Posted: Tue Jun 19, 2007 11:10 am Post subject: Why do I feel guilty about wanting another pup?
I have been wanting another pup now for a while, as a playmate for Leo, and we decided we would get one after the summer (we are going away for 2 weeks). I had my heart all set on a rescue pup (albeit a lab or lab cross if possible) as I know I couldn't take on an older rescue as Daisy wouldn't accept an older dog into the house. I felt like I was going to "do my bit" for the rescue dogs out there needing homes.
BUT, since then, I've been turned down by rescues as we are out of the house for longer than 4 hours a day. It is never (very very rarely) longer than 4 hours at a time, but sometimes OH can be out for 4 hours, home for 2 hours then out again for another 3 hours.
And now, every time I start looking at puppies fron breeders, I find myself feeling so guilty as I know there are so many unwanted dogs and puppies out there desperate for homes, some on "death row". I feel like I am encouraging the birth of puppies when there are so many out there looking for loving homes.
HI Vickie,
we has problems when we where looking at rescue centres due to my son being wheel chair bound, they decided that even though i home school patrick i wouldnt have the time for a dog as well as looking after my son full time, so we looked for a dog needing re homing as a lot of people who decide that they are unable to look after or care for there dogs re home them now rather than just drop of at a shelter,
Ben came to us with some extra needs like him needing de fleeing, worming and lots of work needing doing on basic training
well due to home schooling we are home all day and ben is able to get enough walks and love and training that he needs, including learning to walk next to the wheel chair, then in the evening he gets a good child free run with myself once oh is home,
Ive emailed you the addy of the site that i found ben, there are lots of labs and lab x on there looking for new loving homes
hope this helps
Harriet
Hi Vicki,
I feel exactly the same as you chick. We would like another young dog (our dog charlie is 2 years old now and I think he'd like a playmate) and we wanted to get a lab from a rescue if possible. We have exactly the same issues as you describe which means we've not been able to find a rescue who would help us. We've also considered a puppy from breeders but like you I feel guilty about doing that. I think eventually we will go down this route but just for now we've decided to wait a while.
I fully understand why rescue centres have to be very careful that their dogs go to the best possible owner/ family and that's why they have rules but sometimes it feels so unfair.
Anyway just wanted to say that you're not alone in feeling like this
I know how you feel - after three rescues I felt really bad buying Finlay. But at the end of the day you do what is best for you and your family so if your circumstances arent right for a rescue, then so be it. Better to find out now than take on a dog then find out.
Harriet - thanks for the link, I will have a good look later. Part of the issue is that we would need a young pup, may be up to 3 months, as Daisy is a bossy-boots and wouldn't like an older dog coming into the house. I'm glad you found Ben, sounds like he's landed on his feet!
Corinne - I'm glad you can understand how I feel and it's nice to know I'm not off my head for feeling like I do!
I would defy anyone who meets my dogs to tell me they don't get enough love, attention and care, and I know I can offer a pup a great home.
right now im going through the same thing infact have applied for 4 dogs now although not labs there ckc
3 occasions we have been turned down ie:said dog disliked cats..applied to late or house well to busy..
im now going through well trying my hardest to get through number 4 he has just been returned to the kennels after 2 days of being rehomed due to health issues i have to ring back tomorrow once he has had his vet visit to find out what is wrong with him..
im upset in the fact this dog was rehomed and returned within 2 days so obvisuooly did not go to the right home....
but again i cant blame the kennels all rescues do the best to rehome and make sure there dogs go to the right place and were the dog will fit in great...
i could quite easily turn around and say hey i have 3 dogs i know a 4th would fit in and be welocme my family would welcome the new dog aswell as my dogs now we have owned ckc for over 30yrs (oh has me only been 15yrs).. we know our circumstances but the rescues dont and they have to put that dog first not how we are feeling or how easy we think new dog would fit in....
it is very easy to turn our backs and say forget it im not going through the hassle and heart ache any more and go buy a lovely new pup..beleive me ive though that so many times..
but now personally im in no hurry i can wait our family can wait for that special dog to find its way to us in teh meantime we will still keep looking and still keep applying... and one day we WILL rehome that special dog...
vicki the main thing is you have tryed hun dont feel guilty about that xx
As you know, I have had 4 rescue dogs and all have been with me to live out their days. Eliza is my 3rd Battersea dog from the country annexe in Old Windsor and has been my longest, being the youngest rescue as she was one when I got her. Before that I had Lucy, an older border collie and Melody a 7 year old GS x Lab. Coogie was an SPCA rescue who was my sisters before I took her away from her as they didn't have any time for her.
All of my rescues have meant everything to me and have been abolutely fantastic members of the family. After Coogie went I got Keira 2 days later and I suppose through ignorance and being very lucky with all my other dogs I didn't think about things like hips etc and we all know what happened with Keira, who is now fighting fit and fabulous
I am now looking to get a puppy as Eliza is getting older and more poorly and I don't want Keira to be alone as I know she will be so miserable and I have enjoyed being a two dog family now for a long time. I have two reasons for looking for a puppy. First one being that my great niece and nephew (3 & 2 years) visit me regularly and I need to be careful with any dogs coming to me and I can't risk not knowing their background in fear of any agression towards Mollie and Callum who are used to Eliza and Keira and can do anything with them. The second one being Keira's health issue's and my own ignorance before finding LF, I now know about hip/elbow/eye testing etc and know that if I am looking to get my next Lab from a good breeder from good parentage and testing, I am more positive that the puppy and me will not have to ride the emotional rollercoaster that Keira and I did. Also any future puppy will be fully insured as my pockets are now empty after Keira's bills
Gosh am I waffling on or what, I really must have too much time on my hands today
Vicky, what it all comes down to, is what is best for you at the moment for your situation and family. I hope you find your rescue or puppy and whichever way you turn, I know that they will have a fantastic life with you and will be smothered with love
You shouldn't feel guilty, the guilt should be with some of the ex owners whose dogs have ended up in rescue centres through no fault of their own, I mean what did Eliza do wrong to end up thrown out in a black bag when she was 4 weeks old!!!
I totally understand. I rescued Zonks from Costa Rica. I am pretty sure that had he been a UK rescue there is no way we would have been considered. It's a real shame. I can't imagine being with out him and I think the feeling is mutual. He would love a brother or sister as he is used to being round and adores other doggies but my cheque book and marriage couldn't withstand another international rescue and a UK one doesn't look possible. It wouldn't be fair on Zonks to get a pup with his age and blindness so we will probably have to look at those horrible websites (you know the ones I mean) to see if anyone is flogging "much loved - no fault of their own" (yeah right) middle aged dog if we really want another dog at this point in our lives.
I too totally understand the rescues have certain guidelines they feel must follow and are required to follow but there are plenty of us 'square pegs' that would give great homes to these poor unfortunates but there doesn't seem to be a way of making it happen.
Sorry for the ramble just wanted you to know I know how you feel.
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