[happysmom]

I've been home for several months of physical therapy due to long, ongoing health issues and am now on the mend. During that time though, my dog died over the holidays. She was a sweet, quiet dog, and always by my side.

I knew I would miss my girl, but I had no idea how much! I'm still thinking of her and feeling sad over it.

My parents s***ested recently that I begin looking for a new dog, especially since I've been home. So after endless research, I decided to get a labradoodle and put my name on a waiting list. Suddenly though, everything changed. I got an amazing job offer on Tuesday but it's long hours, even though it's at home. I could move out within a year but there aren't many pet friendly apartments.

I don't know what I should do now. I really miss caring for a dog and I miss having one by my side. Half of me is saying to still go for it, that I'll find a way. The other half is saying to hold off. Just thinking about not getting this dog and looking at my dog training books is actually making me tear up. I know I need to be responsible though, which is why I'm asking for your opinion.

What do you think?

[sherry]

Hi Happysmom and welcome!

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like she was an adorable girl, and I'm sure she knew how much you loved her. I'm glad to hear your health is doing better too.

I'd say go for a new dog. You seem like a loving, responsible owner and you're probably ready for a new dog. Take the new job too, there's no reason why you can't "have it all"

You're obviously committed to doing right by a pet, so I'm sure you'll find a way to balance your work schedule with caring for a new dog, and when the time comes finding an apartment. Working at home will give you greater flexibility to fit in dog-care throughout the day, and living with your parents means you can take your time finding the right apartment. So go for it!

Best of luck on everything and let us know whether you decide to get a new dog!

[Susie]

Hi! I'm new as well, to this site, but not to dog ownership. I too have lost my 'best friends' over the years, and it never hurts less. But I would not give them up for anything! You don’t say what you will do with your dog. There are so many dogs out there now who are being given up due to the economy – if you want a dog that’s happy and content to just be near you, a labradoodle puppy might be. too much – too active, too large, too quick (especially for your parents.) Also, it is much more difficult to find an apartment with a large, young dog (still chewing things, having ‘accidents’). I would s***est a smaller, older dog – like 3 yrs old or so. If you want to go hiking, etc. with the dog, it’ll need longer legs than a very small dog – so perhaps something 30-40 lbs.? A breed that’s not considered “active” - perhaps a miniature poodle (non-shedding, very intelligent and although can be nervous, can also be a good housepet)? Or you can ‘rescue’ a greyhound… they actually are pretty quiet in the house and very gentle and unassuming. My best dogs have been mutts! Labs are great, but want to be active. Just make sure that you refuse to leave the dog behind if you move. An apartment that doesn’t allow your dog is not an option!
Hope this helps a little

Susie

[happysmom]

Hello there!

I would certainlly keep the dog no matter what, never ditching the dog for an apartment, so no worries there. I just want to cover all my bases before settling on getting the dog.

After researching, the labradoodles do get too big, so we were looking at toy poodles, toy aussiedoodles, pugs and boston terriers as well.

I've never taking getting a dog lightly, (although I love my father, that's more his speed...he sees a cute dog and falls in love) and always research the hell out of everything involved. The only one who I really didn't research at all was my own dog Happy, and that's because I was 12 and she picked me.

I just want to make sure it's the right time to get one. If it isn't the right time, I would hold off until it is, never putting the dog in danger. I'm torn right now though.