She sat next to me in church and I watched as she carefully finished putting the smiley face on the animal she was drawing. She leaned into me, as if to tell a secret. Mommy? How do you spell DOG? I quickly told her and she wrote each letter slowly in the middle of the page, unsure of the G but happy with her work. I looked back up to listen on Proverbs and wisdom and fools, and I felt her close again, full of another whisper question: Mommy? How do you spell I WANT A?
Smart girl, that one. I think she and her Daddy have a secret plan to weaken my no-dog resolve. I feel slightly un-Amercian admitting this, but I have never had a dog, asked for a dog or even wanted a dog.
I do not hate the dogs. I just don’t know the dogs.
But I have a Man and a girl who love dogs. So I’m thinking that the day might come when some dog out there manages to work her way into my cold, un-American, sensible heart. Again, I am not against the dogs. In fact, I love the idea of a dog. But the pretend idea dog doesn’t shed and can stay alone when we leave town. Most of all, the idea of a dog doesn’t depend on me to feed it and walk it and basically keep it alive. I’m all about the pretend idea of a dog. When did I become such a boring grown up?
So what do you think? Can you talk me into wanting a non-pretend real dog? With hair and everything? I doubt it, but we’ll see.
You know that empty part of the nest? The part that’s going to seem so quiet when the girls go to Kindergarten? That’s a good space for a dog. Who will shed and have to be housebroken and chew on things and need you to feed it and will require care when you’re out of town but who will also love you fiercely and adore you no matter what.
Besides, DOG is GOD spelled backward. Seems like that should count for something.
Good luck!
I certainly am not going to try to talk you into getting one. I talked my husband into getting one & kick myself daily. My girls who were dying to get a dog, now don’t even notice if he’s around. He gets in my garbage can & I have to use a baby gate. But, he’s company when my husband is out of town & he loves to lay on my cold feet. On the couch, with his hair… I’ve never had an inside dog & it really is different. Borrow someones dog for a week before you decide to get one of your own. Huge huge commitment with kids.
I adore your blog. Your’s and you sister’s are my favorites, although I am ‘meeting’ lots of new wonderful bloggers through (in)courage!
My advice on the dog: If your daughter and husband want a dog, get a small dog. Some dogs shed less than others but a small dog certainly has less hair than a big dog just because of the size. I have two long hairded daschunds. If your family wants a dog, they will help you take care of it(some)and it will be a rich and sweet thing for your children to have a dog. When you go out of town, leave it in a kennel or hire someone to keep it. They survive the experience.
Love your photography, by the way.
Claire
I feel exactly the way you do about dogs! However, I really felt that my 4 boys needed a dog because…well, they are boys and it is so American. I prayed very hard about it. God blessed us with a wonderful dog. My boys and husband love her. I can’t tell you the last time I touched her and she is an indoor dog. I could go on and on about what a great addition she is to our family. I could also go on and on about the dog hair and other “dog responsibilities”, but it is worth it. I say pray hard and God will give you a dog you can handle if you need one!
OK, can I totally plug my blog, Emily? Here is the absolute hands-down funniest dog story I have ever read (or written, for that matter). I promise you, by the end, you will know one way or the other if you were meant to own a dog…or at least you’ll laugh.
Here’s my link:
http://6byhisdesign.blogspot.com/2009/02/life-with-2-dogs.html
Blessings,
Karin
I think you would love it…weren’t we just talking about this the other day?
Certainly, research the type of dog. Schnauzers (sp?) don’t shed and are very sweet, and small. There are dogs that don’t shed, and we might be looking for one next time.
That being said, I love my dogs and they are my kids until I have kids.
I don’t think anyone here has to talk you into or out of a dog. I think your daughter will be doing that! She seems quite clever!!
I also never wanted or asked for a dog, I just didn’t have a dog sized hole in my life.
When my husband and I moved in together, he brought his long haired, constantly shedding german shepherd. It was a case of ‘love me, love my dog’ and boy, did I love my husband! So the dog was an inevitability.
And you know what? All her hair over the house (and she has ALOT) and her occasional bladder leaks, and her early habit of chewing only my shoes, and the way she slept on the couch and made it STINK, and all the hassle of moving every two years and having to fund expensive kennels and dog transport and vet fees and registration and, oh my goodness, I could go on and on and on…. I LOVE THAT CRAZY DOG.
She is worth the ‘hassle’. And I know you understand because you have kids, and that means you have done the hard yards, and discovered that the joy they give you back is worth the work!
I was NOT a dog-lover at ALL…I was scared of them (bitten in the face as a child) and had no desire to have one. My boys and hubby really wanted one though and I felt like my kids needed to experience the “boy and his dog” kind of thing. On my oldest son’s birthday, we went to Operation Kindness to find a dog…I looked into the eyes of a cute little minpin and knew he was the one…luckily the rest of my family liked him too. I am unabashedly in LOVE with this dog…he has added such joy to our lives that I can’t imagine life without him…I have become one of those “freaky” dog lovers and now like all my friends’ dogs too….weird how the love of one little pup can change everything!!!! So my advice to you…go for it!
