It's A Dog's Life .. if only..

TerryM

We have a gorgeous ruler of the world who is almost fourteen.
We won't have another one , once he passes. The dog has had significant health issues for the last eight years or so. He literally is the ruler of our times due to his medications. When we go on holidays he actually has to board in a specialist hospital as a regular boarding place can't deal with his requirements.
My husband has health issues and I worry that we would pass before the dog and ...that would be horrible .

Even though my dog is only coming up to 5 I dread the thought of losing her. And, even more so worrying that she will outlive both of us. She really does mean everything to us.

Much as I wish all you doting dog-owners joy with your companions, I'm not a dog-lover.
I live on a path which is a favourite one for dog-walkers. Dogs frequently barge into my garden, they swim in the river and drive away the waterfowl, they bark frantically. The local cafe is full of smelly dogs. Some owners don't take the mess away but hang it on a bush or dump it in my dustbin.
I've been bitten twice by dogs. I've been knocked off my bicycle by a dog running into the road. Friends with dogs "can't stay long this evening, I have to take the dog out."
And what about the food which dogs consume?
Of course some people like, farmers and police, actually need dogs. Not me though.

Methinks it’s irresponsible dog owners that you dislike, not their dogs.

Spot on MayBee70

Ive never been tempted to own either a dog or a cat. Just one more entity to look after.

When I was still working for an employer I would have felt it unfair and irresponsible to leave some poor creature alone for 8 hours a day. No wonder so many animals get bored and become destructive. I was also renting for many years and in those days landlords did not allow pets (for the most part)

I can recall a conversation with a much younger colleague who had just gone on at length about a pair of lovebirds (of some description) that she had. When I told her that I had no pets she said:-

"Dont you think that if you have a pet it would give you someone to think of other than yourself and make you more responsible?"

"On the contrary I think it would be very irresponsible for me to go against my lease and risk eviction for the risk of sneaking in an animal."

Some pet owners have no common sense or comprehension of the world outside themselves.

I agree wholeheartedly, Romola. 👍😎 It’s obvious from a trip to the supermarket that pet dogs are a multi-million pound industry! I can understand the company that dogs provide and some look quite cute, and good luck to anyone who likes them, but they’re smelly, expensive and sometimes dangerous! All dogs have teeth and claws. We’ve just been up to the Lakes - there was a sign on a farmer’s gate asking dog-owners to keep their dogs on a lead. We still passed people who let their pets run loose. Three baby lambs had already been killed there by loose dogs. We saw poo bags left lying around - not sure who these people expect to tidy it up? 🤔
I’m all for working dogs - sheepdogs, dogs for the blind, police dogs used to find drugs, etc., but I’d never have one as a pet.

I always had dogs, and cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, hamsters and ferrets, sometimes at the same time, sometimes with not so many. I've always loved having animals around. However, I know that now is not right for me to have a dog, various health issues mean I am unable to care for one properly so I get my enjoyment from other peoples dogs. I do have a cat though, a great big long haired black cat who rules my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

MayBee70

Methinks it’s irresponsible dog owners that you dislike, not their dogs.

Dead right, MayBee. It's the usual minority of irresponsible owners whose ant-social ignorance can give the rest of us a bad name. As for the comment "what about the food which dogs consume?" How silly is that? Should we extend it to all pet-food, and perhaps even to all the seed we put out for wild birds? Daft argument.

Ive never been tempted to own either a dog or a cat. Just one more entity to look after

A very telling comment biglouis
I think most of us actually value some nobody to be responsible for , to love, and who returns our care with loyalty and, yes, affection.
When my last dog was PTS it was the first time in over 50 years that I was entirely on my own - no husband, no children, at home, no job, no animals to have to take into consideration.
A completely free agent - and I hated it! .
I love having an “entity” to look after and the feelings are IMHO not entirely one sided!

MayBee70
The trouble is - there are too many irresponsible dog owners!

