I Want a Dog, But Should I Get a Dog?
I Want a Dog, But Should I Get a Dog?
By D. S. Mitchell
That Damn Lily
My last dog was named Lily, she was a rescued dog. She came to my home when she was about two years old and full of personality. She had a habit of arguing with me when I would give commands, “Sit, Lily” would be followed by a straight on eye ball to eye ball period of audible grumbling before following the order. “To your house, Lily,” garnered the same stare me down look and grumbling response, before heading to her bed. But she was the first to notice when I was sad or depressed, and would hurry to comfort me. She was the first to notice when something was amiss and would quickly draw my attention to her concern. She never got on the furniture, she apparently was smarter than that; I don’t even sit on the furniture. She was always ready for a walk or any kind of activity, especially a car ride. Yippee!
Memorable Events
Her most memorable nonsense was the day she wrapped her leash around both my legs and brought me down hard on a sand dune at Sunset Beach, Oregon, just out front of my house. Turns out that little stunt fractured my pelvis, causing me to spend the next 2 months hobbling around like a 90 year old with a borrowed walker; you know the kind with the tennis balls on the two back struts.
Her second most memorable stunt was when she ( we were living in Astoria, Oregon at the time) jumped out the second story window of my three story Victorian house on Flavel Street, and took off. WTF. I mean this dog jumped from the second floor window; why? because the damn window was open? Holy moly. I was at a total loss. Screaming and literally pulling at my hair. Why would she pull such a bull shit stunt. After she bailed out the window, landing quite athletically on the street below, I watched her head up the hill as if she had a destination in mind. So, I of course, called the Astoria Police Department and told them my dog was missing. I gave the nice lady taking the report Lily’s description. The woman told me she would call me if Lily turned up. Well….less than five minutes later that nice police lady called back and said she thought she had found my dog.
Thank God
‘Thank God,” my response.
The sweet lady laughed and said, “You better get over to Astoria High School. Apparently, your brindle boxer just broke up the first band concert of the year.”
“Broke up the first band concert of the year?” I painfully repeated.
“According to the report, your pooch interrupted the concert, sending both audience and band members scurrying.”
“Oh, God,” I moaned.
Loving Kids
I grabbed my side kick, Dave, who was hanging out at the house, and we headed over the hill to Astoria High School. The rig had barely come to a stop when the two of us hit the ground running. Dave was about 20 feet out front of me when we found the center of chaos and Lily was right in the middle of it. Several of the students were joyfully pursuing Lily, but she was quick and was darting in and out from behind one obstacle after another. It was obvious she was having a hell of a good time with the kids. She loved kids.
I shouted, “Halt!” and to everyone’s surprise she did just that. She of course, grumbled and disputed my dominance, but she stopped and held her position.
I pulled out a piece of chicken I had stashed in my pocket, for just such a situation, and promised Lily it was all hers if she’d just let me attach the leash to her ‘effin collar. Once the agreement was struck, I hooked up the leash to the collar and Lily and I headed down the hall to the main entrance with Lily munching on last night’s chicken breast and me leading the crazy bitch to the SUV. Dave, followed close behind and hopped in the car and the three of us headed home. The next day there was a front page story in the Daily Astorian, with pictures of Lily’s night of disruption at Astoria High School. In the end, it was a good laugh for all.
So Why Do I Want a Dog?
Sometimes we, are not in the right place, time-wise, geographically, or emotionally to bring a new friend laden with responsibilities into our lives. It broke my heart when I had to euthanize Lily at around 12 years of age. She had thyroid cancer and was miserable with pain and I couldn’t watch her suffering any longer. It’s been five years since her death and I’m feeling the pain of being dog-less. I definitely do not want a puppy. I’m thinking elder dog for elder owner.
The time commitment required for a new puppy is more than I can take on. Before I start looking for my new companion I know I need to make sure that I have the time and the energy required to make the daily commitment to my new best buddy. Puppies will need to go out every hour until they are house trained. That means a commitment of no less than two hours daily for play, exercise, socialization and stimulation. Additionally, puppies because they are rapidly growing, need to be fed and watered three times a day. I know I can’t do that.
A Good Fit
The activity level of the animal is probably one of the most important considerations they tell me when deciding on a new pet. I want to make sure my new pet will fit into the way I live. If you are a couch potato a three-month old greyhound pup may not be your best choice. Describe your lifestyle to the folks at the shelter and they will be able to offer some great options. Maybe Before you make the commitment, hang out with the dog. Offer to pet sit for a friend, or foster an animal. Fostering offers people an opportunity to experience owning a pet without the trauma of making a bad choice. Fostering can last for a few days, or a few months.
Puppies are so adorable, but they are demanding, and require a lot of attention. I’m thinking baby. After thinking about this I am sure that an adult dog will be my best choice. A mature dog will need all the things a puppy needs, but on a smaller less demanding scale. Adult dogs have more impulse control and they are better able to understand and fit into established routines. They need less stimulation, less exercise and less patience than puppies, but they still need each of these things.
How Much Will My Dog Cost?
I worry, can I even afford a dog? Estimates show that on adoption day, if I go thru my local shelter, I will spend from $50 to $500. I can also expect that during the first year of pet ownership I will probably spend at least $1,000 or more on my new dog. Some Humane Society shelters spay and neuter all animals, others do not. So, it seems, I need to ask about spaying and neutering before I make a decision on an animal. I need to remember, I may end up paying for that service. Doing my research, I found out some organizations help seniors adopt animals providing subsidies for food and health care.
Health History
I’m told my new pet may come without a health history. So, even if there is no health history, I will need to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible, so my new buddy can be examined, vaccinated, checked for parasites and neutered or spayed if it has not already been done. Untreated parasites can be transferred from dogs to humans…. so be sure to take care of this immediately.
What Does My New Pet Need?
New pets need things. Such as; crate, collar, leash, waste bags, bed, bowls for water and food, cleaning supplies, food and treats, doorway gate, grooming tools, ID tag, license, and toys. If the shelter has given the dog bedding or a favorite toy ask if you can take it home for the pet. Something familiar is always good to help aid the transition. It is important to make the transition from home to shelter as easy as possible for all concerned. I know I will need to pick up my new fur-baby when I have a few days at home so I can be with the animal helping it to settle in without lots of visitors and the stress of a workday.
It is recommended that the new pet should be restricted to one room or a small area for the first day or two, gradually expanding the area where the pet is allowed. It can be an overwhelming time for a new pet as it gets used to new faces, voices and open spaces. Help reduce the stress, I’m told, by increasing new experiences slowly.
What’s in a Name?
Picking a name. Many dogs have already been given a name. I’ve renamed dogs before. They’re smart and they adapt quickly. A one or two-syllable name is easier for both the animal and the owner. Remember, there will be times when you will want to call the dog. Holler out the name, does it make you feel stupid? Then that probably is not the best choice. “Honey Bunny” sounds great in the house, but calling out “Honey Bunny” as you search the neighborhood for your missing pooch might cause some personal humiliation.
My Responsibility
I wish I had someone to share the responsibilities for this new creature I’m thinking about bringing into my home, but sadly I’m single, once again. Just the same the dog needs fresh water, feeding, playing, walking and grooming. I need to be sure that I am prepared to do that 365 days a year, because a pet depends on its owners for food, water, shelter, activity, and love. I want to be able to fulfill those duties everyday and I’m taking the matter more seriously at this point in my life than probably at any other time previously. I am also positive that if I choose to bring that four-legged friend into my home he (she) will give me more love than I could ever imagine. I just want to be in the the right place to return the love and dedication.