Oh, golly, I’ve been where you are, but the kid was bigger. Now we have a small dog and a larger puppy……it’s a love this/hate this relationship. So I can’t talk you into it, but if you saw your child’s face when she met her soul mate puppy, then you’d melt…..really into a gigantic mommy puddle…..all over the place. So sweet.
Suzanne
shhhh……
don’t tell anyone…..
i don’t like dogs…..
shhhh…….
I’m not a dog person, either. We have two dogs, but they are my husband’s dogs, not mine.
If I HAD to get a dog, I think I would get one of those small lap dogs, like a maltese or a yorkie. You know, the kind that are confused and think they’re a cat?
Good luck!
We have two big dogs with lots of hair. They live inside. If we had small children, they would look like Wookies crawling around. I told hubby pups would have to relocate to the garage as soon as we have children. He bought a Roomba. I believe some people call this compromise.
We have no children, so I would not touch parenting advice with a ten foot pole. As for the hair issue, Roomba’s are a huge help. Now, on to the feeding, training, bathing, walking, loving, and any other verbs that pertain to doggies. Happy debating!
My parents were totally against having an inside dog while we were growing up, but something happened and they gave in about 9 years ago. We got a baby polmeranian/chihuahua mixed dog! She is precious and is like another family member! She can do tricks, is potty trained, is so well-behaved, and isn’t hyper active! We love her!
My dad was the one who was against it the most and he fell in love with her instantly!
I definitely think there is hope for your heart to be softened toward the REAL dog and not pretend dog! haha! A family friend (and mother of 6 children) recently got a dog and her desires/thoughts sound alot like yours when it comes to dogs. She admits now that her heart is softened and she even finds herself loving the dog and being protective of it!
You can do it Emily! haha!
You just have to take your time and find the right one!
I can totally relate. I have a daughter who asks for a dog everyday. And I am not really an animal person. I love animals, just not in my house. Plus my 3 year-old is in a high maintenance mode right now and she is about all I can take.
can’t your husband be responsible for keeping it alive?
if you decide to get one let this many times over dog owner give you some sound advice:
1. get an outside dog or one that doesn’t shed (they do make those).
2. read up on the breeds. you don’t want spastic, you don’t want barky, you want one that leans to the lazy side.
3. read the dog whisperer before you get one and follow all his advice, or decide if you want to follow his advice (if you don’t, don’t get a dog, get a cat).
4. don’t get one that requires grooming (like shaving).
5. i had a dog as a kid and i loved her more than anything. some of my best memories are wrapped up in that little dog and if you can hang on to that you might just survive it. i’m a dog lover x 10 and with kids it’s just so hard to manage them.
I am so a dog person! We always had dogs when I was growing up and I currently have 3. They are all small, but their hearts are HUGE. My smallest dog is a 4 lb Maltese who thinks he’s a Rottweiler. Seriously, if I could rename him, I would call him Napoleon. He’s small, but has BIG plans. I adore his crazy little self. Another is a 14 lb Pekingese who is seriously the sweetest most lovable creature you’ll ever meet. Dumb as a box of rocks (I’m being honest here), but so sweet. Everyone who meets him instantly falls in love with him. My oldest dog is half pug and half shih tzu. My mom says she’s ugly, but to me she is the most beautiful dog I’ve ever owned because she is beautiful inside. She’s sweet, loving, loyal and adores us. She tolerates the other 2 dogs (sometimes I think she even likes them), but we are her family and she is with us 100%. If one of us is sick, she’s going to stay with us (of course this could be because she likes sleeping in the bed) until we’re better. If I’m sad, she’s there for me. We’ve had her for 13 years and she belongs to the family.
Indy loves the dogs. We’ve had the older 2 longer than he’s been alive, so he’s always had them. He would be devastated without the dogs. They play with him, love on him and are his friends.
Dogs take work and commitment, but believe me, the unconditional love you get back is worth every minute of work. We can be gone for 2 hours or 10 minutes and they still greet us at the door like they haven’t seen us in a month. They’re great company too. With children, you want to research your breed. I would suggest a small dog. Many small dogs have long hair (all 3ofmine do), but we get them shaved, so I don’t have too much hair in the house (plus less brushing). Maltese (which are incredibly friendly and good with kids IME) do not have an undercoat, so they don’t shed much. Of course they need sweaters during the winter because they get cold, but they’re so cute in them.
Three is really one too many, but I can’t imagine not having one of them.
I got a dog because when the last baby goes off to kindergarten, I just knew I would be sad. The puppy just turned 1, the baby (of three) goes to kindergarten in a matter of days. But I won’t be alone. And we just got another puppy too. Yes, that is the crazy part–but that one is a long story. So,…we got a small dog that doesn’t shed–cavalier king charles spaniel. 20 lbs. loves loves loves you to death! Shitzu (sp?) are another super nonshedding, small dog. You could put her in your purse on the way to a yardsale!! Cavs don’t need grooming; shitzus might. Pray dear one. I understand the part about keeping it alive. i don’t even have a houseplant. and i have a yard jamm-packed with flowers. but those flowers are outside and I figure God can help keep them alive.