I decided that I couldn’t have another dog as age and infirmity meant I couldn’t exercise it. However I’m now foster Granma to my daughters loved French Bulldog. He is a well behaved very lazy individual who suffered from the attention of my great grandchildren aged 2 & 3. At 7 yrs he had always had a quiet life but after months of being jumped on, poked and pushed, he started growling at my daughters grandchildren who live with her. Having never seen him bare his teeth at anyone or in fact growl at anyone, my daughter sent him to live with me. She takes him for his walks and poop picks my garden, which means I’m quite happy that he is now living with me. At first he growled when my great grandchildren visited but gradually he has accepted them again as we keep both of them well away from him. However safety is everything, so I’m now quite used to being a provider of a residential care home for him. My last animal was a cat who snored loudly but wonderfully, this Frenchie sleeps quietly .

Would live to have a dog but housing association that I rent my flat from doesn't allow them - my mental health would be so much better if I had a dog to look after.

When our dog was put to sleep last August we wanted to wait a while until we got another. In the meantime, I walk a dog through Borrow My Doggy would highly recommend it.

Alexander the Great is alleged to have said : "The more I learn of humanity, the more I love my dog". Mark Twain is also said to have expressed the same sentiment, which I firmly believe remains as valid as it ever was.IMHO...

I have recently lost my dog who had been part of our lives for twelve years. He was a very special rescue who came to us when he was about two. I've had dogs all my life but I'm really unsure whether there will be another one to share my life. I'm now nearly 77 so am conscious that I may be too old to care properly for the total lifespan of another. I very much miss the walking, it's just not the same when you're out on your own but I do want to take advantage of the flexibility to go away whenever I want to. People ask me if I'm planning to rescue another and my immediate answer is a definite no but "never say never"!

I'd love one my hub says no way, too tying and too expensive.

I 100% agree with you they’re as good as children for being ice breakers and added bonus of being loyal and loving. The world is a happier place with dogs in it.

I have just read a message from a friend whose dog has crossed the rainbow bridge £250. When ours went nearly 3 years ago it was £150 up front. I am disturbed by this, are the vets finding it acceptable to allow a dog to suffer if owner currently short of the funds. Another friend was paying £110 insurance per month for her dog. I would really love another dog and could afford one atm, but the unknown future costs is putting me off. Veterinary practices now seem to be taken over by large companies. Just like many dental practices I suppose.

My current rescue dog is reactive so I spend the whole time trying to avoid other dog walkers when out with her

@BigBertha1 can you suggest to DH to foster a dog?
As you have dog experience you can help out by fostering - and you never know, that foster dog may turn into an adoption dog

NanaDana

Alexander the Great is alleged to have said : "The more I learn of humanity, the more I love my dog". Mark Twain is also said to have expressed the same sentiment, which I firmly believe remains as valid as it ever was.IMHO...

Absolutely agree with that. My dog is as much as a member of my family as anyone else. The problems mentioned by a minority on here are caused by irresponsible dog owners - please do not tar us all with the same brush. With the exception of my very immediate family, I would put my dog over any other human.

Dog lovers of the world unite!
Man’s best friend!
I am a pet lover since childhood and have never gone too long without my companion or team alongside.
I feel sad that some people don’t have a love of dogs (animals in general.) I think they are missing out on a big part of life, love, and friendship that dogs inspire. I do see that there is a void in their hearts that sets them apart.
I always refer to any pet or animal in the wild as a “joyful little beating heart” - a living being just sharing the planet with everyone.
Hug your dog, cat, goldfish!
USA Gundy

And yes, irresponsible or cruel pet owners are another subject altogether. Another thread might be warranted as to how to report people like this.

When our last dog died we decided not to have another because of mobility issues. We do have a doted on cat though. I find it sad when people speak of pets as “entities”, they’re so much more than that. I see so many people everyday walking past with their dogs on the way to the park and feel a bit envious. Yes there are irresponsible dog owners but most are not.

I’ve had my rescue JR cross for over 9 years since he was a 5 month old abandoned stray. I’d love a second dog but wonder about jealousy - something that was maybe confirmed yesterday when he cocked his leg and tiddled into the tortoise house!!