what pet???????????

10 replies

ditavonteesed · 10/01/2010 17:33

I want a dog, dh doesn't, I want something that needs me, needs effort, helps me get of my backside and do stuff and generally keeps me company when dd's at work and nursery and dh at work.
I alkready have, 2 cats, love them dearly but they are so independent. 9 chickens, again very little effort but great fun.
So I can't think of anything but a dog, but is there another pet that would come closer to filling my nurturing needs?

OP posts:

MrsL123 · 10/01/2010 17:41

Sorry probably not going to help, but I think you can't beat a dog for unconditional love, loyalty and companionship. They get you out of the house, you can take him/her for walks and to training classes (therefore getting you out of the house on your own for some 'me time') and they're just great fun!

IMO most family-friendly dog is a labrador - we have two and they are the friendliest, most loyal things on the planet. They're easly trained, great with kids and gentle with everything from our cats to our guinea pig - and they also have the ability to wrap husbands around their little paws! You can't beat them!

MrsL123 · 10/01/2010 17:44

PS meant to add, we fell into the trap of "we're not getting a dog" and ended up with two rabbits, two guinea pigs and two cats, before finally admitting defeat and getting the dog that we really wanted! We realised that the others were just substitutes for the dog, and in hindsight it would have been easier (and cheaper!) if we'd just bought the blummin thing in the first place!

LuckySalem · 10/01/2010 17:57

I got 2 cats cos we weren't in a position to have a dog, not to mention we had rats along the way too (that died of old age) so if you want a dog - get one or get nothing at all cos everything else that comes in between isn't going to do it.

Original poster

ditavonteesed · 10/01/2010 18:06

I haven't given up on him yet, I finish my job in May and am probably going back to being a sahm, told him I need something for me. He would love it once it was here, I am sure of that.

OP posts:

MrsL123 · 10/01/2010 18:17

My DH wasn't too sure either, but that lasted all of 5 minutes and now his whole world centres around the dogs. Seriously, he loves them more than me! Especially the 'first born'. He loves the new pup too, but not as much as our older one, she just dotes on him. You only have to mention one of the dogs getting put to sleep or becoming ill and and he'll burst into tears - and he's a big roughty toughty rugby player!

The only problem is, it'll probably end up becoming 'his' dog instead of yours! Heaven help anyone who comes between a man and his dog!

midori1999 · 10/01/2010 23:16

I know it might sound a bit odd, but what about a pair of rats?

Less of a commitment than a dog, as they can be caged when you are busy and it's quite easy to get them looked after during holidays etc. They are very, very intelligent and can be trained to do things and to come to their name. Providing you keep your cat away, they could have 'free range' time in your living room each day and boys will happily sit on your lap and curl up for a cuddle whilst you watch TV.

If you can find a breeder near you (look ont he NFRS website) I expect they'd be happy for you to visit and look round. You can show rats too if you want to, and they really are fab little pets. Plus, if you do persuade your DH to gte a dog, they will still be easy to look after.

dreamingofsun · 11/01/2010 13:50

if you have the set up i'd go for a dog anyday - ie around to give it company; time for walks; don't like immaculate house. we got one mainly because my husband developed an allergy to cats. its the best thing we've ever done and i can't envisage life without one. they are so much more fun than cats - devoted to you and your family and always happy. and more intelligent. though they are more work and expense. i would delay if you have very young children. cockers are the best

Iklboo · 11/01/2010 13:53

I second Midori - a pair of rats would be ideal. They love being played with, cuddled etc. My (now late) Millie won 'kissiest rat' at a show once

Good news is it looks like we'll be getting another pair later this year!

minimu · 11/01/2010 17:09

Can't beat a dog as far as I am concerned but don't want to be the cause of unharmonial partnership!

The understanding and relationship with a dog is second to none in my opinion but with five dogs (and a foster pup who is only staying a while) my OH is longsuffering!

Bella32 · 11/01/2010 19:08

If you want a dog, nothing else will fill that gap.

If dh won't come round, rehome him

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