How to decide if you should get a pet?

For those of you who have pets, how did you decide to get one?

Did you just wake up one day and said to yourself, "I'm gonna get a [insert your pet here]!"

Or did you always want one, but was just waiting for the right time?

As some of you know, I have been dreaming about getting a cat for the longest time, but today Zak and I were talking, and I'm thinking maybe we should get a dog instead.

But then I always end up talking myself out of it because I know it's a lot of work to take good care of an animal.

So tell me how you guys came to be pet owners!

I guess it was a natural and easy decision for me because I grew up with pets.

I acquired my oldest dog from my mom. She saw a puppy, HAD to have it without thinking about it really:rolleyes: , moved, couldn't take him, and asked me to watch him until she found a place that took dogs. One year later the dog and I were pals. I was trying to find my own place and annoyed that my mom stuck me with her problem. So I called her up and basically demanded she pay my pet deposit.:eek: She did. And all the other pet deposits after (until a couple of years ago).

I'd been wanting a second dog for years because I knew my boy was lonely. It wasn't the right time though. I didn't have the room, a yard, or the money. My older dog was draining me of funds. He has severe allergies so that cost a pretty penny for awhile. I decided to go ahead and get another one when I knew I wasn't moving for awhile, I was home all day b/c I was unemployed, and I had a big yard. I took my time doing research. I got him from a rescue, but my dog HAD to get along with him. Luckily they took to each other and they're great friends. It's done a world of good for the older one. He's more active. He's like a puppy again.:D And he's 11.

My advice as a pet owner would be to make sure you have time (and some money! They have pet health insurance these days) to be with your new pet. I'm talking like a long weekend or something at first. Your pet does become a priority and they should. It can suck sometimes, but you get so used to it. It doesn't seem like work. You have to find a great vet, a pet sitter, make sure you have the time, etc. Know that you're making a VERY long commitment. My aunt had a cat that was 26.:eek:

Oh yeah, don't BUY a pet. There are plenty in shelters and rescues that make awesome pets. Pure breds too. There are a ton of websites and great resources for the new pet owner.

I grew up with pets....had dogs most of my life with cats making an entrance in my High School years.

In college and now in real life I've always missed having that love of a pet...that little creature that makes you smile everyday and can make you mad in the very next instant.

I knew I wanted a cat. We live in an apt. and work all day so we needed a pet that was a little more self sufficient. (I have a fish...but he's not much fun...lol)

I actually was bugging Alec about letting me take Phossy's cat home from that weekend...lol...that cat was so loving and cute.

Low and behold...the next monday at work....one of my co-workers had rescued a tiny little kitty trying to cross a major highway....and couldn't keep her. One look at the tiny little fuzzball in the pictures and I knew that was our kitty. I sent them to Alec to make sure he agreed...and he told me to bring the little fuzzball home.

Having a kitten has been a fun learning experience. I've learned that life will never be the same. I've learned that you can't leave ANYTHING laying out that you don't want her to get into...cuz she WILL get into it (including the Xmas tree) I've learned that one little kitty sure can be a stinky/messy butt! But when she curls up in our laps...it's totally worth it. :D

Nadine.

I've always been a cat person and DH is a dog person.

But one cold January day, a little frostbitten kitten showed up on our doorstep. We tried to find the owners - he was very, very friendly, housebroken, and wearing a collar. We canvassed the neighborhood, put up flyers, but no one claimed him...

I was pregnant with the twins and knowing DH doesn't like cats, I suggested we give him to my SS or take him to the pound, but he had won DH over. DH insisted on keeping the little guy. He is the greatest cat ever. He is the source of endless amusement for us - extremely outgoing and personable. He even tolerates the toddlers and plays hide and seek with the big kids. My only complaint about him is that he gets himself locked in closets and bedrooms because he can't resist temptation when there is an open door and craps in there because he gets stuck when the door shuts. That and once I saw him sitting on my toothbrush - his bare butthole right on the bristles sitting, not just laying on it. Yuck-o.

