Truly, I can’t count the number of times in the last five years that I’ve said to Alex:
Can I have a dog? Come on, let’s get a puppy.
Why I feel I have to ask before going out and getting a puppy is a testament to our team status.
He continues to say “next year,” is a testament to his practicality.
We travel a lot. The last two years we were gone frequently as his job took him to Europe. Like I could resist seeing more of Italy, Germany, and France? Making first trips to Brussels, Amsterdam, Madrid or Prague? Not hardly.
But I work from home—wouldn’t it be smart to have a dog now? I’d be here to spend time with it, right?
He’s still traveling—just not anywhere I’m going. That means I’m home and I’m home a lot. Alone.
Now, I’m a writer, being alone is what we do. I was single for decades, so I’m pretty good at being on my own and entertaining myself. But this is the first time I’ve lived in suburbia and been employed with a full-time, at-home job. In Red Lodge, Montana when I was self-employed I did some work from home, I went to some offices … I walked everywhere and was always out and about with people.
Not the same as your typical subdivision in Pittsburgh. There’s no coffee shop I can walk to where I can be around people, but still sit quietly and work.
Nope. No company at all.
My sister has two dogs: Lizzie and Gus. They are Airedales and a close match to the Schnauzer I think I would like to have. They have distinctive personalities and frankly, I miss them. Okay, not as much as I miss Seester, but…
So I’m looking for all the pros and cons on dog-ownership (or do they own you?). What can you volunteer?
Dream dog: Giant Schnauzer. I think they are the coolest dogs out there. I believe in the two-dog philosophy, so how fun would it be to have a giant and a miniature? Ha! Okay, giving our house size, a standard and a miniature would make a lot more sense.
But is having a dog about being sensible?
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I say rent a pet. No vet bills, no worry about a dog when you don’t have the time, and you can try all breeds out on a whim. I read an article where a company rented dogs out to people and thought it was a great idea! But since there aren’t places like that around here (that I’ve heard of), start your own business!
Wouldn’t the big guy like that?!? The look on his face that I am imagining makes this little daydream of mine one of the highlights of my day. :). Thanks!
I’m thinking this is a great idea, TJA. Will you come over and take the pics of Jethro’s face every time he walks in and sees a different dog? That’d be a hoot!
One comment, Rose. We loved Camp Bow Wow in Green Tree! I think a puppy has to be six months old before they take them. Just as an aside, my big guy hubby talked me into this little 10 pound pekeapoo/Pomeranian. Never again. He is naughty and a barker. Lucky he’s cute. I also have an Aussie, Luke, who is my soul mate dog!
I’ll have to check out Camp Bow Wow…when I’ve made a bit more headway in the dog obtaining department!
Well, I grew up with dogs – mostly poodles. Mom was a dog groomer and I often helped her with painting the dogs’ nails and making foo-foo bows that we would put on the tops of their heads. (I decided that I really don’t care for that breed…) I had a large Wheaten Terrier type dog named Max. Max was a great dog but had long white hair, so there was a constant picking up of cotton ball type globs from furniture and carpets. Dogs are great but can be a lot of work with grooming, walking them andcleaning up of the yard. Just when you think you’ve scooped it all up……you find another pile! My parents have had a few Schnauzers and they’re usually pretty friendly. I like dogs and may have one again someday – if I ever get married again. Right now I travel too much to have a dog. But…..I do have a cat and although he misses his buddy Max, he does ok by himself. I know he would like a companion but I don’t want to turn into a crazy cat lady. My opinion – cats are very good company. Always willing to cuddle, very easy to take care of. Litter boxes are easier than scooping poop outside. They don’t eat much either. Don’t need walked in cold weather. I never thought I would like a cat since I didn’t grow up around them, but Miko is my buddy and now I am a cat lover! Cats are sooo much fun to watch! Endless entertainment! So……I really think you should consider a cat!
I’ve had two great cats, Dar, and you’re right–they are easy in many ways and far more affectionate than they are given credit for. But I’m ready to move onto a bigger creature. Thanks for the tip on the Wheaton–it was in the running, but hairy fuzz balls? No thanks!
You have now met my two goofballs, Lizzie and Gus. Yep, it is expensive to feed them, luckily husband does the grooming a few times a year (they get baths more often but actual haircuts are a few times), also luckily we have not had too many vet bills for them….Airedales don’t shed so that helps keep my home cleaner. I love having my dogs…they are so funny and smart…they just make me laugh and who doesn’t need to laugh? We have never not had dogs either. Before Lizzie and Gus there was Peanut and Captain. Captain was the puppy of Peanut who was a little beagle that we brought with us when we moved from PA. She lived to be a mighty 18 years old!! Captain was 15…that is the other thing to consider…you will more than likely out-live your dog so you have to know you will eventually have sadness but it is easy to remember all the joy they bring.
Oh, and Gus still has not found his rock….maybe today the snow will melt and he will reunited with his beloved rock.
I love Lizzie and Gus (and loved Peanut & Captain)–the Airedales are funny breeds and such defined personalities. Definitely one to consider. I like big dogs…although Gus is way too big for our house & yard!
Did he find his rock? I’ll have to post a picture here so readers know what we’re talking about!
A pet rock aye? Too funny. I also forgot to mention the damaged and/or destroyed personal belongings when a puppy is added to the household – think shoes especially large ones… :-), slippers, cushions (theirs and yours), stair railings and the like. Since Lucy was 6 mos. when we got her that faze was short lived and I only lost two pairs of shoes, one dog bed, and had a carpet damaged. Was it worth it? You know the answer Rose as you’ve hugged Lu!!
I do know that answer to that one, Jamie–anyone who has met Luci Lu knows her for a total sweetheart and worth a pair of shoes. Maybe not brand new Danskos…
Ah, here is a topic close to my heart – pets! I’ve almost never not had a dog so definitely have a different take on it, but yes the companionship, adoration (from both sides), unconditional love especially if you treat them with kindness and respect, wagging tail and smiles when you come home or even when you walk past them, and on and on.
Yes too dogs are expensive because once you commit to having one with it comes the vet bills for unforeseen costs like a torn tendon when playing too exuberantly, or rx dog food because the dog has a sensitive tummy, annual exams and shots, kenneling costs for all your trips (prices here are typically by the pound if not size!), and the added cost of grooming -is it just a brushing and nail trim you can do, or does the dog require professional clipping? Don’t forget beds, toys, collars and leashes (one each is never quite enough). Are you both okay with dog smell in the house when it’s not as clean as it might be?
AND they’ll ask you to take them walking in all weather (at least Lucy does) no matter how cold, hot, or wet. And we come back to all the reasons that I cannot do without a dog – their presence in my home as I too work from home, but my house is always empty of a spouse so even more important, the personality or dogonality I like to say that makes me smile every time I see Lucy, and then there’s the watchdog consideration as Lu is quite formidable when someone comes to the door.
I’m definitely biased and would not do without a dog.
Love your total summation of why to indulge!