Should I buy a dog?

[mgadfly]

My wife and I are almost 30 years old and have been unable to get pregnant. We "adopted" a cat a few years back and instantly turned into those annoying cat people that tell stories about their pet just like it was a child. We know it is annoying, but we just can't help ourselves.

While growing up we always had dogs and can't really explain to her why I want one. She doesn't want one or the responsibility of owning one. I have an opportunity to purchase a Boston Terrier puppy (female) tomorrow.

For those of you who have had dogs, is the trouble worth it?

[SegRat]

I have a 2 year old Rottie and wouldnt get rid of him for anything. He can be a pain in the butt once in awhile, but the good times with him are great. He can always make me smile. A very smart dog to.
I say you wont regret it. Go get her.

[stevew]

If she doesnt want the dog, don't buy the dog. Wait until she asks to get a dog before you get one, otherwise you are asking for trouble. Nothing is more frustrating than having pets forced on you. Trust me, it's now happened twice now with cats and it really pissed me off.

[Franklinnoble]

Yeah, buying the dog against her wishes would be a bad idea. Talk to her about it. But don't just do it. A dog is a lifetime commitment (well, it should be).

[bulletsponge]

no, i hate dogs. and these guys are right, forcing a smelly stinkin, drooling, house wreaking, waste of food animal on someone can really piss em off!

[bob]

I agree with the advice everyone else has given you regarding not forcing the dog on her.

If she does agree in the future, however, you might want to consider a rescue agency rather than a breeder or pet store. Cheaper and you get an animal that really needs a home.

For the record, I wouldn't trade my dog for a million dollars.

[Bee]

forcing a smelly stinkin, drooling, house wreaking, waste of food animal on someone can really piss em off!

She married him...oh, did you mean the dog?

;)

[albionmoonlight]

I agree with everything people have said about both of you being ready for a dog before you get one. Also, don't let this:

I have an opportunity to purchase a Boston Terrier puppy (female) tomorrow.

sway you. It puts you under a time pressure that you don't need. When/if you are ready for a dog, there will be lots of opportunity to get one--either through a rescue or through a reputable breeder if you choose to go that route.

The problem in America isn't a shortage of puppies--it's an oversupply.

[JeeberD]

Get another cat. The only thing better than owning one cat is owning two. :)

http://home.comcast.net/~jeeberd2/Both.jpg

[scooper]

Anybody want cats? They can have mine. Once upon a time, the cats were our "kids" Then we got the dog. He became #1, but we still liked the cats. Now we're in the actual parenting business. We still love the dog. In fact, he's becoming quite the pal for our son, but he has been bumped down quite a bit. The cats, they just get in the way. They're good cats. And we take good care of them, but with kids and a dog, there's only so much affection and attention to go around.

Just kidding by the way. Not getting rid of them, but they'll be our last two cats. We'll always have dogs.

I'll echo the advice. Never get an animal if you don't both buy into it.

[rkmsuf]

no

[Ryche]

Agreed, two cats are great fun and they can keep each other company when you are gone. We also have a dog, which was more my wife's idea than mine, and I wouldn't give the dog up for anything now.

But a dog is a lot more work than a cat in regards to training, taking for walks and just keeping entertained in general. Definitely don't get one until you are both ready.

[flere-imsaho]

Never buy a dog, always adopt.

[Fidatelo]

I like dogs more than most people, I wouldn't give my little 1 year old sheepdog up for anything.

But don't buy a dog without the wife's consent, generally the wife shouldn't fall under the 'most people' category.

[AnalBumCover]

Get a dog. They're a godsend for couples who can't bear children (at least in my personal experience).

Maybe the both of you should read up on raising dogs - maybe particular breeds. That way, with the two of you studying up on dogs, she may warm up to the idea.

My brother and his wife spent weeks studying how to raise Jack Russell Terriers. When they were finally ready the bought one, and it's been a perfect addition to the family.

[mgadfly]

Thanks for the advice. We've been looking at Boston Terriers for a quite awhile. I've read up on them and whenever we visit my parents I spend the entire day playing with theirs.

The sad thing for me is that I've been talking about getting a dog since before we got the cat. She said "no" to pets so I went to the animal shelter near us and picked up a kitten and brought it home. She loves the cat now, and I think it would work the same with a dog, but I doubt she'll ever really be okay with the idea of getting one.

