Has anyone got a dog/cat then regretted it?

[toastytea]

Basically q above. Would like to add to the family but wanted to hear some opinions.

Also, anyone got a cat/dog and really happy with their addition to the family?

Thanks

[sashh]

You can foster from cats protection, you get to experience different cats and if you like one you can adopt. But while fostering you do not pay vets bills, food or microchip.

There was a TV show on recently about different puppies and their first year with their new families - worth a watch.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08zm778

[Thegirlinthefireplace]

Honestly, not regretted my cats but my dog, he's as good a hound as you could ask for but it's a lot of work and such a bind for holidays/weekends away etc.

He's been a god send for my daughter who has communication and anxiety issues so for her sake, no, I don't regret getting him but if my daughter wasn't a factor I wouldn't have a dog.

[Orangebird69]

I've got 5 pet cats but have rescued/fostered many more. They were all street/ferals. All different personalities. Some a proper cuddly lap cats. One looks at me with disdain most days. One winds me up to boiling point on a daily basis. But they're hilarious most of the time. I miss them when I travel and my house would be empty without them. If a lot less hairy with more expensive furniture and ornaments/plants. But you need to bear in mind that pet ownership is costly. Decent food, insurance a must, should be a legal requirement imo, neutering, vaccinations, possibly boarding/pet sitting services etc all cost. Basically it's a huge financial and emotional commitment but totally worth it.

[Arseface]

We've always had rescues and I've bitterly regretted getting all but one - at the beginning!
They are hard work at first, and a puppy is worse, but within weeks they adapt, you adapt and start to bond and it's amazing.
I work and have young children and teens and wouldn't be without a dog in the house.
They bring joy, silliness and affection to all of us, remind me to live in the moment and not stress too much about mess, routines, timetables and rules.
They make me a much better parent.

[SelmaAndJubjub]

As well as borrowmydoggy, please look that the Cinnamon Trust - a wonderful charity that helps elderly & sick people keep their dogs by matching them with volunteer dog-walkers.

[dementedpixie]

Its having to allow for them when you go away too. We are going away for a few days (Thursday to Sunday) so have had to organise a cat sitter to come in twice a day to feed the cats and clean out the litter. It is an extra expense and something else you need to think about

[PonderLand]

I think it depends on the breed of the dog/cat and if it's a cat will it be a house cat?

Our cat can come and go as he pleases and he's very easy to look after. I've never regretted having him, when he was a kitten it was hard to arrange for one of us to always be at home etc but that stage passes quickly for a kitten and once they're 6 months and neutered/spayed they can go out. Also we got him in winter so didn't mind having to keep all windows/doors closed. We don't go away on holidays so we've only had to ask for someone to feed him once when I was in hospital having my son.

My brother got a very difficult to train breed of dog when he was living in a city centre apartment, I think he got him for Facebook likes to be honest! He gave him to my parents when he went on holiday a few years ago and he's never taken him back since. They still haven't forgiven him for putting the burden on them, they don't have the heart to rehome him as they see him as a part of the family. They do wish he'd never got the dog though.

[ownedbySWD]

We've adopted our two cats and puppy, so in that sense I'm happy to provide a safe, loving home for them. They are messy, expensive, crazy creatures though, and I worry that I've ruined our cats' peaceful lives by getting our puppy. She is constantly following or chasing them, but I'm working on it. I naively hoped a puppy wouldn't chase the cats, just accept them, but that hasn't been the case. The cats are anxious around her, but it is getting better. Just last night one cat walked right past the dog's nose and no fighting or chasing happened! That was quite a victory.

Having pets has been good for our children however, and we are quite homebodies so haven't struggled much with holidays. I'm no soppy over my pets, although I do ensure they eat high quality food, visit the vet, get spayed, etc etc. I've done my homework on what to do to make their lives with humans happy and healthy.

Would I do it all over again? Yes, probably. But once they all pass away, I won't get any more.

[KittiesInsane]

Our (youngish) dog licks the cats' heads in an affectionate way as they walk past. They look very offended but not remotely anxious about him.

[KittiesInsane]

In fact, they remind me very much of a small child being given a sloppy kiss by an annoying auntie -- 'Euuuwww, must you? Oh good, that's over.'

[ownedbySWD]

I hope we get to that stage!

[burninghigh]

We have a puppy. She is lovely but it is very hard work if you have young children. She is virtually house trained now so getting easier. To be honest most of the time she is just something else I'm responsible for. The kids love her though which is why we got her.

[burninghigh]

We also have a cat. She is no trouble at all.

[anxious123]

I've had 2 very complex rescues literally land into my life including my current boy. I grew up surrounded by dogs and adored it. No regrets what so ever with any of it. They are bloody hard work, frustrating & confusing but they are also loving, loyal, hilarious & part of my family.