I have an unhelpful, hilarious story for you. My niece was about three years old when her family moved into a new neighborhood for a short while. Their next-door neighbor had a dog that went ballistic every time they would go out on their back deck to play. One day, my sister-in-law was trying to get my niece to go out on the porch, when her extreme nervousness (and older-brother influence) became apparent.
“But Mom, the dog will eat me!”
“No, Elisabeth, the dog won’t eat you,” Amy reassured her daughter.
“But the dog will bark at me!”
“Yes, Elisabeth, the dog will probably bark at you.”
“Can we shoot the dog?”
HA! Now that’s a story I can relate with, Kelly! I laughed out loud!
You are all so helpful! And so serious about your dogs, my goodness. This is fascinating…
just say NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…for now. of course, this is only my opinion. have had dogs, loved them dearly. let them go due to an overseas move, now love not having them and the distraction of added responsibility. my three daughters are enough. please wait. give your soul room to breathe in the newness of kindergarten. be fully engaged with your sweet girls when they arrive home and tell tales of newness of their world at school…there is time still.
The pretend idea of a dog also doesn’t poop in the yard or need to go to the Vet…
they change lives in such profound ways that you cannot possibly know until you love one ….please try it
http://www.redorgray.com/2009/04/for-me-by-redorgray-on-flickr.html
When we don’t have a dog, I miss having a dog and want one, when we do have a dog, I sometimes wish we didn’t have one.
To me, the dog’s temperament is a zillion times more important than it’s size.
Get one. That way we don’t have to.
I am not a dog lover, either. I have no desire for anything else I may have to feed, clean/clean up after, or take care of! The hair, the smells, and lots of other things I can think of, just aren’t appealing to me. My kids ask about once a week for a dog and I tell them when they get their own homes they can have whatever they want in them. All three claim they will have dogs:)
Emily,
Had to join in. Everybody has 2 cents worth of something they want to say, don’t they? Here’s mine. My daughter and I worked in organized rescue for over three years and helped start a new rescue in Mecklenburg County. Our family fostered many wonderful dogs pulled from the Char-Meck shelter and found them awesome homes with awesome families.
Dogs need training, boundaries, love, and consistent routines. They will love you uncoditionally for the rest of your life. I E_N_C_O_U_R_A_G_E you to go through rescue or save a homeless dog from the shelter. There are all kinds.-every kind! But, do it for what “you can do for the dog.” Not the other way around. It’s the same with children. We don’t have kids for what they can do for us. We have children for what we can do for them, and to honor God in doing it. Even getting a canine member is a forever decision and commitment. God looks at our stewardship of everything He has made.
done!
The one issue I think that saddens most people who work with rescue and rehabbing/rehoming dogs is that families are looking for a dog for what it might do for them, add to their lives, or bring into the fabric and makeup of their home. So, that being said “in a nutshell”, (wow , I did good!!) I would encourage you and hopefully inspire you to sit down as a family and TALK about getting a dog, WHY you want to get a dog, and how the responsibilities would break down for EVERY member in the house. They are furry , yes, they get dirty and smelly from rolling on a dead worm or mole, yes, they need care and attention. They are pack animals. They crave being around other members of their group, they bark!…they have accidents, they shed,…but dogs and kids are a LOT alike. Our kids just have souls.
Too many people throw their animals away when they get fed up. I may be wrong, but I think we will answer for that. If God made them, then they are special. well…that must be 10 cents worth. Bless you for considering giving a dog a home. If and when you decide, be committed 100% for better or worse, and don’t do it before. Oh, and one more thing…I highly recommend you have fencing before you do. This is the biggest downfall of a dog’s life. I can’t stress this enough. This is the biggest aggravator for families is that they can’t just turn the dog out on its own to run and relieve itself. It has to be attached to a leash and a human or it will run off. And in rescue we asked people to please not add a dog to their family and then put in out in a yard to stay all of its life. “pack” animals…
too long a comment, but couldn’t help myself. I got burnt out in rescue. It just got too sad for me. But I LOVE MY DOGS!!!!
So, adding a dog is a stewardship decision for a family.
Hope this helps a little. Read below….and God’s blessings on you.
http://faithgraceandjoy.blogspot.com/2009/03/furry-sources-of-love.html
Husband and I are both allergic, so we’ll likely never have one unless we live on acres of land in the country and it can be an outdoor dog. Even then, I don’t want the responsibility. I grew up with a cat, and even changing the litter and feeding him proved to be too much sometimes. My mom ended up doing all the work; I remember that. So, even if kids (or husbands) whine and beg and promise they’ll take care of the dog, chances are strong that you’ll end up being mommy to another, hairier, kid!
