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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Broody for - dogs?!

8 replies

Flatwhitewhiner · 26/07/2021 16:56

Hi pup fans.

My older sister recently bought her first (now 12-week old) puppy. We’re close, she lives locally and I have stepped in to do dogsitting duties on the occasion where she and BiL have gone to appointments etc. She’s got huge puppy blues and is considering giving the dog to me as she is worried that she has taken on more than she can chew/ underestimated the impact of losing her independence etc. BiL is disabled so the dog was intended to be good company for them both but she’s finding it tough. She was close to tears the other day saying the pup would be better off with me.

Unexpectedly I have completely fallen head over heels for this puppy. To the extent that I think about him all the time when he’s not around! I’ve spoken to DP who would be happy if the dog came to us. I have my own place with a garden and always intended to have a dog or a cat once lockdown restrictions had eased. But I feel uneasy about ‘taking’ her dog - despite her assurances. I also worry whether it’s a case of puppy blues.

Finally, I’m so smitten with this dog I wonder if I could a) love him too much and b) whether I’m thinking straight about taking him on. I would make sure he had a beautiful life where he could still hang out with DSis when I’m away etc so he would get the best of both worlds.

I also wfh so his needs would be taken care of. But then I worry about him feeling unsettled by being shared!

What do I do?

OP posts:
Direstraitsmates · 26/07/2021 18:12

I'd got for it. It is not often you get the chance to truly know a puppy before you get it. Normally you would be taking a much bigger risk of not not getting the right pup for you. You know and love this puppy. Your sister doesn't want it. Perfect!

I would make sure your sister understands she can't change her mind and ask for him back in a few months when you have bonded with him and trained him into a great pup.

pigsDOfly · 26/07/2021 20:13

I would make sure your sister understands she can't change her mind and ask for him back in a few months when you have bonded with him and trained him into a great pup.

This was my first thought.

When the difficult puppy stage has passed and you've got him on the path the sensible doghood she might very well regret her decision and want him back, so you have to make sure he is properly signed over to you - any ownership papers, for instance - and his chip is put in your name.

It could very well be puppy blues on her part but if she wants you to take the dog then she has to stick to it.

You sound so smitten so go for it.

You also sound like you'd be a good dog owner.

TheVolturi · 26/07/2021 20:22

Definitely take him, you already love him!! I am head over heels in love with our little shih tzu, he is 8 months now and he's amazing. He is my baby! Such a good clever boy, loving, gentle and kind, he's so good with the kids. I can't imagine being without him. Dogs are the best pets.

PersonaNonGarter · 26/07/2021 20:27

Oh how exciting! What a lovely thing - you clearly are meant for each other.

Agreed, do not take him on a ‘trial run’ - get him properly signed over to you plus make sure you are paying insurance etc.

DinosaurDiana · 26/07/2021 20:29

Put something in writing and get them to sign it. When puppy has grown up a bit and is easier they might well want it back.

ZaraCarmichaelshighheels · 26/07/2021 20:35

Sounds like you would be an ideal owner, just make very sure you get the chip changed to your name and any paperwork. Sounds like puppy is going to have a lovely life with you, definitely go for it.

Elieza · 26/07/2021 20:38

Why can’t you just share him? He gets the best of both worlds and plenty exercise. Whomever works from home or doesn’t work gets him during the day, the other in the evenings. Share the weekends and holidays. Sounds perfect to me!

Flatwhitewhiner · 26/07/2021 22:28

Thanks for all your kind comments. I am smitten!

Pup is very attached to dsis at the moment (whimpers when she’s out of sight etc) and I do wonder how he would adjust to overnight stays etc. The idea of a dog share has come up but she’s keen that I become his legal owner. I’m just fearful that she may change her mind when he’s a bit more mature/less of a liability. Noting your comments about the paperwork etc, TVM. Really valid points and I do think this would cement the decision…

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