Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Help me internets (please).

How do you know it's the right time, or at least a relatively ok time, to get a dog?



I really, really, really, really, really, really, reallyreallyreallyreally want a dog. Like bad. However, there's always an excuse not to commit to the whole thing. Like, they're expensive, messy, smelly, poopy, peey, furry, sheddingy, dirty, disobedient and potential relationship enders. All kinds of relationships. Ones with shoes, yards, fences, corners of couches, landlords and more.

On the minus side, I work about 20 minutes (with no traffic) from where I live, leaving me little time at home mornings and evenings. My typical schedule has me leaving the house about 7.20am and returning about 7.30 - 8pm. That's a lot of time away from a pup. However, I do have BF who offices at home, so it could be doable...

On the plus side, I am sure that I was more active without even trying when I had Zealand (dog lost to breakup '06). He was a big, goofy guy who needed lots and lots of walking and interaction with other folks and animals. So, there I was, day after day, him dragging me through the two mile loop at the dog park. Two miles a day, rain or shine, winter or summer adds up to a healthier me.

And yes, dogs are pricey, but I think the act of financial restraint and saving for something other than yourself is a worthwhile pursuit.

I feel like if I wait for everything to properly align, the soonest I'd get an animal is when they bring kittens to the old folks home.

So, in closing, I'd like one of these please.


12 comments:

Rex Parker said...

Do it. There's just no way you'll regret it. I say this almost immediately after having cleaned up the most horrific dog mess I've ever seen from the back of my car ... I say "mess" because even after inspection, we couldn't determine what end it came out of . It was That Bad (happened while I was very briefly in comic book store). We finally decided it was barf that contained feces (as well as grass and other miscellany) that my dog had eaten in the woods. Enjoy!

blythe said...

ah, the good old days. remember how nasty puppy poo smells? it's ungodly.

now, what if i have a significant other that's not quite ready. do i bite the bullet for both of us?

MikeH said...

Take the BF to the Animal Shelter, or Second Chance, and let him "buy into one". If he's not sold by one of those pitiful pups, then I'd say to hold off until he is. You'll need his honest help to make it a good dog.

Michael5000 said...

There is no good time to get a dog. They are expensive, messy, smelly, poopy, peey, furry, sheddingy, dirty, disobedient and potential relationship enders. They also seem to take about 3 hours a day to maintain, and make travelling any further than the mall pretty much out of the question. They bark, they whine, and they are among the more dangerous things you can own. Unless you've already dropped anchor with a child(ren), which you haven't, spare yourself the hassle.

Jason said...

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Jason

siniann said...

I really love dogs, and I would like to take another as my old granny dog lives in another country with my parents. But, as dogs needs space to live, and time from owner and as my boyfriend doesnt feel the same with animals like I do, it makes me sad not to have any pets.

Anyway, I wouldnt suggest you to take a dog right now.. Just because of your working times, a dog needs commitment and the puppy needs you to teach things. If you wont be around, the responsibility of the puppy will be on your boyfriend's shoulders.

Anonymous said...

if your boyfriend goes to the pund and isnt moved to adopt every animal in the joint: splitsville

GERBEN said...

You are right! A dog takes up a lot of time and money. But sooooooo worth it!! I am so happy that Gus has come into our lives! I just can’t imagine life without him now! So I say GO FOR IT!!!

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Rex Parker said...

O god Michael I hope you're being hyperbolic for comic effect. "Dangerous!?" If you are a negligent owner, yes, possibly. But if you met my dogs, HA ha. I could try all day long to get my dogs to hurt you, and it just wouldn't work. They pee and poo when I say, where I say (unless, you know, they're sick ... see comment, above).

On another topic, what is with the spambot comments? They've been attacking me quite a bit too.

"Great story as for me,"
rp

blythe said...

oh. so. torn. here's what i'm thinking. perhaps, although i would like a puppy so that i can train it, an older dog might be more appropriate considering my schedule. and, what if i just open up a search, you know, see if there are any animals or situations that warrant my participation. the thing is, i feel like a piece of me is missing, which would make home and work all that much better, poop aside. i compromise a lot for the bf, (e.g. live in OK because that's where he passed the bar), so is it ok to ask for something for myself that impacts him too?

mmm. spam.

blythe said...

also, i don't know what i'd name an animal anyway. i wanted a lady dog since they're more my speed and i wanted to name her clementine. but now cowcat seems pretty awesome.