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

[jessii-6.livejournal.com]

*looks above and looks puzzled* you have a cat. Since when? (and how did I miss it?)

A dog is probably more expensive than a cat (if your cat is always home you don't have to get all the vaccines and they eat less, so even though their food is more expensive it lasts longer) and you do have to walk your dog for at least half an hour twice a day.
On the good side, however, you're both getting healthy excersize and get to have someone who is always happy to see you.

I wouldn't recommend getting a big dog, as they require more input out of you. Medium or small dogs are perfectly wonderful, need less food (which is heavy as well as expensive. The heavy bothers me more, personally) and can be allowed more freedom (=> if my dog jumps at me it's not a problem. It would be if he weighted more than me).

Another issue with dogs (all animals, really, to a degree) is that you *must* be home. It is an issue if my parents are working late, because someone needs to walk the dog. We often find ourselves plannings things around that. When my parents went abroad I was home with the dog. We once left him with the family and he didn't eat for the first two days and is afraid we would leave him there alone again since (he followed me from room to room when I was there when my parents were abroad this year). Yes, I could probably put him in a care somewhere, but 1. I haven't the money, really and 2. if he didn't eat at my close familys house (and he knows them well) I don't think he will at a dog-care. Plus he's old and he has needs (right now, we don't let him go up and down the stairs anymore. We have to carry him).

It is not easy at all. I'm biased, of course, so I'd say it's completely worh it.

[charliesmum.livejournal.com]

Yeah, we have a cat called Butch. We had 2 cats, but Mungojerrie died. :(

And we have a hamster.