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I've always wanted a dog. I mean really wanted a dog. Always had a dog as a kid. Either a Labrador Retriever or a Golden Retriever. But I could never have one as an adult. i just moved around too much. Wouldn't be fair.
But, with the last few years, and now the last few months, I've been working from home almost full-time. I've also finally got family living nearby to mind my dog if I do have to head away for work or holidays.
I'm single with no kids. I live in a small city but with plenty parks and fields nearby. If not now, then I'd have to wonder when.
The question is - am I mad? What am I not considering?
Have any of you any advice, please?
"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
Good luck take in the good advice on here got my first dog 5 years ago one of the best things I’ve ever done.If you go for a puppy be prepared for a crazy few months but you will look back fondly in years to come.
Please please please consider rescuing a Cypriot rescue dog. The hunters kick them out into the wild if they aren't good enough but they are lovely and sweet natured.
I have a soppy 9 year old black lab. I love the old boy, but in a busy life I'm afraid to say he can feel a bit like a chore at times. Just being totally honest with you. Having said that I dimly recall it didn't seem that way before we had kids, so you might be alright.
Please please please consider rescuing a Cypriot rescue dog. The hunters kick them out into the wild if they aren't good enough but they are lovely and sweet natured.
I REALLY REALLY MUST NOT LOOK AT THE FACEBOOK RESCUE PAGE
I WILL WANT THEM ALL
I have 2 Lhaso Apso so should not look.............no don't look don't...
In terms of your personal circumstances you sound an ideal owner. A decent rescue centre will (should) interview you to ensure you're right to take a dog from them.
Once you're committed down the K-9 route the next thing to consider is what breed(s) is right for you - research the breeds and whittle it down to the breeds that suit you. You're active, outdoors, do a bit on the water and also like to chill, drink and eat...... you almost sound like a Labrador yourself! Labs, Vislas etc would be ideal for you BUT you'll of course be aware that the breed doesn't necessarily predict individual charterer. Do note as well certain health issues breeds have.....
I have two rescue Labs...... simply the best things in my life. 11 and a half years ago I was steadfast that getting a dog was totally wrong and would give me a tie I didn't want as I was just out all the time back then, either working or on the tear up. The missus entered into intense negotiations with me for two weeks and then rang me at work one Friday afternoon in February and said we were getting the dog she'd seen three weeks prior at the rescue my Sis-in-law runs and we were picking the dog up on Sunday "and that's that". Now here I am 11 and a half years later and my best mate is approaching 12 years old and one of the most unbreakable bonds I have in my meaningless life.
Yes they are work but you get out what you put in and I'd say JUST DO IT!
I disagree with the post above. If your friends and family bond with your dog, especially if got from a puppy, they'll end up fighting each other over who looks after him or her when you are away!
Good luck
Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal
If low maintenance is a factor consider the increasingly popular Meccano wolfhound. For the price of a can of WD40 every other month you’ll have a loving and obedient companion. What could possibly go wrong?
I REALLY REALLY MUST NOT LOOK AT THE FACEBOOK RESCUE PAGE
I WILL WANT THEM ALL
I have 2 Lhaso Apso so should not look.............no don't look don't...
Ha ha I know. I have a 14 year old rescue Lab who isOn his way out. Rather stupidly I decided to join a Cypriot pointer rescue page and every week I have to stop myself getting one. Almost certainly when my Lab passes I will.
Please please please consider rescuing a Cypriot rescue dog. The hunters kick them out into the wild if they aren't good enough but they are lovely and sweet natured.
I will confirm that Gloucs R, I have with my wife been involved in the rescue of 100's of dogs on the Island and have never been bitten or threatened by any of them. One was a French breed of hunter we found with a broken leg, we took him to the vets and my part in the operation was to pull on the broken leg to make sure it was the same length as his good one while the vet plastered it and throughout all this he just wagged his tail. (me I nearly threw up, a close run thing) We found him (Jake) a home his leg sound with no limp and he has been with his current people for the last 8 years.
Alfie, we found upside down in a drain gully by the side of the road there was so much blood that it seemed impossible for him to be alive, he was not moving with his head at an uncommon angle. We drove slowly past and went shopping, on the way back we were passing again when we thought we saw his head move, we stopped the car and he was still alive albeit with a broken leg, damaged hip and multiple cuts and wounds another quick trip up to the vets and he now has been living with us for nearly three years. A lesson was learned though we never drive past an animal accident without making sure if it is alive or dead. We have found animals with gunshot wounds, knife wounds and cigarette burns as in all countries there are good and bad.
Ha ha I know. I have a 14 year old rescue Lab who isOn his way out. Rather stupidly I decided to join a Cypriot pointer rescue page and every week I have to stop myself getting one. Almost certainly when my Lab passes I will.
