Empty nest in 4 years- dog or no dog?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our kids begged for years and I always said I would have had a third kid before a dog. I wasn't into them..
Now i feel bad and am considering a puppy or older dog before they leave. I am worried i will want one and getting one once they leave seems beyond cruel. Or am I crazy and should enjoy our new freedom without kids and not even start in with it. Curious if people need/want a dog once kids leave or it makes no sense. I am torn- they seem great sometimes and too much work other times. We work from home...

In your shoes I would not get a dog. You could foster dogs and then when you want to travel than you find someone to care for them ( if they haven't been adopted) My neighbors do this and they love to travel. This way you are providing care for dogs that really need shelter and finding them good homes!

Fostering animals is great, but I am not sure it’s for inexperienced dog people. The animals often have training needs that might overwhelm OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our kids begged for years and I always said I would have had a third kid before a dog. I wasn't into them..
Now i feel bad and am considering a puppy or older dog before they leave. I am worried i will want one and getting one once they leave seems beyond cruel. Or am I crazy and should enjoy our new freedom without kids and not even start in with it. Curious if people need/want a dog once kids leave or it makes no sense. I am torn- they seem great sometimes and too much work other times. We work from home...

In your shoes I would not get a dog. You could foster dogs and then when you want to travel than you find someone to care for them ( if they haven't been adopted) My neighbors do this and they love to travel. This way you are providing care for dogs that really need shelter and finding them good homes!

Fostering animals is great, but I am not sure it’s for inexperienced dog people. The animals often have training needs that might overwhelm OP.

Op could always pick and choose. Not every rescue dog has issues. Op could work with the rescue organization and maybe take classes first. Much better than getting a dog and then returning.

[Anonymous]

Maybe get an older dog and see how it goes.

[Anonymous]

And, also, consider that by the time they are teenagers, it's already too late to enjoy the dog unless they are actively asking for one now. Most teenagers want to do their own thing, so will they really want a dog now or not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No dog. I love dogs, but empty nest years are for traveling and freedom, in my book.

Agree. We had a dog, and loved her, but it is much easier to be flexible without the dog. We can do day trips without rushing home, and can take vacations without worrying about finding space at the kennel. Even though our dogless time so far has been in the pandemic it's been nice to have more flexibility.

[Anonymous]

Nope, nope, nope.

I got a dog for my kids and regret it so much. A third kids would have been easier and less work. You'll have little freedom for the rest of the dog's life, so another 15 years.

It's seriously like having a toddler again. They're so needy. I can't go poop without the dog following me and staring at me.

[Anonymous]

How old are your kids? I’m getting a lab puppy next month. I have always wanted a dog and kids do too. I have three teenagers 14,15,19. .. I know the dog will fall on me but you are scaring me lol.

[Anonymous]

We got a golden retriever (after trying and then returning a problematic rescue dog) and he is literally the best dog ever. He’ll be 8 when our youngest goes off to college, which is perfect, I think. He’ll be mature and calm (he’s already really calm for an under 1yo dog), and will be a nice companion for us when our house is empty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are your kids? I’m getting a lab puppy next month. I have always wanted a dog and kids do too. I have three teenagers 14,15,19. .. I know the dog will fall on me but you are scaring me lol.

This is me. I have teenagers (15 and 18) and we got a puppy. I had wanted a dog forever, but when the kids were young we were just way too busy. Now has been perfect. I knew going in he was going to be mine and the work will be on me. He is 8 months and I love him. I think he is also helping take the sting of my oldest leaving for college. Having a dog is definitely different for different people.

[Anonymous]

We got a puppy last year when my DDs were 13 and 15. It is a lot of work and it mostly falls on me. But is has been the best decision ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We got a puppy last year when my DDs were 13 and 15. It is a lot of work and it mostly falls on me. But is has been the best decision ever.

What breed and do you have experience?

[Anonymous]

Don't get a dog OP.

Just volunteer at an animal shelter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't get a dog OP.

Just volunteer at an animal shelter. [/quot

Why not?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't get a dog OP.

Just volunteer at an animal shelter.

Sorry sent too soon. Why not? Just curious

[Anonymous]

All dogs have problems. You have to really love having a dog to make it a good idea. And then yes, selecting a breed for its attributes is perfectly reasonable. But you can’t select a breed with no issues. It doesn’t exist.