topic Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion in Community Chat

Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:01:39 GMT

I've never had a dog, only cats. Currently, I have two cats. I've wanted a dog my entire life and now that I have the time and the means, I'd like to adopt from a shelter. I'm looking for a small adult dog, mellow, obviously cat-friendly -- a snuggler who likes to go for walks. No high energy for me!

One of the staff members at my local ASPCA said she had the perfect dog for me. This dog had been transferred from a high-kill shelter. It's a slightly overweight chihuahua mix, not exactly the cute, button-faced, phluffy dog I had in my mind. However, its temperament and its pleading eyes won me over. After spending some time with the dog, I found out she has a heart murmur. It's stable and the dog isn't even on meds. The shelter said they will take care of and assume financial responsibility for any issue arising from the heart murmur (as it is a pre-existing condition) for the rest of the dog's life and I would be required to bring the dog in every 6 months for a very low cost ultrasound to make sure everything remains stable.

Do you think this is too much to take on as a first time dog owner? I feel horrible at the thought of leaving the dog there, but I don't want my pity for this dog to be the reason to adopt. Any thoughts?

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

Daysdee — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:18:06 GMT

If you love this dog, get it.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

Wahoogaz — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:31:59 GMT

Sounds like this group is being very honest with you about the dog's condition and are willing to maintain responsibility and offer you assistance after adoption. If you felt a connection to this dog, I wouldn't hesitate to adopt.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

Snowpuppy — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:47:27 GMT

I'm with others' opinions.

If you're feeling the love for this pup, then by all means do it!

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:48:46 GMT

No, it wasn't a "love at first sight" reaction on my part. I think I just feel deeply sorry for this particular dog and I was upset leaving her in that horrible very high stress shelter. I don't know if that's a good reason to adopt. Do you just KNOW when you have found the right dog? Without even questioning your decision or having any doubts about it?

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

lolakimono — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 23:50:29 GMT

Can you bring doggie over for a meet and greet with the kitties to see how everyone gets along?

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

jaxs mom — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:03:18 GMT

On 6/22/2014 focksie said:
No, it wasn't a "love at first sight" reaction on my part. I think I just feel deeply sorry for this particular dog and I was upset leaving her in that horrible very high stress shelter. I don't know if that's a good reason to adopt. Do you just KNOW when you have found the right dog? Without even questioning your decision or having any doubts about it?

Depends. Are you the type of person that questions every decision? I am. I doubt almost everything before giving in. Heck, I turned my husband of 20 years down when he proposed because it was overwhelming LOL. Then after we talked a few minutes I said, "ask me again".

There is no reason this dog won't live a long healthy life just because she has a heart murmur. It sounds like you might just be a little overwhelmed at the changes having a dog will bring. That's normal.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

Sammycat1 — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:04:24 GMT

I've had pets with heart disease (that's what a heart murmur is, a heart valve problem). Sometimes these don't change much over the life of a pet, sometimes they do. It's happened to me both ways. As it advances, heart disease is treatable, though, through meds, diet, more frequent vet visits, etc. It can be time consuming, however, and you eventually will need to provide a very quiet, calm home environment as it advances.

That being said, you just know when it's right. It sounds like you already do. Your heart is in the right place to save this dog and give it a forever home where he'll be cherished from day 1. That's not pity; it's the sign of an open and compassionate heart.

Good luck with your new pup!!

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:14:26 GMT

On 6/22/2014 lolakimono said:
Can you bring doggie over for a meet and greet with the kitties to see how everyone gets along?

I don't believe they allow that, but I will ask. I just wanted to walk the dog outside a bit and they required that a volunteer hold the leash initially and escort me. The volunteer then gave me the leash.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:16:04 GMT

On 6/22/2014 jaxs mom said:
On 6/22/2014 focksie said:
No, it wasn't a "love at first sight" reaction on my part. I think I just feel deeply sorry for this particular dog and I was upset leaving her in that horrible very high stress shelter. I don't know if that's a good reason to adopt. Do you just KNOW when you have found the right dog? Without even questioning your decision or having any doubts about it?