I will confirm that Gloucs R, I have with my wife been involved in the rescue of 100's of dogs on the Island and have never been bitten or threatened by any of them. One was a French breed of hunter we found with a broken leg, we took him to the vets and my part in the operation was to pull on the broken leg to make sure it was the same length as his good one while the vet plastered it and throughout all this he just wagged his tail. (me I nearly threw up, a close run thing) We found him (Jake) a home his leg sound with no limp and he has been with his current people for the last 8 years.
Alfie, we found upside down in a drain gully by the side of the road there was so much blood that it seemed impossible for him to be alive, he was not moving with his head at an uncommon angle. We drove slowly past and went shopping, on the way back we were passing again when we thought we saw his head move, we stopped the car and he was still alive albeit with a broken leg, damaged hip and multiple cuts and wounds another quick trip up to the vets and he now has been living with us for nearly three years. A lesson was learned though we never drive past an animal accident without making sure if it is alive or dead. We have found animals with gunshot wounds, knife wounds and cigarette burns as in all countries there are good and bad.
Just to reiterate the good advice about going to puppy training. The important bit is that that they train YOU on how to train your puppy: what your puppy will respond to, what it needs from you (and what it doesn't need is corporal punishment).
Even if you get an older dog, I'm sure a puppy class would be of benefit.
If you like going for very long walks and want utter devotion from a dog, I can personally recommend a Springer Spaniel.
If you like to sit in the garden and relax, rather than watching a dog running and leaping endlessly while chasing the shadow of anything that flies overhead - even a tiny butterfly - I advise you never, ever, EVER to get a Springer Spaniel.
Labradors are lovely dogs too but Christ on a bendy bus, can they eat? We had one when I was growing up and it ate about 12 Easter eggs when we were out. Chocolate clearly doesn't kill all dogs, but we nearly killed our one when we got home.
Just to reiterate the good advice about going to puppy training. The important bit is that that they train YOU on how to train your puppy: what your puppy will respond to, what it needs from you (and what it doesn't need is corporal punishment).
Even if you get an older dog, I'm sure a puppy class would be of benefit.
I bloody love dogs.
this 100%
most of the time at puppy classes is the trainer telling the owner what to do...
dogs are great; had my boy for 10 years and he is my best friend. Also gets me out in the fresh air for a couple of hours a day and a brilliant if occasionally aloof companion.
I doubt very much that it will be a decision that you regret in the future
I will confirm that Gloucs R, I have with my wife been involved in the rescue of 100's of dogs on the Island and have never been bitten or threatened by any of them. One was a French breed of hunter we found with a broken leg, we took him to the vets and my part in the operation was to pull on the broken leg to make sure it was the same length as his good one while the vet plastered it and throughout all this he just wagged his tail. (me I nearly threw up, a close run thing) We found him (Jake) a home his leg sound with no limp and he has been with his current people for the last 8 years.
Alfie, we found upside down in a drain gully by the side of the road there was so much blood that it seemed impossible for him to be alive, he was not moving with his head at an uncommon angle. We drove slowly past and went shopping, on the way back we were passing again when we thought we saw his head move, we stopped the car and he was still alive albeit with a broken leg, damaged hip and multiple cuts and wounds another quick trip up to the vets and he now has been living with us for nearly three years. A lesson was learned though we never drive past an animal accident without making sure if it is alive or dead. We have found animals with gunshot wounds, knife wounds and cigarette burns as in all countries there are good and bad.
What a fantastic read and total respect to you and your wife.
RIP Albert our Jack Russell, when we left our village last September me and the wife took his ashes down to the River Lambourn and spread them about in his favourite place by the river.
When he passed away both me and the wife were distraught, we can't have another dog without sounding silly old Albert could never ever be replaced.
Good luck Brian, a dog won't let you down and they'll happily sit there all day long listening to you moaning about anything and nothing, look after him or her and they'll look after you.
My Father had a profound influence on me, he was a lunatic.
What a fantastic read and total respect to you and your wife.
RIP Albert our Jack Russell, when we left our village last September me and the wife took his ashes down to the River Lambourn and spread them about in his favourite place by the river.
When he passed away both me and the wife were distraught, we can't have another dog without sounding silly old Albert could never ever be replaced.
Good luck Brian, a dog won't let you down and they'll happily sit there all day long listening to you moaning about anything and nothing, look after him or her and they'll look after you.
Don't make our mistake and imagine a small dog will be lower-maintenance. My experience is that they are highly-strung and needy and won't stop pestering you for attention. If there is another one (our Cocker is 13 and slowing down), I want a big fat lump that wants to share a peaceful life with me.
