Should I adopt a dog???

CROJAM95 · August 2008

One of my co workers friends found 5 lab puppies left behind by someone, and I saw pics of them and Im a sucker for dogs.

I would take 1 in a heartbeat, I just dont want to neglect the animal since I work 50-60 hours a week, live on my own in an apartment, dont have a ton of grass for the dog to do its business.

I am responsible when it comes to things like this, I just want the dog to have a good life...My Mom lives close by so I could leave him/her with her on her days off of work and find friends in between to help...I dont want to burden anyone

I should have never saw those pics, their paws are huge for being a couple months old...any Input would be appreciated I need to let this person know tonight cause they may be down to 1 or 2 left

Wobbie · August 2008

I think you should. You have over 100 hrs/week that you're NOT working, so just love the crap out of your dog while you're with him/her. Dogs can be left - they just want to be with you while you're around. I'm sure you would give your dog a better life than some folks who leave (or chain) their dogs in the backyard 24/7. And if the puppies don't find homes there's another fate :(.

Go for it and give that dog some lovin'!!!!!

SENROCK · August 2008

CROJAM95 wrote:

One of my co workers friends found 5 lab puppies left behind by someone, and I saw pics of them and Im a sucker for dogs.

I would take 1 in a heartbeat, I just dont want to neglect the animal since I work 50-60 hours a week, live on my own in an apartment, dont have a ton of grass for the dog to do its business.

I am responsible when it comes to things like this, I just want the dog to have a good life...My Mom lives close by so I could leave him/her with her on her days off of work and find friends in between to help...I dont want to burden anyone

I should have never saw those pics, their paws are huge for being a couple months old...any Input would be appreciated I need to let this person know tonight cause they may be down to 1 or 2 left

YES!!!!! Its truly awesome that you stated up there how you dont want to neglect the doggie. I wish more people thought that way. Puppies are cute but they DO grow up!!! You would be rescuing a doggie and THAT is fantastic.

Give it all your love!!!! Feel free to join the doggie thread afterward!!!!!

riffrandall · August 2008

No. Not based on the schedule/ situation you described. That would not be a good life for a dog IMO.

Wobbie · August 2008

riffrandall wrote:

No. Not based on the schedule/ situation you described. That would not be a good life for a dog IMO.

Respectfully.... I still say it's the time you spend with your dog that matters.

Shawn Smith Collective · August 2008

Only thing to keep in mind is that Labs, especially, require a lot of attention and excercise. Your schedule makes it a little tough, but if you can get some extra time off while the dog is a puppy, the dog can adapt to less contact over time. But it's hard to overcome the apartment...these dogs have booundless energy and want to run and play quite a bit. Hard to do in an apartment.

With all that said, if it's a matter of the dog not having anyone else to take care of it, I think you should go with it...you can give the dog a great life even if some of the conditions aren't ideal. And it sounds like you'd love your dog, which is most important!

riffrandall · August 2008

imalive wrote:

Respectfully.... I still say it's the time you spend with your dog that matters.

Totally disagree. Leaving a dog in a crate (or alone in an apartment) for endless hours is selfish.
Respectfully.
You don't get a dog thinking about who ELSE might be able to care for it.

CROJAM95 · August 2008

SENROCK! wrote:

YES!!!!! Its truly awesome that you stated up there how you dont want to neglect the doggie. I wish more people thought that way. Puppies are cute but they DO grow up!!! You would be rescuing a doggie and THAT is fantastic. Give it all your love!!!! Feel free to join the doggie thread afterward!!!!!

Thanks all for responding! Thats my Dilemma...this dog will be big, my apartment is not tiny...Its still not my house.I got a bunch of parks,beaches near me so I would love to put my Ipod on and go for walks..good for the dog, good for me.

Even if I choose not to do it SEN, I'll still make sure they get good homes
There are good people interested in getting 1, I'll keep you posted

Thanks

«¤tîg®ê§§¤» · August 2008

A dog needs a lot of things.
Needs at least 1 hour of excercise a day.
Needs play time, rest time, company.
Needs room to be silly and do the things Dogs do.

I think its great that you want to rescue a dog.... I wish more people were like you, but you must take into account whether or not a Dog is right for you at this time. You work a heap, dont have a lot of room and are planning that friends might help.

