I am thinking of getting a Dog

[sr71blackbird]

I am at the point in my life where a little loyal friend may be just what I need. But I need suggestions from those that may know. I would like a dog that is loving, yet also protective and can handle a long walk. One that does not shed or need much grooming. One that weighs between 15 and 30 lbs.
I walk a lot and would like it to be low maintence, but also cute and affectionate andlove attention. But one that is good with kids and other animals. Any ideas?

[tanless1]

Labrador or golden retriever. Don't let the larger size fool you. These dogs are low maintinece. Very mellow house dogs and down for anything....total chick magnets.
As for sheding on the lab, get 2 haircuts a year...down short. You won't be dissapointed.

[disneyspy]

I am at the point in my life where a little loyal friend may be just what I need. But I need suggestions from those that may know. I would like a dog that is loving, yet also protective and can handle a long walk. One that does not shed or need much grooming. One that weighs between 15 and 30 lbs.
I walk a lot and would like it to be low maintence, but also cute and affectionate andlove attention. But one that is good with kids and other animals. Any ideas?

15 and 30 pounds? get a cat

if you want a dog,get a real dog,a newfie,extreamly gentle but a great guard dog,real good especially if you live up north

[Chigworthy]

Get an american bulldog.

[Dude!]

get a Portuguese Water Dog
to talk back to your in-laws

[landarch]

Get the runt of a boxer litter, or a white one. I can't imagine a better dog, and beside the size, fits your bill (as described here, anyway). The white ones are usually free from the breeders, since they're useless as moneymakers.

[Stuft]

get a Portuguese Water Dog
to talk back to your in-laws

:laugh:

Get the runt of a boxer litter, or a white one. I can't imagine a better dog, and beside the size, fits your bill (as described here, anyway). The white ones are usually free from the breeders, since they're useless as moneymakers.

They're tossed aside by the breeders because they are,usually, hearing impaired and have sight and skin allergy issues, due to their pigment. They're a huge drain in vet bills.

If you're looking for a small dog w/ that kind of temperament, minus the protection thing (and they do need a little bit of maintenance - grooming wise) i'd suggest a Cavalier King Charles. It is so rare to find one in this breed that doesn't absolutely LOVE affection and attention and cuddling; and while they aren't as energetic as a lab or terrier, they love a nice long walk.

[biggirl]

may I suggest a basset hound? we don't know if she takes long walks yet. she has enough energy to do so though. she's 26 lbs at 4 months. she might get bigger.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs084.snc3/15140_1256764305883_1432874771_30704121_3308785_n. jpg

[Stuft]

may I suggest a basset hound? we don't know if she takes long walks yet. she has enough energy to do so though. she's 26 lbs at 4 months. she might get bigger.

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs084.snc3/15140_1256764305883_1432874771_30704121_3308785_n. jpg

She will get bigger. She's gorgeous tho! :wub:
The barking doesn't bother you? Or has she not found her *voice* yet?
I could never ever EVER own any kinda hound for that reason. Their f'n bark goes right through me.

[keithy_19]

If you want a loyal dog that is about 20 pounds, great around kids and other animals, and some of the happiest things int his world, get a cockapoo. So wonderful.

http://www.angelscockapoocorner.com/IMG_0929.JPG

[biggirl]

She will get bigger. She's gorgeous tho! :wub:
The barking doesn't bother you? Or has she not found her *voice* yet?
I could never ever EVER own any kinda hound for that reason. Their f'n bark goes right through me.

she hasn't started howling yet. Her bark is still puppyish. She's at that totally annoying puppy age. She has rhino rapped around her little paw though. She doesn't fool me.

[opie's twisted balls]

The dog you've described to the letter is a Standard Schnauzer.

WONDERFUL breed!

[Stuft]

The dog you've described to the letter is a Standard Schnauzer.

WONDERFUL breed!

They require ALOT of grooming, tho. And not always so friendly w/ other dogs but another terrific, loyal breed.