Oh, and p.s., every time I see a human out following a dog around and picking up its poop in a bag, it makes me laugh. Those dogs have it MADE. They seem to be far superior to man, making them do that.
I didn’t want a dog either. All the work, shedding, and barking. I don’t like dogs. But my husband brought home a puppy one day. I hated her for the first month we had her. She nipped, she chewed the kids’ toys, she was totally out of control, she ran away every time we opened the door. I begged my husband to take her back. He almost did one day, but I couldn’t let him for some reason. But then she grew from a puppy into an adult dog. The problem habits went away. And now she is the sweetest dog I have ever seen. She doesn’t bark. She sheds very little and I don’t have to vacuum more than once a week. We can take her places without a leash because she doesn’t wander far, doesn’t bother other people, and always comes when called. She is gentle with the kids and eager to please. She nevers has accidents. She never chews.
I still hate other people’s dogs. But we were blessed with the one we got. I don’t want to talk you into getting a dog because you never know when you will get one of those dogs with all the bad habits. But it was a blessing for this family.
You know how I feel about my dog… she’s my first born and nothing (not even Nathan) can change that. Once you let a dog into your heart, train it right, and learn to look past some not so great things (like dog hair) oh my goodness, it’s SOOOOOOOOOOOO worth it! Of course you knew I would say that.
Dogs are a big committment, there is no doubt about that. They need to be fed, watered, looked after, let out/in (unless you have a doggy door) taken to the vet, etc. But like others have said, they will love you and return your favors with adoration, companionship, protection (either in the form of size or just barking when people show up at the house) and so many other things. My husband and I have both always had dogs, so it’s no surprise that we now have 2–a yellow lab and a great dane. Not only are they 100% part of our family, but we would all be crushed if anything happened to either one of them. They watch after our girls, they play together, they inform us of visitors (and in our Dane’s case, she’s very protective against strangers) but we live in the country and the dogs have room to run. My parents no longer have dogs b/c with their jobs and us kids no longer home to help, they just can’t support a dog. They are a bit sad, but the dogs were more for us kids anyway.
What I’m trying to say is, every situation is different and every dog is different. If this is something your family really wants to do, do your research and only your family can make this decision.
Oh, and I’m going to be posting a pic and video on my blog today about our puppy (the Great Dane) and her playdate with a mini dachsund…hilarious! http://ourlifewith3daughters.blogspot.com
I will admit I am a dog person. I love dogs. My mom bred Yorkshire Terriers when I was growing up, but as an adult I have two Labs and a Weimaraner. As someone who has had both, I say get a bigger dog. The Yorkies we had when I was growing up really didn’t like children, but my dogs now let kids climb all over them and sit on them and ride them. Kids want a dog they can play with… lap dogs are great for adults but not so much for kids. I would research dog breeds and then find a rescue group that specializes in that type of dog. There are many benefits to this… you know the dogs personality before you bring it home, it’s house trained and you don’t have to go through puppyhood. You also know how it will be around children as well and generally how well it will do off leash. Can you tell I work with animal rescue? If you do decide to get a dog… I will be happy to help you! It’s a big decision and you definitely have to be 1000% on board with it, but I don’t think you will regret it!
My sister is not a dog person per say. She has a large family and many responsibilities. A couple years ago my nephew and his mom were moving to England and of course couldn’t take their yellow lab. He asked my sister to keep it. She said yes thinking that the dog would be more for her kids than her. Callie, the dog, became fiercely attached to my sister. When you go over to her house and can’t find her look for the big yellow dog. About a year ago my sister’s oldest son was killed tragically. While my sister has her husband and children and us, her extended family, she still ends up being alone sometimes. Callie is always by her side or on the bed. She never has to be alone. God knew that Callie was going to be needed and for that we are very thankful. Even though we know God is always with us sometimes it’s nice to have a warm body there too.
btw- my husband is not a dog person so we have a cat. They shed just as much and there’s no fierce loyalty. lol
I like how you refer to them as “the dogs.” When you get one, you will drop the “the.” Or replace it with MY. And a big heart on each end.
I just got my first inside pooch. I AM IN LOVE. We inherited her from friends going to Hong Kong for missions, and she is 7 years old. An American Bulldog. Beautiful and beefy. Sweet as a lamb but strong as an ox. Her ONLY flaw is that she sheds, and if we used the little rubber brush on her daily, we’d have much less to complain about.
But even this is a plus, because my husband sees it as his personal chore to clean the floors behind her. Now I don’t have to do floors anymore!
If you cave (which i bet you will), you will find that just like people wonder if there is room in their hearts for one more child, you will be madly in love with a new baby that found his way into your home/heart.
ps – you may not want to get a puppy! they are fun but a whole ‘nother level of commitment
You’re barking up the wrong tree with me. HA!! We had two different dogs when I was little, and I didn’t care for either. The hair, the barking, the feeding, the walking, the LICKING… not a fan. But I’ll put money on the fact that one of these days you’ll cave. Just don’t call me to dogsit. We have other friends for that.
HA.
