To adopt a puppy?

[TodayIs]

I love animals sometimes more than people and I've had dogs in the past, including fostering. Can't foster anymore, the last one broke my heart to let go!

I've been wanting a dog for a very long time; I spend so much time looking at rescue websites that it's practically a hobby.

Last week I saw a lovely pup (6 months old) appear on a rescue center website and she ticked every box in terms of breed and temperament. I drove to the center with DH and we met her - she's absolutely gorgeous and we were VERY lucky to be accepted to reserve her. She will need a lot of patient training. There's a waiting list of other people interested in her so if we pulled out, she'd still get a forever home.

But I'm not sure! I'm worried. I don't want to let the pup down, I want her to have the right home. Are we right for her?

Cons
-DH is looking for a part time job, so definite changes going on in our household routine ahead
-DH has some DIY to finish around the house, hard to do with a pup around
-DH struggles with change, he comes through but he gets a little withdrawn while he adjusts
-I do like being free enough to go to cinema/take a trip (maybe do this 4-6 times a year, not often, but still..)
-I'm thinking about studying/re-training in the not-so-distant future, but unsure what this would be as yet, or how this would impact routine

Pros
-I work from home (minimal hours though) and I'm a home-bod so I'm in the house a great deal, so a dog wouldn't be left alone for longer than a supermarket trip or dentist appointment
-I do volunteer one day of the week for 4 hours but DM could dog-sit (if DH is busy/working)
-My hobbies are running, hiking and I walk almost every day come rain/shine so a dog would get lots of exercise
-I love the idea of training classes for the puppy and maybe agility, I found some local classes that start in July
-Lots of space, small secure garden and a dog park is 5 mins away
-No other pets or DC to consider (we can't have children sadly)
-DH is totally in love with the pup too

I'm just getting over some anxiety issues (from a past trauma) and getting my life on track (I wasn't leaving the house much at all), after a turbulent couple of years. I'm worried getting a dog will be too much too soon - I want my life to continue to be enhanced, I don't want to feel trapped.

I do have a tendency to avoid things and wonder if my worries about going through with adopting the puppy are simply me trying to avoid the fear of the responsibility.

What would you do?

I think you could reasonably adopt the pup, as long as you’re sure you will not stop wanting him/her after adoption.

Enhanced.
Brilliant word to use when you become a dpuppy owner op!!
Your life will truly be....

You sound like you have given this a lot of thought and understand what will be involved. Go for it!

But if you decide not to you could look into whether local rescues to you offer dog fostering. So less responsibility

Your cons sound more like anxieties than actual cons to me, OP. I think it's natural to feel apprehensive about a big change, but that doesn't mean it's the wrong decision; it just shows that you've really thought about it.

@Asdfghjklll I have fostered, I can't do it again as it broke my heart to let our last foster go :(

@Dahlietta thanks for your post I found that reassuring! I'm struggling to separate genuine 'con' from unnecessary anxiety. Outside opinion really helps.

All sounds good. Go for it!

There are always changes in life and none of us can plan for everything that might happen in the future

Honestly you sound like you'll be an amazing dog owner, well done for choosing to adopt!

It’s great that you’re questioning yourself and rushing headlong into it because it’s a cute puppy.
They are hard work and a massive commitment and can drive you mad, like mine has just done by jumping up on the counter and eating a box of Viennese whirls! But they give you so much back.

I have fostered, I can't do it again as it broke my heart to let our last foster go

If you've already fostered and the worst thing about it was saying goodbye to the dog at the end, then I definitely repeat my earlier advice

My experience of owning a dog is it has helped me cope better with anxiety. A few years ago I was housebound and put on a lot of weight- getting a dog meant I had no choice but to go outside which obviously improved my health and well being.
Adopting a rescue was rewarding for me, gave me some responsibility as well.
I say go for it, sounds like you have a good home to offer.

Thank you for the replies :)

You'll be a great dog owner for that pup :)

If you crate train, that will be helpful for getting DIY done!