I think if you want to be true to yourself and respectful of what a Dog needs, then you should think very hard.

Please dont take what I have said in the wrong way.... right now I am thinking about all the neglected animals in this world and how im sure you would be a fantastic dog owner! But, in my opinion, if the Pup goes to another home that is not neglectful home, then for now I would let it go.

I speak purely from my own experiences with animals.
I have had so many animals during my life, of all types (lucky enough to be an Aussie country/bush girl) and have 2 Siberian Huskies now. Every day I am thankful for the happiness they bring me. I adore them so so much ..... Dont know what I would do without them. But I do know that I waited until I was in the right place, in my life and my house, before I got them. I know every day that I have to play with them, stimulate their minds, discipline them, exercise them and care for them. Its a lot to add to a busy schedule, but I do it because i love to do it. If you feel this way then you will make a great Pet owner some day.
Good Luck

CROJAM95 · August 2008

«¤tîg®ê§§¤» wrote:

A dog needs a lot of things.
Needs at least 1 hour of excercise a day.
Needs play time, rest time, company.
Needs room to be silly and do the things Dogs do.

I think its great that you want to rescue a dog.... I wish more people were like you, but you must take into account whether or not a Dog is right for you at this time. You work a heap, dont have a lot of room and are planning that friends might help.

I think if you want to be true to yourself and respectful of what a Dog needs, then you should think very hard.

Please dont take what I have said in the wrong way.... right now I am thinking about all the neglected animals in this world and how im sure you would be a fantastic dog owner! But, in my opinion, if the Pup goes to another home that is not neglectful home, then for now I would let it go.

I speak purely from my own experiences with animals.
I have had so many animals during my life, of all types (lucky enough to be an Aussie country/bush girl) and have 2 Siberian Huskies now. Every day I am thankful for the happiness they bring me. I adore them so so much ..... Dont know what I would do without them. But I do know that I waited until I was in the right place, in my life and my house, before I got them. I know every day that I have to play with them, stimulate their minds, discipline them, exercise them and care for them. Its a lot to add to a busy schedule, but I do it because i love to do it. If you feel this way then you will make a great Pet owner some day.
Good Luck

I love Siberian Huskies(remind me of wolves) they are one of the coolest dogs to own imo. My friend has 1 named Shadow and she is gorgeous, with those eyes.Good advice

Thanks

paige_peach · August 2008

I would say no just because of the fact that you are living in an apartment and a lab is a medium to large size dog that needs space. Plus, would you want to listen to someone else's dog barking if you lived in an apartment?

«¤tîg®ê§§¤» · August 2008

CROJAM95 wrote:

I love Siberian Huskies(remind me of wolves) they are one of the coolest dogs to own imo. My friend has 1 named Shadow and she is gorgeous, with those eyes.Good advice

Thanks

They are beautiful dogs arent they!! And what a personality! I swear sometimes they are human

although I always remember that they are K9's! Too many people force unnatural habits on their dogs, treating them like they are human. They are Dogs people!! OMG I have watched wayyyyyy too much Cesar Millan! I love that Guy! He needs to come to Aus!

Anyway.... again, Best of Luck to you. I do really hope that your life will be blessed with a Dog and a Dog blessed with you.... I just hope its at the perfect time for you both.

brainofPJ · August 2008

i would say 'no', given the fact that you live in an apartment...

however, we adopted a dog and shortly after moved into an apartment...so i can't really use that as an argument.

all dogs need exercise...some more than others...like our dog. we are working on it. take it for walks everyday, take her over to the in-laws and let her run around in their back yard.

i would imagine a lab would need a lot of exercise. so make sure you can take care of this. this to me is one of the most important things....as lack of exercise can have an affect on both the physical/mental/emotional aspect of the dog.

MayDay10 · August 2008

riffrandall wrote:

Totally disagree. Leaving a dog in a crate (or alone in an apartment) for endless hours is selfish.
Respectfully.
You don't get a dog thinking about who ELSE might be able to care for it.

I agree with you. A dog being alone consistently for a 10+ hour work-day plus commute is not a good life for the dog. Especially growing up and dealing with housebreaking (no real yard as you said)... It will be very tough. Even after training, the dog will have to 'hold it' the entire time you are at work the entire day.

