Dog + 3 kids?

citychicks

Hi all,

So here's my problem, I have 2 kids and baby due in 6 months. I have just been contacted by a whippet rescue who would like to consider us for a home for this really lovely dog who has had a pretty rough start in life. They are looking at us as opposed to people who have been wait listed longer than us because this dog seems to really LOVE kids and they want him to go to a home with kids so that he'll be happy. Being on these wait lists often takes years. It's almost as bad as trying to adopt a baby (in regards to how long you usually have to wait). So do we pass up on this dog because we're having a baby in 6 months or should we jump in and give him a home?

Lantaria

I would adopt him.  6 months is plenty of time for you all to get adjusted.  

bisabelm

I would take him in. Some things are meant to be and maybe this is one of those things. You have enough time right now to get adjusted to having the dog in the house before the new baby comes.

Annierose1

That's a hard one. How rough was his previous life?? I wouldn't recommend bringing a dog into the home that has had a violent past whether he/she was the agressor or if he/she was abused. Those dogs can seem very sweet and cuddly but are still very unstable.

My husband and I just recently adopted a doberman puppy, he's about 10 months. We also have a 2yr old GS. We adopted the doberman from his breeder. He spent the first 10 months of his life growing up with his brother and mother so he's a very stable and well balanced dog. The breeder bred him as a show dog, however, he has some physical health problems that disqualify him so she didn't want to keep him (although she loved him very much, it's just not she wanted). We would not have considered adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue with a baby on the way or small children in the home. I just don't trust them. I am a dog lover, but the safety of my family comes first. Just remember that.

Hyfagal

Six months is plenty of time for a dog to acclimate IMO. But I have a bleeding heart when it comes to animals and have had a very hard time not taking in more dogs in the last few months. We already have three beagle rescues at home and a our first LO on the way.

citychicks

He's 11 months old but was left in a crate for the majority of his life, because of that his feet a wrecked, totally splayed. He's pretty loving, no signs of agression, not even towards the cat in the foster home.

I think I'm just worried about what people will say. So far when we've told people we're pregnant they say "Oh my god, your crazy! Well, congratulations." Everyone except for one person has said that, and she said "Congratulations, but you're crazy." Same thing, different order. Don't get me wrong, we are good parents and a finacially stable, so much that I'm even able to stay home full time. But almost everyone we know stopped at two kids.

Hyfagal

citychicks:

He's 11 months old but was left in a crate for the majority of his life, because of that his feet a wrecked, totally splayed. He's pretty loving, no signs of agression, not even towards the cat in the foster home.

I think I'm just worried about what people will say. So far when we've told people we're pregnant they say "Oh my god, your crazy! Well, congratulations." Everyone except for one person has said that, and she said "Congratulations, but you're crazy." Same thing, different order. Don't get me wrong, we are good parents and a finacially stable, so much that I'm even able to stay home full time. But almost everyone we know stopped at two kids.

You can't base your life on what people might think. He sounds like a good fit and I can tell you want him. : )

~adamwife~

I would adopt.  Like PP said, 6 months is plenty of time to adjust.

Annierose1

Don't worry about what other people think. My husband and I got so much sh** from my family about adopting our doberman. Just do what you feel is right. If you think he is the right fit, then go for it. All dogs deserve a happy home, I was just expressing my concern about agression. But if you don't think that's an issue, I'd adopt him.

 Plus, if you're able to stay home he will adjust so much quicker. Good luck on your decision, and don't base them on what other people think. Do what you feel is right! We love our dobie and wouldn't change our decision if we had the choice!

KamMitchy

IMHO, dogs enrich the lives of children (and adults too).  My SD and pups adore each other and I can't wait for our DD to grow up with our dogs!  It will probably be a great healing process for the dog too being around your children.  

Germangirl86

Adopt him, 6 mo is enough time and if anyone says u are crazy then tell them who else is gonna watch all those kids u have Maybe they will get the hint : your life, your decisions!