Now I do not mean to be rude, but your saying you want it for your kids rather than asking about a dog for your family meaning you and your kids is a concern, I have worked in dog rescue helping foster and place dogs with families and when someone says they want a dog for their kids it causes alarms bells to go off for me.
you are the one living there full time the dog should be for yourself not for the kids, it is not a toy or a plaything, for your children,
It will like adopting a child that you are going to have fulltime responsibility caring for, for the next 10 or 12 years And if you can not afford to buy one how the heck are you going to provide for its needs
At minimum you;ll need $240 a year for food for it, if is has food allergeries and can't eat the cheaper stuff you will have no choice but to feed expensive foods so now will cost $500 a year to feed, then you need a city licence, to spay and neuter if it isn't already done, so add another $250 you will need a bed, dishes, leash , collar, toys maybe a crate so another $100 and don't forget vetting , the dogs will need annual vaccines, rabies shot, heartworm meds , deworming meds so add another $200 for vetting and this is as long as the dog does not get hurt or injured, everyone should have at least $250 to $500 set aside for an emergency vet visit
So basically even to start with a free dog you need to have at least $1000 to get you thru the first year with no medical problems and no food allergies, if the dog has food allergies and maybe needs to be seen for one infection, or illness your one year cost for the dog will $1500 instead
I have had dogs for many years now there are years I have had $8000 or more in vet bills alone due to accidents playing or because of illnesses
Think seriously about getting a dog it is not just a toy for your kids or a way to outshine the other parent, a dog is a serious responsibility and a lifelong commitment and at times can be quite costly, it is a great way to teach a child about responsibilty,caring, relationships and commitment even when the going gets rough, if your go about things right
( especially beneficial in the case of children who have witnessed family breakdown ), but if you go about it wrong it can teach them about selfishness, non compassion and that relationships are disposable and have little value.
2007-03-10 16:39:16
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answer #1
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answered by OntarioGreys 5
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I suggest you get a beagle or a basset hound. They are very family oriented and do not require as much excersize as some of the bigger dogs. Usually they are not agressive animals and i really think that you should get one! Good luck!
*some people may say to get a small dog liek a pomeraian or a shitzu however those dogs can be yippy, nippy and they arent really kid friendly OR cuddly!*
2007-03-10 23:37:01
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answer #2
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answered by Sarah C 2 1
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look dude,
growing up with kids is not seeing them 2 days a week, thats growing up with U!!! to a dog, unless u live there almost all the time, the kids are just like guests to dogs.
2007-03-10 20:39:14
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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If your looking for a free dog mutts (half breeds) are free. At least here anyways.
2007-03-10 20:41:15
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answer #4
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answered by aj_harness 2
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A chihuahua is a good small puppy
2007-03-10 20:37:36
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Go under www.recycler.com then animals,then free animals,then puppies, youll find something in your area.
2007-03-10 20:38:12
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answer #6
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answered by spanishorses4me 4
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go to a local animal shelter take the kids with you and let them pick
2007-03-10 23:13:18
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answer #7
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answered by Tree™ 2
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