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Discussion: You really need to be ready!Reported This is a featured thread

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Posted Anonymously
You really need to be ready!
Jun 28 2006, 11:55 AM EDT | Post edited: Jun 28 2006, 11:55 AM EDT
When I first got a dog, I wasn't ready. I thought I was, but as it turns out, I just wasn't. I read all the books and checked out all the dogs and when I brought the new pup home. I just panicked! I'd never had a dog inside the house before and where I live, it's got to be an indoor dog. So everything about it bothered me...the new smells, the shedding, everything! Needless to say, I only had the pup for 6 days and because I still had the pup's best interest at heart, I gave the pup to a friend of mine, who really loved the dog. It was an expensive mistake--cost about $1000 for the dog, the shots and all the supplies, but at least I knew the dog had a good home and her life wouldn't be ruined because of me!

Of course, 6 months later, I still found myself obsessing about dogs and I really thought about it and spent a lot more time with my former "step dog." Then, I took the plunge! Now, three years later, it's a match made in heaven! I love my dog & can't imagine life without her. I've had to make some compromises around the house, but it's all worked out and now I have a great place for my dog (with the other dog) to stay when we are on a trip.

I guess the moral of the story, is that you really have to go in with your eyes wide open, because it's a big responsibility. If there's a way you can dog sit a friends dog or have one on your home first, do so! Experience is the best way to learn!!! 3  out of 3 found this valuable. Do you?    
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Posted Anonymously
1. RE: You really need to be ready!
Jul 19 2006, 2:01 AM EDT | Post edited: Jul 19 2006, 2:01 AM EDT
I wanted a puppy so I went to the spca and adopted but it wasn't really the breed I wanted and while I liked her I never really bonded, so 2 days later she starts coughing and I panicked and decided she maybe sick and I was concerned about her around my kids. Plus I wasn't really happy about her forecasted adult size. Being a shep/lab So fortunately Before I could hand her back an interested adoptee took her home!

So I researched still wanting a puppy and I found the perfect breed for kids and allergies/ I found her at a pet shop and I was doing the paperwork but I started sweating and feeling sick in my stomach I said well wait let me spend a little time with her/ I felt ok a short while after then I went back and tried to continue the paperwork and I couldn't I felt crazy trying to explain that I just wasn't sure- I felt suffocated! I have 3 children I'm use to responsibility I also have gerbil/guinea pig and fish so I really couldn't fully understand the anxiety attacks I was experiencing! But as I held the Brichon/Yorkie 7wk old f pup I really liked her I just panicked as the lady read off all of thes possible illnesses, parrasites and etc etc... Is that common? and why do I still want to run get her? should I just give up...? confused, are first time owners always 100% sure? Do you find this valuable?    

Posted Anonymously
2. RE: You really need to be ready!
Jul 19 2006, 1:29 PM EDT | Post edited: Jul 19 2006, 1:29 PM EDT
"I wanted a puppy so I went to the spca and adopted but it wasn't really the breed I wanted and while I liked her I never really bonded, so 2 days later she starts coughing and I panicked and decided she maybe sick and I was concerned about her around my kids. Plus I wasn't really happy about her forecasted adult size. Being a shep/lab So fortunately Before I could hand her back an interested adoptee took her home!

So I researched still wanting a puppy and I found the perfect breed for kids and allergies/ I found her at a pet shop and I was doing the paperwork but I started sweating and feeling sick in my stomach I said well wait let me spend a little time with her/ I felt ok a short while after then I went back and tried to continue the paperwork and I couldn't I felt crazy trying to explain that I just wasn't sure- I felt suffocated! I have 3 children I'm use to responsibility I also have gerbil/guinea pig and fish so I really couldn't fully understand the anxiety attacks I was experiencing! But as I held the Brichon/Yorkie 7wk old f pup I really liked her I just panicked as the lady read off all of thes possible illnesses, parrasites and etc etc... Is that common? and why do I still want to run get her? should I just give up...? confused, are first time owners always 100% sure?"
I don't think that what you are experiencing is abnormal at all! As I wrote above, I was the same! I felt sick to my stomach and everything! I had an appt to meet a pup from a wonderful breeder, but I cancelled at the last minute because I was overwhelmed with anxiety. We're very similar, because I also have a houseful of kids & responsibility is no stranger to me--in fact, maybe that's why we both took this decision so seriously! I started to worry about all those dog illnesses like parasites, fleas, etc--just like you!

I waited for 6 months after the experience with my first dog and it was undeniable--I really wanted a dog...I think it had a lot to do with the fact that my youngest one started in full day school and the house was empty. I talked to everyone I knew who had a dog to really learn how common the issues were & realized that just because I had a dog, it wasn't necessarily going to have all of those problems. I was determined to make the next pup work.

When I finally got her, I was so happy, but I gotta tell you, it took a couple of months for the anxiety to disappear. It was textbook for the first few weeks, but then she had a serious bladder problem that required surgery and all. With the expense and care, it definitely tested me & anxiety returned. Anyhow, after that passed, everything evened out and the anxiety disappeared. A match made in heaven and she's great! Point here is that you have to be prepared for better or worse.

Definitely read up all you can on getting a new pup. Also talk to others about their experiences with new pups & their experiences with ailments, etc. One other thing, please consider where you get your dog. Pet stores frequently get pups from puppy mills and these dogs are more likely to have health problems. If you have a specific type in mind, it would help immensely to take the time to find a good breeder, who should offer a guarantee and will take the dog back for any reason. GOOD LUCK! Do you find this valuable?