and you need to have more than one.

Relationship is on their terms, many don't like much human contact or to be picked up.

They are great pets for adults who can give them the time and attention they need. Not so much for children.

PenguinsRabbits · 25/09/2019 21:31

Some cat rescues have indoor cats.

EveningLight · 25/09/2019 21:31

Budgies make the most delightful pets if someone has the patience to bond with them incredibly slowly and gently. Ours only went in his cage at night and flew round the house with us and I miss his lovely kisses and everything about him. He used to try and dive into the bath with me and dance when we put music on and played monopoly with us , and was my best pet ever.
It’s a responsibility time-wise though as they need someone at home at least 8 hours a day to not be lonely as are flock animals. So many budgies make me sad though as I can’t bear seeing birds in small cages for long or on their own for anything but short periods . On the other hand can be just so happy and rewarding when thoughtfully looked after

NotSoThinLizzy · 25/09/2019 21:31

Bearded dragons are great and chilled will sit on your knee or sholder for ages .

Funghi · 25/09/2019 21:33

Do NOT get a rabbit. They’re not easy to keep.

Firstly they need companionship and so should be kept in pairs to save them becoming lonely and unwell, so you’ve already doubled the number of pets you wanted.

Ask any vet, they’re the most difficult to treat and care for due to their complex metabolism. Their food (veggies, hay, pellets if needed etc.) is expensive and they need regular vaccinations and checkups.

I do wish they’d stopped being touted as the perfect pet for young kids, they’re a lot of hard work if they’re to be kept safe and healthy.

BertieBotts · 25/09/2019 21:34

Guinea pigs are lovely. They eat all your veg peelings as well.

bumpysleighridejack · 25/09/2019 21:35

I love beardies but the set up is huge in terms of space and cost, and they're very complicated to keep. We lost our beardy too young despite doing everything we could for him and having an expert exotics vets, it completely devastated me, I wouldn't recommend for a child.

I love tortoises as pets, easy set up and costs and they are so entertaining and full of character. Not furry or cuddly tho! Guinea pig or rat is a good shout.

buzzwizz619 · 25/09/2019 21:37

As a owner to 2 house rabbits, do not get rabbits 😂 I love my boys to death but I've had one 5 months and the other 2 months and they are soooooooo much more work, so much more expensive and so much more messy than I ever imagined and I thought I knew what I was getting my self into.

PaulHollywoodsSexGut · 25/09/2019 21:37

I know you’re not keen on rodents but I’d suggest you read up on Dumbo rats.

Big enough to cuddle
Smart enough to train
Not as “scuttly” as regular rats
Short life span (I know and I’m sorry to be grim guys)

There are several fancy rat fans on the “Small
pets” (?) section of MN complete with pics of said rats, sometimes holding raspberries or being cuddled.

As a mother of small children and someone who has a WHOPPING cat and dog allergy I’m ready to do the PowerPoint pitch for fancy rats when my DDs end up begging for a puppy one day.

BringTheBounceBack · 25/09/2019 21:37

I have a rescue cat who we were told had to stay indoors. We live on a busy road too

BertieBotts · 25/09/2019 21:37

But perhaps her best bet would be to volunteer at a dog shelter? She could get plenty of experience with dogs then so when she moves out she could get her own. She would get an idea of the work first and get to cuddle lots of dogs. You have a cast iron no to her bringing even one dog home with her so you won't end up with hundreds. Maybe worth looking into?

clarinstunic · 25/09/2019 21:38

🐷

Funghi · 25/09/2019 21:38

But perhaps her best bet would be to volunteer at a dog shelter?

Great idea!

Ariela · 25/09/2019 21:39

Guinea pigs are lovely,, would you be able to tolerate one, being a rodent?

Cyberworrier · 25/09/2019 21:39

Indoor cat like PP said. Rescues will only rehome cats that have previously been indoor cats to carry on being indoors cats, as they wouldn’t be accustomed to outdoor life! And Celia Hammond recommend cats to be kept inside because of roads anyway. They recommend getting a cat plus kitten or pair of kittens so they are not bored or lonely.

VeganVeganVegan · 25/09/2019 21:42

Ragdoll cats are only suitable to be kept inside. I have two one from a kitten and an adopted adult male who enjoys walks on his lead. They love affection and known as puppy cats. They are nothing like a moggy cat they enjoy your company.

Batinahat · 25/09/2019 21:45

How about joining borrow my dog and doing dog walking for other people? Or volunteer dog walking through something like the Cinnamon Trust? Or volunteering at local dog rescue?