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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be thinking of getting a puppy this close to Christmas?

65 replies

Alisae · 08/12/2021 20:09

Long story short, a few months ago we suffered a tragedy with our much wanted and loved puppy.

The dc, husband and I have been miserable ever since. I swore we wouldn’t get another dog because I was completely heartbroken. I couldn’t face losing another one again, and I didn’t think we’d ever be lucky enough to find another one as smart/loving as her.

My sisters friend lives on a farm and often takes in strays/unwanted pets from their village. She had recently taken in a small female mongrel who they then found out was pregnant.

Dsis mentioned the pups a while ago when they were born but I explained we were too heartbroken to think about it. Dh and dc have kept showing me pictures of random puppies but I haven’t felt anything apart from ‘aw cute’.

She sent me a picture today of the one female puppy who hasn’t got a home yet (the others have been given away to people they know well). And has said that all the friend is asking for is that they can do a home visit tomorrow morning, then we would be free to go and visit her and her mum at the farm and pick her up.

I haven’t said anything to dh and dc yet, but I have to admit, I’ve completely fallen for her. I have an intense desire to go get her and am strangely excited about doing the the sleepless nights/training/puppy classes all over again.

Am I BU or insane to even think about this?

OP posts:
Babyvenusplant · 08/12/2021 20:24

I'm sorry about your puppy Flowers I think under the circumstances it's absolutely fine to have this puppy before Christmas, sounds like you can give her a wonderful home

Original poster
Alisae · 08/12/2021 20:24

Honestly thought I’d have at least one person tell me it was crazy by now. Posted here instead of doghouse for traffic as I’m supposed to be letting her know tonight if I want her to come round or not 😂

OP posts:
NoSquirrels · 08/12/2021 20:26

Your family have been ready before now.

You’re only just ready, but you’re excited and feel this pup is the one.

Go for it.

Original poster
Alisae · 08/12/2021 20:27

Ah cross post, thank you @Babyvenusplant.

I’m a bit nervous as I know it goes against the established wisdom to get a puppy at this time. But she is completely gorgeous and it’s the first time I’ve really wanted to do it all again.

OP posts:
Cloudyzebra · 08/12/2021 20:29

How close it is to Christmas makes no difference at all, if you know the puppy will grow up, and need a home for life. I think you need to go for it.

nancybotwinbloom · 08/12/2021 20:29

Please post some pics op x

ComtesseDeSpair · 08/12/2021 20:29

I was going to say that “Christmas” puppies are usually overpriced and badly bred by crap people churning them out knowing they’ll get loads of interest from people wanting them as presents. But that’s not the case here. I can’t see that the time of year makes much difference in this case - unless you’ve lots of Christmas guests / plans which will be unsettling for a puppy.

girlmom21 · 08/12/2021 20:30

Go and get the puppy. She wants a loving home for Christmas!

Original poster
Alisae · 08/12/2021 20:30

Thanks all, I really do think that she could be ‘the one’.

Right, I’m going for it Grin going to give her a call now. I’ve got butterflies!

OP posts:
trickytrudy · 08/12/2021 20:32

Having a puppy is crazy at any time. It sounds like it would be a great idea for everyone and they the puppy will be adored. Also, I assume there will be more people around at home in the next couple of weeks anyway, great time to initiate a puppy.

Original poster
Alisae · 08/12/2021 20:33

We had already decided to have a quiet Christmas this year, will be at home and will only have the grandparents coming for dinner.

If all goes well I will post some pics tomorrow Smile!

OP posts:
Luckymummytoone · 08/12/2021 20:33

Aw yay happy post 🥰 please post a pic 😁 x

GivingUpOnSleep · 08/12/2021 20:35

Seeing the title of your thread I was all ready to say YABU.

HOWEVER, you are definitely NBU! Pics are the law, of course.

Babyvenusplant · 08/12/2021 20:36

@Alisae

Thanks all, I really do think that she could be ‘the one’.

Right, I’m going for it Grin going to give her a call now. I’ve got butterflies!

🥰 can't wait to see if you do get her! Good luck
VimFuego101 · 08/12/2021 20:37

Of course it's fine if you don't have big plans and a crowded house for Christmas. For some people, it's probably the easiest time to bring a new puppy home if they'll have more free time over the Christmas break.

Bushkin · 08/12/2021 20:37

Yay! I think the Christmas puppies refer to people buying (usually first) puppies as gifts at Christmas. This has been well thought through buy a family who know what they are committing to.

Looking forward to seeing pics!

fancyfrogs · 08/12/2021 20:39

Exciting, keep us updated! We had wanted a puppy for ages before we did it and found the right one and he came home 3 days before Xmas a few years ago. Just means plenty of cute pics by the tree etc Grin

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/12/2021 20:39

The two big issues; unscrupulous puppy farmers and a busy Christmas, aren't an issue.

And yes, posting mostly for pictures.

Twinstudy · 08/12/2021 20:41

I'm sorry about your last pup op. It sounds like this puppy could be the one for you and that the time is right :)

We got our retired racing greyhound around this time of year a few years ago, it can be difficult if you're going to be having a crazy Christmas, we knew we weren't and he settled right in. Good luck 🤞🙂(and post pics :))

PinkSyCo · 08/12/2021 20:42

I think it was meant to be OP. Go get her! Smile

fabricfanatic · 08/12/2021 20:43

I think the reasons people are "down" on puppies at Christmas are these:

  • Puppies given as gifts can be a bad idea, if the recipient might want to choose their own or might not be ready for the responsibility.
  • With young children already bouncing off the walls from the excitement, if can be a bit chaotic and potentially frightening for a young pup.

If those don't apply and you're having a low-key Christmas, there's no reason it can't be the perfect time to get a puppy.

I'll never forget my grandfather giving my grandmother a puppy for Christmas. He presented the pup to her in a stocking (with the puppy's upper body sticking out of the opening, of course). It was adorable, Granny was so thrilled, and the dog had a happy life with them.

Looking forward to seeing a puppy picture! Smile

Gottahavehighhopes · 08/12/2021 20:44

Christmas can be a tricky time for puppies, personally I think its worse for slightly older puppies.
It's the change of routine which can be hard. People tend to be out of the house more, wanting to visit relatives which is hard with a young dog toilet training.

The home environment can gets overwhelming at times, lots of noise, visitors and excitement. Things like presents under the tree, wrapping paper, the tree, and decorations can be easy prey for a puppy for chewing and sometimes toxic

In general though its nothing insurmountable perticularly if you have a quiet Christmas with older kids and aren't too bothered if they somehow chew the nativity set

Didiusfalco · 08/12/2021 20:46

This is completely different to the typical ‘puppy for Christmas’ scenario.This little one needs a home and you need a puppy. It’s actually quite lovely.

megletthesecond · 08/12/2021 20:47

If you're having a quiet Xmas at home I think it's a good idea.

On a similar theme, I potty trained both my dcs over Xmas as it was the only time I was home for long enough.

MintyGreenDream · 08/12/2021 20:48

We're getting a new pup on Saturday to join our adult dog.Cant wait!