I ALWAYS had a dog!! Sometimes multiple dogs!
When I was 12 I moved to the dessert, we had 2 dogs, lizards, snakes, birds,
and we got a mom and 3 baby kitties from the pound, adopted a few more, and soon ended up with 18 cats!!!
But we lived on 3 acres in the dessert and those that didn't become lunch for the cyotes were mousers.

After the earthquake we moved to LA with just the dog. So there was my dog and my grandmothers dog. Bear died in 1999 and Trinka in 2003. I haven't had a dog since then and it drives me NUTS!!

In June of 2000 I went to Italy with a cousin. When I got back, my boyfriend (at the time) gave me a cockateil for my birthday.
He is my darling Brigid, whom I love more than life!!!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/chikygrl13/000_0005.jpg

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine was walking down a major street and found Molly in a cat crate on top of a trash can. I took her in, because my friend already had 2 cats of her own.
She is such a sweetheart!!!
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c22/chikygrl13/DSCN1949.jpg

I wanted a puppy but then i thought of several reasons why i should not get one (i had already thought about the many reasons why i wanted one but not why i did not)

- they can restrict your outings and holidays, they need a regular schedule.(it would be a small house-dog)

- i am kind of concerned about the hygiene (now is when you come and tell me myth busters proved the mouth of a dog is cleaner than human´s...) I would not be one of those people who caress their dog and then go have lunch not washing their hands or anything.

As i said these are just reasons for me, i am not saying having a dog is unhygienic as i am myself considering to get one.I am just trying to make the best decision for us and our circumstances.I do love puppies.

I like this topic.

I've been an animal person all my life. As a kid we had a cat that lived to be 16, who died in my arms. I had several dogs growing up. We lived out in the country and unfortunately a few of them were ran over by cars. I really can't remember not having a dog until I was out of high school.

I fell in love with labs early on. If someone I knew had one I gave that dog all kinds of attention. I yearned for one like you wouldn't believe. But I knew I had to wait till the time was right. That time wasn't for quite awhile, but as you all know it did come. A few years ago I decided it was time to buy a house. One of my biggest priorities was a fenced in yard. I luckily found the perfect house with a fenced yard and bought it. Then I started buying everything I needed. Leashes, collars, food, bowls, toys, treats, books, videos, you name it.

Then I began to look for a dog. I know I'll get slack for this, but I couldn't get one from the shelter. I wanted a purebred seven week old labrador, no exceptions. I started looking into some breeders and before I got too far a friend of my moms told me that her nephews lab was about to have puppies. I really wanted a black lab, but she informed me his dog always had yellow labs, never black or chocolate. I decided that wasn't a big deal and I waited for word on when they were born.

At the end of that December I received word that the puppies were born. Three weeks later I made the hour long trip to their farm to pick out my dog. There were four to choose from, but only two males, which is what I wanted. I picked up one of them and he just looked at me. My friend handed me the next one and he started licking my face. He made my decision for me.

I named him Pete right there on the spot. We took him inside and painted a couple finger nails to be sure I got the right dog when I came back.

Then I made a trip to Vegas to get a vacation in before taking on my responsibility.

When Pete got to be seven weeks old I went and picked him up. The little girl on the farm had taken to him spent a lot of time with him. He was half house broken and was somewhat responding to his name already. I was amazed.

His trip home from the breeder...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/allprorock/lake/128dog7.jpg

That night Pete slept in my bed. He never once whined. He snuggled up to me like he was right at home with his daddy. I set my alarm and took him out twice a night as well as several times through the day.

He started his job (my job) with me the day after I took him home. This allowed me to keep an eye on him and train him 24 hours a day. Pete never once stayed home from work for three years. All the customers knew him and he could sniff out a mailman with a treat in his pocket a mile away. He would seriously jumped up from a dead sleep the second they opened the door.

Budweiser made me this banner that hung above his area...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/allprorock/128budpetebanner-med.jpg

I can't tell you how much this dog means to me. We're truly both obsessed with one another. He goes everywhere with me. From a simple trip to the store to across the country. He's been from Denver to the gulf of mexico to damn near the east coast and a lot of places in between.

