Should we get a puppy?

[pongonperdy]

We are a family of dog lovers and i feel that pets enrich childrens lives. My DD is desperate for a dog. She is five and adores dogs. My parents have two and she loves them to bits. I have grown up with dogs so i know what to expect in terms of having a puppy.

The thing that puts me off is that my DS is only 2.5 ao a bit young. I also work three days a week. The other thing is that having a dog is restrictive in terms of holidays etc. The children are just getting to the age that travelling is more possible.

The question i am asking is having a pet going to add to all our lives more than restrict us.

TBH yes, it does impose restrictions on your life. Our pup has been with us a year in Feb and whilst I love her to bits there are times that I have felt that my children have missed out on activities and trips because we haven't any back up for the dog.

However, we have just found a fab doggie holiday place very close to our home. Unlike kennels, they live in the house with a family - loads of outside space. You can book for the occasional day or longer. This has really made a difference to us as I can now book her in for the occasional date and know that she will be very happy.

Day to day, I really wouldn't be without her. DS1 is a little ambivalent wrt her but DS2 adores her and has a lovely bond. For me, I get out for a lovely walk each day and I have my very own little Velcro doggy who keeps me company all day :)