[Snoogans]

DONT GET A BEAGLE

Apparently 1 beagle is more dangerous than 10 Rottweilers

[opie's twisted balls]

They require ALOT of grooming, tho. And not always so friendly w/ other dogs but another terrific, loyal breed.
To keep a show coat absolutely. Since that's not important to me and I just want my little buddy to look good he gets a trim every 2 months to keep the body short, the legs and beard are only slightly feathered.

But ya, get a dog...any dog! If you put in the effort you won't regret it. They make for the most loving and wonderful companions.

[Stuft]

If you want a loyal dog that is about 20 pounds, great around kids and other animals, and some of the happiest things int his world, get a cockapoo. So wonderful.

http://www.angelscockapoocorner.com/IMG_0929.JPG

This is awful advice. Poodles and cocker spaniels both (which this is a mix of) require grooming every 6 weeks and can be very not nice to little kids!

To keep a show coat absolutely. Since that's not important to me and I just want my little buddy to look good he gets a trim every 2 months to keep the body short, the legs and beard are only slightly feathered.

But ya, get a dog...any dog! If you put in the effort you won't regret it. They make for the most loving and wonderful companions.

Every 8 weeks is alot of grooming for most people. My impression was that he was looking for something with less maintenance. And if it weren't for the incessant yapping, i'd own a schnauzer too - GREAT family dogs. The rest of your statement is spot on...Get a dog, whatever dog, treat it right and TRAIN HIM! And he'll be your BFF - no questions asked!

[Death Metal Moe]

Get a girl dog so there's not that awkward "Gotta move around and avoid the dong" moment when you rub your dog's belly.

[biggirl]

here's some good watch dogs for you.

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs112.snc3/15936_1270873898614_1432874771_30737023_6611905_n. jpg

[opie's twisted balls]

Every 8 weeks is alot of grooming for most people. My impression was that he was looking for something with less maintenance. And if it weren't for the incessant yapping, i'd own a schnauzer too - GREAT family dogs. The rest of your statement is spot on...Get a dog, whatever dog, treat it right and TRAIN HIM! And he'll be your BFF - no questions asked!
I guess. For me "lots of grooming" means having to brush your dog every day.

As for yapping, I know the minis and standards have a bad rap but both of mine have been good.

[keithy_19]

This is awful advice. Poodles and cocker spaniels both (which this is a mix of) require grooming every 6 weeks and can be very not nice to little kids!


My cockapoo Max is the nicest thing in the world. He loves little kids. He's been around since my niece was born (she's seven now) and has always been loving and affectionate. When her friends are over he is great with them as well.

In fact, everyone I know who has a cockapoo has nothing bad to say.

And we get him a haircut about every two months.

[landarch]

:laugh:



They're tossed aside by the breeders because they are,usually, hearing impaired and have sight and skin allergy issues, due to their pigment. They're a huge drain in vet bills.



That's not always true. My all-white boxer is six years old and he's never had a sick visit to the vet. Not one. My next dog will be one just like him. He came from the most reputable of boxer breeders--has papers and everything--we just can't breed him. Besides, neutering cuts down on a lot of the cancer troubles that these dogs are plagued with.

[sr71blackbird]

I am thinking that I might go for a Miniature Fox Terrier.
The thing that I am worrried about and is that my apartment is a basement and I am at work for almost 9 hours a day. I can imagine that it is not fair to the dog and I wouldn't want him barking all day whenever the hispanics above me start rolling around that massive wooden ball it sounds like they are rolling around.

[sr71blackbird]

I am thinking that I might go for a Miniature Fox Terrier.
The thing that I am worried about and is that my apartment is a basement and I am at work for almost 9 hours a day. I can imagine that it is not fair to the dog and I wouldn't want him barking all day whenever the hispanics above me start rolling around that massive wooden ball it sounds like they are rolling around.

