[Pairadocs]

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 .

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by Veracity

Make arrangements with one of your neighbors to take care of their dog in your home while they go on vacation. That will give you an idea of what your life will be like if you adopt a dog of your own. It will also limit your commitment to a week or two and you won't feel guilty about taking a foster dog back to a shelter, since the dog in your home already has a wonderful owner. Your life will change with a dog, I say for the better, but after this experiment you may disagree.

Yes, and, not only dog sitting for a neighbor, why not volunteer at a shelter as a temp (foster) home and get the feel of it ? Many do this and decide it is for them, and end of adopting the dog they "temped", others realize it is not for them. That can REALLY help avoiding mistakes. In addition to the time and social life implications, many well meaning people totally misjudge what their income/budget can handle, that needs to be in the "mix" when making the decision.

[rustyp]

One of the worst experiences one can encounter is a neighbor who is out all day with a dog left home alone and barks all day. Guess what happens next. Neighbor has a friendly word with dog owner about what goes on all day long. RESPONSE - my Fido wouldn't do that. Now neighbors are on non speaking terms.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by rustyp

One of the worst experiences one can encounter is a neighbor who is out all day with a dog left home alone and barks all day. Guess what happens next. Neighbor has a friendly word with dog owner about what goes on all day long. RESPONSE - my Fido wouldn't do that. Now neighbors are on non speaking terms.

This sounds like a good reason to have one of those NEST thingies that record video with sound. Put one up against the window facing the other guy's house and when you get a notification from it, start recording the sound. It'll capture the date and time and duration.

[WiscoDogsDad]

Not a resident, yet, but have been a dog owner for many years.

I am bringing mine, in the spring. I am searching for a Villages home with a fence....Put in a LOT of time on this subject and am aware of my options and limitations on fencing.

I will continue to work for the first few years, as a resident, so that means that my time commitments....dogs and work....will not change dramatically.

However, my two are older.

I have ALREADY made my mind up that I will be without a dog for at least a few years after they pass.

The SOLE reason is time-freedom. Not financial.

It will be a quiet house, but I won't be there much as I intend to be active.

The appeal of deciding at breakfast on a Friday that I want to drive to New Orleans for the weekend (example only), without the responsibility to my "kids", is overpowering.

This is one person's situation, but I want to COMMEND the OP for the thought and consideration being put into this long-term commitment. Good luck, irrespective of what you decide.

[mraines]

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.

I have a dog and am still quite active. I adopted a two year old from the shelter. She has never been crated. She is an awesome dog, though she does have her flaws. She does not seem to have to go out frequently. We walk in the morning. I play with her during the day and still have time to engage in golf, bowling, dancing at the squares, etc. I live alone and she gives me comfort and I love coming home to a wagging tail.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by mraines

I have a dog and am still quite active. I adopted a two year old from the shelter. She has never been crated. She is an awesome dog, though she does have her flaws. She does not seem to have to go out frequently. We walk in the morning. I play with her during the day and still have time to engage in golf, bowling, dancing at the squares, etc. I live alone and she gives me comfort and I love coming home to a wagging tail.

Wagging tail is better than a wagging tongue.

[Grinchie]

Originally Posted by CFrance

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.

I couldn’t agree more with you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I’ve had three beautiful rescues who have since passed, and currently have a sweet pound dog who was a bait dog for dog fights in TX. They have each brought so much humor, care, and awareness into our lives, & I believe they would rather be waiting for you, at their home, than be caged at the pound all day with many other animals waiting for rescue or (more often) euthanization. I think they make us better humans & raise awareness of all animals - they are so hungry for a petting, loving attention & care, same as we need.
Pet Trusts are simple documents whereby you can name a new owner (& alternate) when you die & you can designate specific funding for the new owner. They give back so much.

[badkarma318]

Originally Posted by rustyp

One of the worst experiences one can encounter is a neighbor who is out all day with a dog left home alone and barks all day. Guess what happens next. Neighbor has a friendly word with dog owner about what goes on all day long. RESPONSE - my Fido wouldn't do that. Now neighbors are on non speaking terms.

Very true. People have had to move for this exact reason. A Villages YouTuber has been dealing with this problem for some time now.