Should we take in this puppy?

Question

I'm 15 and I live in a house with my mom, my sister (18), and my sisters friend who moved in with us (also 18). My mom knows someone who found five black lab puppies, got them neutured and de-wormed or whatever, and are now giving them away. If no one takes them they will be put to sleep.
So we might take one. Should we? Are we all too old to get a puppy because since dogs live for over 12 years does that mean my mom will be left alone with it after we all move out.

Is this a bad idea? Our house is kinda small but we have a nicely sized back yard. And we all love dogs and all want one.
But i'm not sure because shouldnt a family get a dog when the kids are really young? So that the whole family is with the dog until it gets old?

Oh and i'm home a lot of the time because im homeschooled (my mom doesnt teach me i just do my homework at home...obviously)

oh and my mom LOVES dogs and animals and wants one too

yeah i'm thinking it will be good company for her later...right?

Answer 1

ummmm you seem to have thought this through to its entirety hon... so present your sides to your mom and this should be ultimately her decision...

wow - wish my kid was like you - I ended up taking care of his puppy while he went off to college... i survived and had lots of experiences with his dog ... but a little communication might have been nice.

Then after college he takes his dog and buys me my first German Shepherd- so I could be protected and feel safe... hahahhaa Ain't it great???

http://360.yahoo.com/sewwoodyou Take a look see

Good Luck Sweetie
Hotttttttt Doggggggg

Answer 2

That's silly.. Getting a dog when the family is young so that they whole family is with the dog til it gets old?? When does that ever happen?? You can't plan things around stuff like that.. You can decide NOT to get a dog if you are an old person, cause your dog might out live you.. But if you aren't getting a dog cause you are 15 and 18 years of age.. That's not something to even worry about.. Unless your mom does not want to be the one that owns and cares for a dog.. Cause if you leave and don't take the dog, obviously she will have to.

Answer 3

Couldn't you or your sister take the dog with you once you move out? Or does your Mom agree to get a dog and take care of it after you and your sister move out? Labs can be outside dogs, so if your house is small and you have a good-sized back yard, buy a nice kennel with concrete and have a nice dog house, etc. and keep the dog outside, and every now and then bring him in if you want. My fiance's Dad had a lab that just passed away @ 14 yrs. old a few months ago and he stayed outside 24/7, but he would let him out a lot of times to run around the yard when he was home. And he also has a lab that stays indoors. Labs are EXTREMELY smart dogs and are super friendly, I love them. I'd say go for it and save one...and good luck!

Answer 4

The real question is does your mom want to have the dog. As you say, the dog will be there after the kids have moved out (presumably), and she will be left with the care and cost of the dog.

Keep in mind, a lab is a very energetic, lively dog who needs a lot of exercise. A back yard is not enough - they need long walks daily, and there is a lot of other care and expenses that go along with taking care of a dog. It's a long term commitment.

Answer 5

The first question should be does mom want a dog? Then do some homework about dogs. All dogs don't necessarily live 12 years. But a dog is a lifetime commitment and are you guys willing to financially take care of a dog. It's a BIG responsibility.

Answer 6

Age of the family members in itself shouldn't be a consideration when getting a puppy. A family with young kids is no less or more likely to have a happy, healthy dog than a family with kids who are about to leave home. A properly socialized dog will adjust to people coming and going from its household.
The more important aspects you should consider before buying a puppy are:
- Can you afford it? Dogs are a major financial committment. Spay/neuter, annual exams and vaccines, quality food, the occasional emergency vet visit, etc. For the dog's sake, don't adopt it if you can't afford to take care of it and keep it healthy.
- Who's going to take the time to help train this puppy properly? It takes a lot of time and energy to properly train and socialize a young dog, especially during the housetraining phase. Who's going to come home at lunch and let the puppy outside? Or worse yet, in the middle of the night when it's raining outside or you want to sleep?
- Do you all have time to take the dog for daily walks or other forms of exercise? Boredom and lack of exercise are the biggest contributors to misbehaving dogs.
- What are you going to do with the dog if it doesn't work out? What if your dog has behavioral problems? What if one of your family members ends up being allergic to it? Etc.

If you can't find a reasonable solution to ALL of these questions, you don't need a dog.

Answer 7

someone has to be the owner of the dog. meaning, wherever that person ends up, so does the dog!

sounds like your mom needs to make the ultimate decision.

also, the puppies will find a home. it's close enough to christmas that families are looking for puppies in shelters. shelters rarely put puppies down as they have a better chance of finding homes than full grown dogs do. if you're family is not 100% sure about getting a dog then let a family that really wants one give it a home.

Answer 8

Not necessarily. A family should get a dog whenever the family agrees on it. Talk to your mom about it. If she is willing to take on the responsibility after you all leave then that is her choice. Or you can always take the dog with you when you move out, just find a pet friendly place. Please know what you are getting yourself into BEFORE you decide. Try to find out what kind they are, approx. how big they will be, and know that you will have to take it to the vet when it is sick and provide flea and heartworm treatments to keep it healthy. Make sure you all are up for the fianancial burdon, and dont end up having to get rid of it a month after you get it. Please think it through and weigh all the options.

Answer 9

No you don't have to have young kids to get a dog and as long as your mom knows that she will be taking care of the dog alone in a couple years it should be fine. Also your dog should be just fine in a smaller house as long as it gets out often and gets plenty of exercise. I would get a puppy and raise it and enjoy it!!

Answer 10

I seriously doubt that the person who found these dogs spent all this money to neutur them just to put them to sleep. That doesn't sound right. I say go for it. I mean if you guys do move out it will be good company for your Mom in the future...