His most favorite thing in the world...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/allprorock/travisdog0nf.jpg

Or is it food?...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/allprorock/petedrool.jpg

well dogs are a lot like kids. you can't leave them alone
with puppies you are up every two hours for housebreaking...

i got rescue dogs first bagel then after a few weeks he seemed lonely so we got hannah.... he picked her out.

i've always wanted them. I still want them. I love them madly but they are a lot of work... and they tend to make the house messy!

Getting a pet is not something you should rush into - doing your research will save you a lot of worries (though knowing you, Em, I don't think that will be a problem! :D).

First of all - cat or dog? I've had both and prefer dogs because they are more dependant on you socially and I find that I communicate better with dogs. However, they take more time and if you don't train it well, it could become a nightmare. Cats can misbehave, too, but generally they won't (or can't) do as much damage to your possessions and you won't have to deal with any jealousy problems (some dogs get very jealous). Then, on the other hand, they're normally not as much pure fun as dogs can be (cat people may bash me now). Dogs are more responsive to learning.

You shouldn't leave a dog alone home more than 8 hours a day, max. You will also have to walk it and it's usually more expensive to keep.

It's important when choosing a dog, that you choose a breed that is right for YOU. Choosing by appearance alone is the source of many sad rehoming and euthanasia stories. Try reading books and using breed calculators

http://www.selectsmart.com/DOG/

When you have a shortlist, do further research into the breeds online, and feel free to contact breed clubs - they will be happy to provide you with information and real life experience. You should then ask to visit some breeders (no strings attached), to get some first hand experience and see for yourself it it's the right type of dog for you.

Do not fall for the temptation of buying a puppy from a puppy mill or a pet shop. A dog is a 10-14 year responsibility, so make sure yours comes from a breeder that prides himself/herself with healthy lines and great temperaments. It may be slightly more expensive and a longer wait, but it will be worth it. There are breeders and there are breeders. A good breeder will have a lot of questions to ask you. They would also not object to giving you references from previous buyers. A good breeder will want you to stay in touch with them, and this is something that should be high up on the list as you want the breeder to be available to you at any time, should you have questions or problems.

When you have decided on a breed, read up on their genetic health problems and only buy from a breeder that tests all dogs in their lines for them.

Let me know what breeds the dog breed thingy comes up with for you, Em! I bet it will be small and fluffy. ;)

The thing about cats is - they have to be well socialized from the time they are very young, otherwise they never really adapt well to being pets - a lot of people I know have very skittish or shy cats & that is caused by not being handled enough as kittens.

The cat who adopted us came to us as a kitten and he had obviously been in a home where he was handled a lot and exposed to kids - he has always been very affectionate and comfortable around people. He comes right up to anyone who visits whether he knows them or not.

I have always had cats and can say this guy has fewer issues than many of the cats I have lived with in the past. It all comes down to good socialization from a very early age. For that reason it's better to get a kitten. Our cat is also not particularly destructive and doesn't eat things off the counter like some of the cats I've had, though he has a passion for yarn, cellotape, and rubber bands. The tape and rubber bands I can handle, but I hate him tearing up my wool. He also has mad moments where he runs around the house howling and leaps into the tree in the living room, knocking it down, and emerges from the mess shaking his head, ears back, looking all alarmed.

DH thinks our cat is dog-like, but actually, he's just a really well socialized animal. He gets lonely if he doesn't get enough cuddle time and will scratch at our door in the morning and do a happy dance when he sees us get up. He also has an unnatural attachment to one of the boys' bears - he drags it out of their room every morning after they leave for school and beats it up.

That night Pete slept in my bed. He never once whined. He snuggled up to me like he was right at home with his daddy.

If someone read this out of context, you could be arrested! ;)

That's hot.

I want more Pete puppy pictures!

SomeDude, I won't give you shit about buying from a breeder. It's all about the individual and what animal suits their needs.

When I finally get the big dog I've always wanted I'll probably go through a Newfie/St. Bernard rescue. They're purebred, but not as pricey.

I want more Pete puppy pictures!

I agree!!! I keep coming back to this thread to look at that one photo because he was so freaking cute!

I'm not an official pet owner as of yet (I do sort of have a dog, but she's my parents and lives with them)...but I know I will be once I get a place where we can have pets (damned apartments and their no-pet policies...grrr!). For me, it's just something that has always been there. I know I want a dog. I grew up with a dog around and I adore dogs.

