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AlleyCatNH
member
Am I crazy for taking this on?
AlleyCatNH
member
DH and I have been TTC since last month. We haven't charted or anything, we're just not preventing pregnancy and figure if it doesn't happen by the start of 2012, I'll chart and do OPKs.My friend recently found a dog wandering in her yard. The dog was not chipped and had no identification. He was sweet as can be and obviously domesticated, but no one has come looking for him, so my friend was allowed to keep him. I met the dog today and fell in love. My friend is hoping to find someone to adopt him (she already has a dog who has some health issues and doesn't feel she can take another on), and mentioned that we would be her dream couple to do so. We are big animal lovers, but as of right now just have a cat.
My question is, would I be crazy to take on a dog right now when a pregnancy might be just around the corner? This dog is young (roughly 2 years old) and the vet says there are no apparent health issues. I have never been a dog mommy before so I don't know if it would be too much. What do you think?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Am I crazy for taking this on?
I'm just concerned that if I do get pregnant soon, it would be too much to take on at once. Like I said, I've never had a dog before.
IMHO,
I would do everything you could to find the dogs owners. I mean, wouldn't you want someone to do the same for your kitty? My dog is my world, although he is chipped, and I would be devastated and pretty P.O.ed if someone kept him.
I'm not giving you heck and I'm not trying to be snarky but I feel it's the right thing to do. Heck, for all I know, you or your friend has already done so.
If so, and no luck, go for it. Dogs are a wonderful companion. I would say as long as your cat likes him, keep him. But def try to find his owners first.
I'm stepping off my soap box now.
What on earth do you think you have to DO with a dog? Feed it. Give it water. Play with it/take it for a walk. This isn't a 24/7 thing...
I completely and totally agree with you. My friend and the animal rescue group she has been working with have been looking, but after a couple of months they are losing hope. He's such a sweet dog, but I have to wonder if someone adopted him as a toy dog (he's a chihuahua mix) and then realized it was more than they could take on. The thought of that breaks my heart for the poor sweet guy.
EDIT: It's been about 6 weeks, I believe.
Of course, but also the training, finances, time etc. I don't want to half ass something when it involves a living thing.
~ MC April 2015 at 16 weeks
~ Current DD 10/2016
Sorry, but depending on the dog, yes, it can be a 24/7 thing. My dog is like a toddler, I have to watch him constantly. Yeah, I could just put him in his pen, but what's the point of having a dog?
I see your point ALley. Getting a dog is not like a goldfish and does take a lot of time, money, and patience. My best advice is to talk to your DH and if he's on board and it's something you want to do, just go for it. I'm highly doubtful you will regret it.
Keep in mind, they are a lot of work. My dog recently had fleas and it took almost a month to get rid of them. Luckily they weren't all though my house.
Also, be prepared for unexpected expenses. My dog may have gotten into some antifreeze that my husbands vehicle leaked last week and it cost almost 300 bucks to treat him, not to mention the emotional toll it took on both of us.
I really appreciate your feedback. Your dog (in your siggy) is absolutely adorable! I hope he is feeling better after that scare.
My dog is just over 3 years old and a rescue dog. I did not pay for any outside training and my dog is extremely well behaved. My husband and I did train her our selves. for the Cost, I guess it depends on what expensive is to you. Our dog is such a big part of our family we wouldn't know what to do with out her. We typically see the vet 3-4 times a year and my dog is on Priolosec for Acid Reflux. Dogs are a time commitment, if you are unsure you can handle it then I would be worried. We never thought twice when getting Roxi.
I would also try to do everything from Facebook posting, to craigslist and fliers etc to try and find the dogs owner and then if you have exhausted everything consider adoption.
Official Due Date 5/29/15 & HB 143 on 10/13; 11/25 Harmony Results perfect & it's a Girl!
Off BCP 5/2009
TTC since July 2010
DH's SA = Normal!
