It’s time you knew the scary truth.
We are thinking about…
considering, really…
the possibility of getting…
a dog.
What is this homeschooling mother of five and wife to one thinking?!!
I don’t know.
Call me a crazy Frenchwoman and I’d agree. I think it’s because I don’t have enough to do with my time as it is.
Check out these little furry faces, though! Do you still think I’m so crazy? Don’t answer that.
We did a puppy test run this afternoon, when our very own Paula (of A Catholic Harvest fame) brought two of her ten puppies for a visit. I thought that was pretty sweet of her, but to tell you the truth, it became clear after about an hour that my kids are simply not cut out for dog ownership.
I mean, look at the fear on my daughter’s face. Well, maybe that’s not fear…but it’s definitely trepidation.
Hmmm. She seems to be warming a bit…maybe…to the idea. I’m still not convinced.
Paula’s little boy stood by my son protectively in case the puppy should decide to attack or something. I worried about the way the puppy’s legs were sticking out rigidly like that. Isn’t that a warning that she’s getting angry?
Or does she just have to use the bathroom?
I don’t know. I just don’t know.
You tell me. Am I crazy?
Nah, not crazy. Well, maybe a little. Just kidding. 🙂
My kids have been begging for a puppy. I told them when everyone is out of diapers, then we’ll talk. The puppy too cute. I hope it works out!
You’re crazy. Unless your kids are WAY more responsible than most. Do you want to stand out in the rain/snow/sleet/heat and wait for the dog to poop? Just make sure your kids do BEFORE you buy. Speaking from experience — actually I have an experienced dog all ready for you. I’ll put it on a Greyhound bus tomorrow.
My girls would LOVE any one of those cute puppies.
Unfortunately, my allergies won’t let us have a dog or a cat. So far we just have an aquarium.
(Did I say “un” fortunately? Really?)
🙂
okay, I’m getting some honest opinions here.
This is good. I need to hear them.
4 months after having my 5th daughter, and just 2.5 months after moving into a new house far, FAR away from ANY FAMILY OR FRIENDS … my dear, loving brother gifted my 5 year old(at the time) a sweet Border Collie.
I’m not sure I was crazy, but a real sucker (can I say that?).
Thankfully our little pooch is super sweet and despite his initial fondness for the edge of my wood coffee table … we love him.
*Something to love, something to care for … ENJOY your new puppy 😉
Having a puppy or “pet” is an excellent way for small children (or anyone)to learn to care for something real and this will carry over into their adult life. The one thing our society does not teach is empathy for any living thing. I like the idea that you want to begin that training in your home. There is nothing more heartwarming than to be greeted every momemt unconditionally by a pet that thinks you are the best thing in the world. GO FOR IT!!! Every living thing needs love and acceptance.
I don’t think you are crazy, but you do have a lot going on. That’s why I wanted all of you to see them IRL! Yes, they are cute and adorable in pictures. And in person! But there will be some accidents until the puppy is fully house trained, AND since they are retrievers, they like to retrieve. Shoes, socks, you name it. They have to be trained. It’s a big decision and you need to be fully informed. A family pet will love you and protect you till death, but just like children, they need taking care of too! We had fun today – thanks!
I think you are crazy. I think the puppies are irresistable. I think you have absolutely precious little children. Cute, cute, cute.
Probably. But puppies are cute. And you will have to walk it in the rain and the blizzards and the freezing cold. And yes, it will probably be you and not the kids, because you won’t want to send THEM out in that bad weather. At least, I never do.
Yes, I think you’re crazy – especially to get a puppy! If you want a dog I’d get an older dog – one of my friends said having a puppy is like having another kid to chaperone, and potty train, etc. Maybe the pound has a nice older dog, who likes kids and is already trained. But those puppies are super cute, and I could see myself going home with one if Clare was playing with it – even though I don’t ever want a dog.
Sometimes I think I want a dog. Then I see someone walking a dog through our town carrying a BAG of POOP. Then I get over it. 🙂
Well, Hey! My kids learn to care for a living thing, learn empathy, and get unconditional love from the BABY! I’ll take a baby over a puppy any day. But they are cute!
About two years ago, I was in this same exact spot: wanting a dog, knowing it was insane. I even posted some similar question on my blog I think — I wanted to be talked out of it. Or into it. I’m not sure.
Bottom line: I had to go through it. There was no convincing me otherwise. I listened to the dog lovers, ignored the people who said I was crazy.