[rkmsuf]

Thanks for the advice. We've been looking at Boston Terriers for a quite awhile. I've read up on them and whenever we visit my parents I spend the entire day playing with theirs.

The sad thing for me is that I've been talking about getting a dog since before we got the cat. She said "no" to pets so I went to the animal shelter near us and picked up a kitten and brought it home. She loves the cat now, and I think it would work the same with a dog, but I doubt she'll ever really be okay with the idea of getting one.

smart woman. except for the liking the cat part.

[Eaglesfan27]

I agree with JeeberD, get another cat. We have two brothers from a litter of a friend that was going to give them to a shelter..

They are great, and they are like our substitute kids for now, although, we don't go telling cat stories to people. I love how they keep each other company when we are at work and generally play nicely together. Of course, that was facilitated by them being raised together. I definitely agree that forcing the pets on your spouse is a bad idea. My wife kept trying to force pets on me, but she was smart enough to wait until I was ready too.

[wade moore]

I love dogs and thing they are a great asset.. We have two miniature pinschers and they are like substitute children for us for now..

that being said, I agree with what everyone is saying - don't force it on her.

[Radii]

The sad thing for me is that I've been talking about getting a dog since before we got the cat. She said "no" to pets so I went to the animal shelter near us and picked up a kitten and brought it home. She loves the cat now, and I think it would work the same with a dog, but I doubt she'll ever really be okay with the idea of getting one.


Dogs are a lot less independant and require a lot more active care from everyone involved, I don't think the same logic can apply here in many cases. She doesn't have to be thrilled about the idea of getting a dog, but she has to be willing to put in a bit of effort even if its "your dog", so I don't think the suprise idea is a good one for a dog.

[QuikSand]

No means no.

[GoldenEagle]

Adopt, Adopt, Adopt

Seriously, shelter dogs are awesome. If you get a dog that is 6 month to one year old, they will never forget how you rescued them and will reward you with faithful love. Puppies are great and all but give some dog who deserves it a good home.

[General Mike]

Never buy a dog, always adopt.

Bingo. Save a life, adopt a dog.

[rkmsuf]

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/441/bob7br.png

Remember, always have your dog spayed or neutered.

[Bonegavel]

For those of you who have had dogs, is the trouble worth it?

NO!

[LoneStarGirl]

NO!

Hell yes having a dog is always worth it. I have had over a dozen in my 22 years and I loved each and every one of them. They are great companions and sweet as can be when you are sad. I have bought only one of them, the rest came from shelters. Shelter dogs are the best. Loyal and teh best friend you could want.

[rkmsuf]

Hell yes having a dog is always worth it. I have had over a dozen in my 22 years and I loved each and every one of them. They are great companions and sweet as can be when you are sad. I have bought only one of them, the rest came from shelters. Shelter dogs are the best. Loyal and teh best friend you could want.

What like you guys have long conversations about life and your favorite Idol contestants?

[Swaggs]

My wife never had a pet (beyond aquarium-type pets) as a child, so she was very nervous but agreed to get a dog after we had been married a few years. She told me afterwards, that she thought that she would not want to spend much time with it and that it would kind of isolate her from me, but she fell in love with it on first site. She absolutely adores it now and has talked about getting a second one.

That said, if you are going to get a dog, make sure that you have the time to work with it (for discipline) and excercise with it. Unlike cats, you will need to take it out every 2-3 hours when it is a puppy, and probably will not be able to leave it by itself for a full workday until it is about a year old.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Quick, somebody create the "Should I buy a dong?" parody thread.

No, don't.

[rkmsuf]

Should I buy a mog?

[mgadfly]

I've been checking the three animal shelters we have in town, but about 60% of the dogs there are pitbulls (not going to happen). Another 35% of them are big dogs. Leaving just a few smaller ones. There was a mini doberman at one of them last week but someone else got it before I could get my wife to come see him.

I've had so much fun with my mom's Boston Terrier that I am really looking to get one of those. So far I haven't seen a single one at the shelters and I've been looking on and off for three or four years. One other reason that I'm looking at a Boston Terrier is that my mom's dog is now 14 years old and almost completely grey. She plans to get another one after this one dies. If I find out that Carrie (my wife) really doesn't want to have a dog (or we have a baby that is allergic), I have someone who really wants a Boston Terrier that won't be able to afford one unless I give her the money. Plus, I'll be able to visit it a lot.

