How to stop wanting a dog?

Question

I have a guinea pig but I really want a dog. I grew up with a dog and hate being without one. The apartment I'm renting doesnt allow dogs and believe me I've tried to find a way around it but there are none. I don't have the option of moving for a couple of years but I don't know if I can go that long without a dog. I have tried volunteering at the animal shelter but that makes it worse. Does anyone have any ideas about how I can stop wanting a dog so much?

I have spoken with the landlord about a pet deposit and extra rent but she has said no that there are absolutely not dogs allowed no matter what.

Answer 1

If you really want a dog that bad and the landlord has given a firm and final no if you really want a dog that bad maybe it's time to think of moving to a place where you can have a dog if volunteering in a shelter did not help or walking a friends dog.

Either that or you just have to give up on the idea until you are able to move. Unfortunetly we can;t always have the things we want however hard it may be sometimes to let go of that longing.

Answer 2

You are not in a position to have a dog right now & that is something you have to accept. Acceptance is the hardest part. I have struggled with acceptance for several years, for different reason, but I have found that acceptance is very hard.

What I keep telling myself is the Serenity Prayer. If I can not change something then I to accept it. Like it or not.

I feel for you. I really do. I an down to just two dogs now & that is very unusual for me. I usually have a pack. But they all got old together & have died within the last couple of years. I have fostered & rescued hundreds of dogs & to think of a life without them is a night mare.

One of my dogs may not make it through the winter & the other has developed arthritis at the age of two.

Acceptance is a very big word with a lot of power behind it. For now that is what may have to do.

Your empty heart will just have to wait until you are in a position so that you can have a dog or two or three............

Answer 3

I am sorry this is coming from the woman who got a dog when there were no dogs allowed in my apt and then I turned around and got a second dog to go with the first, the landlord saw him fell in love and didnt care what they were doing in his apt. maybe you can tell your landlord you will give 25 dollars more a month to have a dog or put a deposit down so if he ruins anything he has that money. just ask maybe he or she will change there mind. as to keeeping the want at a low there is no way to keep it gone because its your love you have and you want to give to a four legged wonderful creature!

Answer 4

Visit your local dog park. That way you can spend time with dogs.

Do some part-time work at a doggy daycare. A lot of them have people there 24/7 so you could go in when you're not at work.

Offer to do some pet-sitting for people. Since you can't have a dog in your place, offer to stay at their place with their pet. Or offer to stop by once in a while to let their dog out and play with it if they're going to be staying late at work.

Answer 5

I can tell you what worked well for me.

I wanted a dog in the worst kinda way and the condo association said no.

I tried to find a way but there was none.

I decided to arrange play dates with friends' dogs.
We go for walks together which is super for both of us.
We have lots of play time as well.
It fulfills my desire to own a dog


The upside of this:

I get to be with more than one dog during the week
No vet bills!
The only things I purchase are treats and toys (optional)

Hope this helps!
It certainly was an answer for me.
Also, my friends are grateful since they have a break and so do their dogs.
It appears to be a win win situation.

Answer 6

Well having a dog simply is not an option. I've worked with stray animals, but can't bring any home with me because I simply do not have the room for them. Eventually, I just realized that I had to work with these animals to better their lives, and then try my best to find them a good home. If you're a dog lover like me, you want to bring every dog home - but you just can't do that every time & you learn to say no. Keep volunteering, but do it for them and not for yourself. (Make it about bettering their lives, not to take away your desire - you will probably always want a dog, and when the time comes, you will get one.)

Answer 7

walk a friends dog,dog sit,volunteer all this will help u be a better pet owner when the time comes and god knows we definately need more of those!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

think about cost,maintence,vet costs, and if it will be stolen??average dog costs about $75.00 a month, and have to have big yard to move around in have to be trained too...