I want a dog!

[Wantajackrussell]

Name changed in case my DD reads my thread! Think I probably am being unreasonable but ... I am extremely lonely and live alone and would have all the time in the world to care for a dog as I am at home during the day. However I go to my DD each weekend to give her and her OH a break from the grandbub (they both work full-time) and it gives them a chance for a lie in. I go on a Friday and come back on a Sunday afternoon. She says I definitely can't bring a dog with me - she doesn't want a dog in her house BUT I WANT ONE!!!!!

[SlimJiminy]

Definitely get a dog. I'm not a fan myself, but I think it's really selfish of your daughter to expect you to make decisions like that based on her weekend lie-in.

I can completely understand your son-in-law's reservations, but all you can do there is assure them that their child and the dog won't be left alone together. And make sure they aren't.

They're taking advantage of you. The more I think about it, the more I think a dog would be a bloody brilliant idea: Great company for you throughout the week. Keeps your visits to them short because you have to get back and take care of the dog. Keeps you active. Creates a chance for you to meet fellow dog walkers.

Go for it.

[Famzilla]

Get the dog.

It sounds to me like you're just living to serve your daughter.

[LadyVetinari]

If you enjoy the current arrangement, I would think carefully about whether any there's any other kind of pet that could satisfy you and would fit into your life better. Dogs can be lovely, but they are demanding and they place lots of limitations on your day-to-day life (e.g. how long you can go out for, having to go for long walks even when it's cold and/or you're ill and knackered, etc). I was desperate for one until I looked after my DB's (lovely, well socialised, fairly obedient, and very healthy) lab for 2 weeks - if you're caring for a dog on your own, it becomes very wearing and frustrating extremely quickly!

In your position, I'd get a British blue short-hair kitten because, IME, they have almost all of the advantages of owning a dog, but with most of the disadvantages taken out.

I have a lot of experience with animals, and I have never met a British blue that wasn't friendly, inquisitive, playful, tactile, very bonded to its carers, but sufficiently lazy to be easy company. They can make good house cats as long as you are careful not to over-feed them. The only downside AFAIK is that if you allow them to roam freely then they're quite vulnerable to being stolen as they're such a distinctive pedigree.

[LadyRabbit]

Get a dog, ESPECIALLY a JRT, they're wonderful. Also they are one of the breeds that get abandoned or rescued most so you shouldn't have trouble finding one. They'll keep you fit, and in fits of giggles and will reward you with a lifetime of loyalty and companionship. Plus they make excellent hot water bottles in winter. Go for it, OP!

[Pobblewhohasnotoes]

Hang on, they work full time and you have their child at a weekend. When do they look after it? What exactly do they need a break from?

I can understand them not waning a dog at their house though.

[zeezeek]

Get a dog! I have 3 (who are currently on holiday with my parents) and they are brilliant with the DDs and so much fun and the kids love them.

Your daughter is being selfish.

[PansOnFire]

Dogs bring so much love and companionship, if you are worried about how it might react to children then make sure you research the best breeds for children and get one from a reputable breeder as a puppy.

Your daughter is being selfish but perhaps she's scared that part of her support network will no longer be available? I think it sounds like you do a lot for her though, most of the weekend is a lot! But you can still do a lot for her and spend time with the little one, dogs can actually enhance that. My mum has 3 dogs and my baby loves them, she looks after him whilst I work and there are clear boundaries that the dogs respect and have been taught as routine. Now that he's a bit older they take them on walks and play fetch outside. My mum is in her element!

Your daughter needs to understand that aswell as being there for her you need to have something that is just yours, a dog is lovely to have around if you have the time to care for one. Surely, once you talk to your daughter more about this she will be reasonable? If she wants you to spend the weekend there then she should expect that you take the dog too.

Your grandchild won't stay small for long, I doubt that the weekend arrangements you have will be forever. You really have to think of yourself.

[ChasingDogs]

Absolutely get a dog! Why should you miss out on the walks and companionship for most of the week in order to be the unpaid nanny for your daughter at the weekends? I can understand them being wary of an unknown dog coming over for the weekend when they have a little one, particularly given your son in laws experience; however it's not rocket science to compromise with baby gates, closed off rooms and 101 other ways to keep a baby and dog separate.

If it were completely impossible for children and dogs to be raised together I, and many others, wouldn't still be here

[Cartman12]

Get the dog!!!! It's a great way to banish loneliness. Dogs can be a real conversation starter and there's doubtless a community of dog owners/walkers out there whom you can get to know, if you want to.

My Dad wouldn't dream of offering to look after DD regularly at weekends but if he did, I'd be SO grateful he could bring a whole bloody zoo with him and smear the walls with excrement!

Sorry to sound harsh but your daughter sounds like she's a bit spoiled and taking you for granted on this one. Fancy swapping her for me?!

[mistlethrush]

I would be getting a rescue from a rescue that has them in foster situations so can advise on child-friendly dogs. You will get a better idea of character of the dog this way than getting a puppy (and will avoid the house training issues too!)

[CunningAtBothEnds]

from your OP i want to give your daughter a whopping smack in the chops. what a selfish madam. get the dog!