I am SO in your boat. Except my hubby came home with a free lab-mix puppy this spring. Our backyard is HUGE and fenced. So he stays out there and isn’t allowed in the house at all except to walk to his kennel at night. It really hasn’t been much trouble at all for me. Andy walks him occasionally (I mean, our yard is huge, he can run out there just fine) and trains him, etc. The kids feed him and love on him — OUTSIDE.
I am in this same predicament right now. My son asks for a dog everyday. I am not a huge animal person but I am just afraid of the commitment to a dog. I feel like I have my hands full with a 5 year old boy. I know I would be the one who would be walking, feeding and doing most of the care. I am trying to hold my son off as long as possible.
We JUST brought our very first dog into our family and we have been married for 13 years.
Check him out: http://alittlebitoftlc.blogspot.com/ My husband has wanted a dog from day one. For the most part, until now, I have thought that dogs were just “okay”…but this little critter has just melted my heart. I still do not really consider myself to be a dog person…but, I love our new little dog. Anyway, we now live in a house instead of in an apartment and our daughter is almost three and is coming out of the stage where she hugs and pets dogs/animals too hard. 
For us, this was the “right” time to bring a dog into our home. Because I am not a die hard dog lover, it was really, really important for me to research, research and research some more. I knew that a big dog was not for me. I wanted a fairly calm dog, a dog that had a SWEET temperment and was going to be sweet and gentle with our daughter and I wanted a dog that was “cute” in my eyes (sounds superficial, I know…but that was important to me). I narrowed my breed choices down to 4. We ended up purchasing a 2 year old pug from a breeder who was going to use him as a stud but then changed her mind and decided to go with a different stud instead. I LOVE that we were able to purchase a 2 year old dog instead of a new puppy! He is already housebroken, he has spent his entire life in a home with young children, we were able to witness his temperment before bringing him home and he is SO SWEET, gentle, quirky and fun…I just could not have asked for a better dog for our daughter and for our family. Yes, he sheds…but I have a really great vacuum. 
Before we brought our dog home, my husband and I sat down and had a chat about dividing up the various responsibilities and so far, our chit chat has really helped! Take care and God bless.
My hubby was anti-dog, just like you. My son and I had resigned ourselves to the fact that we would never be dog owners. To my complete surprise, when our son turned four, he impulsively bought a puppy from one of the shelters in our town.
Yes, Brick, our now 80 pound dog sheds like crazy. Yes, he scatters his food and dribbles his water all over my clean floors. Yes, I am the one who has to feed, brush, walk, scoop the poop, take him to the vet, and do all the dog parenting things.
That said, we couldn’t imagine life without Brick. He has managed to turn my hubby into a dog lover.
My advise would be to proceed slowly. Do your research to find out what kind of dog would be best suited to your family. If you decide to get a dog, make sure you take the time to train it. Dogs are pack animals and are naturally looking for someone to take charge. If the owners don’t become the leader, the dog will, which is never a good situation for anyone involved. Check out the Dog Whisperer (http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/)… He knows what he is talking about.
Our girls, 8 and 6, started asking for a dog last fall. We have yet to give in.
I grew up with collies (well, one at a time – we replaced each one as it ran away or met some other untimely fate). We kept our dog outside and that’s where we kids went to play with it. My husband and I had a cockapoo indoors for about eight years prior to our girls being born.
I do think a dog is a wonderful pet. It’s the practical side of me that fights it. I remember paying for the vet visits, the grooming, the dog food and treats, flea protection, heartworm pills and the boarding fees when we went out of town. Every time I review that list, I talk myself out of it. For now, at least….
I cannot help you. I am also cold and un-American. No dogs here. Just a couple of non-shedding hermit crabs that even young children can keep alive.
Never would have imagined in a million years (before I got Shelby) that I would be saying this…my dog has changed my life. My husband bought me this little Yorkie when I was sick with depression to get me out of bed. She has licked my tears, snuggled with me when I wouldn’t let anybody else, and rejoiced over the sight of me every single time I step foot in my house. How can you not love that? The good news…she is small and so are her messes AND she doesn’t shed…no dog hair to breathe.
Emily, my husband and I feel like you do – we like going on vacation and not having to worry about what to do with the dog, only cleaning up after ourselves and others who use our house, and not paying for the vet bills, pet deposits, food, etc. There are a lot of wonderful dog stories out there, many of them in your comments! I think it’s ok to not be in love with dogs, though.
We have a yellow lab. Remember Marley? Yep, thats how our dog is! But…he is such a good friend for my children. They love him and he loves them uncondtionally. He is an outside dog. Well that and the laundry room on really cold nights. Rocket, teaches my kids one very important lesson. Responsiblity. If they don’t feed him he is hungry. It is a pain sometimes, but the truth is the lessons far outweigh the negative. That and no cats ever poop in my yard!
I was never a dog person, either. Then, when our daughter was about six, we got a Golden Retriever. Gorgeous puppy, massive shedding machine, sunny personality. She attacked my daughter some months later and had to be put down–it absolutely broke our hearts. The poor pup apparently had a tumor in her brain.
