Posted by shar on May 9, 2004, at 2:04:43
In reply to Re: Puppies before babies, posted by underthecs on May 8, 2004, at 22:28:47
Well, there is no reason to get a dog if you are not ready, smokey. It is a LOT of responsibility, and the best thing is to do at least novice obedience training; I STRONGLY encourage that because then you have a dog that you can welcome as a part of your home.
Dogs are expensive. Vet visits, and any problem can easily go into the $100's of dollars.
And, please forgive me, but I have a huge problem with pet stores who sell pets that most likely come from puppy mills in which momma dog is just continually mated and mated and mated and not cared for, until she is no longer 'useful' (can't have puppies, too weak, tired, sick, whatever) and then killed.
Sorry. Unless you get a dog from the SPCA/local animal shelter or a breeder you know in your area, the puppy is likely from a puppy mill in the midwest. A lot of rescue organizations will buy puppies from pet stores if they conform to the breed standards; just to get them out of there.
A snake can be a good pet. I encourage you to try that out, see how it works. Dogs are a lot of work, and a lot of understanding dog-thinking (pack behavior). Many people don't understand pack behavior, and have no desire, and don't know *why* their dog doesn't do well in their home (because they don't understand the dynamics of the pack).
I think a snake is a good idea.
I obviously have very strong feelings on this topic. Nothing personal; just a lot of experience.
Shar
poster:shar
thread:344603
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040507/msgs/344982.html