Another Dog?

My last dog passed about 9 months ago at the age of 17. Lately I have been missing my buddie and have been thinking of buying another dog. I am currently renting a townhouse with no yard but a huge park right acrossed the street. I am buying a new home in about 12 to 18 months. I'm really confused if I should go ahead and get the dog now, or wait till I buy a house. My wife feels we should wait, but the kids and I want the dog ASAP.

What are your thoughts?

First, my condolences on your loss. 17 years is a long, long time and it's so painful to lose a friend you've had for that long.

Personally, I wouldn't get another dog until your wife is on board. You might need to so some persuading, but it's really better for the whole family and the new dog for everyone to be excited and welcoming about the new addition.

Another option is to foster a dog for a rescue that specializes in the breed of your choice. This allows a worthy dog to have a chance to experience the love and structure of a home while waiting for a permanent adoption. You could also volunteer for a local shelter or help an ill or elderly neighbor walk their dog if you still want to have dogs in your life until you buy your house.

The other benefit of waiting is that you can take as much time as you need to select a reputable breeder from whom to buy your next dog or to look at dogs available through rescues and shelters. The best dog breeders often have months and year-long waiting lists for their puppies because they don't breed their dogs that often. You also have an opportunity to decide if a puppy or an adult dog will be best for your family's schedule. Occasionally, breeders will sell adult dogs to pet homes if the dogs can't be shown in the ring for some reason.

As a renter, I've always had an adult dog and it's never been a problem. My husband and I are hoping to buy a house before we get our next dog because we're planning to buy a puppy for showing/conformation. I want it to be my carpets that get messed up and not the landlord's until the puppy is house-broken

Good luck!

If you have a park across the street, and are willing to walk the dog often, I really don't see a problem. But everyone in the family really should agree before getting another dog. Best of Luck. And remember to check your local pet rescues first, save a life.

Originally Posted by ClaireBear

If you have a park across the street, and are willing to walk the dog often, I really don't see a problem. But everyone in the family really should agree before getting another dog. Best of Luck. And remember to check your local pet rescues first, save a life.

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I would wait until you have a house with a yard. I take my dogs for walks but I could not imagine having to walk them to the park everytime they need to do their business.

I also think everyone needs to be on board with getting a new dog. The entire family needs to be responsible for taking care of him/her and if one person is not ready for that commitment then resentment can form that they are taking care of a pet they were not ready to take care of.

Maybe you should take the year to research dogs and discover which breed is the best suited for your family.

And I agree into looking into rescuing a dog. They do have breed rescues. So you can get the breed you want and give a wonderful animal a loving home.

Good Luck

I empathize with you! We lost our old girl Ellie Mae (hound mix) and my husband couldn't wait beyond 10 months to adopt again. He did wait until I agreed to adopt (then we adopted 2) and I respect that he did that. I agree with others - the entire family needs to be on board with the decision. I know a lot of people in apartments with dogs who take their dogs to parks and you are lucking to have one across the street. Sounds like that isn't a barrier to you.

But if you get a puppy while in an apartment, be prepared to lose your deposit. They are pooping, peeing and chewing machines and a puppy will cause damage, regardless of how dilligent you are. You forget how much work a puppy will be when you are used to an old dog.

ummm.......it is a hard one to call, but I think you are very wise to "mull" over all the issues surrounding getting another dog. Many points have already been covered, but I just have one question.....

what size of dog are you thing about ?

a smaller one may offer some options that a bigger dog obviously wouldnt

the other thing is 12/18 mths will soon pass, so maybe waiting will OK

Keep us posted

Originally Posted by mooficat

what size of dog are you thing about ?

a smaller one may offer some options that a bigger dog obviously wouldnt

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My last dog was a pit bull we found at the age of 6 months. I was planning on getting another pit bull since my last dog was the biggest sweetheart and the most loyal dog I have ever came across. As for size, he/she will range between 60 to 90 pounds depending on sex and bloodline.

My wife really wants a dog as well, she is just concerned since we have no yard and we are renting. I think she is on the fence because she doesn't want to have to walk the dog across the street at 3AM for a bathroom break.

I am so very sorry for your loss. please adopt and don't buy.
you can look for dogs on http://www.petfinder.com just go to shelter and rescue groups in your area at the top or do a pet search if you are looking for a particular breed. good luck!

Yesterday I came home from work to found the wife and kids getting there jackets and shoes on... I asked what was going on and my wife replied "We are going to the shelter" I was a bit confused but I guess she is onboard with a new pup. Unfortunately, the only dog we liked was 12 years old and had a heart condition. Poor little fella.

The search continues.

aw well, decision made then eh !

keep us posted..........ooooo.......and of course, photos pwweeeezee

Good luck with searching!

Honestly, if you want another pit bull, please research well were he/she will be coming from. If you are getting one from a breeder make sure there dogs are steady tempered, and if you are getting one from a shelter please evaluate them carefully. Some poorly bred pits can be time bombs, and I say this in the most non-judgemental way possible.

I truly love these dogs since my fathers first pittie, a chocolate and white girl with gorgeous green eyes. As soon as we get our new house I am definately planning on owning another one of these beauties!

Congrats I love pitties! Are you getting an APBT or a Staffordshire Bull terrier or another pit bull breed? I also suggest rescuing and if you do decide on a breeder research very carefully. I was gonna say wait until you get the new house because moves can be stressful on dogs, but if you do it right the stress can be reduced. I love pit bulls and would love to have one some day, but I plan on having more than one dog and don't want to have to worry about always separating them. Can't wait to see pics