Hysteroscopy 2/2011
50mg Clomid / Progesterone 77.5 April 2011 = BFN
25mg Clomid / Progesterone 53 May 2011= BFN
25mg Clomid / Progesterone 44.3 June 2011= BFN
5mg Femara / Progesterone 15.7 July 2011= BFN
5mg Femara / Progesterone 14 August 2011= BFN
5mg Femara + Crinone / Progesterone 32 September 2011=BFN
5mg Femara + Crinone / Progesterone 14.9 October 2011=BFN
First RE Appointment 11/2011
Hysteroscopy 11/2011 & on Med break
12/2011 Diagnosed with PCOS (Insulin Resistant)
12/2011 Adding 1000 MG Metformin per day
12/14/11 BFP
Beta #1 664 Beta #2 3330 Beta #3 6160 Beta #4 19546
Official Due Date 8/18/12 & HB 147 on 1/3; HB 171on 1/19
Pre-term labor @ 29W bed-rest till Emergency C-Section
IT'S A GIRL
I regularly leave my cat for long weekends (anything past 4 days we have someone check in on him). I swear, he would rather we never came back.
What matters is whether or not you want a dog. Simple as that! Of course, like others have said, with this little guy specifically it does matter how much work has been done to find his owner. But assuming he's truly homeless, the decision is yours.
We have two dogs, one is a 30 pound whippet mix, and the other is a 50 pound border collie/Australian shepherd mix. Those are out best guesses on the breeds! They're about 4 and 2.5 respectively. We also have a 3 year old cat. This is all in our one bedroom Chicago apartment! We wouldn't have it any other way right now, we adore our pets and can't wait to see them play with our future child. We've seen them with other kids/babies and they LOVE it.
We plan on enjoying our pets and apartment until any child we have is ready for kindergarten... once we move to a bigger place, we may add another dog! They're wonderful to have. Dogs aren't for everyone though and there's nothing wrong with that. It's so sad to see someone wanting to give up a dog because a baby is on the way. I can't even imagine doing that.
blog! thescenery.net
@Macy42, Murphy is ADORABLE!!! He reminds me so much of my Charlie-bear!
OP, my furbabies are super, high maintenance! Taking care of them takes up much of my time, energy, patience, money...but I would not trade them for anything in the world. Next to my husband, I love them more than anything! Like other people have already said, I think even if you get pregnant right away, you'll have 9 months to adjust! If you and your husband want him (and you/your friend have done everything to find the original owner) you should go for it!
And THAT is why I have a cat lol.
Same with us......we never questioned getting a dog or one being too much work or too expensive!
Official Due Date 5/29/15 & HB 143 on 10/13; 11/25 Harmony Results perfect & it's a Girl!
Off BCP 5/2009
TTC since July 2010
DH's SA = Normal!
Hysteroscopy 2/2011
50mg Clomid / Progesterone 77.5 April 2011 = BFN
25mg Clomid / Progesterone 53 May 2011= BFN
25mg Clomid / Progesterone 44.3 June 2011= BFN
5mg Femara / Progesterone 15.7 July 2011= BFN
5mg Femara / Progesterone 14 August 2011= BFN
5mg Femara + Crinone / Progesterone 32 September 2011=BFN
5mg Femara + Crinone / Progesterone 14.9 October 2011=BFN
First RE Appointment 11/2011
Hysteroscopy 11/2011 & on Med break
12/2011 Diagnosed with PCOS (Insulin Resistant)
12/2011 Adding 1000 MG Metformin per day
12/14/11 BFP
Beta #1 664 Beta #2 3330 Beta #3 6160 Beta #4 19546
Official Due Date 8/18/12 & HB 147 on 1/3; HB 171on 1/19
Pre-term labor @ 29W bed-rest till Emergency C-Section
IT'S A GIRL
7 lbs. We have no idea what gives with him, we leave food out all day too. People keep telling us how tiny he is but he really is supposed to be 'normal to thin' for a cat making him the thinnest little bastard in the house. So, yes, I am going to assume your dog poops waaaaaaay bigger, as well he should lol
I think it's great that you're asking for opinions especially since you've never been a dog owner. When I was pg with DD I had a dog throughout the pregnancy and about 6 weeks after she was born. It's unfortunate to say but I couldn't take it, her behavior was just our of hand. She'd go in the yard for a good while and then come and pee and poop in the house.