I went back to being a non-dog person, until we adopted Duffy, a miniature schnauzer, from the Humane Society. He was so sweet, loving, protective…and we learned, to our delight, that miniature schnauzers don’t shed, nor do they have that distinctive ‘doggy odor’. He was our faithful companion until he died from a tumor in his belly.
Then we bought Harley, our little girl mini-schnauzer. She is my shadow, ever since my first cancer diagnosis in 2005. Never far from my side, or from between my feet when I’m at my desk, she is my constant companion. She sleeps right up against me at night, and I often awake during the night to find her standing, leaning against me, with her little head on my hip. I’ll pet her and she’ll sigh and settle back down to sleep. I absolutely adore this dog and cannot imagine my life without her. She is our built-in alarm system; no one could possibly get into our house without our knowing about it! But she’s very social and if we tell her someone is okay, she will fall in love with that person instantly, lol.
I guess it just takes the right dog, but we all love this one, our precious Harley girl. She is a gift straight from the Lord, as far as I’m concerned.
Psssst… I’m also a non-dog person. For the same reasons stated. I just don’t have the energy to care for one more living being. My older son wanted a dog when he was little. We gave him a brother instead.
Sorry, can’t help talk you into a dog. I feel the same way you do!
I was RIGHT where you are this time last year. But I finally realized I was being selfish and had no GOOD reason for not wanting a dog. I did lay down a few guidelines: no shedding, already trained, etc. and we began the search.
A few months later Sofie found us (from a wonderful poodle rescue in Florida! We had her flown to MD.) and we LOVE HER!! She doesn’t shed, she was a year old so she was still a puppy but not crazy. We love her to death and I can’t imagine life without her. I would encourage you to give it a try. You’ll be glad you did!!
Jen
MD
Well I am a dog lover – my family got its first dog when I was about 5 – a sweet little cuddly Maltese who was just right for my two sisters and I – very little shedding and very patient with our costumes and our kisses and our plots to enter him in doggy game shows on tv. Shih-tzus are also great for little girls, with no shedding and very little barking (which is great for parents). Dogs are work – the training and feeding and general care – and they can be a nuisance, but they will also come and love on you when you are sick (they can tell, somehow), and give you lots of kisses and cuddles, and warm your cold, un-American heart with their sweet faces and slavish devotion.
In most cases.
P.S. I also vote for a rescue dog
If you’ve never had a dog then no, I don’t think I can talk you into getting one.
There’s no way for a never-had-a-dog person to understand the love they give back, the adoring, the satisfaction, the laughs, the lower blood pressure, the extra exercise that balances the hair, the messes, the vet bills, the inconvenience.
And to a child the good extremely out weighs the bad.
Every good thing requires upkeep and work.
I waited a long time to get a dog, but am SO glad I did…now I cannot imagine NOT having one…I saw someone mentioned a Cavalier King Charles spaniel earlier…that’s what I have and they are GREAT dogs…very easy to train…they are complete ‘people’ dogs – just want to be where you are…very sweet / mellow – mine actually gets to come to work with me every day and just hang out in the office…and everyone loves him! They get along great with kids too.
You must have a dog. MUST!
I have three (two big outside “watch” dogs and one inside “diva” dog.) There is nothing like coming home from a long day (or even a short day…dogs have no concept of time!) and being greeted with warm eyes, joyful bouncing and happy kisses. Dogs worship the ground you walk on and love unconditionally. I’ve also read that studies have shown that kids who grow up with dogs have fewer cases of asthma and allergies. Worked for me!
Did I convince you?!
I’m a dog person and have always had a dog except for a few years when mourning the loss of one. Right now, I have a Yorkie who is like my kid and loved by everyone in my extended family. He ‘spends the night’ with my nephews often and visits other family members when I travel.
My suggestion is that you puppy-sit a young dog for a week and then dog-sit an older dog for a week. This will give you (and the family) an idea of what dogs are really like. (And help out a friend or two!) Small dogs are different from big dogs. Also, a trained dog is a happy dog! Trust me on this.
I won’t try to talk you into getting a dog but if you are serious about possibly adding a dog to the family, do a trial run at first. There are dog breeds that have minimal shedding or grooming required. I can’t help you on the going out of town part except that it could be a ‘family’ dog who visits other family member’s homes when you are on vacation. It lets them experience the joy of your pet.
Good luck on your decision!
I never had a dog growing up. Always been on indifferent on how I feel about them. I acquired one when I got The Man 9 years ago. I never really totally bonded with him. I felt he was a nuisance most times, especially his dog hair. He passed away in Jan. I cried my eyes out and felt a HUGE loss. However, I will not be getting another one anytime soon. He drove me crazy and I have to remember all the things I did not like about having a dog. I’m sure I will have to cave at some point…so I’ll enjoy my dog free days for now.