On a positive note, I think people have finally got the message that "a dog is for life". My sister wanted one and went to Battersea thinking she have a big choice. They only had nine in their care.
Don't make our mistake and imagine a small dog will be lower-maintenance. My experience is that they are highly-strung and needy and won't stop pestering you for attention. If there is another one (our Cocker is 13 and slowing down), I want a big fat lump that wants to share a peaceful life with me.
On a positive note, I think people have finally got the message that "a dog is for life". My sister wanted one and went to Battersea thinking she have a big choice. They only had nine in their care.
Hopefully.
I just rang the local rescue centre - they only have four, and no retrievers.
"The opposite of love, after all, is not hate, but indifference."
I got a dog when I retired because of a heart condition I needed exercise but didn't want to look strange walking round on my own. Remember as a basic the longer the legs the more exercise they need. How much the coat will shed, do they bark a lot and are they good with people, kids and other dogs. Do your homework first but you will never regret it.
Lots of top advice here, Brian. We lost our Lab a few years ago a little bit too early and had a break for a while. We now own a Hungarian Vizsla who is, at last, settling down, but he is nuts. Without doubt the most affectionate dog I have ever seen - they are addicted to people. One of the bonuses of having a dog is the exercise that your chosen breed will require. Ours needs a couple of hours a day, some of it off the lead which can be tricky, but we get out a couple of times a day which is a good, easy workout.
Without doubt something to consider very strongly is the state of your garden. If it’s not securely fenced or walled, be careful about a puppy because lovely as they are, they can be a bit dim when it comes to minding themselves. Good luck.
Couldn’t be without a dog these days, but they are a bind.
Much easier to handle and won’t constantly sniff your gonads.
Evil small bird-murdering selfish fekcers. Luckily I have a really good cat scarer in the garden that keeps them out, so all the little wrens, fledglings and frogs are safe.
Used to have a Golden Retriever and whilst obviously a beautiful and loving dog it's extremely energetic so requires a large garden and a lot of exercise. Also very important to bear in mind, as previously mentioned, if the breed is one that sheds a lot of its hair.
I now have two dogs, a black caniche and a white maltese/caniche cross. They are both utterly adorable and they've made me realise that size is important to me and not just the wife. With these little lovelies I can pick them up easily, they sit on your lap whilst watching tv on the sofa or sit next to me in bed whilst reading. I guess I'm just a cuddly type of dog lover. Would never go back to even a medium-sized dog now.
Oh and definitely suggest getting one from a shelter.
I will confirm that Gloucs R, I have with my wife been involved in the rescue of 100's of dogs on the Island and have never been bitten or threatened by any of them. One was a French breed of hunter we found with a broken leg, we took him to the vets and my part in the operation was to pull on the broken leg to make sure it was the same length as his good one while the vet plastered it and throughout all this he just wagged his tail. (me I nearly threw up, a close run thing) We found him (Jake) a home his leg sound with no limp and he has been with his current people for the last 8 years.
Alfie, we found upside down in a drain gully by the side of the road there was so much blood that it seemed impossible for him to be alive, he was not moving with his head at an uncommon angle. We drove slowly past and went shopping, on the way back we were passing again when we thought we saw his head move, we stopped the car and he was still alive albeit with a broken leg, damaged hip and multiple cuts and wounds another quick trip up to the vets and he now has been living with us for nearly three years. A lesson was learned though we never drive past an animal accident without making sure if it is alive or dead. We have found animals with gunshot wounds, knife wounds and cigarette burns as in all countries there are good and bad.
I say this with no sarcasm, wit or pun intended but you Sir are a 'kin hero.
Cap doffed to you and others who do this.
As I noted my Sis-in-Law runs her own rescue and specialises in bullbreeds but will take nay dog. It's where my two loons came from and over the years I'd estimate she's spent multiples of six figures of her own money on it. I tell her she's mad but she retorts the satisfaction and positivity she gets out of it outweighs everything she has sacrificed over the years.
Fair play to you
Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal
I say this with no sarcasm, wit or pun intended but you Sir are a 'kin hero.
Cap doffed to you and others who do this.
As I noted my Sis-in-Law runs her own rescue and specialises in bullbreeds but will take nay dog. It's where my two loons came from and over the years I'd estimate she's spent multiples of six figures of her own money on it. I tell her she's mad but she retorts the satisfaction and positivity she gets out of it outweighs everything she has sacrificed over the years.
Fair play to you
Thank you L Block, we also have 22 cats and 2 very large goats, Oscar and William Eric. It's Williams birthday today he's 7 years old. Some of the posters on this board have been over here to see us and our animals.
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