Advice for getting a rescue dog?

Question

I live home alone and have done for 10 years. I'm currently unemployed but I have money that I'm living on. The current industry I work in allows me to work part time but long hours 3/4 days a week. I've considered that because I'd be out I would get a dog walker to walk the dog an hour in the day to check on, walk and feed etc. Then my mum who finishes work and gets home possibly before me could check on them in the evening if I'm not back. Since she lives 10 mins away.
I have no experience with dogs but I always find they come up to me, sniffing and looking for cuddles. I don't have a garden or balcony but there is a communal garden at the back of the building. And good local parks.
Since its a one bedroom flat I thought a small dog.
But my bedroom is large I have a double bed in it built in wardrobes and could still fit a single bed in comfortably so there would be enough space for the dog to have their bed too.
Any advice would be welcomed especially your thoughts on whether getting a full time job would change things... Etc...

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

Dogs are not like cats - many/most dogs will get very upset and anxious if their human isn't around, and they do all kinds of crazy things. Destroying the couch, pooping in your shoes, scratching at the doors until they're destroyed, etc. They can also hurt themselves - my neice's boyfriend's dog ate a towel a couple weeks ago and had to have emergency surgery ($2600) to remove it. The same week, a customer's dog got stung by a bee and went into anaphylactic shock and nearly died before they could get it to the vet (the dog is allergic to bee stings). We had a dog once that tried to jump up against the window and went through it, and sliced open its front leg and cut the tendon - that was about $5000.

You can minimize this somewhat by choosing an appropriate breed, but a lot of dogs simply can't be left alone for very long. In that way, they are like a toddler.

I'm not saying not to get a dog, but definitely be honest with the shelter and let them guide your decision - they'd know best which dog might be a good fit for your situation. But also keep in mind that you're taking on what is likely a decade of responsibility, and that means you won't be able to spontaneously leave for the weekend, or stay over at someone's house, because you'll need to get home to the dog. Make damn sure you really appreciate what that means to you.

t-8900 · Accepted Answer

Already sounds like a Yorkshire would be right up your alley! Or a Bichon Frise! Perfect apartment breeds, little maintenance overall, super smart and easy to train, very friendly, very much cuddle bugs! Not every breed is going to be a perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. Chihuahuas can work too but living in the UK that climate is gonna be a bit rougher on them tbh. Also they can get very territorial if not housebroken and socialized young. Picking up any dog at a shelter might not be the best idea. For first breeds while they are very tempting stay away from bull breeds unless you actually know wtf you are doing! lol. That even includes french bulldogs and boston terriers. Many have health risks and conditions and if you dont have money for those medical expenses then avoid at all costs. This will also extend to pugs or breeds with flaps in or around their faces. Also avoid hounds since they have shorter lives, need lots of attention to their ears, and bark a lot. If you want more info hit me up. My sister was a vet tech, ran a doggy hotel for a number of years, and we both grew up around tons of dogs. I've had Labs, Spaniels, Pitties, German Shepherds, Boxers. And I've dealt with tons of breeds overall!

PS: NEVER CHOOSE A DOG FOR THEIR APPEARANCE! DONT DO IT! LOL

lilaccc · Accepted Answer

i appreciate your planning to have a rescue dog, but i want you to make sure, like to think more mature, not just bcs you really want to have a dog.
she/he is a living being, just like us, she/he can get sick, can be lonely, she/he needs love, needs food, needs care and some of it needs money.

if for example you are still in doubt and afraid that it make you a burden, it's better not to do it first.. but if your sense of caring is high, it's better to feed the animals on the street. and if you can really guarantee her/his life, so the answer is yes.. take it immediately and take care of it.

i hope your choice in the end is not wrong, and hope the best for you☺️

GaGirls · Accepted Answer

That reminded me of this book. It was like I was reading it again. Anyway adopt a kid. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

Massageman · Answer

We were lucky. We got a Boston Terrier- the breed we did want- nearly a year old, already potty trained and knew 9-10 other voice/hand commands. Yes, we knew that she would get the "snorts" due to having a brachycephalic-shaped head. Previous owner a pre-med student: he didn't realize that studying to be a doctor would take so much time! du-uh So, it's good to hear that there are people like yourself who actually realize that having a pet will change things and are looking into various options.

A Bichon sounds like good fit. They are small (just under a foot tall) but sturdy and resilient. These canine comedians have relied on charm, beauty, and intelligence to woo new owners! They have a white hypoallergenic coat, plush and velvety, featuring rounded head hair that sets off the large, dark eyes and black leathers of the nose and lips. They are adaptable companions and will get on well with other dogs and children.

Bichons are alert and curious. They make nice little watchdogs, but they are lovers, not fighters. They operate under the assumption that there are no strangers, just friends they haven't met yet. Their confidence and size make them ideal city dogs. Bichons train nicely and enjoy performing for their loved ones. ref AKCYou WILL have to have him/her groomed at $50-100 per trim, and the breed DOES command a high price to acquire. Rescue services generally do not have a large number of this attractive breed.

Our biggest problem was traveling. "Pet-friendly" motels will generally stick you and muttly at the rear end of the building, etc. We finally found a couple whose dog died, but they liked the companionship of dogs, so now they dog-sit, but only for one dog at a time.

NathanDavis · Answer

the best thing you could do, I think is... go visit a shelter/rescue place that is close or in your area/region... visit and have a nice chat with them, talk about all these things with them, you could also go to a Vet... they will be in a much better position to advice you on all these things, and it will particular to your circumstances as well

ImNoAngel · Answer

If you are going to get other people to walk the dog and feed them and check in on them don’t get a dog. I’m not being nasty or anything it just sounds like you yourself won’t be caring much for the dog, and that’s not fair to any dog having a casual in and out of their life owner.

Andres77 · Answer

Poop, hair, pee, and loss of sleep... and more food and vet bills... and less travel because now someone needs to care for the pet. I'm so done with pets.

BillyBalls · Answer

I love dogs but they need to be on a schedule. Cats are independent. As long as they have food and water and a cat box they can be on there own for days.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

I would suggest getting a small dog from a rescue who is potty trained

Wise4myage · Answer

Andres is right, their are responsibilities when it comes to pets, that you need to take into consideration. That being said, pick a younger, healthier dog and let them come to you.

888theGreat · Answer

You work but unemployed? How does that work? You mean you work but draw unemployment?

SnakeBoop · Answer

Do not get a dog because you're bored and while you have no income and must rely on the government etc to pay for it. straight away that shows you are not a fit owner.

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