My parents took her and I got her back once the baby was finished crawling. I would suggest proper training.
As far as the preganacy goes having a dog really didn't affect much but once the baby was born and I was on no sleep and raging hormones, It wasn't for me. I have plenty of friends who have pets and babies and do just fine.
GL!
Just realize that dogs do cost money too - food, shots, toys, etc...
We got our dog last year from a girl who was pregnant. She said that she got him just before she and her husband found out they were pregnant and just couldn't take care of him (time or money-wise)...and it showed.
The poor dog didn't have ANY of his shots, didn't appear to have a hair cut in months (you couldn't even see his eyes - he is the kind of dog that needs to be groomed at least every 6-8 weeks).
AND, he was sooo skinny you could feel between all of his ribs! He was supposed to be "fully grown" at the age we got him, but he doubled in size within just about 3 months of us having him and feeding him regularly with the right kind of food ...oh yeah, the food they gave us that they had was super-cheap adult dog food - according to the vet, he should've been eating higher quality puppy food for another 5 months!
I'm glad she realized that they couldn't care for him and did the right thing finding new owners for him because I just love him so much and he is obviously happier and healthier now!
I'd be willing to bet that the situation had very little to do with the fact that she was pregnant.
First off, you don't know for sure you will get a BFP soon and it would be disappointing if you didn't and you passed up a good opportunity to give a loving home to such a wonderful dog!
2 years old actually isn't a "pup" and the dog should be more mature and hopefully not wild. If you are up to the challenge to train it (if not already) and your DH is on the same page as you, I would definately adopt him!
GL!
My Ovulation Chart
TTC #1 since March 2010
DH - SA = Low Morphology. Great overall count.
August 2012: HSG - All Clear
September 2012: Timed Intercourse 100 mg Clomid CD 4-8 w/ Repronex & HCG Injections = BFN
October 2012: Timed Intercourse 100 mg Clomid CD 4-8 = BFN
September 2013: New Doctor: 50 mg Clomid CD 5-9 & IUI #1 = BFN
October 2013: 50 mg Clomid CD 3-7 & IUI #2 = BFN
November 2013 to ??? = On a mental break for now.
I felt the same way when I decided to get a cat (granted that was when I was single, in graduate school and a cat). I had never been a pet owner so I had know idea if I would be a good "mommy". Your not alone about that...
Yes a pet does cost money and dogs especially need attention. However, there are studies to prove that animals can provide a calming presence and may make TTC a little easier on the stress level.
You probably won't know if what ever decision you made was right at first but at some point you will
GL!
I think it's completely plausible to have both dog and baby; but depending on the requirements of the dog itself, it may be a heftier job for some people than others...really depends on your lifestyle and what you can commit to.
Using your best judgment regarding what you are capable of handling (or not) is really what you need to consider. As previously mentioned, some breeds require more attention and exercise than others; vet bills can turn hefty, especially if the breed is prone to certain illnesses or requires a certain diet, for instance...and maintenance in terms of just cleaning can vary from breed to breed. Dogs can most certainly be a big responsibility, especially if you've never cared for an animal before.
Why would that make you bad dog parents? Sounds like you have a dog that fits in perfectly with your lifestyle. Dogs, like people have all different personalities and different needs. Having a newborn or being pregnant while trying to keep up with a new dog adjusting to a new place can be extremely time consuming and stressful depending on the dog's personality. If it's laid back and easy going then no problem. But if not, having a dog can be a major issue. Deciding to get a dog is a huge decision that really needs to be discussed. Vet visits, food, toys, training, exercise, attention, being willing to risk things being destroyed around the house excessive barking (which could disturb a newborn baby or an exhausted pregnant woman, etc. are all things to be considered. It's not a no-brainer.