[Penelope]

Get a mixed terrier! Mixed dogs are usually very healthy. I have a mixed terrier who is 16 this year! He looks just like Benji. He loves walking, and before the last 2 years never got tired out. He's very affectionate, and weighs 25 pounds, not too big, but not tiny and yappy. I suggest you get a dog just like mine, because my dog is the best dog around, and sounds just like what you are looking for. Go to a shelter and look for a Benji dog. Warning, be prepared to have emergency vet money set aside at all times. Having a dog can get expensive with all the vet bills. I didn't think ahead and never got the dog any health insurance, now that he's elderly and is on medicine he can't get insurance. The dog costs a lot, but he's so worth it.

[razorboy]

I have three French Bulldogs an a Chihuahua that are driving me batshit crazy at the moment if you are interested.

[angrymissy]

I am thinking that I might go for a Miniature Fox Terrier.
The thing that I am worried about and is that my apartment is a basement and I am at work for almost 9 hours a day. I can imagine that it is not fair to the dog and I wouldn't want him barking all day whenever the hispanics above me start rolling around that massive wooden ball it sounds like they are rolling around.

get a dog walker to walk the dog midway through the day

[JohnCharles]

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

One of the best decisions you will ever make.

Just do one thing, adopt.

[tanless1]

:...and while they aren't as energetic as a lab or terrier, they love a nice long walk.

...big energy / exuberance difference between lab and terrier. Both are truley loves though.

[RhinoinMN]

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

Do it!

One of the best decisions you will ever make.

Just do one thing, adopt.

Yep. I did and ended up with this sweetie.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs115.snc3/16234_1259443772868_1432874771_30709844_1902065_n. jpg

[WRESTLINGFAN]

They get a bad rap but Dobies are truly a great breed.

[sr71blackbird]

They are cool, but I think they need more room than I have. I have a basement apartment with no yard.

[Crossweird]

Havanese. Sweet, nonshedding, and hypo-allergenic.

Expensive, though, and it's hard to find a good breeder. I had to fly out to Minneapolis from NJ to get our puppy. We bonded on the flight back.

[sr71blackbird]

The Havanese was also recommended to me. They seem nice. Can they walk far? Like 8 miles or so?

[MagillaGorillaz]

Get a shelter dog.

[KingGeno]

I didn't read most of the thread, but are you looking for a puppy or an older dog that is already housebroken/calm?

I'm going for the latter for my first official dog, specially with my first kids planned in the next few years.

[jauble]

My parents have a Shepard terrier mix that I was attached to from the year that I lived with them again. She's not a big dog but I would put her at 35 pounds or so. I've been home twice since February and she is always at my heel but not annoying, but she does cry when I get in. She was found by the tracks and my mom took her home. Scared of flashlights, but a sweet dog overall.

[sr71blackbird]

I thought about a shelter dog or an adult fog, but I am worried it might be abused or behave weird. My sister got a Bechon that she rescued and this dog must have been abused. He is very wary of men and can't control it's bladder and she needs to have it wear a diaper harness. I def don't want that. I figure a puppy I can bond deeply with. Does anyone know if a shelter dog can bond the same as a dog that was raised from a puppy?

[Farmer Dave]

They get a bad rap but Dobies are truly a great breed.

Ours is really a great dog. Good with the kids and I'm pretty sure you're not coming through the door if you hear her on the other side. At almost 100 lbs she's probably a bit bigger then you're looking for.<a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/tractorgreendog/?action=view&current=DSCN0618.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/tractorgreendog/DSCN0618.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Crossweird]

The Havanese was also recommended to me. They seem nice. Can they walk far? Like 8 miles or so?

They're total clowns, with lots of energy. And they can run super-fast. But eight miles is a stretch - they have smallish legs.

