Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

DH has always wanted a dog. I did not. That was that.

Josh really wants one. The other day he pulled a picture of a dog out of a magazine and showed it to me. He told me it was his coupon for a dog and he is ready to go to the store and get his.

He tells my parents he wants one, they offered to buy him one.

NOTHING IN ME wants a dog. Totally not for me.
DH thinks at this point I am out numbered. I don't see it as a numbers game at all. He is never home. Josh can't walk a dog. I clean. it will all be on me.

I did not come home from having a good time to put my kids down for their naps, I am not coming home to let a dog out.

thoughts? is it a family vote? or am I right to stand my ground?

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

well coming from someone who is not a pet/dog lover I fell like you need to stand your ground it snot a number game is more of a family decision DH want a dog DD kinda shows interests in dog but I by no means want to take care of a dog

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I completely agree with you! Maybe you can try for a fish first, then a bird, a bunny...etc. Maybe the pet thing will wear off for your DS. As far as DH goes, tell him when he retires so he can take of it!

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

will you be the one responsible for a dog?? if so, absolutely do not get one. getting a dog (whether it's a puppy or adult) is a lot more work than one would think. it's like having another infant.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I feel the same way. I didnt grow up with pets bc I was allergic to cats and dogs. I eventually grew out of it but my DH is DYING for a dog. I really am on the fence if I want one or not.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

At the end of the day, with your husbands long hours, you will be the main carer for said dog. I say NAY. Don't buckle under the pressure!!!

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

oh yeah, the dog would 1000% be mine.

I think they are worst then an infant. At least kids will start to poop on their own...I don't want my days to consist of walking and picking up poop for the next 15 years.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I even grew up with 2 pet dogs. I know for sure it is not for me. I never grew to love them...or really even like them.

is that horrible? can you believe i just wrote that?

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I have a 75lb dog and she is alot of work. "I" vacuum everyday, bath her every 2 weeks(skin allergies), feed her breakfast and dinner, pick up her poop, wash her bedding 2x a month. Notice I said "I"--I do it all, she is like having another child. However, I love her like one of my children. I can't ever imagine my home without a dog. The love she gives us all is priceless. You have to want it. I don't think it's fair to you or the dog if you don't

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I don't blame you. we have the same convo over here. I told dh if he wants a dog (when our youngest child is like 4, whenever that is ) he has to be willing to walk, feed, clean, train etc. I've never had a dog and will not be responsible for it. It's enough for me to pick up after the kids (including DH )

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I was badly pressured by DH and his family to get a dog. I did not want one. Well, 2 months after our youngest was born, DH SHOWED UP with a puppy one day. "They were going to put him down!" he said. We kept him. It was beyond awful I hated the dog, he hated me, I had severe PPD..... it was terrible. I couldn't teach him/discipline him properly because I was taking care of and nursing a newborn round the clock. To wear the dog out I would take him and the 3 children for 2 walks a day, which caused me to rip my csection incision. Like I said: HORRIBLE.

We kept the dog (Brody) and it's been about ayear. It is still not great, but the kids are really attached. DH made all kinds of promises, and he does pick up the poop but thats about it. Walking, feeding, discipline is all me. There is no love lost between pooch and I.

If I could go back in time, when DH walked through the door with the puppy, I would have made him walk right back out. So I say, STAND YOUR GROUND.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

Janice - I never had a dog. I never ever ever ever wanted a dog.

DH ALWAYS had dogs. No one in my family ever had a single dog. EVER.

He wanted a HUGE dog. I finally gave in (he asked me for one every single day) and surprised him with a maltese/shihtzu mix.

I have to say, I grew to love that little fur ball within days. She died and we had to get another one. I had to have another one. It was the strangest thing ever but they really do become a part of your family.

So, I do understand where you are coming from. I would never even pet a friends dog. They were so not for me. But if you find the right one for you, it could be a great addition to your family.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

If you're the one that will ultimately have to take care of it....I think it's up to you. Or at least you have final say. I'm in the same boat as you. I grew up with large breed dogs my whole life. But I just can't imagine taking on a new dog right now. I actually got one for literally a day and brought it back. I just couldn't take it. DD visits her grandparents dogs...and that's fine with me.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

In all honesty, if this is something you are considering, talk to Josh's doctors first.