You know how you hear of women talk of their biological clocks are ticking and they start looking at baby stuff and reading baby name books and ooing over other people's babies? Well, my dog clock is ticking. I read books about dog that have been rescued and about people's dogs, I watch movies like Benji and Lassie, I surf dogbreedinfo.com and dream of adopting the doggies of of places like petfinder.com and the Papillon Rescue group. I'm pathetic.

So no...no decision there!

What makes you want a dog instead of a cat? If you're looking for a less high-maintenance pet, cats are definitely a better choice. Dogs are a lot of work! On a side note, if you get a little dog, you can litter-box train it, which is always a nice thing if you can't get home every 4-6 hours or so during the day.

~Crysania

I love that breed selector site! It lists the dog I really really want as #6 on the list.

Another selector I've used before is this one: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

~Crysania

I absolutely LOVE pets... when they are someone elses. :eek:

Actually, I always owned pets, all my life. And I DO love them, I'm just done. Stick a fork in me, already. I've had enough. :eek:

To have a GOOD pet, you have to be home a LOT. Especially dogs. Puppies are very needy and there is a LOT of cleaning up to do before they get house trained. If you don't have TIME to train them and walk them and can't get home at lunch time to walk puppies, etc., etc.. DO NOT get a puppy.

Cats are very independent, but they also NEED your time and attention. If you're not home alot, they will be mean spiteful animals. Be careful, too, NOT to spoil them and get them into bad habits as kittens - such as cleaning the box TOO often (because if you forget later, they will shit on anything you actually like) or giving them SOFT food or you will have teeth problems and picky eaters later.

The best cats I had were during college and the years immediately after. I had SO much time in college to chill with them. They were AWESOME. And then life got busy, hectic and chaotic and it stressed them out not seeing me and I lost one and the other died and my affinity to animals has never been the same.

Emzak, hon... no offense intended to you, but you already have an EXTREMELY busy lifetime, are obsessive compulsive nit-picky clean, are planning to have a baby while still in SCHOOL and WORKING and I honestly think you would be doing yourself AND the pet a huge injustice by trying to juggle it all.

Pets ARE like children. I've got two good OUTDOOR dogs which could come live with you for a weekend here or there to fill your pet quota for a while. Letting them inside is very much like having two insane puppies on your hands and with the lifestyle you're leading, you'll want to shoot yourself... twice... before you know it.

~phos

Emzak, hon... no offense intended to you, but you already have an EXTREMELY busy lifetime, are obsessive compulsive nit-picky clean, are planning to have a baby while still in SCHOOL and WORKING and I honestly think you would be doing yourself AND the pet a huge injustice by trying to juggle it all.
~phos

WORD!

WORD!

I must admit I thought the same thing. Word to the 2nd power!


Shan

My thought Em....was actually of the pictures you've shown us after writing a huge paper or studing for a big exam...where there are papers and things strewn across the room...

And then the image of a little kitten or puppy running around in that...chewing on papers...sitting and crinkling them and basically just having a field day while you had a mini stroke.

*grin*

Nadine.

Pets really are like children...they take a LOT of work, commitment, patience and training.

Pets ARE NOT disposable...even though tens of millions of them are treated that way every year and abandoned or euthanised because someone didn't understand or think throught the commitment it involves to be a pet owner.

Totally breaks my heart and sickens me.:(

And there should only be one type of pet owner...dedicated!

Emzak, hon... no offense intended to you, but you already have an EXTREMELY busy lifetime, are obsessive compulsive nit-picky clean, are planning to have a baby while still in SCHOOL and WORKING and I honestly think you would be doing yourself AND the pet a huge injustice by trying to juggle it all.

Sigh...you're right (and so were everybody else who said "word" to Phossy's post ;) ). It was actually more Zakem's idea, because I think he gets lonely when I'm working and would appreciate the company.

But out of curiousity, I did try the dog breed test. I want/need a dog that is super low-key (read: lazy as hell) and requires minimal grooming and exercise. Lucky for me, the dog that Zakem wants is perfect for me, personality-wise (even though it's ugly as hell :eek: ).