I grew up with dogs and have a good idea about what type of commitment I'm getting us into (I think). But I'll probably take all the advice and tell my wife to let me know when she is ready, if ever.

[wade moore]

I've been checking the three animal shelters we have in town, but about 60% of the dogs there are pitbulls (not going to happen). Another 35% of them are big dogs. Leaving just a few smaller ones. There was a mini doberman at one of them last week but someone else got it before I could get my wife to come see him.

Miniature Pinscher, a predecessor to the Doberman.

Ok, carry-on.

[oliegirl]

I second the shelter dogs comment...we adopted Leo last May from a shelter...he is a huge pain in the ass sometimes, but the most loving, affectionate, loyal dog I've ever seen. He gets kind of hyper, mainly with our son when they are playing, but he would never hurt him, or any of us, and has gotten to the protective point. He is medium sized, which is bigger than we originally planned (the shelter told me he'd be about 20 lbs - he is closer to 45 lbs), but is really just an overgrown lap dog...I knew I'd love him, but not to the extent that I do! Can't imagine coming home and not seeing his little face and waggy tail :)

[scooper]

Quick, somebody create the "Should I buy a dong?" parody thread.

No, don't.

Should I buy a hog? I don't really know how to ride, but it would go great with my new chaps.

[flere-imsaho]

http://www.petfinder.com - a sort of search engine for pet shelters.

[oliegirl]

http://www.petfinder.com - a sort of search engine for pet shelters.

That is what I used to find Leo...ended up driving to Dahlonega (60 miles or so) to pick him up after I fell in love with his picture online...

[wade moore]

I'm prepared to be flamed for this.

But.

There are many good reasons to buy a dog from a respectable breeder.

Keep in mind that I have one purchased dog and one from a rescue society. In addition, I volunteer at the local humane society and will be fostering puppies for them this summer. All that being said, I will likely buy dogs again in the future.

[oliegirl]

I'm prepared to be flamed for this.

But.

There are many good reasons to buy a dog from a respectable breeder.

Keep in mind that I have one purchased dog and one from a rescue society. In addition, I volunteer at the local humane society and will be fostering puppies for them this summer. All that being said, I will likely buy dogs again in the future.


I don't think there is anything wrong with buying a dog...as long as you do your research and know it's not just a "puppy mill" and that the animals are well taken care of. If we had more money I would love to have a pure bred dog, but realistically, we are never going to be in a position to spend hundreds to purchase a dog and then spend the hundreds to have him fixed, shots, etc...

[wade moore]

I don't think there is anything wrong with buying a dog...as long as you do your research and know it's not just a "puppy mill" and that the animals are well taken care of. If we had more money I would love to have a pure bred dog, but realistically, we are never going to be in a position to spend hundreds to purchase a dog and then spend the hundreds to have him fixed, shots, etc...

Yeah, I was careful to say respectable breeder. NEVER NEVER buy from a pet store, period.

[Critch]

Get another cat. Dogs drool, they're stupid, they chew neighboring children, they hump your leg, and they have to be taken out to do their business. One cat needs a kittie chum round the house.

As HP Lovecraft said "Dogs are peasants and the pets of peasants, cats are gentlemen and the pets of gentlemen."

[oliegirl]

Get another cat. Dogs drool, they're stupid, they chew neighboring children, they hump your leg, and they have to be taken out to do their business. One cat needs a kittie chum round the house.

As HP Lovecraft said "Dogs are peasants and the pets of peasants, cats are gentlemen and the pets of gentlemen."


Our dog is not stupid (thought he isn't exactly brilliant either), has never chewed any human being, and has never humped anyone's leg...yes he has to go out to do his business, but there is no litter pan to clean up either. I love cats too, but there is something very different about the relationship you have with a dog.

[wade moore]

Our dog is not stupid (thought he isn't exactly brilliant either), has never chewed any human being, and has never humped anyone's leg...yes he has to go out to do his business, but there is no litter pan to clean up either. I love cats too, but there is something very different about the relationship you have with a dog.

Don't worry... cat people are always hypersensitive and trying to take shots at dogs to make up for what they are lacking ;)...

[Franklinnoble]

FYI - Boston Bull Terriers are prone to have genetic blood disorders, diabetes, and eye problems (cataracts). If you're going to buy one, you might want to look into having it checked.

[Radii]

Don't worry... cat people are always hypersensitive and trying to take shots at dogs to make up for what they are lacking ;)...