If you lived with someone and you were on slightly offset schedules or someone could come home for lunch, Id say do it.

Maybe you can contribute by seeking someone with a family or something that would be a great home. Maybe even somewhere you can contribute and/or visit. But judging by your situation, it seems like it wouldnt be good for a puppy/dog.

And to answer the post above... I live in an apartment with a Jack Russell Terrier (talk about energy). We take him for at least 5 walks a day, plus frequent trips to parents house for a backyard and dog parks. The apartment issue is easily offset with some extra care.

brainofPJ · August 2008

MayDay10 wrote:

And to answer the post above... I live in an apartment with a Jack Russell Terrier (talk about energy). We take him for at least 5 walks a day, plus frequent trips to parents house for a backyard and dog parks. The apartment issue is easily offset with some extra care.

oh i agree.

we have a beagel/dachsund mix...the thing is full of energy. it just seems like it never gets tired. which sometimes makes me wonder if she is getting enough exercise.

it could be the fact that she is still a puppy though.

decides2dream · August 2008

riffrandall wrote:

Totally disagree. Leaving a dog in a crate (or alone in an apartment) for endless hours is selfish.
Respectfully.
You don't get a dog thinking about who ELSE might be able to care for it.

exactly.
my husband and i both work a straight 40 hour week, but with our commute gone about 11 hours aday. i DO feel bad about that. however, we do have 2 dogs, they keep each other company and seem happy....and we load em up with love when we are home each evening, the weekends, etc. they were both all grown before we were both gone 11 hours a day. i don't know how in the future we could ever manage a puppy again, they canNOT be left alone anywhere NEAr that long...and most definitely can learn very destructive habits to cope with their lonliness..or being in a crate all day.....sad.

while i applaud all who DO adopt dogs. give em a home...you DO have to think of what the best life for the dog will be. living alone, working long hours, stuck in am apartment, no other company = no life for a dog, and most definitely not a puppy. absolutely get one when your life situation alters, sounds like you'd make a fine dog companion!

CROJAM95 · August 2008

decides2dream wrote:

exactly.
my husband and i both work a straight 40 hour week, but with our commute gone about 11 hours aday. i DO feel bad about that. however, we do have 2 dogs, they keep each other company and seem happy....and we load em up with love when we are home each evening, the weekends, etc. they were both all grown before we were both gone 11 hours a day. i don't know how in the future we could ever manage a puppy again, they canNOT be left alone anywhere NEAr that long...and most definitely can learn very destructive habits to cope with their lonliness..or being in a crate all day.....sad.

while i applaud all who DO adopt dogs. give em a home...you DO have to think of what the best life for the dog will be. living alone, working long hours, stuck in am apartment, no other company = no life for a dog, and most definitely not a puppy. absolutely get one when your life situation alters, sounds like you'd make a fine dog companion!

I've owned dogs before when I lived at my parents, so I know what they need to be happy. I hear everyone's advice about doing this on impulse, but I know they piss and shit on carpets, eat things you love(my PJ Stuff will be on lock and key If I do this,jk)and they want to run around when maybe you want to chill with a beer after a long day.

So I know what I'm getting into, still a tough choice

I think I'm leaning to getting others involved and makin sure they are cared for...That could change if I see anymore pics(2 dark ones, 3 goldens)

decides2dream · August 2008

CROJAM95 wrote:

I've owned dogs before when I lived at my parents, so I know what they need to be happy. I hear everyone's advice about doing this on impulse, but I know they piss and shit on carpets, eat things you love(my PJ Stuff will be on lock and key If I do this,jk)and they want to run around when maybe you want to chill with a beer after a long day.

So I know what I'm getting into, still a tough choice

I think I'm leaning to getting others involved and makin sure they are cared for...That could change if I see anymore pics(2 dark ones, 3 goldens)

you asked for opinions...many of us offered. perhaps not what you wanted to hear, but none the less...i still stand by my post. obviously, it is your decision to make. however, in the BESt interest of the dog, if you could find it a family with more time available to be home with the dog, it would be better for the dog. period. especially a puppy! merely my 2 cents. obviously, others disagree....and ultimately, only one opinion...but your decision.

