If someone was willing to give you a free puppy, would you take it?

[NoseyChickens]

If said puppy just happened to be one of your "dream" breeds would it make a difference? I don't NEED another dog. I wasn't looking for another dog. But my friend’s dog had puppies, so now the debate begins. It's a Great Dane! Ugh it's killing me. Because I know we don't NEED another dog. I don’t necessarily WANT another dog. I have four already, along with the kids, the goats, the chickens. Why add another thing for me to take care of. So logically I know we could walk away from this and it would be fine. But, I have always wanted a Great Dane. And DH has always said no. Now this man is an enabler, he doesn't say no. But because the breed has such a short life span and can have so many health problems, he has said no to this breed. But this puppy is from a mom who is half Dane half Lab, and the dad is full Dane. So DH is not saying no. Especially because one of our dogs does not have much longer in this world. Our boy Bailey is very old and has a very bad back and we are just hoping he holds on until our son comes home on leave.

So I am having this eternal dilemma. Part of me is all "Heck yes I want that puppy!!!" The other part thinks "Things are great they way they are. Do you really want that puppy?"


UGH! I can't decide!

 

[redhen]

Yep..i'd take it in a heartbeat... Puppy breath!....

But i'm a sicko..so dont go by what i say...

 

[tobin123]

There is no such thing as a free puppy.You have to buy feed ,vet fees,shots .well what the heck take the puppy as long as you can afford him.I am sure you will take good care of him and love it.I am just giving you a hard time since i didn't get afford a free puppy

 

[magoochie]

Well puppies are always cute, and smell good, and have fun personalities.......

Honestly I think 4 dogs is alot, and i wouldnt add a 5th. But that is just me, and its all in how much work you want to take on.

Danes (and labs) eat ALOT!!!!!! and they are prone to bloat, and other disorders as mentioned. Also, taller dogs should have raised food dishes so they dont have to arch the neck as much when eating.

More vet bills, shots, food, treats, training, housetraining etc.

Puppies are always fun and cute and trust me, I always want them too.

Nobody can make this decision for you. But if it was me, I would not get another dog.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

It sounds like you will have room for a new addition soon because of your old one, the way you describe him.

Won't you be wishing you had taken this pup in?

If not, then don't do it.
If so, then you have your answer.

 

[teach1rusl]

I probably would pass on the pup at this time. Like you, I'd always longed for a great dane, but the timing was never right. Not quite two years ago my mom phoned me telling me of a nice year old dane that had to be rehomed. She'd known I'd always wanted a dane, so thought I might be interested. But I had two dogs already (and a few cats), so it just wasn't the right time. The right time finally did come along, months after I lost my wonderful old golden last year. Fate kind of put him there at a time when I was feeling low. I certainly can't imagine having this guy with a bunch of other dogs though, simply based on his food intake and vet expenses. Plus he simply takes up too much space on his own...lol. I'd wait until your current dog situation is smaller. There will be other opportunities for another dane.

 

[farmerlor]

Just a quick dose of reality here before I start gushing over puppy breath- My boy Boo :

is half dane half lab. We got him after YEARS of having Danes who all died before they were 10 because of the various health problems that Danes are prone to. I told myself that since he was half lab he'd be smaller and have fewer problems. Turns out LABS have health problems too and Boo is almost 200 pounds like his Harlequin daddy. So he's eight years old now and having back and hip problems as well as what looks like the beginning stages of lymphoma.
But I would STILL get the puppy just because the breed is so wonderful. They may not live as long as your average Beagle but who could turn down those big beautiful eyes, the HUGE dogs that shiver in your lap when they're afraid of storms and the HUGE dog who hogs the bed and the couch just because he can? The sweetest, gentlest dogs I've ever had, dogs with the MOST personality and the MOST humorous situations were Danes. I'd do it again in heartbeat.

 

[Buckguy20]

It depends but sometimes Free just isn't cheap enough!

 

[journey11]

As long as you can afford to feed a dog that big (and regular vet bills, shots, etc), I'd go for it!

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

nope, that puppy would have to find a different home, yes I do like dogs, I have no time for a puppy or even an adult dog