I think it's kinda funny that as someone who adopted a dog from a shelter, I constantly feel the need to justify why I wanted a small dog. I use the "I may end up in an apartment down the road" excuse- but why do I feel like I need an excuse?
My local shelter is always full of big dogs, they are the last to be adopted- the little ones are gone quickly. But if I am happiest with a smaller dog then why do I feel badly that the big ones are left there- I know I shouldn't adopt a dog I don't want just because I feel bad...
Anyone else ever feel guilty for their preferences?
2007-09-26 05:03:36 · 28 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's a 24lb hound mix- not exactly an ankle-biter but not to heavy feeling in my lap :P
2007-09-26 05:22:02 · update #1
No, I don't really. Why get a type of dog that you don't really want or doesn't match your life style? In many cases, when people do this, the dog ends up not cared for properly (not saying you would do this tho!) because it really wasn't a good match in the first place.
This is where I wonder how people can insist that everyone in the world should only ever rescue dogs and that even reputable, ethical breeding should never happen. Maybe a rescue isn't what a person wants, but they feel pressured and do it anyway. That runs the risk of a dog that could be neglected some day, or even surrendered again.
If a purebred, for a reputable breeder, is what someone wants, then that is what they should do. If they can find a rescue of that breed that can meet their needs in a dog (i.e. dog sports, hunting, etc...) then I think that's great too. I will always encourage rescue and adoption, but I will not sit here and say it is right for everyone.
If someone chooses a dog that really isn't right for them, the dog is more likely going to suffer as a result.
2007-09-26 05:29:04 · answer #1 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Nope, never. My Irish is my dream dog, the one I waited 20 years to get. All those years, I couldn't have a dog of any kind due to where we lived, so when we finally moved to a house with some land, there was no way I was settling for less than the dog I really, REALLY wanted.
What I DID feel a little (okay, a lot) guilty about was buying a high-priced purebred INSTEAD of saving a shelter dog. Solved that by adopting a Border-Collie mix from the pound. I'd been looking for a second dog, but I never dreamed that I'd find such a wonderful little mutt. Turns out she did ME the favor, not the other way around.
I don't apologize to anyone for my preferences, and I don't think you should, either. Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, there's no one-size-fits-all breed or mix, so the dog that makes you happy is the right dog for you!
2007-09-26 06:10:28 · answer #2 · answered by * 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not feel guilty if you get a purebred dog. All dogs need good homes, whether they come from a breeder or a shelter. I have both pure bred dogs and a mixed breed. They all get along with no problems. If you love dogs, you will always want another dog. Get the dog that is right for you. If you want a Dalmation, I'm sure if you look up Dalmation rescue sites they will have dogs available for adoption, or they can refer you to reputable breeders. Don't feel guilty. You love dogs of all kinds and there's nothing wrong with that, it's a good thing. Best of luck on finding the dog that's right for you. Hope I helped.
2016-04-06 02:01:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never felt guilty. Why would I?
Why should you?
You got the pet you wanted, that suited your needs, and you got it from an ethically sound source.
Should you have taken on a big dog? I don't see that the big dog was any more (or less) deserving of a home than the one you took.
Had you got a dog that was unsuitable for your house, there might have been a problem - but you didn't.
Had you got your pet from a puppymill/byb I might have suggested a better source for your next pet. But you supported your local rescue and made space for another dog that would otherwise have been euthanised.
Well done you.
2007-09-26 09:20:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my family has always had big dogs we've had a rotti, an Irish wolfhound, kelpies and border collies. i have recently purchased my own home and have a 1/4 acer area for a dog. I thought i would get a big dog because that's all I've ever had and I'm not a fan of yappers i need a dog who barks.
i recently adopted a 3yo mini dachshund from a rescue group. i felt bad because here i am with all this space and a dog that thinks his my shadow.
but my little boy is what suits me and my situation(he has a big dog bark), with time constraints such as work, and being single.
i feel i can only properly love and care for one dog at a time so that's all i have is 1 dog and as far as I'm concerned that's a responsible pet owner.
p.s good on you for adopting - you should pat yourself on the back - welcome to parenthood of the 4 legged kids
2007-09-26 05:25:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would feel bad if I choose to adopt from a shelter I'll have to leave the unwanted ones behind. However, some people simply cannot afford to house a large dog because of the tremendous expenses in their upkeep. I for one have poodles and bichons frises on the top of my breed preference list for a very good reason; they shed very little. It is not because I am a finicky housekeeper; it is because I am extremely allergic to cats and dogs that shed more than poodles or bichons.
2007-09-26 09:57:43 · answer #6 · answered by the fire within 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should not need an excuse. We all have our preferences. I am in Great Dane Rescue. I don't understand how anyone could like an ankle biter or something that you could easily trip over. But we are all different and dogs come in all sizes for that reason.
Just tell the idiots that (a) they should go adopt the big dogs
or (b) you wish that you could adopt them all, but don't have the space of money.
Just be proud that you saved one. Wish that everybody did!
2007-09-26 05:11:10 · answer #7 · answered by A Great Dane Lady 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I would feel more guilty if I adopted a dog on impulse only to discover that it was a terrible match for my lifestyle.
I guess that's why all my adoptees (while of very different breeds/mixes) have been roughly the same size- 45-55 lbs.
Big enough to chase and wrestle with- small enough for a modest rented home.
2007-09-26 06:13:59 · answer #8 · answered by howldine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't feel guilty at all. A life is a life and if you saved one, it doesn't matter if you saved a small dog or a large one.
I have seen people adopt dogs because they felt sorry for them or they were the 'cheapest" and it never works out well if they didn't choose based on what they REALLY want. In the long run, it is so much better to get the one best suited to you.
2007-09-26 05:07:45 · answer #9 · answered by Shanna 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
why would get get something u didn't want? this is why so many big dogs end up there. they get well...big and the owners didn't train them.
don't feel bad. the next dog we get is gonna be a beagle. my oldest wants one...not my pick of breeds but it will be hers. they are small but also one of the last breeds to get a home cause they smell and bay...at least that is what everyone thinks.
i like a big black dog....not because they are the most likely to get up down its one of the things i like in a dog....not what ur friend likes.
i am not a little dog fan...but they need homes too. i'm just glad when anyone adopts.
2007-09-26 05:16:51 · answer #10 · answered by dragonwolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