But they cock their heads when you talk to them...
http://redbudslilpaws.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/Victoria2-Havanese-JudithMulrain.jpg

[angrymissy]

I thought about a shelter dog or an adult fog, but I am worried it might be abused or behave weird. My sister got a Bechon that she rescued and this dog must have been abused. He is very wary of men and can't control it's bladder and she needs to have it wear a diaper harness. I def don't want that. I figure a puppy I can bond deeply with. Does anyone know if a shelter dog can bond the same as a dog that was raised from a puppy?

If you are going to be working 9 hours a day, you will not have the time to properly raise/housebreak a puppy. You need to be around constantly to take them out and give them attention. You can bond the same way with a shelter dog.

If you don't want a shelter dog, try a breed specific rescue. They screen all applicants and will be able to usually give you a good idea of the dogs history.

[Crossweird]

If you are going to be working 9 hours a day, you will not have the time to properly raise/housebreak a puppy. You need to be around constantly to take them out and give them attention. You can bond the same way with a shelter dog.

If you don't want a shelter dog, try a breed specific rescue. They screen all applicants and will be able to usually give you a good idea of the dogs history.

While all the breed talk is fun, this is seriously good advice. Especially the first part.

[angrymissy]

You can still even get a specific breed if you are willing to wait, for example I ended up with a Papillon puppy as my 2nd dog (but Jeff and I both work at home so puppy was doable). Before that I was looking into getting another American Eskimo dog and was talking to their rescue group. They had younger (2 years) housebroken dogs and could tell you their temperament and history. They pull their specific breed out of shelters and keep them in a foster home until they were adopted. One of the dogs I was researching had been given up because their owner had cancer and was unable to care for the dog properly, another because the owner died, etc. Not all dogs that are given up are abused, and since they are living in foster homes, their foster families can tell you if they are timid, playful, relaxed, good w/ kids, good w/ other animals, etc.

[Dangerbird]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/4133743022_9844cf5ffa.jpg

Tragically all that remained was a pile of pink colored stool!

[KingModem]

My beagle is awesome.

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs168.snc1/6292_126010092362_509852362_3153471_2036050_n.jpg

[Coach]

15 and 30 pounds? get a cat

if you want a dog,get a real dog,a newfie,extreamly gentle but a great guard dog,real good especially if you live up northOur newfie was dumber than rocks and was from a reputable breeder. Plus they shed and drool like crazy..lots of brushing needed!
Beagles like to howl when left alone and not trained well.
Get a Golden.

[Gay Lendo]

I had a dog but I fed him a tapioca,pumpkin,sweet potato chocolate pie with a graham cracker crust and he died.

[JerseyRich]

I had a dog but I fed him a tapioca,pumpkin,sweet potato chocolate pie with a graham cracker crust and he died.

I bet he choked on the bay leaf.

[Coach]

I had a dog but I fed him a tapioca,pumpkin,sweet potato chocolate pie with a graham cracker crust and he died.He probably died of constipation.

[RhinoinMN]

Ours is really a great dog. Good with the kids and I'm pretty sure you're not coming through the door if you hear her on the other side. At almost 100 lbs she's probably a bit bigger then you're looking for.<a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/tractorgreendog/?action=view&current=DSCN0618.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr266/tractorgreendog/DSCN0618.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I can vouch for this dog. One of the coolest dogs I have met.

[disneyspy]

Our newfie was dumber than rocks and was from a reputable breeder. Plus they shed and drool like crazy..lots of brushing needed!
Beagles like to howl when left alone and not trained well.
Get a Golden.

are you sure you didnt have a st bernard? one of the great things about a newfie is theres no excess drooling as with other larger breeds,youre right about the grooming tho,i brush her daily to keep down the shedding but shes an extremly smart dog

whatever kind of dog you get remember to take a bottle of water with you on your walks with it and give it a half cup every mile

[opie's twisted balls]

is very wary of men and can't control it's bladder and she needs to have it wear a harness
Sounds like my ex

[tanless1]

...and consider a lyon cut in the spring to combat shedding.

