Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

Hi everyone!

Here's the story - my DH and I are deciding whether or not to get a dog. (We have 1 cat right now. We used to have 2. )

Some people have told us that if we're planning to have kids, it's best to wait until your kids are much older to adopt a dog b/c it could hurt an infant/child and b/c owning a dog is too much responsibility in addition to having an infant/child.

Then, others say that it's better to get a dog before you have kids b/c you'll have a wonderful addition to your life, a dog can help prevent allergies from developing in an infant, and the kids will get to grow up loving a dog.

Are we crazy to consider getting a dog now? Help!

Thank you!!

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

If you really want one and know what breed you want then I saw go for it now. We were debating the same thing. I was more worried about how my cat would react. I was never a dog person, but getting Tiger was the best thing we did.

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

I don't think you are crazy - but definitely do a lot of research on the breeds. Some dogs don't mix with children and others can be overprotective of children.
We debated the same thing - we decided to get a golden retriever and she will be 1 1/2 years old when my baby is born.

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

Def research it. What about fostering a dog to see if it is for you. There are so many dogs in shelters that need foster homes while awaiting adoption. You can do a search on petfinders.com.

Adopt and save a life. Please don't buy from a pet store.

If you change your mind and wish to adopt or foster a cat, let me know. I used to volunteer in a great cat shelter.

Message edited 3/9/2006 7:52:24 PM.

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

we have 2 dogs...one is 4 and the other will be 2 in july. They are FINE with our 2 month old. mos dogs view babies as part of their pack and bscome protective and loving

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

Personally, I think that if you wait until you have children, you're less apt to adopt one because you'll view it as another thing to clean up after. I only say this b/c I've seen so many people with this viewpoint. In reality, dogs add so much love and I'd do it before. Granted, they can get a bit jealous of babies, but babies get jealous of babies, too, doesn't stop people from having more children

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

Posted by MissJones

Personally, I think that if you wait until you have children, you're less apt to adopt one because you'll view it as another thing to clean up after. I only say this b/c I've seen so many people with this viewpoint. In reality, dogs add so much love and I'd do it before. Granted, they can get a bit jealous of babies, but babies get jealous of babies, too, doesn't stop people from having more children

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

Thank you all sooo much!! I'm so glad to see that we're not the only ones who have wrestled with this question!

I think we will wait for a few things in our lives right now to settle down and then seriously research and look into adopting a dog. We will most likely adopt from a shelter, or, if we fall in love with a breed, then I'd want to find a rescue society for that breed. Regi - I really like your idea of fostering a dog first, what a great way to help a dog and find out if we're truly ready for puppy parenthood!

Again - thank you all so much! Your replies have been really helpful! I'll be sure to visit this forum often to hear all of your pet stories and hopefully not too far in the future I can share our 4 legged adoption story!

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

Posted by Marcie

I don't think you are crazy - but definitely do a lot of research on the breeds. Some dogs don't mix with children and others can be overprotective of children.
We debated the same thing - we decided to get a golden retriever and she will be 1 1/2 years old when my baby is born.

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

I have 2 black labs. (2 and 1) and they are great with little kids and babies. I am not worried about them acting up around the baby to be.

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

Message edited 1/30/2009 11:18:41 AM.

Re: Should we adopt a dog? Or are we crazy!?

we adopted a dog this past summer...as a puppy - it was a lot of work at times but so worth it - my pregnancy came as a surprise but we have intorduced kids to our puppy lots of times (5 girls live accross the street so that helps! and he loves kids - as with all animals, we will watch him when our little one is small and teach the baby how to handle animals but we have no doubt he will be wonderful!

eta - don't forget to check out northshore animal league and all the other shelters - and don't be put off if you don't love one right away - sadly, they constantly get new dogs and they will get the right one for you both!

Message edited 3/18/2006 10:43:04 AM.