Emily,
You can HAVE mine! I’ll even throw in his bed, bowls, food and favorite Elmo toys. He weighs 85 pounds, is 6ish years old, and a black lab/retriever rescued from the pound 3 years ago. Duke is (usually)sweet,fixed,micro-chipped,housebroken,and yeah,I’ll admit it,hairy.
He LOVES little girls, especially ones named – - – and – - – - – -. He would love to have a “daddy” who plays fetch with his torn Elmo and gave him some exercise. If you want to give him a try, we take our beach vacation in September! Let me know, friend!
There are many great comments here on both sides of the issue. I think Julie Smith had much good advice for you. I would say if you are going to get a dog, get one from a rescue shelter and think of the good you would be doing for a homeless dog and for your children. If you do get a dog, please be sure not to just leave it outside, neglected and lonely. Remember that dogs (and all animals) have feelings just like we humans do. They experience: hurt feelings, loneliness, effects of the weather (heat, cold, rain), sickness, pain, fear, frustration, anger, anxiety, happiness, excitement, etc. Like someone else stated, they are perpetual children. They need the same love you provide for your own children.
I say pray hard about it and go from there.
There are many great comments here on both sides of the issue. I think Julie Smith had much good advice for you. I would say if you are going to get a dog, get one from a rescue shelter and think of the good you would be doing for a homeless dog and possibly for your children.
If you do get a dog, please be sure not to just leave it outside, neglected and lonely. Remember that dogs (and all animals) have feelings just like we humans do. They experience: hurt feelings, loneliness, effects of the weather (heat, cold, rain), sickness, pain, fear, frustration, anger, anxiety, happiness, excitement, etc. Like someone else stated, they are perpetual children. They need the same love, discipline and protection you provide for your own children.
I say pray hard about it and go from there.
I always said NEVER! NEVER would I have a dog! Well, one night in a pet store, I saw a little runt in the corner of a crate with other puppies. Little rescued balls of fluff, but that little one hooked me no time. Assured by the salesperson, that if I wasn’t happy, I could bring her back within 24 hours. I was sure I would be back by the following sundown… that was 8 years ago.
She is like a person. We actually have to spell out T-R-E-A-T, P-A-R-K, and B-A-T-H. She loves unconditionally, and our metabolism changed at the same time (so now we exercise together). She really is part of the family, which is something I never thought I would say. They are a lot of responsibility, but it sounds like you would have some great help!
I can’t tell you how much getting Murphy Grace has enhanced my life since we got him in April. Yes, he complicates it too, but the lift in my mood, the exercise that I am getting and just the great laughs are worth the complications. He just came up and gave me a kiss as I wrote this, priceless.
Others have said it, but let me say it too….If you decide, as a family, to go down this road please check the local shelters. Mixed breeds often have less health problems and it just feels great to save a little furry life. If house training scares you, you can do what we did and get a dog that is a bit older. Puppies are cute, but I didn’t want to deal with piddle on the floor. Murphy Grace was a bit over a year old, so he is still a lot of puppy, but he knew to bang on the door when he had to go out.
He is also a great protector. We live on a fairly large property and he never fails to let me know when someone is coming up the drive or walking along the fence line.
The idea of a dog: cute, cuddly, frolicking in the yard
Reality of a dog: hair everywhere, high maintenance, drooling
Even so, it sounds like your kids and man would be in heaven with a new friend around! Might be worth it for that reason.
My aunt and uncle have a “puggle,” a mix between a beagle and a pug. It doesn’t shed much and doesn’t get too big. She was so dang cute. She rings a bell when she needs to go out…witnessed this and was in total shock. I left wanting one, which means it was fairly low maintenance compared to other dogs.
Good luck!
oh Emily…I suppose you hit a nerve here, huh? How fun!
I have to add my “how I came to own a dog” story. You inspired me to post on it.
http://dawnsgoodlife.blogspot.com/2009/08/and-they-call-it-puppy-love.html
Hope you have a chance to read it…
Dogs love you no matter what you look like, what kind of mood you are in, and what you’ve done for them lately.
They are happy to see you whether you just took out the trash, or just came back from a 2 week vacation.
They aren’t sarcastic, know-it-all, or moody.
I.love.dogs.
=)
Oh, it’s my Happy! I love the photos your took of him! He really “found” us without a lot of looking. We were about to get married when someone abandonded him at LeGrande’s workplace. It’s a retirement community and so I guess the abandoner figured he’d have a home with an older person. One of them found him, fed him roast beef, and called L to come look at him. L fell in love and asked me if I wanted for him to bring the dog home. I said no- I didn’t want to have a dog and 2 cats when we got married. Then I met Happy and that was it. I fell in love too, and LeGrande brought him home. When we married 2 months later and I came to the house, it was awesome! Happy doesn’t get all the attention he used to before Jack came, but he’s a good, good dog. I think he knows that we rescued him from being abandoned and he loves us for that. It’s great. We love him b/c he found us. I totally reccomend a dog like that- none of that pet shop pedigree business. Mutts from the pound are great!
