My girlfriend wants a puppy or dog. We are both very busy and i am about to go back to University. She thinks she NEEDS one and i think we have to prioritise.
2007-04-23 11:07:22 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
You are not mean, you are REASONABLE!! There will be a time in your life later when you are home more that you might want a puppy. But if you're both busy and gone a lot, it's CRUEL to get a puppy and leave it alone a lot!! Same as having kids---wait until the time is right and you have time to give to the puppy to raise it properly!! I'd also recommend getting TWO puppies so they're never lonely.
2007-04-23 11:11:16 · answer #1 · answered by mldohm 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No you're not mean, you're just practical. However, if your girlfriend was left alone most of the times when you are at Uni then she may need a puppy to keep her occupied. Puppies are very much like babies, they need constant attention so it wouldn't be a bad idea. On the other hand if both of you were away from home for long hours every day then it would be so unfair on the puppy to be left on his own. So when you decide whether you'll have a pyppy or a full grown dog first consider how much time will you be able to spend with the dog.
2007-04-23 11:41:45 · answer #2 · answered by Medusa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the other comments - having a puppy is like having a baby. I felt like i needed maternity leave when we got ours! I swore to my boyfriend i would take care of it etc. but he wasn't keen at all. Now that he sees that i AM taking good care of her, he loves her too as much as i do. BUT - if you don't think that both of you can put in the time and commitment then please don't got one. Even simple things like going for a night out, where you go back to a friend's place for drinks and all end up crashing downstairs - can't do it because the dog is on it's own. You see what i mean? It's a life changing decision.
2007-04-23 20:30:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're right, dogs are a big commitment and demand a lot of time and attention. You know you can't give that so stick to your guns! She does not need a dog, she just wants a puppy cos they're cute and hasn't given enough thought to the realities of owning a dog
2007-04-23 11:16:10 · answer #4 · answered by Ahwell 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you are right. It would be mean to get a puppy when you are busy and have stretched finances because of your studies.
Well done for being practical. So many people aren't practical and look where so many dogs end up - in rescue centres or on the streets being passed from home to home.
2007-04-23 19:28:33 · answer #5 · answered by PetLover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are smarter than 75% of the people who come on here.
Explain to her that it won't be good for the dog - that it's not about the 4 hours a day that she has; it's about the 20 hours that you guys will be out of the house, in bed, out with friends, etc.
Explain to her that most good breeders won't sell to someone who doesn't have the time for a dog. Good breeders are protective on who gets their dogs.
Tell her that you will re-evaluate when you are done at university and once life has settled down. Make sure that you are VERY clear that it is not acceptable for her to go against your will and to go out and get one without your agreement.
2007-04-23 11:13:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you don't have time don't get a puppy. Puppy's need a lot of attention love and if you can't give it too them then it is better for know that you don't get one. And no it is not mean because you are looking at your oppositions and know that you would not have time for the puppy.
2007-04-24 00:57:31 · answer #7 · answered by Sonneblom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to foster a dog for a week or so, in holiday care or similar, and see if you really have the time to feed, groom, walk and care for the dog every day, not just on the weekends. And remember, dogs shed hairs. That involves more housecleaning too. Think of the wet, muddy paw prints when it rains, too.
2007-04-24 08:59:47 · answer #8 · answered by cakes4southafrica 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your girlfriend wants the puppy, she has to understand that she has to take care of it.
If you don't want a puppy, and both of you are too busy to give the little one the attention he would need, then you are quite right to say 'wait'.
2007-04-23 11:11:56 · answer #9 · answered by Tigger 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No you're not mean.
Let er know she can have one when the time is right and you both have time for a puppy, otherwise it will get a little neglected through no fault of your own.
Let her know in the end she can have one.
Gives her something to look fwd to
2007-04-23 20:35:53 · answer #10 · answered by indigo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