Am I totally crazy??

DH and I have been talking about getting a dog.

I work from home, so that is not an issue. But we have 3 cats and almost 10-month old twins.

We both love animals and want to rescue an adult dog from a shelter. Are we totally insane to add a dog to this mix?
Will a shelter even approve us for adoption being we have babies and cats ?

Re: Am I totally crazy??

I think your cat-friendly requirement would narrow the field considerably. I'm always amazed when I see dogs that get along with cats, although if they're raised that way, it's possible. I just see the circle-slash for Cats on Petfinder a lot.

To answer your question, I guess I'd ask others - do you have time to walk a dog every day? Clean up after accidents or outside bathroom areas? Vacuum hair more often when it's shedding season? Financially able to handle medical problems, cost of food, beds, toys, etc?

You sound like you already have a full plate, so yea you're probably crazy. Just kidding. If you do go for an adult that's calmed down from the puppy years, and one that doesn't require that much exercise, I suppose it wouldn't be as hard a transition.

But with two crawling and walking children? You are a braver person than I am. The kids would have to meet any potential adoptees to make sure they can pull body parts without problems too.

Re: Am I totally crazy??

Posted by greenfreak

I think your cat-friendly requirement would narrow the field considerably. I'm always amazed when I see dogs that get along with cats, although if they're raised that way, it's possible. I just see the circle-slash for Cats on Petfinder a lot.

To answer your question, I guess I'd ask others - do you have time to walk a dog every day? Clean up after accidents or outside bathroom areas? Vacuum hair more often when it's shedding season? Financially able to handle medical problems, cost of food, beds, toys, etc?

You sound like you already have a full plate, so yea you're probably crazy. Just kidding. If you do go for an adult that's calmed down from the puppy years, and one that doesn't require that much exercise, I suppose it wouldn't be as hard a transition.

But with two crawling and walking children? You are a braver person than I am. The kids would have to meet any potential adoptees to make sure they can pull body parts without problems too.

Re: Am I totally crazy??

My sister has 4 kids and 3 dogs and although she likes a full house, it's never quiet or dull! She does crave a getaway, peace and quiet sometimes though. She never gets time alone unless she's at work.

Re: Am I totally crazy??

I would say if you have the time and could rescue an older dog (I do not suggest anything close to a puppy right now!) that is already housebroken and great with kids and cats, then go for it!

Re: Am I totally crazy??

my family has brought in puppies when we had cats and kittens when we had dogs. i think it is better for them to get along if they are young. my older dog does not get along with any cats, but he gets along with kittens.

Re: Am I totally crazy??

Thanks everyone.
We would definitely be getting an adult dog, I cannot deal with a third baby right now

I think our best bet is to go to a shelter and talk to the people there about our needs and see if there are any dogs that will fit into our family.

We watched a friend's dog in our home for a few days last year, and the cats seemed fine with it. I think they would adapt ok. I am not looking for them to be best friends, but I don't want any blood shed!

Re: Am I totally crazy??

I have to say Yes! I think you are crazy!!

My dogs, love them to death, but they require so much more than cats (I had only cats my whole life until I got married). I only have one baby but two dogs, and most days I feel like I have 3 children! But my dogs were here first, and are our furry babies, so we do whatever we can to make them happy in their home here.

If I had a baby first, I probably would not have gotten a dog until my child/children were at least 4 or 5. JMO though..but if you do get a dog, I would go for an older one so you don't have to deal with puppy training (boy is that DRAINING!) and also a low key dog, who isnt hyper and won't try to hog up all your attention (like my pups do!).

Re: Am I totally crazy??