The pet dander could really trigger his allergies and asthma.


Josh's asthma aside, bringing a dog into the family with a newborn is a LOT of work. I would table this discussion until your babies were a bit older, and able to help out more with taking care of a pet.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

J, when you come to SI this summer, meet Maggie. She is a beagle, hypoallergenic, and a doll.

My family HAAATES dogs and they cannot resist her cuteness

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I would suggest possibly starting out with something easy first, like a fish, or a hamster.

We currently have three dogs and its a lot of work...if Everyone chips in and helps out, then I would revisit the idea of getting a dog. Make sure you shop for a dog wisely too, if you're going to be the one who is going to be taking care of it and your not a dog person, don't get a high maintenance dog. Get something easy to train and is a great family dog.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

Posted by KateDevine

J, when you come to SI this summer, meet Maggie. She is a beagle, hypoallergenic, and a doll.

My family HAAATES dogs and they cannot resist her cuteness

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

DON'T DO IT!!!!! I say you should stand your ground, for now anyway. Maybe later on you might change your mind. DH and I talked about getting a dog, even looked at some puppies then decided we should wait. Well surprise, surprise on my first mothers day he gives me a puppy! Now I was home 4 out of 7 days a week with a puppy and a 10 month old. He came home to me crying everyday for a few weeks. Puppies are HARD and A LOT of work! Trying to manage the needs of little kids and the needs of a puppy is not easy and they don't wear diapers. Because of this I never bonded with the dog and though he has been with us 3 years now, I could hand him off to someone tomorrow and never think twice about it. And I AM (or maybe was)a dog lover!

ETA:the only time I'm glad we have the dog (Cooper) is when DH is away. The dog barks anytime someone comes in the house which sucks when the kids are napping, but is reassuring when I am home alone.

Message edited 5/29/2010 7:28:03 AM.

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

Posted by OneOfEach

I have a 75lb dog and she is alot of work. "I" vacuum everyday, bath her every 2 weeks(skin allergies), feed her breakfast and dinner, pick up her poop, wash her bedding 2x a month. Notice I said "I"--I do it all, she is like having another child. However, I love her like one of my children. I can't ever imagine my home without a dog. The love she gives us all is priceless. You have to want it. I don't think it's fair to you or the dog if you don't

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

i think the girls are 100% right...YOU will be doing it all, even if your DH was home all the time, i feel like it becomes the mom's responsibility!!!!!

i got my 2nd dog 6 months after my 1st dies - i love having a dog.... but now that i have a child - WOW!!! and my poor dog looks so sad sometimes b.c i dont give her the attention i used to...

i LOVE dogs and always have, but if you arent into it, i would say NO... you never know what you'll get, what kind of personality the dog will have, and even worse any medical issues - they are sooooo expensive....

stand your ground, maybe get a bunny or hamster for DC... dogs are A LOT of work - just like having another child...

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

As a dog owner I must tell you, absolutely do not get one if you do not want it. They are alot of work and it will fall on you much if you are the one at home more of the time. Animals deserve all family members to love them and want them,and anything other than that will effect them. Sorry but I don't think you should give in on this one, the dog will wind up suffering (as will you if you get stuck taking care of something you don't want).

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

Maybe you can compromise and get a Canoe!

Re: Pressure to become a dog owner, when you know for sure you just aren't one..

I am NOT an animal person. I do not even want GOLDFISH in my home. The dog hair, the dander, the SMELL, the walking, the letting a dog out, the insane vet bills, the price of dogfood... the list goes on and on.

I think that you should stand your ground. YOU are going to be the one taking care of it.

Dont cave!

I just re-read that your son has asthma and allergies.... NO NO NO NO NO do NOT get a dog! It could trigger an asthma attack.

Message edited 5/29/2010 2:15:19 PM.