[Coach]

are you sure you didnt have a st bernard? one of the great things about a newfie is theres no excess drooling as with other larger breeds,youre right about the grooming tho,i brush her daily to keep down the shedding but shes an extremly smart dog

whatever kind of dog you get remember to take a bottle of water with you on your walks with it and give it a half cup every milePositive...the drool became part of the car windows...we really had to scrub it out with elbow grease.

[opie's twisted balls]

SR71, how goes the search for fido?

[TooCute]

SR71, how goes the search for fido?

That shelter dogs and purebred rescue dogs are there because they were abused or had problems is a huge misconception, and a very sad one for them. Many many many wonderful dogs end up in shelters and rescue groups because of circumstances like families moving, divorce, developing allergies, etc. And many of the dogs who are abandoned and surrendered because of "behavior problems" don't have problems at all; they just had owners who didn't put in the time and effort into training, or didn't understand what the dog needed - e.g. you live in a basement and don't have a yard; a border collie would be a bad choice for a person in your situation, and if you did get one, I wouldn't be surprised if it were turned in to the SPCA a year later because it was destructive, neurotic and chewing everything in site. That doesn't mean it was a bad dog; it was just the wrong situation.

Of course, the nice thing about purebreds is that because they are so inbred, you can do research on the types of personalities and traits they tend to have, and the problems that are likely to turn up in that breed. For example, boxers and dobies have been mentioned in this thread. Both are really prone to getting a specific type of heart problem, which can lead to heart failure and sudden death. No, they don't all get it, but it's something to be aware of (and it's expensive to treat). Boxers also have other heart problems, eye problems and skin problems very frequently. Dobies frequently have their stomach get twisted around if they eat too much too quickly (or sometimes for no reason at all) and either need surgery or die. Golden retrievers and labs are also prone to getting this stomach twisty thing, plus they're very prone to having allergies (especially skin allergies, which often require expensive special diets) and perhaps most commonly, painful hip problems. Sure, you can buy a dog whose parents are both certified free of hip dysplasia, but that's no guarantee. Havanese? Cute and small, but probably not going to be able to do 8 mile walks with you, are really really prone to separation anxiety (ie they're going to cry or be destructive or both when left alone), plus they generally seem to bark more than other dogs.

I suggest you do NOT ask a messageboard about what breed of dog you should look into, because obviously everyone is going to think that their dog is the best and suggest it to you. For example, a newfie or a golden is an extraordinarily poor choice for someone who lives in a basement and has no backyard. Not that you couldn't make it work, but it will almost certainly take way the fuck more work than a more appropriate breed, and you'd be setting yourself and the dog up for failure. You'd be well meaning, and it wouldn't be the dogs fault, but there'd be a much higher probability that the dog would end up in the shelter because it was acting up (where it could then be adopted by someone with a more appropriate situation for the dog).

You should do your own research, and when you settle on a breed (if you decide to go purebred), please research breeders. Buying from a petstore is absolutely not acceptable. Buying from a backyard breeder with an ad in the paper is not acceptable. Personally, my first option would be to contact breed rescue organizations. My second would be to do a lot of research into breeders, and go from there. Different breeders will breed to emphasize different characteristics of breeds, and they should all tell you how they are breeding to try to avoid common health problems of their breed. If you can, see if you can find other dogs that have come from the breeder. Just because the breeder is say, in North Dakota, doesn't mean that they may not have sold a dog to someone in your area, and people who are happy with the dog they bought are often happy to let you come and meet their dog and recommend the breeder.

Obviously, though, my first choice would be to go to a shelter. There are pros and cons associated with this, too, and if you do even a teensy bit of research on the net you should find more than enough sites that will tell you why adopting from a shelter is great and why your worry that you are likely to adopt an abused, damaged dog is a very very wrong misconception.

I would be more than happy to talk about choosing a dog with you in private if you want, just PM me.