Depends. Are you the type of person that questions every decision? I am. I doubt almost everything before giving in. Heck, I turned my husband of 20 years down when he proposed because it was overwhelming LOL. Then after we talked a few minutes I said, "ask me again".

There is no reason this dog won't live a long healthy life just because she has a heart murmur. It sounds like you might just be a little overwhelmed at the changes having a dog will bring. That's normal.

Lol about your DH, jaxs mom. I think I AM like that and your response is very insightful. Could be that I am feeling overwhelmed at the changes. We are an extremely dull household so it would be a big change!

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:20:04 GMT

On 6/22/2014 Sammycat1 said:
I've had pets with heart disease (that's what a heart murmur is, a heart valve problem). Sometimes these don't change much over the life of a pet, sometimes they do. It's happened to me both ways. As it advances, heart disease is treatable, though, through meds, diet, more frequent vet visits, etc. It can be time consuming, however, and you eventually will need to provide a very quiet, calm home environment as it advances.

That being said, you just know when it's right. It sounds like you already do. Your heart is in the right place to save this dog and give it a forever home where he'll be cherished from day 1. That's not pity; it's the sign of an open and compassionate heart.

Good luck with your new pup!!

Something is telling me that I would like to be the one to give this dog a forever home, Sammycat, but I'm having nagging doubts. Maybe about my ability to take care of this dog.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

Sammycat1 — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:31:15 GMT

On 6/22/2014 focksie said:
On 6/22/2014 Sammycat1 said:
I've had pets with heart disease (that's what a heart murmur is, a heart valve problem). Sometimes these don't change much over the life of a pet, sometimes they do. It's happened to me both ways. As it advances, heart disease is treatable, though, through meds, diet, more frequent vet visits, etc. It can be time consuming, however, and you eventually will need to provide a very quiet, calm home environment as it advances.

That being said, you just know when it's right. It sounds like you already do. Your heart is in the right place to save this dog and give it a forever home where he'll be cherished from day 1. That's not pity; it's the sign of an open and compassionate heart.

Good luck with your new pup!!

Something is telling me that I would like to be the one to give this dog a forever home, Sammycat, but I'm having nagging doubts. Maybe about my ability to take care of this dog.

Focksie, the fact that you have doubts shows that you're taking it seriously -- and that's good. Before I got married, I was a "cats only" person....my last dog had been in my childhood. My only hesitation in getting married, and this will sound crazy, was: will I able able to handle the 150-lb. collie that came with my new husband? I already had 2 cats and was nervous about it.

Not only was it OK, it was wonderful. There was an adjustment period -- don't let anyone tell you there won't be. There's tons of reputable info on how to integrate your felines with your new pup -- these tips are very helpful.

I became the proud mom of a delightful collie, who I knew from puppyhood until old age. I was his primary caretaker in his older years, and during that period we bonded even more. He had health problems, of course, all pets eventually do. I learned to manage them and help him. And I'd do it all again to have a marvelous dog and the cats who allowed him into their world.

It sounds like this dog is a mellow soul who craves a warm and loving home -- the perfect temperament for a quiet house with cats. Our collie was the same way; we called him our "Gentle Giant."

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

lolakimono — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:36:52 GMT

Has the dog been fostered with cats?

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

Jingles5 — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:47:03 GMT

focksie, you sound like a soft hearted person, which is why I think you're considering taking home this little dog. Personally, I try not to look on Petfinder, avert my glance when in the proximity of any pet store, and try not to look at the cats who are housed by a local shelter at PetSmart, because I'll want to bring them ALL home.

What sticks with me is that you said it wasn't love at first sight, and it's "not exactly the cute, button-faced, phluffy dog I had in my mind."

I think that's important. Others may not agree with me, but I think it's AOK to keep on looking for that button-faced, fluffy doggie that you had in mind...or a dog that you're instantly drawn to.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:51:44 GMT

On 6/22/2014 lolakimono said:
Has the dog been fostered with cats?

