Voicelessness and Emotional Survival > Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board
Pup
Twoapenny:
My thoughts, Hospie, for what they're worth are -
Pets of all kinds need time and specific input from their owners, dependent on their needs
We all have our own limits and it's really important to be aware of and honest about those
I think the most loving thing anyone can do for their pet is be honest about whether their capacity matches their pet's needs and if it doesn't, find somewhere else that matches up. I think a family with kids who would likely run pup ragged with their need to play with him constantly would be perfect for him. Also much easier for those with springier backs to deal with house training, chewing, slipper stealing and all the other things that puppies bring. You could keep him another year and then decide it's too much but by then it will be much harder to retrain him out of unhelpful habits.
With regards to letting go - yes, it's very hard. And I think the feeling of an empty house can be very difficult to deal with. But if further pets/companionship were an option or a way of lessening the problem of letting go, I highly recommend cats! Particularly older ones who are harder to rehome; adoption centres here are always on the lookout for people who've got space for older kitties. They walk themselves, are naturally clean and tidy and the older ones tend to hunt less so fewer mice and birds to deal with (if any at all). Over here there are fostering schemes available as well, which work well for people who love having a pet but are unable to make a commitment. The charities pay for upkeep and vet bills, the fosterer gets the love and affection from the pet and the original owner (here these situations usually arise because an owner has to move into supported living or something like that) knows the pet is being loved and well cared for. None of this is intended to come across as "rehome the pup and immediately do something else!" More to suggest ways to help lessen the letting go side of things should that be the decision that you come to xx
Hopalong:
Such wise thoughts, thank you mucho.
I'd love to have a cat but I developed a strong allergy in my last sweet kitty's last year. It was enough to trigger my asthma, so I got tested. That's been a couple decades so I might get tested again just for cat -- it'd be awesome if it's gone away. I'd might even do the cat-shots if the immunologist is pretty certain it'd work. I love cats.
I'm already a registered foster at our lovely no-kill shelter. I can ask them for an older sweet female who's already used to housetraining and a home environment, and perhaps bring her home to help me train Pup. Might be worth a try. Be worth it to get on that waiting list, regardless.
Another alternative I considered is a "boarding training camp" run here. He would go stay with a professional trainer for two weeks who'd train him plus one other dog every day. The cost makes my hair stand on end, but if I find I can ethically decide to keep him, I'll need something comprehensive other than rushed weekly classes.
Thanks for lettting me chew this over, y'all! You've no idea how much it helps to have this little family of sisters.
grateful hugs,
Hops
Twoapenny:
It sounds like you've got a number of different options, Hops, which is always a good thing. And whatever happens, you know you've done/will do your best for him, so he's not going to end up in a terrible situation. Either you'll take good care of him or someone else will so he'll get a good deal regardless.
The cat thing is weird, isn't it? I know a few people who've developed an allergy to their cat, it's strange how allergies work. Someone else I know is okay with certain types of cats but highly allergic to others. Had no idea there were cat shots! Good to have different possibilities. You'll come to the right decision, whatever it might be x
sKePTiKal:
There are some kitties that cause fewer allergic reactions, but I'll be blessed if I remember which breeds those are! With a kitty, there is always the litterbox situation to consider. I have to clean the little strays mess up every day... and vacumn what they kick or drag out of the litter box. (No, I've not found a situation for them yet.)
But cats are as many different personalities as people. Some completely independent and as long as food & water is regular - not particularly upset by anything. Sometimes that personality can also be totally bonded to you and lovey - but on their schedule. The other end of the spectrum, is the velcro cat - little gluttons for affection and attention, and always wanting to be a lap warmer & to sit on your keyboard blocking the screen.
Kittens are so full of energy & curious/mischievious that it's a lot to handle. My guys are just starting to jump - they easily manage the bed and have scaled the bathroom vanity. They climb curtains - sigh. So I have to put things out of reach - especially anything "tissue". Such great fun for a kitten to unwind and shred a whole roll of toilet paper...
All that said, a house with a cat in it is never lonely. They make super (quiet) companions for introverts with just enough social interaction and frequent naps to be good company. But I'm clearly more of a cat person, than a dog person. I like Knuckles OK; been around as he grew up and he's perfectly well-mannered now - but the dog has a constant play "on button". That's tiring. Kiri, the Pyr/Setter mix is gentle and sweet and thinks she's a princess most of the time. But she has a serious, work/prey side to her also and she's fast & strong; she takes no crap from Knuckles - "I'm the pitbull in charge" dominance. She chases coyotes if given the chance, and would kill them.
Just like cats, there are dogs that personality-wise might be a better fit for you Hops. But you'll have to consult the dog people... I'm not much help.
Hopalong:
I knew what I needed: an older, mellow couch and cuddle potato dog, female.
What I did: Yield to an irresistibly powerful photo of the wrong kind of pooch for me at this stage of life. And in the first stage of a grief so deep I couldn't face it.
Still love him to bits. Still contemplating the training camp. But I don't have to decide today.
I admire you for managing life with all those beloved animals. Had I your gumption, I'd also have two donkeys, a pet duck or goose and godknowswhatelse.
hugs
Hops
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