I want a new puppy

December 1, 2012 3:30pm CST
Despite having a nine-month-old that I have to fight my inner lazy to take care of, I want a puppy too. Dumb? You bet, but I feel sorry for my 3-year-old little mutt dog. Not only has paying attention to her been hard since the baby was born, she's lost her big dog buddy and moved into an apartment from a house with a large yard. She's coping, but I still feel sorry, ya know? Getting her a buddy is doubly stupid because she doesn't like other dogs besides a desire to say "Hi!" every time we walk be another one. I'm sure she'd make friends after enough exposure, like she did when we moved in with her mom and sisters, but the extra stress isn't worth it. Anyone else ever want a dog puppy when you KNOW it's not a good idea?
2 people like this
5 responses
@Octav1 (1419)
• Romania
3 Dec 12
I don't want a new puppy, I know it isn't a good idea. I love our dog too much to share the love with another dog. But my wife does want another dog. She says that when we move to the house with a yard, we should get another dog. She wants a big dog to be our property guardian. I don't like the idea because I'm afraid that dog could hurt our lovely and over-friendly dog. I don't think you should get a new puppy either, especially that you said your dog doesn't like other dogs' company. Why would you add a stress to her life?
@911Ricki (13588)
• Canada
1 Dec 12
You have to weigh the pros and cons of getting another dog, it's a lot of work, time, and money adding a new addition (I know I have 6 animals). I believe getting a pet is a lifetime committment, not when you want to toss it, get annoyed, or cant afford. I see this in many cases at the shelter when people have children, and then the baby comes first, the dog get's tossed to the side. I stand there and just want to scream in their faces.
2 Dec 12
@Ricki: For the most part, I agree. You shouldn't get a pet if the foreseeable future dictates getting rid of it. However, for some pets, re-homing - that is, carefully selecting a new and good home - is better for the animal. In a non-baby showing up example, a freind of mine had to move from a rural environment to a teeny-tiny apartment with his husky. No amount of walks, kongs, or training could replace what that dog had lost. It was going crazy in those confines. In this case, the dog was much happier finding a new place with a large and another dog.
2 Dec 12
And to add, babies HAVE to come first, if only for a while. It has needs that are greater and more numerous. It's not a matter of wanting to toss the dog to the side, but I can't let the kid be cold so Honey can have her walk or have extended play sessions while my kid screams. She gets her cuddles, shorter walks than she's used to, and less play time and training than she would like.
@eagletrek2 (5499)
• Kingston, New York
2 Dec 12
Hi if it not good now try to wait a little while then you have better Chance of giving the dog More attention
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
2 Dec 12
well its high time you need it to get a new puppy with fresh and well maintained condition too ,you can manage it in the apartment now with ease,it can be a good idea to break the stress
• Greece
2 Dec 12
You really do have your hands full at the moment and emotionally, after having a baby, you may not be in the best place to make a decision to add another creature to the family. I'm sure there are ways you can make your mutt dog's day, after three years you know the kind of treats she loves. You could set aside a little part of the day on a regular basis (when the baby is asleep) to give her that special attention you feel she needs, it would not require much time or effort on your part and she would benefit from knowing you still have love left over for her. My husband has just discovered a skinny dog trying to feed a litter of 9 puppies. He is fighting the desire to take care of them. It would not be a good idea as he is already caring for 4 stray dogs. Little puppies turn into big dogs and it is wrong to make an impulse decision, however well intentioned, to get one. The dog has found a dry private place to rear her brood so he is solving his problems at present by feeding her every day.
2 Dec 12
This is one of the few cases where i'm 100% for getting the critters to a shelter. She and her pups will be put into foster until they are old enough to desex and adopt out, and there's a good chance she'll get adopted too. Your area may be differnt, but in mine, puppies are gone in less than a day.