Owning a Dog and still being active in TV
 

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 similar to having a child. The right breed is important because the dog we had was mixed breed from the dog pound and he would have some anxiety wanting to be on your chest or lap all the time and was not real comfortable in a cage when we would go out for a bit. We enjoyed it for the time we had but I would not want it again (just selfish me though). Also remember if you get a pup it’s a 10 or more year commitment. Your trial run maybe taking the neighbors dogs while they are away as I occasionally see those posts, etc.

Agree, nice to see the OP is thinking it through.

One option is to adopt an older dog that the present owner can no longer care for or who has passed.

I feel the same way. That's why I volunteer at the Humane Society of Sumter County. I get my dog fix and help the dogs walk, socializing, etc. Very rewarding

While we have had several dogs over the years and currently have a Shih Tsu, you are wise to think carefully about adopting a dog. A few points to consider…

1) Each breed has its own temperament. Even a mixed breed dog will have some characteristics from the different breeds.
2) What size dog do you want? Larger dogs will generally need more outdoor time than smaller dogs.
3) Consider the additional expenses. Our dog requires grooming every six weeks at $60-80 per visit. Add in vet bills, food, etc.
4) Training is very important and will help you and your dog handle different situations. Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Will you be feeding it scraps from the table? Read a book on dog training before you get the dog.

Given all that, we love our dog and wouldn’t trade him for the world. When the day comes when he is gone, we (and our friends) will need grief counseling.

The villages is a great place for dogs.

I agree with everything that's been said so far. I might add, the reason why I have two rescues now is because I want to have dogs in order to spend time with dogs. So that's part of my raison d'être.

That said, if you are very active and would like to give a rescue dog a chance at a better life, you can do this. Most dogs from shelters are crate trained, as they live in kennels. Our two came from the Sumter County Humane Society, where I volunteer. Since I walk the dogs, I can tell by looking at their kennel in the morning which ones are housebroken. I know which ones are skittish, which ones are calm, and which ones need a lot of exercise. You can ask all these questions of the shelter staff; I know the staff at Sumter County Humane Society, and they will tell you the truth.

Since I'm past retirement age, I chose dogs I think (hope) I will outlive, which is another reason not to go with a puppy. You have to have a backup plan for the dog if something happens to you. One of ours was brought to the shelter after the owners died and the adult children did not want him.

There is a meme out there that says something to the effect that a rescue dog would rather be lying on your floor waiting for you to come home than sitting in a kennel not knowing what's next.

Good luck in your decision.

OP, ever consider a cat? They are great companions, tend to take care of themselves and I only need to empty the litter box once a day, but I do occasionally have a lap cat when I am trying to work on my laptop.

Yes, I rescued a kitten last year. Great companion. I try and spend some quality time each day in play with her - plus when home, she is always by my side.

Just like having baby, requires your full attention. It you don’t travel much problems are less.

That's a beautiful sentiment, thank you for sharing!

may you have happiness no matter what dog, or not, you choose. i wish more people would consider things like you do before they adopt,-- we'd have less neglected pets in shelters

Dear OP,
I have been a pet owner for much of my life. This said, I have a different point of view. As a retired person your life is pretty much your own now. As said earlier, adopt a pet is like being a parent. Your life will no longer be yours. Your "child" cannot take care of itself. You must schedule your life to fit the needs of your "child". Human children take on certain things on their own (exercise, getting food, etc) which "fur babies" can't do on their own. In fact, in many ways pet owners aren't like parents at all. They are more like care givers for challenged or elderly individuals. You may love your pet, but, unlike a human child, you will never see them grow up and become self-sufficient, productive adults. They go from baby, to young child, to old and elderly.
Now, you are retired. Free! Your time is yours. Do you really want to be 24/7/365 caretaker and watchman, making the rounds, punching the clocks, and paying for the "privilege", financially and emotionally?
As said, I was a pet owner and I lived and loved my pets and would do whatever was needed for them. But now they are gone and I am free. Breakfast happens when I want it. I don't need to leave early to take someone for "walkies". Doctor visits are for me, not the cat/dog(s). And I don't have to carry poop bags for someone else.
OP, think. Do you really want or need that pet? Really?
Good luck! And don't let the pet addicted make you feel guilty if you "just say No" to pet ownership.

You have two options that may help with deciding. There are many rescues near TV, that need someone to Foster pups to adults. Usually it’s to help with over crowding, mostly in TV it’s a temp surrender due to health.

Second you can consider taking a puppy commitment for service dogs. It’s hard after that year to return, but rewarding that You had a helping hand in that training to make someone else’s life easier. They also are always looking for a person who can take that pup for a day or few days while the handler takes a vacation.

Do remember if you work with a Service puppy training company. Your puppy will go everywhere with you, and can. Pickleball, grocery, restaurants, and Even Disney. We were at Disney last month when the seizure dogs were with their new forever child handlers. All wearing their seizure vests, booties, walking through crowds, and only paying attention to their new handlers.

Think reward to a higher level than you could ever imagine. Give you a puppy fix, and may help you decide if full commitment is for you

Our sentiments exactly. My husband and I love pets; but we have reached the pet-free stage of our lives, so now I enjoy the moments when I'm around other people's pets.