Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael 61
I’ve always wanted a dog, but never had one while working, as I didn’t think it was fair to a dog to be inside, crated and alone for the majority of the day while I was at work. I always thought that once I retired, I would finally get a puppy, and invest a lot of time with training, and walking several times per day. Well, since retiring to The Villages, and with all my activities, I don’t see how I could fit having a dog into my busy lifestyle. Many of my neighbors who have dogs are not engaged in very many activities here in The Villages, as their dogs seem to take up most of their time. Often times, they have to turn down social and recreational invites, or cut them short, because they have to get back to let their dog out or care for it. Interested to hear from other posters who manage to have a dog and are still very active outside their home everyday here in The Villages. I’m thinking maybe dog ownership will have to wait until I’m older and maybe less active.
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An option for you if you want to have a dog but not long term would be to either foster for a pet rescue or help with medical service dogs. There is an organization headquartered in Williston called Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs (I'm not affiliated with them but admire what they do.) They use German Shepherds (some of these dogs have been rescued and were hours from being euthanized.) There is never a charge to the recipient of these dogs. Many of their dogs end up going to veterans and first responders. As I understand it they sometimes need short term fosters for about 3 weeks when they first get the dog and then the dog goes on to training. You might be asked to take the dog with you when you go places, or not. Here's a link to their site if you want to take a peek.
Transforming Lives - Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
I know this isn't specifically what you asked but it could let you have a dog in your home short term. Maybe the best of both worlds?