Here it is:

http://www.aldebaranbulldogs.com/Narnia_files/PICTURE65s%20(2).jpg

But I don't think the timing is good for us right now.

Oh well, it's sure nice to daydream though! :)

I love English Bulldogs!

To be honest, yes, I think you might have a too busy life to own a pet, but if Zakem WANTS the responsibility of it, then I don't see why it can't be done (I got a dog during my first co-habit relationship and it was only my responsibility, and we both thought that was good). Especially if you make the kind decision to adopt an adult dog that doesn't need to be taught everything and has been through the chewing stage etc. (Just make sure you don't get one that comes complete with bad habits)

When you go away for holidays, weekends away etc, it requires a bit more planning (note: spontaneous decisions may not be done when you own a pet!), but you could liase with a neighbour who has and/or loves dogs and pay them to look after it in their home, and alternatively, there are commercial kennels. An additional expense of owning a dog.

Of course, if Zakem feels a bit lonely, it doesn't mean that he wants any old pet, he wants you! ;) Is there no way you can compromise on your working schedule?

Another breed that is lazy as hell and requires minimum exercise (!) and grooming is the Greyhound. But if Zakem likes the look of the Bulldog, this is a far cry from it. But they're very affectionate, and there are lots of (re-trained) ex-racers in need of a loving home.

http://www.dogcastradio.com/images/Greyhound.jpg

Anyway, if Zakem really wants a dog, the two of you should sit down and discuss everything properly; the practical sides, responsibilities and budgets (and what happens when you get kids?). It isn't a decision to be taken lightly.

I adore greyhounds. I've met many at the rescue things around this area and they're the sweetest, calmest, and damned quietest dogs I've ever met! Has anyone ever heard one bark? I never have! lol

And I do agree that if Zakem has the time and responsibility for a pet then there's no reason to not get one. Then you can have a dog around whenever you're at home, and Zakem can have company when he gets lonely. It sounds like a win-win situation to me!

For me and my SO, the way our schedules overlap, a dog would only be left at home alone for about 4-5 hours two days a week. The rest of the time he/she would have someone around. So we have the perfect schedule for a dog, just not an apartment that allows them. *cries*

~Crysania

I agree that you probably don't have enough time for a pet, Em. BUT, the fact that Zak wants one totally changes the picture. If he wants the responsibility, then I think that's a great idea, as long as he's got the time to spend with it.

That said, I sometimes think that having a dog is more difficult than having kids. It can be like having a 4 year old kid for 15 years, since they are pretty much dependant on you for everything for their entire life. My old girl is getting close to 16 now, and her needs are increasing...more frequent feedings, special food, more vet visits, more frequent walks (to go pee), accidents in the house and car, moments of amnesia or confusion (sometimes forgets where the door is or how to go up/down stairs), and total deafness. You have to be willing to accept that it won't always be easy and fun with a pet, and you need to be willing to look after them when they are old and/or sick.

Also, you can take your kids out to dinner and on vacation, much easier than you can take your pets! I am very lucky in that my parents have a farm, with a big fenced dog run that my dogs can stay at, whenever, anytime. My mom NEVER leaves home because she still runs the farm so it's pretty much a guaranteed safe place to board them.

So, I just think that you need to make sure that you've considered everything that might happen and how you will deal with these things etc before you actually take a pet home. One consideration is to maybe think about "borrowing" a friend's dog or helping out a local pet shelter by fostering a dog for a while, so you can try it out and see how a dog fits into your life.

For me, I grew up with dogs, and all sorts of animals on the farm, so it was never something I really thought about - it was a lifestyle I've always had. I got my old dog from the pound when I was 14, and then my other dog was an "oops" with my BF at the time when I was 24. So, I've always had animals around. I actually think I could use a break for a while, when my 2 dogs eventually go. I'm not sure how long that would last though - I've never been petless.

Interesting about the greyhounds! I had no idea they were calm and lazy. I just assumed they were like thoroughbred horses - high strung and crazy.

I'm not sure how long that would last though - I've never been petless.