[TooCute]

Oh, one more thing - since you work 9 hours a day. Ideally I would say that a dog in general is probably a poor choice for you - but if you're set on a dog - do NOT get a puppy. I repeat, do NOT get a puppy. No reputable breeder and no shelter is going to give you a puppy, knowing that you work 9 hours a day. The chances that your dog will be hard to housebreak and will have behavior problems are EXTRAORDINARILY high. Again not saying it's impossible that it would work, but you're just setting yourself up for failure (and why would you do that?).

At the very least, consider an older dog.

Go to the store and get yourself some dog owner books and give them a good read.

[TooCute]

oh and pps, whoever said newfies don't drool is flat out wrong. maybe not as much as a st benard, but newfies are known droolers.

[midwestjeff]

oh and pps, whoever said newfies don't drool is flat out wrong. maybe not as much as a st benard, but newfies are known droolers.

Newfies are always havin' a time.

[beachbum]

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn250/edisaacs/maxxball.jpg[/IMG]

Man's best friend.Boston Terrier,32lbs,short hair,doesn't shed much,loves kids and cats,never met a dog he didn't like.

This is Mad Maxx.He loves excercise but is an inside dog.He will walk or jog on a leash.He isn't crazy about swimming but he will play in the ocean.He isn't much of a ball chaser but we are working on that.

What I like about the Boston the most is that you get a big dog attitude with a relatively small dog.He rarely ever barks even when my neighbor's asshole poodles are barking under the fence.He just quietly stomps on their noses.He very easily crate trained and will go into his crate to sleep even when we don't tell him to.He also house trained in about three days.

[sr71blackbird]

Thanks Toocute! Long time no see! I PM'd you.
I still have not found anyone who knows breeders or how to start this without getting screwed, but I am still interested in getting one. I have my heart set on a Miniature Fox Terrier, but the chiuauah (however its spelled) may be good too. My niece got a mix of them and a terrier and its cute as hell and can walk all day and its small, but rugged too and very affectionate. This dog loves me to death and I think its really sweet and I wish I could dog nap it!

[Coach]

oh and pps, whoever said newfies don't drool is flat out wrong. maybe not as much as a st benard, but newfies are known droolers.Hell yeah they do!..
I love Newfies..but when we had one..I was 11 and he was way out of my league to care for..that and dumb as a post!

[Coach]

are you sure you didnt have a st bernard? one of the great things about a newfie is theres no excess drooling as with other larger breeds,youre right about the grooming tho,i brush her daily to keep down the shedding but shes an extremly smart dog

whatever kind of dog you get remember to take a bottle of water with you on your walks with it and give it a half cup every mileIt was stuck on our car windows for two years after he died!...they might have bred that out though.

[disneyspy]

It was stuck on our car windows for two years after he died!...they might have bred that out though.

im not sayin they dont drool,all dogs do,but she doesnt drool like a bull,bernard,mastif or other large breeds are known do to. car windows are the worst when i go into a carwash with her cuz she go nuts but its the only time she ever gets rowdy so i love to take her in them

[sr71blackbird]

I cannot believe the difficulty I am having trying to locate the kind of dog I want.
I am trying the shelters and put ads on craigslist, and it seems simply impossible.
The dog I want is Miniature Fox Terrier, and the only person I have been in contact that has them is a guy in Australia and he seems to have an attitude. He only wants to talk on the phone and I just do not have that kind of time and I need info on it. Why cant I find someone in NY or any surrounding state that had either hear of this dog or has any clue about getting me one. The shelters are packed to the walls with fucking pitt bulls and chiuauahs and I dont want either of them. The internet is useless for finding a dealer for this dog and I am in a state of disbelief. How is it possible? I have called the shelters for other breeds that I would consider but every time I see on on a website they have up, the damn thing is gone in a heart beat.

[Hottub]

Have you been in touch with Mafialife Chris?

[Tall_James]

Have you been in touch with Mafialife Chris?

:lol:

[sr71blackbird]

No, does he know about this stuff? Can you pm me his email? I never see him on.

