Hubby wants a dog

It is a very big commitment, but that's only because it is such a rewarding process. Honestly, you need to be in a highly secure and flexible financial situation to own a dog, especially in retirement when your time is your own.

It's not only your finances you need to be flexible with, but also your time and effort to work around your schedule to fit your pet. You've worked hard for a long time, and now you want to enjoy the fruits of your labour. I really do think a dog could get in the way, but it all depends on whether you're willing to make those sacrifices.

And for the record, I love a Jack Russell!

I do not let my husband have his own dog. Asa compromise he looks after a friends when she is away or with her grandchildren. We also host foreign student on the Christmas we don't go to our son. 2 Asian girls only agreed to come when they were reassured that it is a small dog. The dog tries to grab the sofa and comes to lick me and has to be kept out of our bedroom. Looks like Christmas will be quite hard work.

Fortunately I have still got 10 days left in Australia.

Have you thought about puppy walking for the Guide Dogs or one of the other charities that train dogs for the disabled? That way you would have an 'end date' on your commitment and could use it as a trial run

libra10..."But having any pet is a big commitment, and unless you're absolutely certain find another hobby."
I misread this at first as .."find another hubby"
Aggy21...Worth a thought?!

I've thought about that too Tegan - our BC is 13 now, so getting old.
There are so many abandonned dogs here, and the french organisations are very short of funds (SPA), individually funded and absolutely overwhelmed. It breaks your heart to see them.
So we might take on an older dog, as they're more difficult to place in a new home.
We have another old fellow (canine) belonging to a widow neighbour who spends the day with us when she's at work. He's good natured, no trouble at all.

This was on facebook the other day; not actually relating to dogs in this case but a charity that rehomes old horses and had lost one at the grand old age of 31. 'there is grace that comes from giving a safe, loving home to senior animals..there is also the truth that we welcome them at twilight, and they leave us for the stars..they teach us so much during their time with us..the heart weeps for what is lost..and in the same gasp, the soul rejoices in what has been shared'. It's made me consider taking on an older dog if and when we lose ours; something that I'd never considered before, but something that I know several people who do so.

Our daughter and son-in-law who live in an apartment in New York fostered a little dog for an animal charity. As soon as I saw her, I thought: "That dog isn't going anywhere!"
Sure enough, they couldn't bear to part with her and she is now their child substitute and very spoiled. They get up early to walk her every morning and in the evening after they get home from work they walk her again. The concierge in their block of flats walks her at lunchtime while they are at work, together with a number of other dogs from their block. (nice little earner, as he gets paid!) If they want to go away she stays with friends in the same block, who take her to doggy day care when they are at work. Sadie loves it and comes back exhausted from all the running around!
she was abandoned in an apartment by her previous owners when they moved out ( how can people do these things?) but, luckily, was found and taken to the animal charity.
She is a very sweet and well-behaved little dog and has certainly fallen on her feet this time as they absolutely adore her! We refer to her as the (foster) grand dog!

After a lifetime of having dogs and cats of one sort and another, we no longer have any. The last cat we had died some years ago and we decided then we wouldn't replace her. Pets cost a lot if you're going to look after them properly. I don't mean just money. The cost in time and attention, commitment, extra cleaning, you name it. A couple of years ago a relative by marriage died suddenly and she had 2 of those little fluffy dogs - shih tzu (I think) which had to have arrangements made for them - and my stepson and I had one of those unspoken conversations. He looked at me hopefully, I shook my head to indicate 'thanks but no thanks'. He even tried to convince me 'they're ideal for older people, they'll sit on your lap all day'. Not what I want or need. Toooo much responsibility, and the twice-daily walk round the block is only part of it.

Nevertheless, this seems to be a major source of disagreement between you and your OH and needs to be resolved somehow.

Our daughter wanted to give us a pup when her dog had pups. We were undecided at first, but having always had a dog in the family, decided to accept.

We have had Barney (a small Yorkshire/Pomeranian cross) for 5 years now, and he has become part of the family. He gets walked twice a day, and loves being out and about.

Although he can be hard work and demanding at times, he keeps us fit and well, and we would be lost without him.

But having any pet is a big commitment, and unless you're absolutely certain find another hobby.

Good luck in your decision.

Aggy21
Like your husband, there have been times when I've really wanted to have a dog. However, I also love to travel.
I don't like the idea of kennels - both on grounds of cost but also because I was looking at rescue dogs and felt concerned that leaving such a dog in kennels might make it feel abandoned all over again.
What I've done, which works for me, is join TrustedHouseSitters.com. Based on altruism (no money exchanges hands), the site brings together those looking for house and pet sitters with those who'd like to sit.
Sitters are police checked and references are required.
Over the past two years, I've enjoyed the company of some great animals in Andalusia, Norfolk, Edinburgh and the South of France....so have had my 'fix' of both pets and travel.
Worth a look if you're concerned about the expense of kennels, or being tied down... and are happy to have someone house and pet sit...?

