Tell me honestly what's involved in having a dog

[Holidayfix]

Both DC would have loved a dog growing up. I'm not a dog person, it's not that I dislike them, I've just never been around them. With DC my default answer was always it wouldn't be fair, we're all out all day.

However, I'm now widowed and about to retire (early, very fit) and adult DC work shifts so there one of them at home more.often than not.

They've said now I'm retiring we could get a dog and infind I don't hate the idea. It would be company in my widowed state and love to get out for a run or walk, which I do at least daily, so I could get it lots of exercise.

I'm less keen on the idea of all the additional cleaning, keeping the house free of hair and smells. Plus no doubt there's loads more to do I haven't thought of.

They are dirty, they smell, they chew things, they break things, they shake mud up your walls, they are noisy, they are expensive, you always have to think 'what about the dog' when planning anything, they are like permanent toddlers.

They are absolutely glorious, the most wonderful companions, they are hilarious, so loyal and love you beyond measure, we absolutely wouldn't be without ours, we adore him, filthy pain that he is!

Ours isn't particularly a problem dirt wise (or maybe we have low standards?). A good thing to decide early on is if the dog is allowed officially on the furniture, or only when invited and to train that.

We dry her off when she comes in. There does at times tend to be a lot of wet dog walking clothes hanging around.

Ours doesn't shed though.

I wouldn’t want to be without a dog but they do take up a lot of time both in meeting their needs, exercise, company, stimulation. Holidays can be compromised.
I was dog free for a time when I couldn’t offer what a dog needs and my house was much cleaner.
For me, the benefits massively outweigh the negatives.

This is the bit no one thinks about. The hardest part is dealing with a much loved but geriatric dog. No physical or cognitive illness/impairment but decreased mobility and increased incontinence. D dog now mostly confined to kitchen & garden. Constantly cleaning, can’t go out for more than an hour or I come back to a mess. On edge if anyone visits. It really is crap. DH and DCs adamant about not pts, so it’s down to me, the scrubbing brush, mop and bleach. Life limiting, stressful and hard work. Won’t be getting another dog.

I don't really recognise a lot of what is said here. The only thing that's really changed for us is not being able to do say a spontaneous weekend away. We still have lie ins and lazy mornings. If I had teenage children to rope into occasional dog sitting duties it would be even easier.

I also loved the puppy stages with both of ours. I'm quite sad I'll never have another.

Why not volunteer for the Dogs Trust Freedom Project (fostering dogs of women fleeing DA) or The Cinnamon Trust (elderly owners going into care/hospital etc).
Very rewarding, the dogs are often adults, trained and you get to experience different breeds and care requirements to see what might suit you.

It might be worth reading the other thread running at the moment where the OP is really struggling with a dog who can’t be handled without a muzzle.

That depends a lot on the breed. I’ve got a working terrier. Will go go go all day but loves a lie in! Preferably on one of our heads. She’ll lay on until we get up which is one of the main advantages of having her sleep in our room. No fun stuff happens until we get up. If she has to have a short lead walk one day that’s fine. She’s very adaptable. Equally I know 5 am risers. My last dog was one (but would go back to bed when fed). You do need to be prepared for anything although can mitigate a lot by choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle. There are always surprises though. My breed is not known for SA yet we had to work quite hard on leaving her.

You definitely did not have a Lab or a Goldie then!!!

Even as a breeder, I think Lab and Goldie pups are evil incarnate.

I have two working line labs actually 😀

I suppose some of us do just like suffering...

I'll have my fifth Goldie later this year and I am already semi-dreading it. But I'll be glad once she turns into a well adjusted member of society (not that her brother has...)

The puppy stage is a walk in the park compared to the elderly dog stage. The constant, nagging worry. Having to (even more than before) plan your entire life and house around the dog’s health needs. The escalating vet bills. Not being entirely sure when is the right time to let them go. The terrible grief. We had three elderly dogs in a short space of time and are still emotionally wrung out 18 months after losing the last one. We won’t be getting another any time soon.

I don't think we have given worst case scenarios at all, just the facts. It's slightly different to having babies because they don't tend to get re-homed. Mine are allowed on the sofa, the beds, I've got one in my feet now,so had DH. I forgot to mention that they are also great guards! Forgot Rings, and burglar alarms!