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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Being a dog owner is the best thing ever?

70 replies

skinnylov · 13/07/2022 20:02

I have never been a huge animal person, but after getting two puppies (after lots of begging and pleading from my daughter), at the start of may I have enjoyed it so much.

I honestly look at them as two other kids and am enjoying dog ownership much, much more than I thought I would. The pride I feel when they learn new commands and the love I feel for them when they're cuddling up is unreal.

Today I took them a five mile walk and they were mostly off lead, they were amazing, didn't run away once. Recall great and I was just so so proud.

I have suffered with anxiety and depression and they get me out of the house every day and other dog walkers stop and chat. It has been amazing for my mental health.

Of course they're not perfect, they are messy and they bark and they don't always follow commands but my god I am enjoying this experience so much

When we first brought them home I was so regretful thinking I'd made a massive mistake for weeks, now I couldn't imagine my life without them.

I feel they are like kids, hard work but worth it. I have two cats and have never felt this pride and enjoyment from them (although I love them dearly of course).

OP posts:
RunningFromInsanity · 13/07/2022 20:12

I hate to be that person but when you say you got 2 puppies, have you researched littermate syndrome?

SarahSissions · 13/07/2022 20:14

likewise look up Littermate syndrome.
and 5 miles is too far for puppies, that I guess are under 6 months.

Original poster
skinnylov · 13/07/2022 20:27

Yes have researched littermate syndrome - all good. They do plenty of things separate to ensure this doesn't happen. Also for the size and breed of dog I checked with vet about these big walks. She said fine as long as not every day.

OP posts:
TheBigFatMermaid · 13/07/2022 20:28

You are being VERY unreasonable by talking about puppies and not showing us pictures.

Dogs are wonderful though. I have 2. A massive fluffball, who is half German shepherd 1/4 malamute and 1/4 husky and a pure German shepherd.

They are totally my babies and a real comfort to me now my teens don't "need" me any more!

As for littermate syndrome, yes, it happens, but research..... I know a few people who have pairs of puppies from the same litter and they are fine, even now they're older.

AnneLovesGilbert · 13/07/2022 20:30

I can’t think of much worse but I’m glad it’s made you so happy.

Original poster
skinnylov · 13/07/2022 20:32

AnneLovesGilbert · 13/07/2022 20:30

I can’t think of much worse but I’m glad it’s made you so happy.

How come?

OP posts:
ThreeLittleDots · 13/07/2022 20:36

I can’t think of much worse but I’m glad it’s made you so happy

Agree! I couldn't be doing with the level of dependency, the noise, the smell, the poo.. nope!

Lookingforrecommendations · 13/07/2022 20:43

Op I feel the same. I do look at my Ddogs sometimes with a small tinge of regret because they are so tying, especially emotionally, I HATE leaving them at all now. Going away for a week in hols soon and leaving the dogs with my brother who is staying at our house to care for the dogs and WFH, and I know I'm not going to enjoy my holiday as much as I should cos I'll be missing DDogs 😢 I adore them, heat thing I ever did, and I was a cat person all my life

Original poster
skinnylov · 13/07/2022 20:43

ThreeLittleDots · 13/07/2022 20:36

I can’t think of much worse but I’m glad it’s made you so happy

Agree! I couldn't be doing with the level of dependency, the noise, the smell, the poo.. nope!

There is a lot of poo

OP posts:
Original poster
skinnylov · 13/07/2022 20:43

And noise

OP posts:
Lookingforrecommendations · 13/07/2022 20:43

*best thing

ShirleyPhallus · 13/07/2022 20:44

They’re wonderful. I find MN to be very negative about… well most things. But particularly about dogs and how hard work they are.

ours has been bloody brilliant. We got her in lockdown, she’s a mixed breed (MN red flags!!!) and she couldn’t have been better company for us, for our toddler etc. We spend lots of time outdoors, walking, she does this beautiful wolfy howl when she sees you and is just gorgeous company.

Dogs are like female friendships - lots of people don’t understand the need for them but done well they’re absolutely invaluable

TheVolturi · 13/07/2022 20:44

Our dog is the best. He actually completes out family. He's only 18 months old but he's no trouble. At all. He's clean, doesn't shed hair, is obedient, is as happy to go a walk as he is to snuggle up having a tummy rub, and he is absolutely full of love. I couldn't be without him.

Original poster
skinnylov · 13/07/2022 20:50

Awww I love hearing this from other people also. I am just so shocked as I never have given a second look at dogs or any animals in general. But wow, the way I feel about these dogs, I never thought possible for an animal. They have truly completed our family.

OP posts:
Lily073 · 13/07/2022 20:55

I agree - dogs are amazing and gorgeous. Every dog I've owned has brought me happiness and joy every single day.

hallodarknessmyoldfriend · 13/07/2022 20:55

I love our DDog. He is the absolute best. Always happy to see us, cuddly and such a good natured boy.

I regularly cry when I think of him getting old (he is only 2!).

FunDragon · 13/07/2022 21:09

Getting a dog is my biggest regret. It’s ruined my life. But it does work out well for lots of people and I’m glad it’s worked out well for you.

Flaunch · 13/07/2022 21:12

My dog is wonderful and has made all our lives infinitely better so I hear you!

PoorMegHopkins · 13/07/2022 21:12

The moment when you come home after a shit day and your dog is SO pleased to see you. He’s had company all day but greets me like I’m the best thing ever. I love him so much.

JustAnotherDayWorkingAtHome · 13/07/2022 21:13

@FunDragon what happened :-(

ShirleyPhallus · 13/07/2022 21:30

@skinnylov I reread your op and have you really got 2 4month old puppies that you took on a 5 mile walk today, which even very early has been very hot?

I don’t want tk be one of “those” posters and I know your vet said the distance is ok, but please research this - that is rather too far for such small pups and in the heat too

Darbs76 · 13/07/2022 21:32

Yes getting a dog was the best decision for my family. I adore him! He’s 5 now, my best pal

Cameronnorrieisabitofalright · 13/07/2022 21:33

When ddog was 3 we got 2 dpuppies a month apart. Bonded instantly and never been any problems... This was the first ever pic of them together. Now have 4 ddogs and they are all great!

Being a dog owner is the best thing ever?
TuftyMarmoset · 13/07/2022 21:33

Each to their own, but YABU - I find dogs irritating and think owning one sounds like a massive pain in the arse!

Jsy7 · 13/07/2022 21:40

I love my dog so much. She gives me more joy than I ever thought possible.

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