Emily,
!
I never leave comments…I have no idea what I am doing…am I typing in the right place? Anyways, two words, golden-doodle. The wonderful characteristics of a golden retriever, but the non-shedding qualities of a poodle. There is something about making sure you get a couple generations out from the poodle side and then they look more like golden retrievers…does that make any sense at all?!? I think it sounds weird, but that is what I have been told. My girls told me last week that since Matty was “almost dead”, they thought we should start looking for a new one. Our girls could walk these beasts together
I might not be able to convince you, but I can tell you that excluding human relationships with my children and husband, I have never loved anything more than my dogs. Right now we have three dogs (Chihuahua, Pomeranian and Lab) and they delight me every day. They are a lot of work but the rewards are huge.
You sound like me…about 3 months ago. Part of our moving deal included getting a dog. And low and behold we had a fence and everything in our new yard. Just don’t do what I did…go to the shelter for 1 small indoor dog and come home with 2 labs who are brothers and couldn’t bear to be parted. I had to call the shelter, beg for forgiveness of my emotional decision and take them back. They were not what my family had agreed on. We wanted a small indoor dog. So we went a searching together as a family to 2 shelters…and there she was. The most perfect little pocket beagle you ever saw. I love her with all my heart. She is a sweet cuddly thing…who loves me unconditionally! I could not imagine NOT having her. I had to be the one finally sold out for the dog. So will you…she will really be yours. But keep that on the down low from your family.
We got our sweet dog from a family that was moving and couldn’t keep him. It was perfect for me because I knew I didn’t want to do all of the puppy work. I kept telling my kids that if I could handle a puppy I’d have another baby instead. But a grown up all trained Airedale Terrier has been perfect. Look for one of those. And a little secret, it’s weird, but sometimes God will teach you and comfort you through that dumb dog.
I am so with you on the dog thing. But I have a great story where God intervened.
My son has wanted a dog for ages. He used to pray every single night “and God, please let me get a dog” and without a pause I’d quickly add “when he’s 18″, thinking I had it covered. One day my son changed his prayer, saying “And God, please let me get the perfect dog in the perfect time”. Rats!! What can I add to that?? A big fat nothing is the answer.
So what happened? God started to do a work in my heart and I started softening in my thoughts about dogs. Started looking in the paper for a dog that would seem appropriate, started checking out the pounds in our area, asking around, etc. We checked out books on compatible dog/people combos. Eventually I was the main driving force in the dogventure.
Anyway, last Mother’s Day (oh, the irony) someone from our church suddenly thought us as she was looking for someone to take some of the puppies they had bred to get another female for their working cattle ranch. We went down and chose one and we love that dog, with me possibly loving him more than my son even does.
So the moral of my story is to watch out for kid prayers. They pack a wallop. Good luck on your animal adventures!
So. I love dogs. I adore our dog. When our old doggy died, we were dogless for like 3 months. I had the weirdest empty feeling the whole time. I would definitely advise getting one
And if you get a smaller one (not too too small -i don’t much care for little yappy dogs)… and there are dogs that don’t shed much too… All the dogs my family’s ever had shed a lot. And it’s a bit annoying, but I’ve grown up pretty much my whole life with a house with dog hair… 
So yea. Get a dog 
I’m sure you’ll learn to love it 
I laughed when I read this, because I am NOT a dog person, yet last fall, we adopted a sweet goldendoodle named Sully. My kids are 5 and 6 and at ‘that’ age where the dog questions came daily. I never had dogs growing up and didn’t know anything about them! We caved and brought Sullivan home from a rescue organization and he has been a part of our family ever since. Are dogs a lot of work? YES! Sometimes more than children (who is going to watch the dog while we go away this weekend? I have to be gone all day, can he stay in the crate for 8 hours? watch those flip flops left by the door, they’re his favorite!), but I would not trade a second of watching my kids giggle and play with him in the backyard or snuggle with him during a movie. The fact that we got him from a rescue organization and he had a really sad start to life makes him even sweeter. He is so grateful and lovable and we adore him. Get a dog! From one non-dog lover to another, you won’t regret it.
Oh, but the dog hair? That’s why we got one that doesn’t shed! Another great decision.
I have a 7 year old boy and a 3 year old girl. We got my son a miniature dachsund for his 1st birthday, but “Frank” was given away after 4 months of “I cannot take the messes on the floor” and “all my shoes have been chewed up!”
My husband has spent the past five years figuring out where exactly my doggie weakness is, and last month on a Sunday afternoon he said let’s go for a drive. So we took the kids and ended up on a farm to “look” at the english bulldog puppies. We now have Lilly who was 10 pounds when we got her, is 17 now, and will probably be 50 pounds by Christmas.
She poops and pees on the floor but the instances are getting scarce, she sheds a bit, she chews. But she is precious. She loves me the most. She lets me carry her around the house like a baby being burped.
Just go for it. I am not a dog person at all. My kids love the dog, my husband loves the dog, I love the dog too.