Posted by DarkStarEtc on April 22, 2009, at 19:09:54
In reply to Is it a bad idea for me to adopt a dog?, posted by TherapyGirl on April 21, 2009, at 17:53:50
Do you mind if I play devil's advocate for just a moment? I realise that everyone else's postings have been really encouraging about this, and I just want to put in a few words of caution.
A dog is an individual. Just like we are. But they are also pack animals, (which in many ways, we humans are as well). They need close-knit relationships to give them emotional stability and a sense of security.
I don't doubt that you have an enormous lot of love to give to a dog... but I'm sorry, love is not enough. He needs you to BE there. A physical presense- and if you are working 7 days a week, that is not enough contact. You must be fair to the poor animal- how would you as a human being feel if you were left alone for the majority of the day with only VERY limited contact with another living creature???
I don't want to sound harsh- but I used to work at a veterinary hospital, and one of the problems on the increase are pets that are developing neurotic problems primarily caused by spending too much time alone.
Isolation is not good for us.
And it's not good for them.There is another option... have you ever thought about 'pet-sitting' for people who are going away on holiday and need someone to look after their pets? that way you could pick and choose what times you would be most able to spend with an animal, and then you would both benefit.
If you don't have the time to 'baby-sit', then the odds are that it would be difficult for you to give a dog a fair amount of your time, and it might end up causing you more stress, because of the pressure and guilt.
I'm honestly not trying be discouraging- it's just because I've been there, and I know.
Please think it through!!
DarkStar Etc.
poster:DarkStarEtc
thread:891981
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090421/msgs/892203.html