Past and Present Dog Parents

[JaniceSW]

I am retired and my fiance is semi-retired.  He very much wants a dog.  I am unsure due to the responsibility, restrictions on freedom, and financial issues regarding pets.  I know a pet can become very near and dear and that if one got very sick or injured I would feel it necessary to spend almost anything necessary to help.  I also know you are almost always legally responsible if your animal injures someone.  I am also getting very use to getting up and going for any amount of time we decide. My fiance is always talking about getting one and seems to just overlook and/or ignore all these issues, kind of "poo-poohing" all of it.  What is your experience with having a dog when "push comes to shove"?

[nannycoe1]

I have had dogs all my life. My last dog just passed away this past Sunday he was 12 years old. I will not be getting another one because we are getting too old to take care of them.

[6265AT99]

Realistically I think it's up to the person who will be most responsible for walking the dog, feeding the dog, playing with the dog, etc.   I used to have dogs, but, since I am now older and cannot contend with all their "needs", I now own 2 cats - they are pretty much self-sufficient and easy to take care of!!

[missplaymate618]

I've always had a dog, but this time around after my big dog passed I went and got a smaller dog because I have stairs and when he became older it was harder to get him up and down the stairs,  I had to carry him outside to go to the bathroom. So this time I have a small 16lb yorkie which I can pick up if need be to get him down the stairs to go to the bathroom if he gets to that point. It is a lot of work with house training, walking and feeding the dog.

[potluck6]

We had a dog for 10 yrs a lab that we loved he died of cancer .I wanted to get another dog but didin't got a cat who i now love. I wouldn't get a puppy hard to train maybe a dog used to adults. My son living with us was the one who cleaned up after him and walked him. Yuo can maybe go to a local animal shelter for shots and a check up. Food doesn't have to be that expensive a bag of Purina is 6.00 and my dog went threw a bag every 8-9 or nine day best of luck. My neighbor has the cutiest dog and may be moving and not taking  their dog with them guess what i want .