In the end, it was not for me. We don’t have a fenced in yard, and the boys were terrified of the breed we chose (German Shorthaired Pointer). So we got rid of the dog (the first dog, our puppy, got hit by a car, very long and traumatic story, and then we got a six-mont-old of the same breed).
After that day, for about six months, there wasn’t a day went by that I didn’t wake and and sigh — with joy. The dog was gone!
okay, i do finally have to comment here. because, we too, just had to get rid of our puppy. (he bit my son-not playfully). i think this was more due to the type of breed he was than anything else, also, he was a nervous little guy right from the beginning. my husband, the first day we got him, said, welcome to doggy hell(ie four small children 2-9). ha ha, very funny, i thought dogs loved kids!!! anyway, i was also the potty trainer of said puppy. remember those nights spent nursing a new born baby? waking up every three hours….this is nothing like that BECAUSE YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO GET UP OUT OF BED AND GO OUTSIDE. (sorry, i had to capitalize that. i remember standing outside in my yard and 2am thinking, i have four children AND NEVER ONCE DID I ACTUALLY GET OUT OF BED AT 2AM, (i co-sleep with may babies for nursing.) so, i thought to myself, this is interesting, i am standing outside, in the wet grass, at 2am waiting for a dog to go pee. i never once did that EVEN FOR MY CHILD-this is what dog ownership makes you do. i think it could be really great….i think. i don’t know yet. we do still kinda want a dog, but then i remember the 2am wet grass nights……..so, i am just trying to give you the reality version of dog ownership. i still do think it could be good, at the right time, with the right dog, under the right circumstances…and when someone else will get up and go outside at 2am,4am and 6 am. :-))))
Those pups AND kids are delicious together – but it can be a big commitment….
Some help I am…huh?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, “Until they invent a crapless, hairless dog, I will never own one…but they’re nice to visit once in a while!”. We have WAY too many dogs in this neighborhood and just watching the neighbors (NOT the neighbor’s kids) pick up mounds of steaming dog poop before they have to mow their lawns lest they get a whole bunch of ick stuck to the side of their houses is enough to make me puke at the thought of having a dog in/near the house. We have very good neighbors but it’s almost impossible to keep the dogs totally contained at all times and once in a while we get a nice “pile” on our lawn. It’s like changing someone else’s kid’s diaper…you’ll DO it, but you sure as heck don’t like it very much, and there might even be swearing involved.
I’d say go with your gut on this one (don’t get a dog). You probably are a little crazy, but that’s okay…it keeps you from goin’ insane!
Puppie are wonderful if you take the time to train them to become family dogs. The first year is critical and constant — It’s a new baby.
We have a black lab — before we picked him up the breeder had him trained to do his business outside (9 weeks). Oh, the first year we had a couple of misses because he he was in the house for too long a strech. Three or four hours at most and then the puppy needs to go outside. A decent size yard with a fence really is a must. Tying up a dog really isn’t fair.(I do know people who have wonderful dogs who live at the end of a rope but…)
The breed is important too. Bib small, friendly, a loner etc.
Our Black Lab played with sticks, balls, jumped on the trampoline (about six months)but he was among older children. My youngest was 10, then 12and 14 and 16 So they appreciated the care of the dog and training.(we could have and should have done it sooner) He was crate trained and after a year we never used the crate again.
Everything negative that happened was duing the first year. Being left home alone for long streches of time. Shredding newspapers was the greatest destruction, but I remember once he stole two slices of pizza off the table. A dog is a wonderful companion for children, especially a sensitive child, but the breed of dog and family match is most important. Our dog has never stayed in a kennel while we went away. That is a big problem if you travel and can’t take the dog with you.
Expense. Food, medical care shots, monthly maintenance etc. Run of the house, confined space?
Is the dog part of the family or just a whim that you’re stuck with? Good luck
Only get a dog if YOU want a dog. Because after the newness and cuteness wears off, it will be YOU who feeds, bathes, walks, pets, and cleans up after it. This is three kids and four dogs over a span of 28 years talking here. It takes a lot of time to train a puppy (he’ll chew up books, toys, shoes and clothes in the interim); have you got the time?
Hmmm..I caved a couple years ago when someone wanted to give us a pure bred black lab…in my not so humble opinion…she has been a pain…lovable, but a pain. Now, at two years old she’s just stopped tearing things up – I thought for a while she was going to destroy EVERYTHING in the backyard..she almost did. She’s a very good dog – my husband and children love her to bits. She makes a muddy mess on the back patio when it rains plenty…will have to be evacuated if/when a hurricane comes this way – that ought to make the van smell really good?? She eats and poops…the poop has to be scooped – daily! (not by me) Yes, she is good but a huge commitment.
