I've had an awful case of puppy fever the last few days. I took this:
Breed Selector Quiz
and it came back that I should get a Newfoundland, a Saint Bernard, or a Landseer (never heard of that breed before). Obviously, I like huge dogs. I think of them as big, friendly bears that laze around your house. Love 'em.
Kevin and I have tried to get a dog twice already. The first time, we actually had a 4-year-old Great Pyrenees at our house for a few days and then gave her back (No worries - she came from a good home and went back to a good home. They just had one more dog than they really wanted and thought that if we could take her, that would help them out). Then, we tried to adopt a mixed breed puppy (part Newfoundland) through a rescue service here in Fort Wayne. We filled out the extensive application, met it, and turned it down (again, puppy was fine - adopted soon after we said no).
Both times, we had mini panic attacks at the thought of having a dog for the rest of its life. What is our problem, exactly? I LOVE dogs - almost nothing makes me happier than getting to spend time with one. But when it comes down to actually committing, I can't do it.
We talked for a long time yesterday about adopting. It would probably work well for us right now - our apartment is dog-friendly and has a fenced backyard, Kelly has Lucy to keep it company, and we'll probably be spending most of our time either in Chicago or at our house in Fort Wayne, both good places for a dog. But I just don't think we can do it yet.
Did anyone else feel like this before getting a dog? It seems like it's so easy for the rest of the world...
You can totally handle it! And I'll be right down the street if you need it! Do it! Do it!!
ReplyDeleteHa ha. Someday...
ReplyDeleteOh lord yes. It took me two years to decide weather or not to get a dog. I live alone, and I just kept worrying that it would be hard if I needed to go home (to IN) or wanted to take a vacation or anything else I might need to leave them for. I worried with a puppy that I might suck at training and/or potty training them. I worried that after a few years I wouldn't want a dog.
ReplyDeleteFor two years I looked and looked for the perfect dog, but like you I was never ready to commit to anything.
Finally one day I found the perfect little pup... 4 months old, silky terrier. The catch, was that the lady who had him actually had him and his brother, the two had NEVER been seperated. So... somehow I actually ended up with both of them.
Today (18 months later), I couldn't be happier. I love my boys (Mars and Milo) more than anything ever in my life. I couldn't imagine life without them, and eventhough somedays I want to shoot them for the silly things they do (watch my facebook-lol), I could NEVER EVER get rid of them. My life without them would be so much less whole without them! :)
I think you should sit down and think of the logic of it... what is it that you fear about getting a dog? I'm 100% sure you can handle it. If you want a dog, I think you should get one! :)
Check out my facebook (or my blog) for pictures of my boys... :)
Good luck, and keep me posted if you do end up getting a pup!
Thanks Carrie. It's good to know we're not the only panickers and that eventually we'll probably be okay!
ReplyDeleteWe'll definitely get a dog (or dogs!) eventually, but I'm just not quite ready to give up complete freedom yet.