My husband is trying to convince me get another dog. On April 25th, we put our 10 yr old black lab to sleep due to her having cancer in her mouth. Even after 2 surgeries, it was a losing battle ..
Anyways, we have a 5 yr old golden retriever mix, who is such a sweetheart, you couldnt ask for a better dog. We have always had 2 dogs. The kids wanted another dog. I told them probably in the fall we would look around.
For most of you know, Im a dogsitter. Dogs come to my house when owners go out of town. Summer is a busy time, we will have dogs coming and going all summer. So that is why I thought in the fall we would look for another dog.I mean right now I have 4 dogs here, my dog and 3 customers, and it will only get busier from here.
I love dogs, there is no question about that.
So today my husband calls me up and tells me a man in his company is giving away a dog. He proceeds to tell me its a female(I will only own female dogs), the dog is fixed, shes housetrained(shes 2 1/2 yrs old)use to be crate trained, great with kids etc.. shes a yellow lab mix I think.
My husband really wants her..UGH...he goes on to say she is up to date on shots and all that. I say why are they giving her away if she is such a wonderful dog. He said "Wait, let me call the man back and ask"...so my husband calls me and proceeds to tell me because his wife left him, and it was her dog. That he works fulltime, and kids are in school, so its just too much for him..hmmm..
I guess why Im against it(well sorta)is that I was really wanting another Golden retriever. He asked if I would agree to meet the dog, so I said "yes". I reminded my husband we are going on vacation next week for 10 days. He called the man again and asked if we take the dog, could they keep her until we got back. The man said "yes"...
So he is suppose to bring the dog over tonight to meet us. They hav a 12 yr old and a 5 yr old, and Im thinking "wouldnt these kids be sad to see their dog go"...
My biggest concern is Faith. The dog we have is such a sweetie, Faith crawls on her and grabs her and my dog does nothing except lay there. I have to make sure any other dog we own is the same.
We have doggie customers who dont like being grabbed, so I keep those dogs away from Faith, gated in another room while Faiths crawling around.
Give me strenght today to make the right decision.

By Amecmom on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 11:05 am:

Again, no one can tell you what's right for you. I can only say what I might do ...
I would never take an unknown animal in with a baby around.
The guy is going to say wonderful thigs about the dog, of course.
Is your husband willing to take the risk of this dog hurting Faith? Are you willing to take on the extra responsibility with all the other problems (sleep)?
There will always be a chance later on when she's older to get the dog you want.
Whatever you decide, I wish you luck!
Ame

By Tonya on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 12:34 pm:

I say wait to see what happens when the dog comes for a visit. Your gut will tell you what to do from there in regards to Faith see the way they are with each other from the start and GOOD LUCK!!

By Jewlz on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 07:23 pm:

well jakie did u fall in love with the dog ? or re u holding out for the one special dog u want ?

By Jackie on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 08:01 pm:

The dog was very nice,just didnt make any type of connection with it. PLus the big down side was she was a yellow lab, and she shedded SO BAD...yes I have dogs here all the time, and dogs shed, But this was bad, They were here only 30 minutes, and half my carpet was full of white dog hair... I couldnt even let Faith crawl around until I vacummed. I would literally have to vacuum 3 times a day. My husband was wearing black pants and his pants were covered.She seemed nice and sweet enough, just didnt grab my heart.