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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to be in love with a four legged critter?

12 replies

MummikinsOopNorth · 17/01/2010 13:50

I went to volunteer at the animal shelter yesterday and there is the most gorgeous dog there. He is really a big softie and a gorgeous terracotta colour! I so wanted to take him home but I live in a block of flats with neighbours either side and one below and no garden, it would be a bad idea, wouldn't it? He really touched my heart like never before, and he was so lovable and the loyalty in his eyes. I feel so upset he has to spend his days in a crate, although he has a lovely cuddly bed to snuggle in, I really wanted him! He wouldn't stop licking me to death! I've just been looking for a house to buy so I can have him but no chance!

OP posts:
bronze · 17/01/2010 13:51

Could you rent?

I had that connection with our first dog when I saw him.

BrahmsThirdRacket · 17/01/2010 13:55

Aww! I got that with my cat, but DP is allergic to cats. I thought, bugger it, and got him anyway. He's such a dude. DP isn't even that allergic anymore, I think he was bullshitting me about it in the first place

Original poster
MummikinsOopNorth · 17/01/2010 14:03

I'm already renting and it's difficult to get anything at the price i'm paying now that is quite as nice as what I have and my flat is in quite a nice area so I don't really want to move to other rented accommodation elsewhere. I hope that he gets a home very very soon though, even though i'd love to have him sometime in the future, he deserves a very happy home soon with someone who is going to be around all day to take him for runs. He has so much energy and the best personality! I'm usually a little-lap-dog type of person, but this little fella has stole my heart. I hope someone goes to take him home soon.

OP posts:
OrmRenewed · 17/01/2010 14:06

brahms - IME it does fade with time. Well it did in my case.

OP - I know what you mean. Sorry you can't keep him

Original poster
MummikinsOopNorth · 17/01/2010 14:07

I just had a thought. My main problem is if I had him home with me that when i'm gone at work, he might bark and cry and my neighbours would get pissy with me, plus we have a 'no dog' policy in the flats which is hugely ignored! I was thinking that on the weekends I am home (usually once a month), if I brought him home just for a few days and then took him back to the dogs home? Would that be really confusing for him?

OP posts:
OrmRenewed · 17/01/2010 14:11

Could he be a 'work dog' ie you take him to work with you every day. When DH was working in construction he met loads of men who had dogs with them in their vans. Came to work with them everyday and then were normal family dogs at night.

Vallhala · 17/01/2010 14:17

It would be an excellent idea for you to foster him part-time by taking him home with you on occasional weekends. He would gain not just love but his social skills and house manners would continue to be reinforced too. Plus you'll be able to tell potential adopters what he's like in full detail when they too fall in love with him.

Have a chat to the shelter boss and see what they say. Good luck

Val (a rescue worker)

PS is the place you work at a Uk rescue, a pound, or out of the UK?

Original poster
MummikinsOopNorth · 17/01/2010 14:32

Thanks so much for your replies. Orm, I work in an office and we have many visitors and clients, so I don't think my colleagues would welcome him at work but Val, I am so pleased you think fostering him is a good idea. I just don't want the poor dog to be deflated when I dropped him back at the centre on a Sunday evening. It would be a regular occurence though. Even on my day off, I could take him home for the night. It would be lovely for all my family. The centre is a rescue centre, takes strays and abused animals, not just dogs, but goats and chickens and cats too

OP posts:
Vallhala · 17/01/2010 14:49

Rest assurred then Mummy, that he's a lucky boy and that by taking him for a day or so on a regular basis will help him no end.

All credit to you for what you do too. Funnily enough I'm looking for a new (rented) house at the moment. Having for years put the DCs and what I thought would be good school/s first, this time I'm putting me first.

Priority no 1: A house which will accept my 2 dogs and has excellent walks within a few minutes on foot.

Priority 2: A house where I can again foster dogs.

Bliss

OrmRenewed · 17/01/2010 15:00

Sorry mummi - I misread your OP I thought you worked at the shelter permanently.

bargainhuntingbetty · 17/01/2010 15:04

Depending on what kind of dog it is could you not just get a dog walker to come in during the day and walk him for a few hours then he would be at yours all the time. I am saying it depends what type of dog he is as they dont all like to be left home alone.

darkandstormy · 17/01/2010 17:37

He is really lucky to have found someone lovely to give him extra special care and keep his best interests at heart he sounds gorgeous hope a great opportunity arises for him either with you or at a new home. Great idea taking him home to get him used to other environments. The biggest thing for rescue animals in particular is the monotony especially for dogs so any socialization and stimulation would be very good for him good luck

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