i realy want a dog but im not allowed one because i have a brother with special needs .?

Question

my parents say it just wont be practical im not alowed to volounteer at a shelter but im so attached to dogs and i feel i must have one we dont have anuf money for a pedigree any way so we would have to get one from a shelter i dont mind but even that is a problem with my parents please give any advice you have! thanx

my brother has autisum and is hypo

p.s my brother is 6

i just asked my mum about a dog for people with special needs and we are maybee going to get one in about 3 or 4 years from america but for about half a year we have been waiting for somone to get back to us are there any in north wales??

lifes not fair

Answer 1

If your brother has allergies or respriatory problems, I wouldn't suggest a dog. Just wait.

Answer 2

How severely challenged is your brother?

That makes a real difference - especially if he is both mentally challenged and has a lot of physical and health problems to go with. That's often the case - that severe health concerns go along with other kinds of challenges.

Sad to say, dogs, while very clean animals - as most animals are - produce skin dander that can trigger asthma or allergy attacks. If your brother is particularly succeptable, it wouldn't be fair to put his health in danger.

And if Brother is also mentally challenged to the point where he needs constant supervision, he may play too rough with a dog without realizing it. If he's tormented for any length of time, any dog will bite to get away. It may not be the dog's fault but it's still biting. And Brother may not even be aware that he's hurting or tormenting the dog.

And honey, getting a dog and keeping a dog are two different issues. A dog from a shelter is pretty cheap - in a lot of areas it's less than $100 (and loveable mutts are great pets!) but vet care is expensive - as are flea/tick prevention, heartworm prevention, food, exercise and training. You can figure your annual expenses in the hundreds of dollars. When money is tight - even a few hundred dollars a year makes a big, big difference.

Finally, there may be rules for your apartment or housing that you may not be aware of.

I'm sure your folks would love to have a dog in the family. But please, understand that they mean it when they say it would be impractical.

That said, don't give up on your dreams of owning a dog. Maybe when you're older you can volunteer at a shelter - or better yet, become acquainted with a show breeder in your area who may be willing to take you on as an apprentice.

And when you're finall on your own, you can get a dog to love and care for.

Answer 3

finding a breed of dog that is the calmest for your brother would be the best idea;
st:
1. Biewer Yorkie
2. Black Russian Terrier
3. Newfoundland
4. Great Pyrenees
5. Mastif

maybe your parents might change their mind about getting a dog once they are around any of the types that are above.
One good thing to look forward to as you get older is that once you get a job and your out on your own, then you may have any type of dog you want.

Answer 4

Maybe you should talk to your parents about getting a dog, and training it for therapy. It could serve a dual purpose. The dog would have to be picked based on tempermant, and MAYBE your parents might go for that. It would be a very big commitment on your part, and you would have to work very hard to become certified. Good luck, and remember, if your parents still say no, they still love you and are just doing what they think is best!

Autistic children seem to respond very well to dogs, but sometimes they have to be taught not to be too rough. This may be a mountain your parents are not yet willing to undertake. Be patient. Good things will come!

Answer 5

I know that this is going to sound awful for you but I think that your parents are right. If money is short then you really cannot afford a dog yet! It's not just buying them that is the problem but they can be very high maintenance in the way of good food and of course the inevitable Vets Bills and Insurance.
You sound quite young so I guess that you have your whole life ahead of you and when things improve in your family then may be the time to reconsider a dog. I know that I will never forget getting my very first dog so I envy the fact that you have that joy to come.
Good luck and take care of that brother of yoours!

Answer 6

I agree with Sophylakes-it is great to get the dog from the shelter but you must take care of it properly by going to the Vet at least once per year, get shots for the dog, buy good dog food, toys, beds etc...it is not cheap to own a dog. It is worth it but it will cost you money after you get the dog. Plus, who often ends up taking the dog out, giving baths, feeding? Usually the mom.

Answer 7

Having a dog may actually help your brother. I take 2 of my Chihuahua's to a local children's hospice/respite center. the kids love to see the dogs. They really give them a boost.

It depends on your brothers disability on whether it would benefit him though.

Is it possible your parents may not be able to afford a dog? I'm sure your brothers medical needs can be expensive.

Maybe try talking it over with them again, but ultimately they get the final say.

Good luck.

Answer 8

Children with autism do not respond well to changes in their environment, but they do tend to respond to animals. Do some research on Autism and pet therapy, this might persuade your parents. In any case you are better of getting a service dog. What is your brother hypo of? First things first is his safety.

Answer 9

I have a sister whose Developmentally Disabled. and our parents got her a dog to have as her own to take care of. It was a Black Labrador Retriever. But I can understand your parents concern. They are concerned that your brother might not be capable of the responsibilities of handling a dog. I hope things work out for you.

Answer 10

It sounds like you're out of luck. I don't know what your brother's special needs are, but it sounds like they don't even want you getting dander on you and bringing it in the house.

I'd say for now you should just deal with it. Your brother's needs are more important than having a dog right now. If you're talking about work, you must be at least 16 or so, which means that soon enough, you'll be out of your parents house and you can do what you want at that point.

I know it must suck, because I'm a big dog-lover. But you have to think about your brother right now. Anything you do will just be detrimental to his health.

I hope this helps.

Answer 11

Supposedly dogs are very good for children with special needs. They are very relaxing, that is if you get one that is very relaxed. Tell your parents that a dog could help your brother. I think a dog might cheer your brother up!