No. The dog hasn't been fostered, period. She came from one shelter to this one. She is an owner surrender, I believe because the people could no longer (or wouldn't) care for her. They shelter said they could "cat test" her at the shelter, but they were honest about it being a controlled test environment that wouldn't guarantee anything, just give a good general idea. However, everything they've seen from the dog's temperament is that she is extremely mellow and enjoys chillaxing.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:52:56 GMT

Sammycat, I enjoyed your "Gentle Giant" story. Thanks for sharing

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

focksie — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:55:25 GMT

On 6/22/2014 Jingles5 said:
focksie, you sound like a soft hearted person, which is why I think you're considering taking home this little dog. Personally, I try not to look on Petfinder, avert my glance when in the proximity of any pet store, and try not to look at the cats who are housed by a local shelter at PetSmart, because I'll want to bring them ALL home.

What sticks with me is that you said it wasn't love at first sight, and it's "not exactly the cute, button-faced, phluffy dog I had in my mind."

I think that's important. Others may not agree with me, but I think it's AOK to keep on looking for that button-faced, fluffy doggie that you had in mind...or a dog that you're instantly drawn to.

Oh, Jingles, I was kind of hoping no one would say this. This is what makes me feel so guilty. Am I weird, or what?

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

bluejeansluvr — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 01:03:02 GMT

Focksie, no one can make this decision for you.

However I will add to all these posts my opinion. I think it is fate that you found this dog. I think you need this dog.

I will say that we don't always get the prettiest, most aesthetically pleasing dog in the shelter. sometimes they have issues. Sometimes they have had a hard life, prior to coming to live with you.

I think that because you can't get this dog off your mind, this is the dog for you. This dog chose you. I think that in life sometimes we have to overlook having that "ideal" man, "ideal" dog, "ideal" figure, etc. etc. Life is not perfect. Husbands are not perfect. We would all like to have a husband with a complete head of hair. I'd like to have a body with no stretch marks, and a flat belly and well you get my point.

Dogs are not perfect either. You may pass this dog up and always wonder what happened to her. Just because she's not beautiful on the outside and isn't the most perfect looking dog, doesn't mean she isn't perfect for you.

If you wait for the phluffy dog you envision yourself having, it may not have the temperament or the story or pull at your heart strings the way this shelter dog does.

Just my opinion.

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

Jingles5 — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 01:04:33 GMT

On 6/22/2014 focksie said:
On 6/22/2014 Jingles5 said:
focksie, you sound like a soft hearted person, which is why I think you're considering taking home this little dog. Personally, I try not to look on Petfinder, avert my glance when in the proximity of any pet store, and try not to look at the cats who are housed by a local shelter at PetSmart, because I'll want to bring them ALL home.

What sticks with me is that you said it wasn't love at first sight, and it's "not exactly the cute, button-faced, phluffy dog I had in my mind."

I think that's important. Others may not agree with me, but I think it's AOK to keep on looking for that button-faced, fluffy doggie that you had in mind...or a dog that you're instantly drawn to.

Oh, Jingles, I was kind of hoping no one would say this. This is what makes me feel so guilty. Am I weird, or what?

No, you're NOT weird, and don't feel guilty. You can't save, or bring home every animal. That's why I avoid looking.

But it's important to note that everyone has a type that they're attracted to, whether in a mate, or in a pet. It's normal!

Some people like short haired, sleeker animals, and other prefer ones with fluffy or long hair, and that's OK. I say go for what you like, as you're going to be together for a very long time.

BTW, I have cats, and haven't had a dog in ages, but the other day I saw a dog that spoke to me, and made me want a dog again. He was the cutest thing I'd ever seen, with personality to spare. He looked just like the "cute, button-faced fluffy dog that you had in mind".

ETA: The dog I saw was a shelter mutt. Adorable!

Re: Thinking of Adopting a Dog: Your Opinion

bluejeansluvr — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 01:04:45 GMT

Also, I'll add that taking this dog will be hard work! It will require patience, love and consistency. It may be the hardest thing you've ever done. It may also be the most rewarding, and most worthwhile thing you've ever done.