To the OP - Better than a ferrari! And cheaper.

On a serious note though, yes, I'd encourage him to be a dog walker at a local dogs home for a bit and see how he feels then.

Aggy if you do get one make sure to choose a breed that suits your age, type of house, garden etc.
We got our border collie at husbands request, and she's lovely, but very energetic and needs a lot of outside space, which luckily we have.
She's just come up to me now, stinking ofsomething smelly

Many refuges are looking for dog walkers to take the dogs out and socialise them- that could be a real alternative, and so worthwhile. And then he, and perhaps both of you, will fall in love with one of the dogs .... and it could all have a very happy ending ;)

Some people have suggested puppy walking, I have had four guide dog puppies and must point out that puppy walking is not for the "casual dog owner". You take the pup when it's around 6 - 8 weeks old, have all the fun and work of house training, chewing stages etc. Guide dogs for the blind prefer houses with children around so that their dogs grow up used to all sorts of activities and noise. Just when you're beginning to see the results of your year of work the pup will go away to start formal training. Believe me - it's hard work although I thoroughly enjoyed all our different dogs. I've had dogs all my life and can't imagine being without one or two. Like granjura I prefer rescue dogs, there are so many dogs looking for homes that I wouldn't buy a pedigree

Our dogs have travelled to and fro Switzerland and the UK, all over France and Italy with us- no problem at all. A dog that gets used to travelling in the car from a young age is no problem. Most Continental Hôtels will take dogs, with a small fee added. Personally, I truly would never be without a dog, and certainly never without a cat, with a cat flap. A choice- as in anything. Always rescues though, always mongrels- could never ever buy a dog or cat.

Is this at retirement 'phase' that you work through? DH and I had long discussions after friends came to stay with their, oh so cute, Cockerpoo!

DH, who gets up early, really enjoyed taking it out for morning walks. It was Spring. He had never had a dog before, although I had and was a bit more realistic about the commitment.

We talked it through very thoroughly and decided against.

x

Animals require and deserve proper care and dedication; and this means that every member of the household needs to be 100% behind the idea or the plan should not go ahead..

We bought a Cairn Terrier 6 years ago when we retired. She has brought much laughter and joy into our home. We walk her at least twice a day. She comes with us on holiday as we always rent a cottage somewhere in the U.K. Once a week we treat ourselves to lunch at one of the many pubs /restaurants here in North Yorkshire, Molly comes with us and just tucks herself under the table and settles down. Take this morning, we were well wrapped up, went for a walk and then we went for lunch at our local Garden Centre. I am in a wheelchair just now, so Hubby pushes me and I have Molly's lead in my hand. We let her have a run when its safe.
We are dealing with our daughters illness (which is now terminal) so at times there is much sadness in the family, but you cant be sad for long when Molly brings her ball for a game of catch, and practices her latest trick. So, Aggy having a dog doesnt have to restrict you too much. We are out in all weathers, even with a wheelchair! Having said that I hope to be back in my walking shoes in 3 months time when my injured foot heals.
Let us know what you decide .

Thank you so much for all the responses!! I'm a newbie here and didn't expect so many people to give their advice and comments . He's now investigating these hypo allergic dogs...I think the ideas of fostering a dog or puppy walking are great. To be honest he does like walking and would walk the dog in all weathers. We did have dogs when our children were small. In fact one of the reasons we got a dog was to cure our daughter of her fear of them. I do like dogs myself but the ties are the main off putter for me. Ta again gransnetters!!

We have an elderly dog who is a bit demented and becoming incontinent. She is also becoming rather unsteady and jerky. She still has good quality if life but is definitely nearing the end. After she is gone we will not have another.

granjura I can relate to that. My son and his partner would not countenance getting a dog - partly because at some point both of them will be working full time. Our grandchildren love our dog and really look forward to seeing him.

All our DC have pets, dogs and/or cats, so we are 'let off'

Actually the GC are very much part of my always wanting a dog and cat. Their father won't let them have a pet- and for them- ours are the only opportunity they have to enjoy pets 'through' us.

I did want to get another dog when we retired, but we decided not to. Although we miss having one to take for walks and for company, I think having the freedom to go away without worrying about kennel fees and vet's fees is sensible. The cost of kennel fees would be the same as the cost of a flight to visit the DDs overseas.
You can get over the longing for another dog - the DDs have dogs so I can enjoy theirs when I visit them.

He could volunteer to be a puppy walker for Guide Dogs.

Be very careful about dogs whose breeders claim they won't shed or cause allergies. The charity that re-homes poodles and any poodle cross has some excellent information on its web site about so called hypo allergic dogs. (Doodle Trust) Research seems to indicate that its dog saliva rather than fur that causes allergies.