Hi. I guess I’ve been doing what you call “lurking” since I found your blog from Spirit Daily website a day or two ago. I’ve enjoyed reading about your family. The first post I read from you reminded me of Erma Bombeck, your humor and insight, etc. You do family, I do dogs and (pardon the reference) cats. That’s been my family through the years since I was too shortsighted and cowardly and lacking in good judgment to make a serious connection with a good man. I’m in my 60s and have been adopting stray dogs and cats for 20-plus years. Can you say unofficial shelter and crazy old spinster. If you truly have never had a dog, there is much you need to know before you adopt one. The puppies your kids are playing with look like Goldens. They are noted for being good family pets, smart and loving. It depends on the breeder how much they exhibit the positive qualities of their breed. Were they bred for good temperament, good brains and good bodies? A fenced in yard is a must for dogs. Dogs on tie-outs can get frustrated and unhappy and turn out badly. You need to meet the parents of the puppies. Do you like their personalities or at least the one you have access to meet? Are they calm and gentle? Whatever you permit a puppy to do, it will do as a full-grown dog. For instance, if you permit a puppy to get in your lap when he’s 20 pounds or so, he will want to do that when he’s 60-plus pounds. If you roughhouse with a puppy, he will be much stronger and rougher when he’s an adult. Large breeds, i.e. Goldens, can take three years to fully mature. That means you may experience “puppy syndrome” for three years. “Puppy syndrome” includes, but is not limited to, over-exuberance to a fault, furniture, fabric and footwear shredding, crater digging to China, coffee table clearing by tail, carpet “accidents,” etc. You must take the puppy to obedience training before he is too big to manage. Preferably at six months or younger depending on his personality. This is not for the puppy’s benefit, it is to train you so you wind up with an adult dog you can live with and enjoy. Crate training is by far the easiest way to raise a puppy. They will come to think of the crate as their “den” and it will keep them and your home out of harm’s way when you and the family are gone. After you put food/water in the front end it will inevitably come out the other end fairly soon and getting puppy to the site you have picked in the yard for such deposits is a must for potty training. Luckily, dogs are not nearly as hard to potty train as, from reading your site, kids are but it does take faithful persistence on your part. These are just a few considerations off the top of my head. I have never responded to a blog before so this may be way too long. I guess I’ll find out when I try to copy this to you.
Also, our dog sheds like mad…the sticky, needle like hairs get tracked into the house…this dog is an outside dog and everyday I sweep up dog hair in my house. The back patio must be sweep often and the swept contents look like they would make a wig??? I couldn’t imagine all this inside my house/on my furniture. 😉
one more after reading Lois’s post…our 80lb. lab *thinks* she is a lap dog…I *think* she’s too heavy! I’m off – have a wonderful weekend, Margaret! 🙂
Paula, your puppies are incredibly cute!!
Margaret, I think you can do anything you put your mind to. It’s a question of whether you really want this commitment. You do love to pick up and go. Would the dog come with?
Lots to think about! If you’re thinking of keeping it as an indoor pet, then I’d say you’re crazy! We live on an acreage and will get a dog when our kids are responsible enough to take care of it in ALL weather EVERY day. They’re cute and fun to play with, but they’re also a lot of WORK. They’re also pretty good at wrecking yards unless you keep them in a kennel. Good luck!
You’re crazy but you would join a wonderful group of crazies!!!
Love, Heather
Mommy to 5 doggies and assorted children 😉
Margaret,
You know I love you right? I have been to your home and I have spent time with your beautiful family. Your hands are full. Wonderfully full but full nonetheless. Skip the puppy until your children are older. Trust me you’ll be glad you did.
Dh and I are not big animal people but we did want our kids to have the animal experience. We chose a 2yo dog instead of a puppy. It was already trained and has been delightful to have around. As adorable as puppies are, I don’t think I have the patience to train it. Some days I can barely train my children!
I’ve been a dog owner for one year now (always had them as a kid, but this is the first time as an adult). We adopted an adult dog, already house-trained, but still there were “adjustment accidents”.
There are many pros and cons. If you seriously consider it, I have some books I would recommmend you read BEFORE you commit and definitely BEFORE you bring a dog into the house.
From a kid’s point of view: unconditonal love and companionship, truly a best friend, a lesson in responsibility, caring for another creature, etc, etc.
