Always as a child I grew up with dogs, my gran had 2 dogs and they were like my best friends, where ever I was the dogs were :( and my mum has had dogs and still has... Now I'm in London I never get to spend time with dogs, I dont have one of my own as I flat share and there is no garden.... I know dogs can be a tie down but I feel if I had a dog I'd be a much happier person....
Do dogs make you happy?
2006-11-15 23:50:18 · 16 answers · asked by me_me 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
If you're in London why don't you make apoint of visiting a dogs home.
Not to purchase, just to say hello to the dogs.
2006-11-15 23:58:45 · answer #1 · answered by Melc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean. I got a dog at the beginning of this year and it's amazing the difference it makes to have a dog around. They make a house a home imo.
You've had some great answers so far, so to follow on from that, if you're interested, here's a list of some rescues local to you that may be worth volunteering at.
Animal Rescue & Care (ARC)
PO Box 46, Twickenham, TW11WG
Tel: 020 8607 9902 Email: arc@animalrescueandcare.org.uk
www.animalrescueandcare.org.uk
Animal Samaritans
PO Box 154, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA16 2WS
Tel: 020 8303 1859
Email: info@animalsamaritans.org.uk
www.animalsamaritans.org.uk
Anim-Mates
80 Pitfold Road, Lee, SE12 9HY (Mail only)
Tel: 020 8355 6888 Email:info@anim-mates.org.uk
www.anim-mates.org.uk
Battersea Dogs Home
4 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4AA
Tel: 020 7622 3626 Fax: 020 7622 6451.
www.dogshome.org
Dogs Trust - West London
Highway Farm, Harvil Road, Harefield, Uxbridge UB9 6JW
Tel: 0845 076 3647
www.dogstrust.org.uk
Enfield Dog Rescue
Palmers Green, London N13
Tel: 020 8886 4117 (before 8 pm)or 020 8376 2363 (after 8 pm)
Email: maryescully@blueyonder.co.uk
Four Legged Friends
The Bothy, Southmere Park, Hartslock Drive, London SE2 9US
Tel: 020 8311 5086 Email: jane@4leggedfriends.org.uk
Hounslow Animal Welfare Society
PO Box 234, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 2QG
Tel: 020 8560 5443
Mayhew Animal Home
Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London NW10 4RE
Tel: 020 8969 0178. Fax: 0208 969 3221
Email: info@mayhewanimalhome.org.uk
www.mayhewanimalhome.org
Rescue Remedies
Ham, Richmond, Surrey
Tel: 020 8549 6494 or 020 7226 8001 (10-7pm - cannot return calls)
Email: xxlynne@btinternet.com
RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor and District Branch
Hillingdon Clinic, 123 Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, Middx, UB10 0LQ
Tel: 01895 833417 Fax: 01895 834461
Email:fundraiser@rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk
www.rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk
Small Terrier Rescue
Gipsy Hill, London SE19
Tel: 020 8670 6565
Maybe you'll find a dog that would be good in your situation. Even if you don't - you'll still spend time with dogs and be doing your bit to help out dogs not fortunate enough to have found a home yet.
Good luck.
2006-11-16 13:49:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
dogs can bring a lot of happiness and pleasure in the right circumstances. however remember if you are out all day they need some one reliable to take them out and amuse them. Bored dogs are noisy and destructive and may self mutilate. dont forget toileting dog poo needs picking up and disposing of hygenically. what happens when you want to go away on the spur of the moment before there has always been some one else to look after them. remember vets bills and feeding costs.
does your flat mate like the idea of a dog and be prepared to accept some responsibility for their wellbeing and discipline (no mixed messges.) is the landlord pet friendly?
having said all that if you tick the right boxes then it is possible for a dog to live in these sort of situations.
discuss the pros and cons with your mother and try talking to the staff at battersea dogs home, consider an older dog of a type that is not overactive or noisy.
perhaps a hose cat may suit better, they can give a lot of love and are more independant.
i would not be without a dog but I live in the country,love walking(miles) have a wife who only works part time and excellent friends who have her for holidays (i also look after their 6 dogs) however London has some great open spaces and heathland and provided you put the commitment in should get lots of hapiness. Just do your research first.
Good luck
2006-11-16 12:00:02 · answer #3 · answered by horti 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am an animal lover. Absolutely dogs make me happy...animals make most people happier in general. I grew up with dogs as well. Even though I wanted a dog really bad in college after I moved away from my family dog, I held off until I graduated. I did have a cat in college but they are much more self sufficient than dogs. (plus he was found and given to me by my best friend...i can't say no to a kitty in need!) I got my dog, Dakota, at a local animal shelter a bit more than a year ago. Yes she is tons of work and requires plenty of attention but the love she gives me is amazing! Make sure you really want to have a dog and are not going to get one on a whim. It's a big commitment but full of rewards. Consider the time it takes for walks and play time as well as money for food, toys, vet visits and care when you travel. Also, if you have a flat mate, make sure they don't mind. If you do get a dog, try your local animal shelter. All rescue animals never forget you saved them.
Best of luck to you!
2006-11-16 09:35:17 · answer #4 · answered by sarahalyse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm in london and i have a labrador. I wouldn't change him for the world but it is a lot of work. I have to get up at 6 am to walk him before I go to work and then come straight home and take him again. Wind rain or shine he still needs to go out. Heis a big dog and maybe is maybe more work than a little one, you can't just go for drinks after work without getting someone to take him out and feed him and arranging it with them.
On the other hand, my dog is worth it as he makes me really happy. he's always happy yo see me and I wouldn't be without him now.
2006-11-16 12:18:32 · answer #5 · answered by fel t 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs make you very happy. As you are not in the right place to have one at the moment (sensible decision) How about helping out at a local animal shelter? They are always looking out for people to help them walk, groom and generally help socialise the dogs. You will also be in the best place to get one when you are ready to have a dog of your own again!
2006-11-16 08:10:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Instead of having your own dog (if your working all day and living in a flat its not really ideal) you could try doing voluntary work for an animal shelter, or even offering a dog walking service.
2006-11-16 07:58:15 · answer #7 · answered by L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
why not volunteer at a shelter in your spare time?
That's what I did when I wasn't able to have a dog of my own. I got to feed, clean out , walk and play with all the dogs in the kennels which was great.
2006-11-16 16:03:41 · answer #8 · answered by fenlandfowl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not be a volunteer for the Battersea Dogs home? You can have contacts with dogs without having to have responsibility of looking after one of them at your home.
Also tap in "The Cinnamon Trust" into Google. They are a charity who help old people and/or disabled look after their pets. You could walk them and help someone out in the process.
2006-11-16 08:05:45 · answer #9 · answered by Jay Jay 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Animals do indeed make you happy. There is scientific evidence that being around animals calms us down. That's why dogs are sometimes taken in to hospitals, they calm and cheer up patients who may be uncomfortable and in pain. For me, the joys of animals far outweight the "tie" aspect of them.
I have nine animals, and will soon have more. They bring love and happiness to my life and I would not be whole without them. A few years ago, I suffered from severe clinical depression and I truly believe my animals kept me from suicide. Animals saved my life.
If you want a dog, go for it. Nothing could be better for you.
2006-11-16 07:59:52 · answer #10 · answered by Jason 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