Oliegirl knows all about cat people, I don't really like dogs at all. That's where my comments about getting a dog came from. mgadfly's wife doesn't have to love the dog at first sight, or ever, really, but she has to be committed to helping to take care of him. The bad things about the dog(hyper, needs more attention, tears up the house if left alone for 2 seconds) bug me a lot more because I don't feel the same love for the dog that my wife and son do. But it still works out because i'm willing to make the effort to take care of the dog as much as I need to. I don't have to love the dog, and the dog doesn't have to like me(though of course he still seems to anyway), I just have to understand how important the dog is to my wife and son and to be willing to make the effort to feed, take out, occasionally play with, and keep stuff away from the dog, and it all works out fine.

But if Oliegirl had come home with a dog one day without me agreeing to get one first, it would have caused serious problems. I would have been severely angry b/c I didn't agree to it and its such a committment. She would have been heartbroken because I would have insisted that she take the dog back, it would have just caused all kinds of problems all over the place.

[SegRat]

The only good cat is a dead cat.

[Aylmar]

Miniature Pinscher, a predecessor to the Doberman.

The two bloodlines are not related. You are correct that the Miniature Pinscher is older than the Doberman, though.

[wade moore]

The two bloodlines are not related. You are correct that the Miniature Pinscher is older than the Doberman, though.

Most books I have read believe that the Miniature Pinscher was used in the breeding of the Doberman, albeit minimally. But yes, I have read several places where they say even that is up for debate and they may not have any bloodlines tied at all.

Either way, the Doberman was definately designed to be an upsized version of the Miniature Pinscher rather than the other way around.

[Bonegavel]

Dogs need companionship. If you and your wife work a lot and will be leaving the dog alone for many hours a day, that is TORTURE for the animal. This makes me crazy where people buy dogs and the dog winds up on its own most of the time.

You can't just pick up and go with an animal. You'll need to kennel them if you go away (they will not only be without you, but will be in a strange place possibly picking up a disease) and that isn't fair for a dog.

I usually talk most people out of dogs when I remind them how much time they DON'T have and how it isn't fair to the animal.

[Glengoyne]

Do some research. There are a lot of traits you will want to match to your wants. Do they get along with kids? Do they bond with a family or an individual? <--I think that is one of the most important ones actually. How willful are they? Most generic dog breed books have several traits to consider.

Find one or two that meets all of your criteria, and then contact the rescue groups for those breeds.

We found that we really like Corgis, and our next dog, if not a Corgi, will be a Swiss Mountain Dog.

[terpkristin]

Get another cat. The only thing better than owning one cat is owning two. :)

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ejeeberd2/Both.jpg

Jeebs, your cats are adorable. I don't want to thread-jack, but Jeebs I have some questions for you about 2 cats.

PM me please? Or find me on IM or something.
/tk

[JeeberD]

Jeebs, your cats are adorable. I don't want to thread-jack, but Jeebs I have some questions for you about 2 cats.

PM me please? Or find me on IM or something.
/tk

Thanks! And PM sent...

[GoldenEagle]

Jeeber is addressing some questions concerning his pussy.

[JeeberD]

Actually, it sounds like she wants to know what I think about two pussies at the same time... :eek:



;)

[Franklinnoble]

Do some research. There are a lot of traits you will want to match to your wants. Do they get along with kids? Do they bond with a family or an individual? <--I think that is one of the most important ones actually. How willful are they? Most generic dog breed books have several traits to consider.

Find one or two that meets all of your criteria, and then contact the rescue groups for those breeds.

We found that we really like Corgis, and our next dog, if not a Corgi, will be a Swiss Mountain Dog.

Agree on the corgis. We just got a corgi puppy (we had one previously for 14 years). They're like big dogs with short legs... basically, it's a big dog that can't run your kids over, but you don't have the shame of owning some foo-foo animal. :D

[mgadfly]

Dogs need companionship. If you and your wife work a lot and will be leaving the dog alone for many hours a day, that is TORTURE for the animal. This makes me crazy where people buy dogs and the dog winds up on its own most of the time.

You can't just pick up and go with an animal. You'll need to kennel them if you go away (they will not only be without you, but will be in a strange place possibly picking up a disease) and that isn't fair for a dog.

I usually talk most people out of dogs when I remind them how much time they DON'T have and how it isn't fair to the animal.