From a mom’s point of view: hair on the floor (and furniture if you permit that – not recommended), and one more “person” who needs your attention. Even if you don’t actually put the food in the bowl, you will have to remind your children. Even if they are the ones who scoop the poop, you will have to remind them and check up on them.
Going away on a day trip: what will you do with the dog? Going camping: you have to add dog food to your list of supplies and then provide constant supervision. Want to go visit your folks for the week? Kennel? Pet sitter? Dogs left home alone can be very naughty.
On the plus side: I have a running partner and I feel very safe on dark streets. And I get unconditional love too.
Like children, dogs are work, and the burden will fall on you. How full is your plate?
Hi, Margaret! Shivaun here from church. I’ve been lurking a while now and really enjoy your blog!!! This is the first time I’ve been compelled to comment. One word….poop. I love puppies, but I’ve got 5 lovely little sweethearts at the moment, and the thought of owning a puppy…well, I think I’d prefer a bowl of ice-cream quite frankly. That’s my vote! 🙂
I love our dog. Before we got him though I did an online quiz to help you see what breed was suited to your family. We got a cocker spaniel and he is lovely. I don’t like the long hair though. We have to have him clipped pretty regularly.
We also have a cat now and I think that cats are much easier. Especially if you have a lot of smaller children.
Since I don’t have pets, I was just wondering if anyone thinks a pet’s behavior, good or bad, is a condition of the raising style of the owner? Since I also don’t have children, do you think a child’s behavior, good or bad, is a condition of the raising style of the parents? Somehow I think the owners or parents style of raising is the common thread here.
I am SO late on this conversation!! But, I, too, think it would be crazy to do it now. I always think how cute they are right now, but when they are bigger and you are changing diapers and cleaning dog poop, and puke, for me, it’s just too much. I can handle kid puke and poop, but not doggie stuff.
What about a bird? Or a fish?
Love you Margaret!
Wow, I was so facinated with all the responses of us all. But I just couldn’t resist one more response. I’m the black lab owner. We had birds, — they are ok but the feathers for those with allergies and lack of interaction. Cats, not my thing at all but my married sons each have a cat. They seem to be loners and then choose one person. Fish nice to look at, turtle grows big lasts many years but diseases to humans are a constant so the family dog is generally an all around pal to everyone. Breed is important and yes very much the first months -year — form the kind of dog you’ll have. (with the exception of good genes) Good dogs like companionship — you’ve got that built in! Some dogs travel well. According to my four sons Only a Lab or Retriver are good family dogs and can be trained for the family life. There you have it. But they also said it’s nicer for the dog to have a few older kids who know how to treat an animal.
hi margaret, i am of friend of paula’s for the past 30 years. The mom and dad of the 10 puppies have been raised with love and care. As a home schooler i would think the advantages of raising a puppy would create a number of good lessons. Some of them have already been listed in your other comments such as, unconditional love, taking responsibility for another living thing, and as you have been told many times, the responsibility of cleaning up the poop. Is it such a bad thing to have children learn that there are things we need to do in life besides care only for ourselves? this would be a companion to your children when they feel alone. someone to talk to when they think no one else listens to them. someone to play with when they don’t have anyone else who wants to play with them. i think it is a good idea for all children to have a pet – i say go for it!
Hi Margaret. I am usually a lurker, but I must respond to the puppy post. I am a hsing mom of eight (ages 13 to 2years), and we got a puppy last spring. Most people thought we were a bit crazy (but they do anyway…), but we went into this with our eyes wide open. My kids have to do most of the doggy care, I have enough to do. We got a small, non-shedding dog, that is very gentle and loves kids. These are the qualities we wanted so I found the breed ( ours is a bichon frise/havanese cross) that would deliver. Seriously, think about the qualities that will fit your family, your activity level, how many times a day do you want to run a lint remover over your kids? You can do it! But I would do some research first. I think I can see a home school research project ahead of you and your kids! Best of luck and God’s blessing on you and your lovely family.
Janice
P.S. thanks so much for the warmth and humour on your lovely blog
Hi Margaret, friend of Paula’s here on your nice little blog, I must say I don’t think I can add any comment that has not already been said…but I must say…. in my view it is not any crazier than home schooling!!! I don’t know how all of you wonderful woman do this so you answer from this chick would be “NO” your not crazy everyone else is!! Some days I would pick a puppy over my kid J/K…haha..I have 3 dogs so having a puppy is second nature to me…..
p.s. dogs are mysterious creatures and I love them….
Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window. ~Steve Bluestone