This has nothing to do with being pregnant, but dogs are a LOT of work. It is a huge commitment to take on, and since I believe it is a lifelong commitment, it is something that you are very wise to think through carefully. Whether you have a BFP or not, you need to be prepared to meet whatever needs your dog might have.
There are days that you will be exhausted, sick, busy, etc., and your dog will still need to get out to go to the bathroom and get exercise. If you need to leave town, where will he stay? If you can't let him out during the day, do you have someone that will do that for you? If your dog has behaviorial issues, are you prepared to pay for a trainer or behaviorist? If he gets hurt, what are you willing to spend on vet expenses? These are all things you need to consider.
I bring this up, because we adopted a rescue dog, and in fact, I posted earlier today about a behavioral issue we are working on with him. I have also fostered dogs in the past, and worked with 2 different animal rescue organizations, so I definitely have experience with challenging dogs, whether it be physical, behavioral, etc. That said, I love my dog, and wouldn't trade him for the world, but I would by lying if I said there were days that I didn't wish for a "break." I think that dog ownership is so rewarding, but only if you are prepared for the work that is involved as well. GL to you with whatever you decide!
** After 2 1/2 years of Unexplained IF, 2 failed medicated cycles, and 4 failed IUI's - our baby girl came to us through the miracle of Mini IVF! **
Our Toby is a rescue as well..and it can definitely be challenging to get them to a healthy (physically, psychologically, and emotionally) place.
Key word: if....I love how some women assume that once they start TTC, they'll be prego within the 1st or 2nd month...so hilarious
Dec '09 Laparotomy & laparoscopy for large cyst & HSG all clear
August '10-June '11 TTA for hip surgeries
Cycle #23...Dx: MFI, low p4
2 rounds of Clomid (50 mg) = BFNs...October SIS & 2nd HSG all clear
Plan after saving: repeat s/a + Clomid + Novarel + IUI
She said "if" I get pregnant soon, not "when" I get pregnant soon.
That's why I bolded her text and said Key word: if
Dec '09 Laparotomy & laparoscopy for large cyst & HSG all clear
August '10-June '11 TTA for hip surgeries
Cycle #23...Dx: MFI, low p4
2 rounds of Clomid (50 mg) = BFNs...October SIS & 2nd HSG all clear
Plan after saving: repeat s/a + Clomid + Novarel + IUI
I think it totally depends on the dog.
My husband and I got our dog long before we wanted to TTC. By the time our first baby was born she was 4 years old and very much a routine, easy, and stress free part of our family. We knew she was wonderful with kids because we had 4 years to watch her with our neighbor's kids, our friends' kids, etc. It was an easy thing to be pregnant and have a newborn with a dog. I never gave it a second thought.
On the other hand, puppies and unknown dogs can be a tremendous amount of work. I know that our dog was very much like a toddler for a long time before she grew up and was trained the way we wanted her. If you are worried that you won't have the time or that pregnancy will make you not want to be involved with a dog then I would pass.
After having two babies and a puppy I PERSONALLY wouldn't ever introduce a new dog into our home while pregnant or with a newborn. While TTC? maybe. I would be hesitant because young dogs tend to be tougher around kids (they chew, have a lot more energy, less mature, etc). Dogs are a lot of work, but it is mostly because babies are completely life sucking little things and your dog will get less attention and less training because of the baby. And if things aren't well established when your little bundle comes home you are asking for trouble. (mostly stress related, I'm not talking about a dog hurting the baby).
But if the dog you are looking at is already older and more housebroken and has gotten over hte puppy phase my whole set of worries might be moot. And of course, it might take you awhile to conceive.
FOR ME, I have told my DH that there will be no puppies in our family until our kids are much older. But obviously that is just my personal feelings from my own experiences and yours might be totally different and equally valid.
