Am I crazy?

For wanting to adopt a shelter dog when I already have 3 at home?

I just feel the need to rescue one.

DH goes to school and I work FT. We dont have any children and not sure if we will.

Re: Am I crazy?

If you have the space and can afford to care for another dog (time and money) then I think it is a great thing!!

I would love to have another dog but until we fix up our yard (so we can fully fence it in) and finish some renovations to the house - and with the fact that we want to have a baby in the not too distant future - we have decided it is not the best idea right now.

But we are tempted often!!

Re: Am I crazy?

I hate to be the negative nelly here, but if you are even remotely considering having a child, in my opinion and experience, I don't think you should do it until you decide if you will have a child or not, ever.

I have 2 small dogs, here for years before my DD came along. IT's a LOT of work with one child and 2 dogs, let alone 3 (or your possible 4). I always wanted another dog and to help another animal out. But looking back I am glad I did not go for #3 b/c there are some days I am really exhausted and losing my patience. But I love my dogs and I try my best to keep everyone happy and safe and healthy here.

Just being honest from a parenting perspective, esp when baby comes after the dogs have been there already.

eta - today I had to bring my male dog for a cleaning of his teeth (meanwhile we just took him in august). Why so soon again? B/c bad doggie mommy dopey me was letting him eat my DDs foods that dropped from the high chair (or I would let her feed him, or I would toss him some things) and turns out it was all REALLLY bad for his teeth. I didn't realize!!! They have to put him out again, and it's ALL my fault. I feel awful!!!

I had so many things on my mind and I didn't want to ban him from the kitchen while DD would eat. Also I wanted him to like my DD (of course what dog doesn't love someone who feeds them?) since he is having a hard time around her. What's my point? It's so hard to think of everything some days. It would be very tough with 4 dogs and a child. JMO

Message edited 3/5/2010 2:32:23 PM.

Re: Am I crazy?

When trying to decide when to get our 2nd, I envisioned the worst case scenario. What if we adopted a dog and wound up with serious medical bills, or obedience problems? That would require more than the normal amount of money or time invested in it? Would we still be able to handle it and not jeopardize our professional life, personal life, and relationship?

I was so afraid I was going to ruin the dynamic we already had with our dog. With you, that would be more complicated too. Things are definitely different, and the nights of coming home from work and relaxing with Brinkley all night are gone. But it's right, even with the training issues we are facing with Ginger.

It sounds like this is borne out of a need to help shelter/rescue animals, and that's a wonderful thing! There is another option... You could find an animal that is really in need, maybe one that is facing disease or that needs an operation. And you could sponsor them. Take the normal adoption fee for an animal, and give it to that animal in need instead. We did it with 2 Labs that were severely neglected and I got to witness one of them being united with his new Mom. It was a wonderful experience!

Re: Am I crazy?

Why dont you foster a dog and see how it goes..