Charlie wants a dog

[charliesmum]

At least I think he wants a dog. He's been talking about it, but he is also imitating Verruca Salt as he does so. "Mommy.' He says, speaking in a clipped and almost British voice. "I Want. A. Dog."

I pointed out to him he has $95, and could possibly buy a dog for himself, and he actually considered it.

I'd toyed with the idea before, but I just don't think we have the time or money for a dog. (though, working 10 minutes from home does help - one could theoretically go home at lunch and let the dog out)

I have to keep reminding myself that dogs are fairly high maintenance, and probably aren't cheap to keep in food.

Because...look at this really cute dog. I want him.

Comments

[nam-jai.livejournal.com]

Cute dog -- what a great face!

My dog is not too expensive to keep in food, but she's only 30 lbs. The vet bills were the biggest expense for me when I first got my dog; she was a stray that was picked up by animal control, and even though she didn't look like she had been out on the streets for too long, she still had a collection of health issues that had to be dealt with (the most pricey and dangerous being heartworm).

Then there's the general doggie start-up expenses -- leashes, food bowls, toys, treats and whatnot. But that's the fun shopping!

Time is definitely another factor -- again, especially at the beginning when the dog needs training. But ongoing too -- dogs are pack animals and I feel terrible for the ones who get left alone a lot. Like the people down my street who leave their dog in the backyard 24/7, it seems. Why even have a dog you're not going to interact with? Grrrr... [/soapbox]

So that's my realistic talk. Of course, to me it's all been worth it, seeing as I've had the Best Dog in the World for about eight years now. Lucky me! But if you decide you can manage it, perhaps you can find the Second Best Dog in the World. ;)

[charliesmum.livejournal.com]

Is that your doggie in the picture? Cause he's a cutie face.

The pound where I was looking charges $125 to get the thing, which is a lot (though not as bad as breeders) and I would get an adult dog who was already trained.

He wouldn't be alone all day either, now that Charlie is home after school, which is another factor in favor of having a dog but...no...really can't do it. I think.

[nam-jai.livejournal.com]

That is my doggie in the icon! It's my favorite picture of her.

Even if the dog comes house-trained and knowing some commands, I still recommend an obedience class, because a good one will train you as well as the dog. Plus, it was a lot of fun! I took my dog to a fairly inexpensive one at a community center. As I recall, it was one night a week for six weeks. My dog got an official "Canine Good Citizen" certificate, even though she never really got over her being rather irritable with other dogs. The trainer called her "Sheltie with an attitude." She likes cats better than her own kind.