I work two miles from home so I'll stop by a couple times during the 8 hours I'm gone (that's the best I can do, if it can't handle being on its own for two or three hours I'll be "torturing" it). As far as trips go, I won't kennel the dog. I'll either take it with me since most of my trips are by car or I'll leave it at my Mom's place with her two dogs. I'm worried about my mom spoiling it and making it think it is a human rather than a dog, but I'm not worried about it being unhappy there.

At any rate, my wife let me get the dog tonight, so I'll find out if it is worth it soon enough. It is a black and white Boston Terrier. It has a lot of white on it.

I guess my new question is: What should I name my dog?

[wade moore]

I work two miles from home so I'll stop by a couple times during the 8 hours I'm gone (that's the best I can do, if it can't handle being on its own for two or three hours I'll be "torturing" it). As far as trips go, I won't kennel the dog. I'll either take it with me since most of my trips are by car or I'll leave it at my Mom's place with her two dogs. I'm worried about my mom spoiling it and making it think it is a human rather than a dog, but I'm not worried about it being unhappy there.

At any rate, my wife let me get the dog tonight, so I'll find out if it is worth it soon enough. It is a black and white Boston Terrier. It has a lot of white on it.

I guess my new question is: What should I name my dog?

Personally I always wait a few days before naming my pets because I like it to at least partially fit their personality.

[Ryche]

Agree on the corgis. We just got a corgi puppy (we had one previously for 14 years). They're like big dogs with short legs... basically, it's a big dog that can't run your kids over, but you don't have the shame of owning some foo-foo animal. :D

We also own a Corgi. She's a great little dog, definitely thinks she's a big dog. Not afraid of anything and gets along great with our cats.

[AnalBumCover]

I guess my new question is: What should I name my dog?

<---
<---
<---

:D

Seriously, congrats on the new addition to the family.

[scooper]

Our dog is not a purebred, but a Corgi/Australian Shepard mix with very strong Corgi traits. I agree. He's a great dog. I never really considered them much until we found him at the pound. Since then, we've become shills for Corgis and Corgi mixes.

[Fidatelo]

Dogs need companionship. If you and your wife work a lot and will be leaving the dog alone for many hours a day, that is TORTURE for the animal. This makes me crazy where people buy dogs and the dog winds up on its own most of the time.

You can't just pick up and go with an animal. You'll need to kennel them if you go away (they will not only be without you, but will be in a strange place possibly picking up a disease) and that isn't fair for a dog.

I usually talk most people out of dogs when I remind them how much time they DON'T have and how it isn't fair to the animal.

Our dog (1 year old sheepdog) stays at home alone during the day while my wife and I are at work, probably for about 7.5 hours total. Some days I will work from home (like today and yesterday), and I get the impression she has adjusted to that 'torture' just fine. Even with me home, she spends 80-90% of the day asleep outside.

Of course, when we are home we spend a lot of time actively doing things with her. She gets a walk every morning, another one after work (often times this one is a big trip to the dog park, although the spring mud season has halted that for a bit), and often another walk later in the evening. If we have errands to run we take her with us in the car, which she really enjoys, and one of us will sit with her while the other one goes in the store (unless we will be in/out in just a couple minutes). We also will play fetch with her in the basement or the yard, brush her, or just snuggle.

My point is that just because people work doesn't mean they can't have a happy dog, it just requires a bit more effort. I've heard a good rule of thumb that you should be prepared to spend 2-3 hours a day actively with your dog, and that would seem about right.

[wade moore]

Our dog (1 year old sheepdog) stays at home alone during the day while my wife and I are at work, probably for about 7.5 hours total. Some days I will work from home (like today and yesterday), and I get the impression she has adjusted to that 'torture' just fine. Even with me home, she spends 80-90% of the day asleep outside.

Of course, when we are home we spend a lot of time actively doing things with her. She gets a walk every morning, another one after work (often times this one is a big trip to the dog park, although the spring mud season has halted that for a bit), and often another walk later in the evening. If we have errands to run we take her with us in the car, which she really enjoys, and one of us will sit with her while the other one goes in the store (unless we will be in/out in just a couple minutes). We also will play fetch with her in the basement or the yard, brush her, or just snuggle.

My point is that just because people work doesn't mean they can't have a happy dog, it just requires a bit more effort. I've heard a good rule of thumb that you should be prepared to spend 2-3 hours a day actively with your dog, and that would seem about right.

