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Re: another dog-related question » Psychopoppy

Posted by Penny on December 9, 2003, at 10:14:24

In reply to another dog-related question, posted by Psychopoppy on December 7, 2003, at 2:43:19

The only thing I have to say is to make sure that it is a committment you're willing to make for the lifetime of the dog before adopting one. Not that I don't think you wouldn't...I'm just reminded of this as my former roommate and her family goes through pets as though they aren't living creatures. She got her first dog after I got my dogs (I had grown up having dogs, but she hadn't), and she found her a new home a year ago - the dog was 2 years old. When she got her, as a small puppy from a friend's litter, the dog was so cute and tiny...but she grew large, and my former roommate ended up keeping her crated much of the time and not paying her much attention. She never fully house-trained the dog, and the dog was so full of energy and didn't get the exercise or playtime she needed. Fortunately, now, the dog lives with a family with children to play with and a yard to run in. I'm so pleased ... even though my former roomie's excuse for getting rid of her was because she didn't get along with my dogs (both small dogs). I don't care what her excuse was - the dog is so much better off.

But her family will get a pet, get tired of it, get rid of it, and get another pet. And they never have their animals spayed or neutered, so they just keep procreating, and then the pups get taken to the shelter...well, there's just too many of them there and too many of them are being euthanized...it's a huge frustration for me. She just wrote me a note to let me know that her younger brother's dog died having her pups last night - and that her mother doesn't act like she cares. Dogs, and all living creatures, are not disposable!!! I don't even know how to respond to her.

I got my dogs through rescue groups - they are mutts, one was a puppy when I got her, but didn't grow to be large, another was full-grown. Both are so sweet, though a lot of responsibility, but I have never regretted getting them.

Just realize that they require a lot of attention - dogs are pack animals, and they don't do well when left alone for long periods of time. I have two because my first one didn't do well being left at home while I was at work, even though I went home at lunch every day. Having two allows them to keep each other company - but they still act as though they can't contain their excitement when I walk through the door. All animals need love and attention, but I think this applies to dogs more than most.

At the same time - whatever love and attention you give will be returned to you a hundred times over. It's so worth it. But it is an investment.

Good luck.

Bark. :-b

P


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