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.
|
It's an individual thing as you probably realize, posting here is fun, but really can't be your basis for deciding. Have a retired cousin in another state (but in a community like ours) who REGULARLY gives up golf opportunities (not completely, don't mean that), and passes on some (not all) social invitations because they feel it's not fair to their dog. They do not shop at stores that do not welcome their dog (it's not an "companion" or a "guide" dog), who is just the family pet. Only YOU can make the decision about how a dog will impact your social, travel, and life in general. Most things do take some sacrifice of one type or another. In the case of the family members I mentioned, they cheerfully gave up their 45th anniversary dream trip to accommodate the $3800 (yep!) dental surgery for the dog. Others would consider this madness, so it's all relevant to the individual. Good luck and making your list of what you are, and are not, willing to sacrifice .