One of the reasons I want a dog is it seems like it would be really relaxing. Maybe I'm wrong though because so far, trying to find a dog is really stressful. We reached out to foster organizations and are trying to get to see dogs. It's turning out to be kind of hard to connect with them. Josh feels very firmly that he wants to "click" with a dog and is convinced he will, with the right dog for us. We went out to Long Island and it felt a little overwhelming to be honest. Josh didn't feel like he clicked with any of the dogs there. We agreed we both have to fall in love with the dog we're going to take home. It feels like we're on hold. So much for just going out one weekend to pick up a cute dog. I hadn't realized how big of a process it is. Maybe this is good that it takes so long - guess you need patience when you have a dog, so this process lets us practice.
5 comments:
You might want to get in touch with some vets in your area and let them know what you are looking for. My vet has a bulletin board in his office where people put info about dogs they have found or dogs who are expecting litters. Just an idea.
Look up Sean Casey's Animal Rescue in Brooklyn. They are not fancy, but they do have many pets-in-waiting.
And there is Louie's Legacy in Staten Island.
http://louieslegacy.org/home/
You know what else dogs are good for? Identifying where you and your partner have different ideas about "parenting."
I wonder about Josh needing to click with a dog. Most of the dogs you are going to see are not going to be in a relaxed and open state. They are in rescue shelters or foster homes. The truth is that you will love whatever dog you bring home, even if it's ugly, even if it's skittish, or bossy. If you are able to treat a dog with kindness and provide a structured safe environment the dog will bond with you and the relationship will build.
I do agree that it is important to get an understanding of a rescue dog's temperament, at least so you can be informed, at worst so you can choose to not take a frightened, aggressive or really damaged dog into your home. You might want to talk to an experienced dog trainer about what temperament would be best for your situation. Whoever is fostering or sheltering the dog should have done a temperament test and should know enough about the dog to give you a general idea of what's going on with any animal you're interested in (except for maybe a city or county shelter - these places are too overwhelmed I think to do this kind of screening).
I have a dog. I love him deeply but it is a huge responsibility. I travel with work and his pet care is costly. This past year week took on my daughter's class guinea pig and we love him. He doesnt require walking, is in a cage for safety and is very sweet. When I get stressed out working from home I hold him and it completely relaxes me. They love being held like a baby and only weight three pounds. You can take them out for floor play time. An easy pet! Just a thought!
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