Wobbie · August 2008

riffrandall wrote:

Totally disagree. Leaving a dog in a crate (or alone in an apartment) for endless hours is selfish.
Respectfully.
You don't get a dog thinking about who ELSE might be able to care for it.

I see your point. The puppy stage would be hell on all concerned. I guess I was flashing back to my old Golden, who was perfectly content to chill while we were gone and then play and get love when we returned. We have a little puppy now and, you're right, you need to be with them a lot!!!!

Still, maybe crojam could make it work

somehow...

decides2dream · August 2008

imalive wrote:

I see your point. The puppy stage would be hell on all concerned. I guess I was flashing back to my old Golden, who was perfectly content to chill while we were gone and then play and get love when we returned. We have a little puppy now and, you're right, you need to be with them a lot!!!!

Still, maybe crojam could make it work somehow...

exactly.
right now our dogs are 5 and 8, so it' not a problem - also why i cannot forsee having pupppies later in the same work situation...but man are they HAPPY when we get home, and run like wild in the yard!

it can't be said any more simply: PUPPIES CANNOT SPEND HOURS ALONE. they need constant supervision, or to be crated....they need companionship and to be let out OFTEN to housebreak. period. unless you can absolutely make CERTAIN you have someone who will regularly do this for you, perhaps HIRE a paid puppy sitter?...i say, at the VERY least, go and adopt an older dog who can handle it...and even then, still lonely to be alone THAT long. thus why we have 2 dogs. and quite honestly, i cannot imagine many who would be willing to make such a commitment for someone else's dog. it's enough work when it's your own.

i TOTALLY understand wanting a puppy...wanting a dog.....but it really SHOULD be about what is BEST for the DOG. that's the truly 'giving' choice to make.

and i'll shut it now.

MayDay10 · August 2008

I think its a no-brainer unless you can find someone to act as a dog sitter at some point every day when you are at work.... and probably at longer intervals when the dog is a puppy

CROJAM95 · August 2008

decides2dream wrote:

you asked for opinions...many of us offered. perhaps not what you wanted to hear, but none the less...i still stand by my post. obviously, it is your decision to make. however, in the BESt interest of the dog, if you could find it a family with more time available to be home with the dog, it would be better for the dog. period. especially a puppy! merely my 2 cents. obviously, others disagree....and ultimately, only one opinion...but your decision.

No, I respect your opinion on the subject, especially since you are a dog owner.I expected to hear both sides and everyone made valid points. I guess I was looking for that 1 person who is in a similar place in life as me(apartment dweller)

I know owning an animal is alot of work, especially one that will be around 100 lbs give or take.I'm the guy whose friends go away for the weekend and they know I'll be home..so I dogsit. My mom has a little 1/2 maltese, 1/2 picanese mix who is less than a year...so I get to be around dogs a bunch

Like I said earlier problem is apartment and work...I'm willing to spend time and $... we will see what happens

Again thanks for the advice...I didn't brush off your comments

Wobbie · August 2008

decides2dream wrote:

i cannot imagine many who would be willing to make such a commitment for someone else's dog. it's enough work when it's your own.

Ain't that the truth

!!! I'm the "biological father" and there's still times when I'm ready to strangle little Gracie. KIDDING!!!!!!! (mostly)

decides2dream · August 2008

CROJAM95 wrote:

No, I respect your opinion on the subject, especially since you are a dog owner.I expected to hear both sides and everyone made valid points. I guess I was looking for that 1 person who is in a similar place in life as me(apartment dweller)

I know owning an animal is alot of work, especially one that will be around 100 lbs give or take.I'm the guy whose friends go away for the weekend and they know I'll be home..so I dogsit. My mom has a little 1/2 maltese, 1/2 picanese mix who is less than a year...so I get to be around dogs a bunch

Like I said earlier problem is apartment and work...I'm willing to spend time and $... we will see what happens

Again thanks for the advice...I didn't brush off your comments

personally, i think living in an apartment is the LEAST of the issues. you living alone...working long hours....not much time for the dog, and definitely NOT enough for a puppy, period. i WILL say tho, labs are VERY hyper puppies, and it will feel like cruelty to be left alone and unexercised for soooo long. the ONLY way i personally see it 'working'...and still far from ideal, is if you hire a puppy sitter to come to your apartment MULTIPLE times a day. it's going to be a LOT of work, even more work than usual, given your individual situation. i would also STRONGLY suggest you take a 2 week vacation to bond with the puppy and start off housebreaking properly.