[angrymissy]

Terriers can be difficult dogs, especially if you do not have time to devote to training. Are you planning on getting a puppy? Please don't if you will not be able to be home during the day while it is a puppy to train it. You will be asking for a lifetime of problems. Terriers need a LOT of mental stimulation and exercise.

It seems this is not a very common breed, I cannot locate a rescue group online. Can you perhaps find a similar breed of dog? Why did you choose this breed?

[sr71blackbird]

I chose it after taking a few online pet match questionarres from eukauba and other dog food companies that had the breed selector. I'd like another kind if I could locate a rescue place that actually had sone of the dogs that are on their listings. It seems the small dogs fly out of there while they are overflowing with pittbulls and chauauahs that are problematic. I prefer one that didn't shed and can handle a brisk 8 mile walk. One that doesn't bark all day and I don't mind an older dog, but I had the intention to have the dog use weewee pads while I worked.

[sr71blackbird]

The shelters on Long Island are an absolute joke. I have been in contact with a dozen of the from Nassau to Suffolk and not one of them are giving me anything but a nasty attitude and act like they are doing me the favor and this process is like adopting a child. They have zero understanding that people work and they do not seem to know how to communicate via email. I just sent a nasty reply to a shelter that said if you can't get your act in gear, thay I will just go get a fucking dog at a pet store. All these places seem to have are pitt bulls. They sometimes advertise small dogs but when you contact them to ask, the dogs are gone. If they do have a dog you want, watch out! Get ready for attitude and hoop jumping. I wish I could post the email exchange I had yesterday.

[Crossweird]

Dogs are awesome and can change your life. Getting one can be the best thing that ever happened to you, and you can love it more than anything in the world.

So don't get one. Not now. It doesn't sound like it's the right time in your life for this to happen.

You'll be so much happier if you just wait until you have the time to really make a dog a part of your life.

[disneyspy]

Dogs are awesome and can change your life. Getting one can be the best thing that ever happened to you, and you can love it more than anything in the world.

So don't get one. Not now. It doesn't sound like it's the right time in your life for this to happen.

You'll be so much happier if you just wait until you have the time to really make a dog a part of your life.

i just reread his initial post and this may be the best advice someone gave him in this thread

[angrymissy]

The shelters on Long Island are an absolute joke. I have been in contact with a dozen of the from Nassau to Suffolk and not one of them are giving me anything but a nasty attitude and act like they are doing me the favor and this process is like adopting a child. They have zero understanding that people work and they do not seem to know how to communicate via email. I just sent a nasty reply to a shelter that said if you can't get your act in gear, thay I will just go get a fucking dog at a pet store. All these places seem to have are pitt bulls. They sometimes advertise small dogs but when you contact them to ask, the dogs are gone. If they do have a dog you want, watch out! Get ready for attitude and hoop jumping. I wish I could post the email exchange I had yesterday.

You do not have an ideal situation and they do not want a dog to be returned. A lot of those dogs are there because people decided they wanted a dog, then decided they didn't want to put in the work and sent the dog to a shelter. Or they were at work all day and the dog peed all over the house so they sent it to a shelter. Or the dog chewed all their stuff because it wasn't exercised enough so they sent it to a shelter. This may not be what you would do but the shelters and rescue orgs see it time and time again.

I would try http://www.lasthopeanimalrescue.org/. They are in Suffolk County right over the border and they are fantastic.

But be prepared to be turned down. Unless they have an older 100% trained calm dog that can deal with you being away the entire day right when the dog comes home, they're not going to accept you.

Buying a puppy from a petstore will cause you a world of hurt right now. You will NOT be able to take care of a puppy if you are working. It's just impossible. It will not be fair to the puppy and it will not be fair to you.

[sr71blackbird]

I spoke with a woman from there and she took all my info and will look for the right dog for me. Hopefully this works out. Its odd because I came in contact with her by chance and she's the only one helping me.