Empty nest in 4 years- dog or no dog?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

You are off your rocker. I have three kids and we are on our fourth dog. Adding a third child was infinitely harder.

Disagree. Kids are much easier than dogs. They grow up and become more independent. I still have to walk the dog for an hour every day. I can't be out of the house for extended periods of time and can't take him with me either. I wanted to take a day trip somewhere and even that's hard because you have to think about who will take care of the dog.

Ah you are one of those people who forgets how had babies and toddlers are. Try having a baby in a bucket car seat, a 2 year old and a 4.5 year old who is trying to run away from you. Walking a dog is a piece of cake. And guess what you can't go away for a day without thinking about who is going to take care of a third kid.

If you are comparing having an older child to having a dog then clearly that's easier but that's not apples to apples

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

You are off your rocker. I have three kids and we are on our fourth dog. Adding a third child was infinitely harder.

Disagree. Kids are much easier than dogs. They grow up and become more independent. I still have to walk the dog for an hour every day. I can't be out of the house for extended periods of time and can't take him with me either. I wanted to take a day trip somewhere and even that's hard because you have to think about who will take care of the dog.

Ah you are one of those people who forgets how had babies and toddlers are. Try having a baby in a bucket car seat, a 2 year old and a 4.5 year old who is trying to run away from you. Walking a dog is a piece of cake. And guess what you can't go away for a day without thinking about who is going to take care of a third kid.

If you are comparing having an older child to having a dog then clearly that's easier but that's not apples to apples

No, I don't think the PP is "one of those people who forgets how [b]ad babies and toddlers are." The PP specifically states that kids "grow up and become more independent." While an older dog may not be as needy as a pup, they still require a type of care that generally is the same in nature over time.

Perhaps take to the toddlers forum if you need to vent a bit about managing three kids.

[Anonymous]

Enjoy your freedom, peace, and time. Do not get a dog. It is so not worth the hassle, maintenance, money, and inconvenience. You will be a slave and prisoner to your dog. It is like having a toddler that never grows up. There is no way I will spend my empty nest years catering to a dog. No way!

[Anonymous]

As someone with 2 kids and 2 dogs (which both will be gone by the time the kids start college), I vote a resounding no on getting a dog. It's a ton of work for 12-15 years.

Unless you are the type who doesn't plan to go anywhere after the kids leave (even for day trips) then maybe consider it IF you are lonely, but it's like having another kid. The dog needs someone to feed it, love it, take it to the vet, walk it, and generally be around every day (have to plan for vacations, day trips, etc).

You really can't leave a dog at home longer than 8 hours (and sometimes even that is too long, depending on the breed and temperament).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

You are off your rocker. I have three kids and we are on our fourth dog. Adding a third child was infinitely harder.

Disagree. Kids are much easier than dogs. They grow up and become more independent. I still have to walk the dog for an hour every day. I can't be out of the house for extended periods of time and can't take him with me either. I wanted to take a day trip somewhere and even that's hard because you have to think about who will take care of the dog.

Ah you are one of those people who forgets how had babies and toddlers are. Try having a baby in a bucket car seat, a 2 year old and a 4.5 year old who is trying to run away from you. Walking a dog is a piece of cake. And guess what you can't go away for a day without thinking about who is going to take care of a third kid.

If you are comparing having an older child to having a dog then clearly that's easier but that's not apples to apples

No, I don't think the PP is "one of those people who forgets how [b]ad babies and toddlers are." The PP specifically states that kids "grow up and become more independent." While an older dog may not be as needy as a pup, they still require a type of care that generally is the same in nature over time.

Perhaps take to the toddlers forum if you need to vent a bit about managing three kids.

But what they are saying makes zero sense. My adult dog is less work than my teen. And having a third kid is much much much harder than two kids and a dog.

[Anonymous]

Definitely dog!! One of life’s sweetest deals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The answer is always dog.

+1. Always!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When asked when life begins, Sandra Day O'Connor said when the kids go to college and the dog dies. She's a wise woman!

My dog and kids are the best part of my life. Life without them would be dull.

[Anonymous]

Current empty nester (1 out of college, 2 in college). Unless you get an older dog from a shelter/rescue, who will not be around in 4 years, do not get a dog now. You will be doing college drop-offs and pickups, not to mention family weekend, for a while. And, you and spouse may enjoy this newfound freedom to a) travel with spouse when they travel somewhere interesting for work (x2 if you both work), b) ha e spontaneous evenings out after work for a concert, play, event at a museum, evening out with friends after work, c) weekend travel to ANYWHERE, to do ANYTHING, at ANY TIME and d) so much more random stuff

All of the above and more are difficult if you have a dog at home that needs to fed, walked and cared for. I know every fall there are parents here mourning their empty nest/kids off to college, but I am telling you, as much as I love and miss our kids, it is awesome

[Anonymous]

Our old guy died and we got a puppy 2 years before DS graduated.

When he comes home from college, he feels like the dog is the family dog, not his parents’ dog. He loves the dog and it’s so sweet to see them together.

We take our dog with us on day trips and even longer road trips. Almost all restaurants allow them on patios. Many hotels allow dogs. Ours is bigger and not once have we been turned away for the “50 lb max” rule some places have. No one ever asks how much the dog weighs.

If we don’t take the dog with us, we have a trusted sitter for day or long stays.

Dog walks, even last minute ones, can be arranged through rover or wag.

[Anonymous]

Op here. Had no clue this thread was revived. We got a dog 2 years ago April 2022. Best decision ever!! I'm obsessed. Can't believe I almost never experienced the love of a dog.
And thrilled to have her as kids prep to leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Had no clue this thread was revived. We got a dog 2 years ago April 2022. Best decision ever!! I'm obsessed. Can't believe I almost never experienced the love of a dog.
And thrilled to have her as kids prep to leave.

Glad to see this update, OP. Dogs truly are the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please don't get a puppy, OP. Get a shelter dog. And, yes, get a dog!

I have no dog experience and need a dog who is friendly with no issues I need to work on from their past. Seems 99% of shelter dogs are pit bulls.... i need basically guaranteed friendly like a golden retriever

You are basing your conclusion on anecdotal information.

Go to a local shelter, meet some of the dogs. The staff have been working with these dogs every day since they arrived at the shelter and the dog has a KNOWN personality. Unlike puppies. Many dogs end up in shelters because of human problems, no fault of the dog.

Just go look. If you are local visit homewardtrails in burke, you can pet some dogs this weekend and no pressure to take anyone home. You are even allowed (when the weather permits) to walk them or take one home for a visit. Or become a foster, know the dog before you make a comittment. HT currently has beagles, chihuahuas, hounds, some shaggy dogs I don't know what they are, and even some lovely pit bulls which no one will force you to take home

TLDR try fostering before you make a decision.

[Anonymous]

I got one when my son was a senior in HS. I actually wanted a dog so I got one he could bond with before he left for school. Only get one if you want one since you’ll be doing all of the work with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

100% this. I have a 21, 19 and 15 year old. We got a dog 5 years ago and it's been the best decision even though I 100% NEVER wanted a dog. Guess what, I am now my dog's person and I love it. Two of mine are in college and one is in school all day so it's just the dog and I during the day. I love it. She is my shadow. I'm even considering getting a second on when when the youngest goes to college. It's definitely good to have kids around when they're a puppy because it really is a lot of work but it's for a fairly short period of time. Totally worth it.