i have had dogs all my life and i have read a ridiculous amount of books about dogs, doggie psych, training, etc. i had a very difficult dog a few years back and we tried EVERYthing.

i still say, it's just not a good situation for a puppy, even if you do the 'best' for it in this situation. i don't really even like it for an older dog....but that would be a 'better' choice for you imho. do keep in mind how puppies can WHINE and cry when left alone...and think of your neighbors too. people do NOT take kindly to it, and i don't know where you live...but where i am, very TOUGH noise ordinances with ZERO tolerance for dogs barking.

lots to consider. i don't mean to be down on you...i KNOW how great dogs are. i just like to see dogs have happy lives. i think if you lived with someone, or worked less, or had 2 dogs, any of these would make your situation much better. but a lab puppy?! hahahahaha. they are a HANDFULL! total love...but none the less.....

CROJAM95 · August 2008

decides2dream wrote:

personally, i think living in an apartment is the LEAST of the issues. you living alone...working long hours....not much time for the dog, and definitely NOT enough for a puppy, period. i WILL say tho, labs are VERY hyper puppies, and it will feel like cruelty to be left alone and unexercised for soooo long. the ONLY way i personally see it 'working'...and still far from ideal, is if you hire a puppy sitter to come to your apartment MULTIPLE times a day. it's going to be a LOT of work, even more work than usual, given your individual situation. i would also STRONGLY suggest you take a 2 week vacation to bond with the puppy and start off housebreaking properly.

i have had dogs all my life and i have read a ridiculous amount of books about dogs, doggie psych, training, etc. i had a very difficult dog a few years back and we tried EVERYthing.

i still say, it's just not a good situation for a puppy, even if you do the 'best' for it in this situation. i don't really even like it for an older dog....but that would be a 'better' choice for you imho. do keep in mind how puppies can WHINE and cry when left alone...and think of your neighbors too. people do NOT take kindly to it, and i don't know where you live...but where i am, very TOUGH noise ordinances with ZERO tolerance for dogs barking.

lots to consider. i don't mean to be down on you...i KNOW how great dogs are. i just like to see dogs have happy lives. i think if you lived with someone, or worked less, or had 2 dogs, any of these would make your situation much better. but a lab puppy?! hahahahaha. they are a HANDFULL! total love...but none the less.....

I can see you love dogs very much. I live in Farmingdale, I believe you said you are from the Island as well. My apartment is actually my Mom's second home, I rent the 1st floor(2 bedrooms),people upstairs are only home at night
due to school and work...neighbors are all cool, they know me.

The reason I work a bunch is I'm saving for a down payment on a house in about a year or 2. I was in a long term relationship until about a year ago,we grew apart due to my fathers illness and passing.It would have been easier if she were still around..but thats a whole nother can of worms.Maybe I'm being a little naive about this..If im in it, it would be for the long haul

pearljamgirl07 · August 2008

of course Yes!!!

SENROCK · August 2008

pearljamgirl07 wrote:

of course Yes!!!

hahahahaha i love this post!!!

decides2dream · August 2008

CROJAM95 wrote:

I can see you love dogs very much. I live in Farmingdale, I believe you said you are from the Island as well. My apartment is actually my Mom's second home, I rent the 1st floor(2 bedrooms),people upstairs are only home at night
due to school and work...neighbors are all cool, they know me.

The reason I work a bunch is I'm saving for a down payment on a house in about a year or 2. I was in a long term relationship until about a year ago,we grew apart due to my fathers illness and passing.It would have been easier if she were still around..but thats a whole nother can of worms.Maybe I'm being a little naive about this..If im in it, it would be for the long haul

i hear ya.
i think your heart is definitely in the right place....but most especially for a puppy, i think you AND the dog would be SOOO much better off if you wait a few years, work less, have someone else in the household...any of these things to ease the situation for yourself, and most especially for the happiness of the puppy/dog. let these pups go to homes that can BEST accommodate them NOW...and in 1-2 years, hopefully your life situation will be IDEAL for you to have your own dog. it WILL be soooo WORTH the WAIT, for you both.

good luck no matter your decision.

Should I adopt a dog???

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