I've been petless two (separate) years. It was forced due to living situation and I hated it! I will probably never be petless again. The rewards are bigger than the negative sides to me.

Interesting about the greyhounds! I had no idea they were calm and lazy. I just assumed they were like thoroughbred horses - high strung and crazy.

Most people would assume so, but they are actually first class couch potatoes who prefer to do as little as possible!

Here's a little something from adopt-a-greyhound.com

There are many myths and misconceptions about the true nature of greyhounds. The most common ones relate to their racing career, and their subsequent ability to adapt to life as a house pet.

Greyhounds are very gentle, sweet-natured creatures who love their new life as 'retirees', and become almost instant "45 mile-an-hour couch potatoes." They bond very closely and quickly with their new family members, and will follow from room-to-room just to be in close proximity to them. Greyhounds are house dogs, and do not do well being isolated from their human pack. They are not usually 'demanding' of attention, but love to receive it. Strangers will often find greyhounds to be reserved or ever aloof.

This is also a very intelligent and adaptable breed, that for the most part can make the life changing adjustment from racing kennel to loving home with relative ease. Although in their former lives, they did not enjoy the creature comforts afforded most canine pets, greyhounds quickly adapt to the joys of squeaky toys, the luxury of a cozy bed, and the pampering of a loving family. Understandably, there is an adjustment period that each dog will go through, as they are unfamiliar with such things as climbing stairs, walking on shiny floor surfaces, and windows, having never encountered these things previously.

They also have some quirky, but endearing traits. Greyhounds like to 'collect' such unlikely household items as placemats, alarm clocks, or anything else that catches their interest and is within their grasp. Usually these 'treasures' are taken to their crate or bed. Many greyhounds sleep with their eyes 'open.' In order to prevent startling it, the dog's name should be called before approaching, to ensure that it is awake.

Greyhounds are very tolerant, and are generally very good around children. However, these are not the 'rough and tumble' playmates that many other breeds would be. These are also large dogs that usually have 'happy tails', which could easily knock a toddler or small child down. Although they are unfamiliar with other dog breeds, greyhounds are very social and usually will get along well with other canines or household pets. However, it is important that adoptive homes with cats or other small animals ensure that they are not getting a 'high prey' greyhound, as these small animals would be at risk. Even a greyhound that has been determined to be 'low prey' or 'cat-friendly' should be carefully introduced and supervised (on a leash and wearing a muzzle) during the first few weeks, or as long as it takes to ensure that the dog is trustworthy.

Generally, greyhounds are very quiet. However, if they are unhappy they will announce it by howling. Multi-greyhound homes are sometimes serenaded by a group chorus, or 'rooing', just for the sheer joy of it.

[QUOTE=Emzak] (even though it's ugly as hell :eek: ).

Here it is:

http://www.aldebaranbulldogs.com/Narnia_files/PICTURE65s%20(2).jpg

QUOTE]
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
I'm sorry, but that is just the most ADORABLE puppy!!!
I love Bulldogs!!! and pugs and all the wrinkly guys!!!

SO CUTE!!!!

Of course, if Zakem feels a bit lonely, it doesn't mean that he wants any old pet, he wants you! ;)

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

It's nice to know that Zakem can't replace me with a bulldog. :D

As requested...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/allprorock/closeuppete.jpg

I have more on another comp that I'll get around to posting someday.

OMG. That is SUCH an adorable picture! *dies from the cuteness*

I love puppies!!

~Crysania

SOOOOO Cute!!! And Some Dude....I love that Bud sign. So cool.

Nadine.

Puppy pics rule.

Chikygrl, Molly looks just like a cat that was abandoned by a family a few doors down from me last winter.
She was skin and bones and afraid if you made a move toward her so I would put food on the porch and a little box for her to get into out of the cold. Little by little she let me pat her and would even come into the house but after a few minutes was ready to go back out.

Now shes part of the family and one of the nicest cats anyone could want. My other cat wasnt so sure about her at first, but everytime I let her in the house , she would go right over to him and give him a kiss LOL

Hes "fixed" but I know he was "feeling the love" hehehe and he accepted her within a short period of time and they are now buddys..