A friend of ours has a litter of Basset pups and offered one to us "at cost" because they know we lost our beloved hound about three years ago to old age. I know these are good people with wonderful dogs. Here's the clincher: I have three kids ages 11.5 months, 3 years, and 9 years. I know my 9 year old would help out lots because she loves animals, and a neighbour came down with an illness that lasted several months and my daughter walked their dog dilligently 3-4 times a day, fed him, cleaned up after him, everything and never asked for anything in return. That being said, I am going out of my mind with these kids as it is. My husband works long hours and I rarely get a break. My doctor says I am depressed - which I already knew. I was depressed when we got our 1st dog, and she helped me greatly by getting me out for walks and being cute. My daughter was 11 months old then and we had nothing bad happen. I would like another pooch, but I don't want the puppy to suffer. Advice?
2006-06-16 10:46:52 · 15 answers · asked by ? 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We lost our dog to heart disease. I typed old age because I was thinking it was so unfair she was not really an old dog(...she never reached old age, was my exact thought). I'm dumb.
2006-06-16 11:00:45 · update #1
If you're hesitating(& you obviously are or you wouldn't be posting-especially here) then you know the answer should be DON'T do it.There's always another dog available somewhere...at a better time.
2006-06-16 12:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
I don't know how qualified I am since I don't have children, but I'll give it a shot anyway........I think your kids are at the perfect age to take on a majority of the resposibility with a new pet. And it's just my opinion that all kids should have a pet. It teaches them responsibility, accountability and compassion for another being because pets are totally dependent on humans (except cats; just throw a bowl of food down and a clean litter box and their happy for the most part). I'm sure your life is in perpetual motion and depression can make it even worse. But I think pets are good for what ails you, too, if you know what I mean. This is not my business and you don't have to respond, but have you tried to do anything for your depression? I heard that there a lots of good medications that work very well and life is just to short to feel depressed. I've never had to deal with depression, so I'm totally not qualified to comment
2006-06-16 11:04:10 · answer #2 · answered by wenda w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Taking a dog for a walk is good exercise. Exercise is an excellent way to fight the effects of depression. If having a dog before helped with your depression, then there is a possibility that getting another may as well. With a daughter as responsible as yours sounds to be, you wouldn't be saddled with all of the care of the puppy. Plus, kids and puppies go together so well, that it seems unlikely that the pup would suffer.
2006-06-16 10:56:04 · answer #3 · answered by colorados_lost_rose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I have 7 children ages 11 down to 8 months. We're getting a puppy tomorrow (my stepdad's dog had puppies and we're getting pick of the litter for free).
My friends think I'm crazy, but my dd is old enough now to help a lot. So are my other children (well the olders). I figure I'll have to spend a few minutes several times a day to train the puppy, but I know it will give me lots of love for years to come.
I do think there are more positives in your situation than negatives.
2006-06-16 11:00:13 · answer #4 · answered by momofkings 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would get the dog. You already dealt with one once, so it's not like you haven't done this before. Pets can be a great source of comfort. I just lost both my dogs and am looking for a new pup. Go with your gut. If you really want a new dog, why not? Maybe she will help pull you out of your funk? Playing, training, puppy breath! Think of all the good things! Plus it will help keep the kids occupied over summer break! Good Luck.
2006-06-16 10:55:32 · answer #5 · answered by purrpletoad 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have your hands full, but it also sounds like your oldest is a good helper. I think having the dog will (hopefully) continue to teach your kids about responsibility. But then again I don't have kids so I don't know about that.
I did have depression, and my dog helps A LOT with that.
My advice - if you can, try to dog sit someone's dog in your home while they're on vacation or something, and see how it goes, to see if you can handle a dog right now.
2006-06-16 10:57:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous61245 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think getting another dog would be great for you and your kids, it will help relieve your stress and and help your depression and it would help the kids busy and away from you. plus it will help your 2 youngest learn to respect and how to care for animals it will also keep them entertained when you are too distracted ( even the Baby!), All that you would have to worry about is how your two youngest will react to the new pooch and if you can pay for a dog house and/or dog-food,toys,beds ext.- otherwise i say go for it my dogs really help when im feeling depressed i think it will help you and your family.
2006-06-16 11:01:41 · answer #7 · answered by shooting_star_farie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have a 9-year old who is responsible, and you're careful about the baby, I think it might be okay, especially if the dog can help ease your depression. But if things go bad, don't be afraid to say you can't handle the dog in the house. Send him to a shelter if you have to.
2006-06-16 10:53:51 · answer #8 · answered by spacejohn77 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be prepared to care for the dog on your own. If the helping occurs, great. As someone that works for an animal sanctuary & had three of her own animals to care for, I would advocate that you really think about whether or not you can dedicate a great deal of time to caring for the animal. Have you thought of visiting a local humane society, shelter & adopting an older dog?
2006-06-16 10:52:08 · answer #9 · answered by shanco01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely go for it. Animal companionship helps kids learn compassion, and helps in depressions cases (some psychlogists even encourage pets for depressed people). Get a dog that would be great with kids and have a ball.
2006-06-16 10:55:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I've had several clients with emotional issues who had pets as therapy and there is something to the unconditional love and support they give a person. But this is really a family decision and more importantly a personal one.
Good Luck,
A concerned DVM
2006-06-16 11:04:36 · answer #11 · answered by rabbitwhisperer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