I’ve read over and over that studies show pets increase happiness and lifespan and lead to overall better health.
So why don’t I have one!? Yes, my husband can be rather pet-like at times, but we have yet to take the plunge into actual dog ownership. (I say dog because Matt is allergic to cats, and I can’t see us getting a hamster or snake).
I have to admit something here, and please don’t hate me: I really don’t like dogs that much. I think they are super cute, and I like playing with them, and I can see why other people would love having them, but I just don’t know if I am cut out to have one. This could be because I grew up in a cat household. Cats seem cleaner to me and less high maintenance with all the walking and picking up poop in a bag and all. (But I did learn recently how gross litter boxes are when cat sitting for our friends!) I like the idea of having a dog hang out with me in the house and going on family walks with it on crisp fall days, but then I think about those frigid January mornings when the dog would need to go out while it’s still dark, 32* and pouring down rain. Matt goes to work at 3AM, so who do you think would have to walk the dog!? And then there’s the issue of vacations. I suppose we have enough friends that we could probably bribe some of them to dog-sit, and I guess there’s always the kennel… And lastly, I’m scared that we’ll get the wrong dog personality for us! What if he barks all the time or poops on my white carpet uncontrollably or has a drooling problem. What if I don’t like him!? Is that possible, dog owners?
But I guess I have to get the dog first and then I’ll love it so much I won’t care about these things J (At least I hope so). And I’m sure those walks with our dog-to-be will be good for my heart, my soul, and my Type-A, clean-a-holic personality.
We are planning on doing daschund rescue when the time comes. I know we will get one someday. I just need to mentally prepare a bit longer.
Do you guys think your dogs make you healthier? How do you find the balance between the responsibilities and the love?!
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Comments: 1
Your concerns are valid, IMO, and it's good that you're addressing them honestly now before you take the steps toward getting one.
Regarding your concerns:
- Cold, rainy walks - Yes, they happen. However, assuming you do good-length walks the rest of the time, you can skimp on the occasional extra-nasty-weather walk and head back in as soon as the dog has done its business (often it will agree with you and not want to be out long). Most smaller dogs need less time outside anyway. Or you can have your yard fenced and let it out into the yard to do its business. Or you can train it to use litter boxes (true story!).
- Vacations - Sometimes you can bring the pet with you. Other times you can't and that's when you lean on friends or a trusted kennel, as you said.
- Getting a dog with the wrong personality - Very real concern. I have the same concerns about our future dog. I think the best approach here is to "qualify" the dog thoroughly beforehand. If you get a dog through a reputable rescue, the rescue is as interested in placing a dog who shares your vibe as you are because otherwise the adoption won't be a success for either side. They will provide you with questionnaires, interviews, and meetings in person to ensure that both owners and dog are a good match. If you buy from a reputable non-backyard breeder, you can specify what you're looking for and often visit the puppies yourself and they will do their best to match you with an appropriate dog.
- Barking and pooping on the carpet are largely trainable characteristics.
I am a serious dog lover as I have met very few cats who express the love, affection, and endearing qualities that dogs do, but I'll admit I've met a number of dogs I didn't like. You know what they all had in common? The owners did a poor job of training and socializing them. Most of the problems you see in dogs are preventable.
As a fairly long-time reader of your blog I am confident that you will undertake your dog journey very responsibly so I feel pretty comfortable in saying that if you do what you're supposed to in qualifying your dog and training and socializing it, you will end up with an awesome one that will steal your heart.:)