[DianeM]

[QUOTE=KathieI;809456]Me too, Diane. That's how they sleep and I love it.

When I was married and had a lot of property, we had as many as 7 dogs (all Schnauzers) at one time. Yes, that was a bit much but we got it down to 4 and it made me extremely happy. When one would pass away, we would immediately get another because my grief was overwhelming. A new puppy made me feel happy again. When I moved to TV, I had 3 schnauzers, 2 passed away (they were both 16) and Sam and I were very lonely. I found Maggie Mae at a breeder's in FL and picked her up immediately. She was a dream come true, but she is a handful. She's a very busy girl and everything is a game for her. Love her and Sam to death. Yes, I'd get another in a sec. Just wish it could be a rescue but because of asthma, I can only be around non-shedding dogs.
[/QUOTE

She sounds like my Bella who just turned a year in October. She's a terror but very loving and just a playful puppy.

[ajbrown]

This is one of those questions where it really matters "where you are at" in your life. If I am healthy, I know I will get another dog again.....

Our 'Caly' is going on 11. I know from owning many dogs what is coming and it will truly crush me even though I know it is coming. Past experience tells me it will take a year to 18 months to start again.

This next time may not take as long as my lovely wife now works at a shelter in the area and she is always telling me of the great dogs abandoned. I just have to be careful we do not end up with FIVE ***

*** Yes I know the deed restrictions, I was kidding....

[redwitch]

I don't have the time to train a dog the way I would like, so, no I won't have a dog again. I do have to have furbabies in my life, though. For now, I'm content with my kitties. I just had to put one of them down and I really miss Gabby. She was a total black brat -- spoiled to the core and 100% feline and 500% lovable and truly sweeet. For now, I won't replace her but as soon as Sammie goes home (I'm "babysitting" her while her mom and dad sell their house in VA), I'll probably start looking for a new cat (one that my Beau can tolerate -- she loathes Sam). To me, life isn't complete without pets and the fuzzier the better.

[Shimpy]

I had to put my Boxer down about 6 years ago and still think of him almost every day. That said, I don't miss walking him in the early morning rain, cold or shine. It got to the point of medical expenses that I had to decide how much is enough. Finally his suffering made my decision for me. I also don't miss having to be aware of how long I can be away from home without letting him out. Vacations were another problem........SO, as much as I loved my dog I wouldn't want another one.

[Mikeod]

My wife was the one who took our golden to the vet when it was time to say goodbye. I had to work. Coming home to an empty house just tore us up, and we often thought we could hear him. A few months later we got a black lab from the shelter and she was a joy for years and came with us to TV. But she broke a rear leg and the vet showed us the X-ray that revealed she had little bone mass remaining. The leg could have been repaired but she would be in pain forever. So I had to make the decision to put her down and stay with her while her life ended. I am still haunted by her lifting her head to look at me when the vet started the injection. I can NEVER go through that again. Even though the vet told me I did the right thing for her, I felt like I failed her. So, no more dogs. I get my canine fix from all the great dogs in my neighborhood.

[lanabanana73]

My dogs are not quite 3, so we won't be looking at this question (I hope) for many years, but I'm pretty sure at that point in our lives we would not get dogs of our own, but do some dog sitting for people. That way you can have a dog when you want one and not when you want to do some traveling. Seems like the best of both worlds to me!

[CFrance]

I can't imagine life without a pet. When our first golden died, I was inconsolable for two months and finally got a puppy, knowing we were going overseas in two years. My husband caved, mainly for me. We hauled a 75-lb golden to France for six months, and back again. He's now 6 and 88 lbs. I spent a ton of time training him, because he's stronger than I am.

My problem is how to deal with a big dog after him. They are very strong, and we will be in our 70s. We had cats all our married life until a few years ago, and I could spend the rest of my life with cats if it weren't for our bird.

So I'm sorta on the lookout for a small breed with a golden's temperament. Met two Malti-poos yesterday in a golf cart who were totally quiet, friendly, and wagging like crazy at our golden. I could go with the right small dog (or two). I know I could get DH to cave once again.

I don't care about the expense or the hassle. We really enjoy our pets.

[DianeM]

I get that our pets are a concern when we might want to travel but that said, I wouldn't trade the rest of the time when I'm not traveling to live without a pet's love. Be it dog or cat my life would be less without my fuzzy buddies and they don't need that much to give all they give back.

[onslowe]

We did get another when our 6 year beagle had to be put down suddenly. We got another beagle within a month and a half. The emptiness was too great.

[Debfrommaine]

Absolutely will always have a doggie. If your friends aren't sure, tell them to volunteer at a shelter, fills a wonderful void, and look at the happiness it brings the pups. My pup is the kid I never had - she is precious and means the world to us. When we go away we figure it out, no big deal. Agree, too, with other writers - I'd adopt a more mature doggie at this point in my life but hey, who knows, like life, subject to change.

[Tweety Bird]

Originally Posted by Shimpy

I had to put my Boxer down about 6 years ago and still think of him almost every day. That said, I don't miss walking him in the early morning rain, cold or shine. It got to the point of medical expenses that I had to decide how much is enough. Finally his suffering made my decision for me. I also don't miss having to be aware of how long I can be away from home without letting him out. Vacations were another problem........SO, as much as I loved my dog I wouldn't want another one.

I kind of agree with you there. My mini Dachshund was euthanized. Seeing him go lifeless, is still traumatic for me when I replay this in my mind. A few things that keep me from getting another dog is:
A) always remembering to get home often enough to let him out
B) walking him in the heat of the summer
C) lots of money spent for vet bills and for when we travel
D) not being able to sleep in because he needs to go out

I miss him, but the freedom is really wonderful. I might change my mind though if some dog tugs at my heart. The memory of his precious little eyes were unforgettable. Tears come to my eyes now....

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Tweety Bird

I kind of agree with you there. My mini Dachshund was euthanized. Seeing him go lifeless, is still traumatic for me when I replay this in my mind. A few things that keep me from getting another dog is:
A) always remembering to get home often enough to let him out
B) walking him in the heat of the summer
C) lots of money spent for vet bills and for when we travel
D) not being able to sleep in because he needs to go out

I miss him, but the freedom is really wonderful. I might change my mind though if some dog tugs at my heart. The memory of his precious little eyes were unforgettable. Tears come to my eyes now....

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I consider A through D as helping to keep us young!

[maryanna630]

No, you didn't fail her and the way you honor her is to take another rescue who would not have a life without you. I have learned through so many dogs and cats that I can not replace them but can show my appreciation by helping another. I think when she raised her head and looked at you that she was thanking you for giving her the gift of life and a pain free death. Wouldn't we all like that in our own lives. I am pretty sure she would not,nave wanted you to be pet free. I think animals teach us so much about love and devotion. Bless you for the love you gave her

[Cisco Kid]

I will adopt until I drop.
Arrangements will be made for care of my pets from my estate when I assume room temperature.

[keithwand]

Ours are 5 1/2 year old brothers. I tell them they need to give me at least 10 more years. I'll be 70 then and my wife says they are the last. Definitely no more puppies but maybe a older rescue Shih Tzu.