What would you do? My children have been begging for a dog for years. We live in a four bedroom house with a yard that’s going to soon be fenced in so it would be plenty of room. We’ve fostered dogs, and cats, in the past and my girls are great with animals. My worry is that I know what goes into having a puppy and a dog. Vacations become trickier and more difficult and what not. I told my kids they wouldn’t be able to do much this summer if we did indeed get a dog, I’m a teacher so I’m off during the summer, and they both said they were fine with that. I wanted to maybe take some trips but their want for a dog is stronger than their desire to travel. What would you do?
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Dogs can be expensive but their love for you is beyond measure. Could you get the dog towards the end of summer break and that gives you a whole school year to get to know each other before the next break and depending on the dog , some are great travellers.
Get a dog and vacation at campgrounds. Win for everyone
Get the dog and get a pet sitter
I love dogs but their not something when you get tired of it you can get rid of, a dog is for life they give you unconditional love and you give them the same back it’s like adopting a child.
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I would not get a dog just because the kids want one unless you also really want one. Things that kids say they are willing to do or give up often changes once they get that pet and the novelty wears off. A dog is a huge commitment and responsibility. It’s almost like having another child. That’s why I went with a cat, They are much more independent and you can leave them home alone for a day or two.
Travel the first 3 weeks and then get the dog. You’ll still have enough time to train and build a routine for the dog and the girls to get used to
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You know what. Get you a dog. It teaches responsibility. You can board them when you take vacation. If your knowledge of training is good, dogs are good companions. I think you’re looking for a reason not to have a dog.
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Why don’t you volunteer to foster from your local shelter. You can always decide from there whether you want to stay a foster, adopt a dog, or that it’s not the right time for one.
If your not sure that you definitely want one then don’t get one. Kids will be ok. Your the one that mainly has to take care of the dog. Animals are a responsibility just like a child. Cost lots of money for food. Toys. And veterinarian care at least once a year. If the dog gets sick then it will get very expensive. I pay more for my dog then myself.
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Depending on your trips, like if they’re weekend trips, and the kind of dog you get, the dog could come along. Many hotels and camp sites are pet friendly.
For longer trips, you board. Find a kennel, check their reviews and references, and use the same one each time you travel. That’s what we do with our two dogs.
As for vaccinations and vet visits, you could self administer vaccinations. Tractor Supply (if that’s in your area) sells the vaccines that you can self administer at home. We self administer all vaccines at home, except for the rabies. We did the 1 year rabies the first time and then the 3 year rabies after that. There are low cost rabies clinics offered at places like Petco and PetSmart as well as local Humane Societies. The Humane Society should also offer vouchers towards the cost of spaying/neutering. We use Vetco (through Petco) for annual well visit check ups because they’re cheap, and then we have a normal vet for sick/emergency visits.
For supplies and such, have your girls “work” to earn the money to buy those supplies.
My biggest thing would be if they show the responsibility required to care for a dog. That’s where I went wrong and ended up with 2 dogs and 3 cats in my care, while only 1 of them actually belong to me!
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