Married 6/28/03
Kate ~ 7/3/09 *** Connor ~ 11/11/10
4 miscarriages: 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014
*~*~*~*~*
No more TTC for us. We are done, and at peace, as a family of 4.
"Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.” — Charles Dickens
If you guys want the dog, and it needs a home, I say go for it. I have two dogs and yes, they are a lot of work....however, I have never regretted it. Also, while I can understand you wanting to think about it, what if it takes you a little bit longer to get that BFP? If you didn't adopt the dog because you didn't know if you could handle both, would you regret it if you weren't able to get your BFP as quickly as you hoped/expected?
Not trying to be snarky, but I hesitate now about making decisions based upon the "what ifs" I'm pregnant....it's a really easy way to let a lot of opportunities pass you by.
On a side note, your cat looks adorable btw.
Regardless of how things may end up, it would be irresponsible of me to not think of it as a possibility that in 9 months I might have a child. There is a whole range of possibilities and it's all up to nature so I should concern myself with any and all outcomes.
Well said Macy! We have a 5 year old rottie and she is as spoiled as they come with needing attention. One of our biggest concerns was the dog and how she would react to bringing a baby into the house. She is a friendly dog and a big mush. There is the positive side though about the dog keeping you active while pregnant. We walk our dog everyday for about 30 minutes during the week and about an hour on weekends.
It is also an expense, just not as expensive as having a child
I hope all of our posts help you guys make the best decision for you.
Official Due Date 5/29/15 & HB 143 on 10/13; 11/25 Harmony Results perfect & it's a Girl!
Off BCP 5/2009
TTC since July 2010
DH's SA = Normal!
Hysteroscopy 2/2011
50mg Clomid / Progesterone 77.5 April 2011 = BFN
25mg Clomid / Progesterone 53 May 2011= BFN
25mg Clomid / Progesterone 44.3 June 2011= BFN
5mg Femara / Progesterone 15.7 July 2011= BFN
5mg Femara / Progesterone 14 August 2011= BFN
5mg Femara + Crinone / Progesterone 32 September 2011=BFN
5mg Femara + Crinone / Progesterone 14.9 October 2011=BFN
First RE Appointment 11/2011
Hysteroscopy 11/2011 & on Med break
12/2011 Diagnosed with PCOS (Insulin Resistant)
12/2011 Adding 1000 MG Metformin per day
12/14/11 BFP
Beta #1 664 Beta #2 3330 Beta #3 6160 Beta #4 19546
Official Due Date 8/18/12 & HB 147 on 1/3; HB 171on 1/19
Pre-term labor @ 29W bed-rest till Emergency C-Section
IT'S A GIRL
I find that it helps a ton to have a fenced in back yard. We have a lab, and he's really well behaved, but since he lived on a farm for the first part of his life it's hard to walk him on a leash. If you have a fenced in area, if you're not feeling up to walks when you have a baby, you can just let them hang out in the yard for a bit (we always watch him from the window anyway).
Little dogs aren't too expensive when it comes to food and supplies, but I think surgeries could be more expensive on a smaller breed.
Our lab had a problem with his leg this year, and the vet told us that he wouldn't be able to walk again without having a $2000 surgery, then they found a weird blood result and told us he probably had cushings disease, the cost to fix the disease sounded like it would have been insane, because only a specialist would have been able to operate. That week was terrible for us (but in the end, by the time the results came back Buddy was walking around just fine and the blood results came back and he didn't have the disease. So we ended up not getting the surgery, it would have been a long horrible recovery period for him. Now he's running and jumping like normal, so I think that vet was kind of full of crap.) Anyway, the point was, that at any given moment something can go wrong with your dog and that could cost thousands of dollars, so you do have to keep that in mind when getting a dog.
In my personal opinion though, dogs are the greatest thing ever. They will love you unconditionally, and they are so much fun to come home to. They have so much personality. That and you can teach them awesome tricks, our dog opens the door for us when we're heading into the house with arms full of groceries and whatnot.