Getting a Dog?

IMG_3673I’m thinking of getting a dog. I’ve never had one, except for four months when the kids were young. I’m ready for unconditional love…for those little eyes staring at me innocently and with love, for walks and discovery together, for doggy parks and sharing stories with humans at the other end of the leash.

My friend works at an animal shelter and is going to look out for one for me. I’m thinking of mid-size or smaller, little or no shedding, smart, lovable. It’s time for me to open up to a new experience and relationship. I’m looking forward to picking the right one, and having the right one pick me.

Do you have any suggestions for me? What do you love, or hate, about your dog?

 

 

 

14 Responses to “Getting a Dog?”

  1. Anne Sweeney

    Great, Ellie! If possible, a Bichon Frisee or small poodle mix sounds perfect for you. We have two rescues and love them dearly. One is a midsize Tibetan terrier mix who doesn’t shed or bark too much, but he jumps on people and wants to play constantly. So we accepted a female playmate for him. She’s a chihuahua/Jack Russell mix, very catlike & cuddly but sheds a lot and is very yappy & hyper.Good & not so good traits about both. I would recommend a slightly older dog who doesn’t need constant playing, midsize or smaller and nonshedding is perfect. Mixed breeds tend to be healthier & calmer than pure breds. Whoever you rescue will love you forever.

    Reply
    • Ellie Dolgin

      Thanks so much for the advise, Anne and Barbara. Those are really good suggestions.

      Reply
  2. Barbara Hinz

    Good idea! No advice except go down to the shelters and let the hearts of you and your new family member find each other. Have no worries about big or small, just lots of love. You’ll both know right away. <3

    Reply
  3. Charlotte

    Totally agree with Barbara’s above comment! Go to the shelter to check them out every so often. You will find the perfect pooch for you. So glad you are going the shelter route. Also, check online. There are plenty of rescue groups out there! I volunteer for one locally, but I have to admit, I can not foster! No way could I give them up once I’ve had them!! More positives then negatives in having a “furever” pet! Good luck and keep us posted!

    Reply
    • Ellie Dolgin

      I just spoke with Rebecca who shed some new light on the subject. All comments are welcome!

      Reply
  4. Christine E

    I agree about going to a shelter and getting a mixed breed. I think it is very important, no matter which one you chose or which one choses you – find out the original purpose of that breed. If you get a working dog – then they really want to be put to use and have purpose and if you can’t help to fill that need in them they definitely feel that emotionally. The comittment is a long term one and you will need to consider how much you want to travel and how you will deal with that.
    Lastly if you are unsure – there is another option, you can volunteer for the 1st year socialization of a guide dog. You get the puppy, train them, socialize them, they get to go everywhere with you when they are working (wearing their vest) then you give them back for the next phase of training in about a year to a year and a half. It sounds gut wrenching to give up your dog after that time, but the graduation to a young child with disabilities or an elderly person helps with the difficulty. Then you can either do it again or you will definitely know if you want a long term commitment.
    The saddest thing in the world is to see the dogs in the shelters that were given back and have a much harder time being adopted at an older age. I know you will make a thoughtful choice.

    Reply
    • Ellie Dolgin

      Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Christine. I know that foster care is also an option. I really need to think this through.

      Reply
      • Barbara Hinz

        It kind of makes your head spin a bit, a simple thought of opening your heart and home to a dog has suddenly grown bigger! Take your time, listen to advice but then after being informed, let your heart guide you. I see much joy heading your way!

        Reply
        • Ellie Dolgin

          Yes, it has taken on a life of its own. I guess that much joy could be heading my way whether I decide to get one or not!

          Reply
  5. Stephen Martin

    Defiantly go the shelter route – there are so many animals there looking for homes. They will love you forever. Make sure you get a dog that is larger than a cat. 🙂

    Reply

Leave a Reply

  • (will not be published)

XHTML: You can use these tags: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>