So yeah.. I work at home... trust me, all the dog does is sleep all day anyways ;).... that has its limit of course.. I agree with BG that if you're gone for 12 hours a day during the day, it's a problem.. but the dog can handle a normal work day.. he's probably happier than you are at work ;)..

[AlexB]

The reason I don't get a dog is because it would be alone for up to 10 hours a day. Just not fair.

I love going back to my folks not just because it's cool to see my family, but also because their two dogs are cool. But it's not right to leave a dog alone for most of the day...

[Bonegavel]

So yeah.. I work at home... trust me, all the dog does is sleep all day anyways ;).... that has its limit of course.. I agree with BG that if you're gone for 12 hours a day during the day, it's a problem.. but the dog can handle a normal work day.. he's probably happier than you are at work ;)..

yeah, I'm not trying to rain on his parade. It's just that a lot of people get animals without REALLY thinking about it first and then it is the animal that pays the price for it.

I know this guy that bought a german sheppard puppy knowing he was going on an extended vacation ahead of time and the dog spent his first week+ in a kennel.

[wade moore]

yeah, I'm not trying to rain on his parade. It's just that a lot of people get animals without REALLY thinking about it first and then it is the animal that pays the price for it.

I know this guy that bought a german sheppard puppy knowing he was going on an extended vacation ahead of time and the dog spent his first week+ in a kennel.

Totally agreed, I think it was a fair thought, just came off harsher than you meant it... it's not like you have to be a stay-at-home dog owner ;).

[Craptacular]

I missed this thread before, but here are my two cents (or more) ...

I was a cat person growing up, and didn't really like dogs, mainly becuase a couple of the ones in my neighborhood were mean bastards. My wife found about this (and my allergies) about a week into dating, and basically told me to take a hike if I couldn't handle a dog ... she was GOING TO HAVE SIBERIAN HUSKIES, no ifs, ands, or buts.. I took a chance, and obviously, things worked out.

We bought our first husky, Tiko, as a 7-week-old puppy from a reputable breeder in June 2004, and then got him a pal from the Adopt-A-Husky rescue agency around Christmas '04. As others have mentioned, there is nothing wrong with buying from a reputable breeder. Do your research to make sure it's not a puppy mill ... a personal visit to the site will help. I'm glad we didn't buy a dog that would need to be shipped. The rescue experience was definitely rewarding. We actually had a two-hour, at-home interview from an agency volunteer to see if we we would be a good home. You have to get approved by the board of directors before you can even visit a foster dog. I think Tiko sealed the deal when he actually peed in his litter box (yes, we have a litter box, with pea gravel, for them in their kennel) right in front of the volunteer ... she was awestruck. :D We went to visit a couple of dogs from their website, and Tiko and his new pal, an 8-month-old female now named Denali, hit it off right away. We wanted to wait until after the holidays before we brought her home. It turns out she was born two days after Tiko, and people always ask if they're brother and sister. We can't imagine not having them in our lives right now. They are bundles of love, energy, and comic relief. We spoil them rotten, and they can be expensive, but they are worth it. We walk them at least twice a day, and they are usually home in their kennel during the work day ... they sleep most of the day anyway. The key with many dogs, especially working dogs like huskies, is to make sure they get enough exercise, or they will get bored and destructive. We still don't leave them unattended in the house at night or when we are gone.

My wife actually started volunteering for Adopt-A-Husky, and I've helped her do two home-interviews so far. It's a great organziation ... every dog that comes in gets taken care of by vets, gets spayed or neutered if they weren't already, gets microchipped, and placed in a loving foster home, usually with families with kids. My wife really wants to foster a dog, but I couldn't handle three, even if we knew it would be for a short duration. Her parents have three huskies, including two rescues. We need to get a sled ... we've got enough for a team!

I'm glad my wife gave me the ultimatum about the huskies. They really are members of the family.

[Castlerock]

My wife and I are almost 30 years old and have been unable to get pregnant. We "adopted" a cat a few years back and instantly turned into those annoying cat people that tell stories about their pet just like it was a child. We know it is annoying, but we just can't help ourselves.

While growing up we always had dogs and can't really explain to her why I want one. She doesn't want one or the responsibility of owning one. I have an opportunity to purchase a Boston Terrier puppy (female) tomorrow.

For those of you who have had dogs, is the trouble worth it?

If you have to ask the question "Should I get a dog?", then the answer is a big, fat, huge, NO!!!