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

[HHandbasket]

My grandmother was a funny old lady from Virginia, just chock full of back-woods wisdom. One thing she said to me is this: "If you have to stop and think twice about something, that means you probably shouldn't do it."

You may choose whether or not to apply Granny's Wisdom to your situation.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Quote:
I have found this to be true in my life. Most definitely!!!

 

[MustLoveHens]

I am the last person on earth to say anything about getting more dogs...I have 8! While I agree pretty much with the pros and cons, I do want to advocate one point. While Im all for a new pup and I know your family will give him/her a great home, please think about one "person" first. Your old dog. From what you describe, he is very old and not long for this world. Sometimes puppies can be very hard and stressfull on older dogs, either physically or mentally. I'd have a frank talk with your DH and family to discuss wether it might be better to wait until Bailey passes before introducing a new puppy into the house. I'd try to stay as objective as possible for Baileys sake. If you feel that Bailey can adjust and be ok with a new pup, and you can afford it, then go for it. If not then, that is ok to. Me, I would not get a pup until Bailey passed. I think for an older dog like Bailey, it's just too much.
But if you decide to get the pup, I wish much luck and happiness with your new pupster!

 

[dewey]

They seem to find us.

Whatcha gonna name him.

 

[EmtheFishLady]

Ok, I personally think 3 dogs is a lot. (We have 3 dogs)


BUT, our chihuahua Socrates has heart issues, and the beginning of this month our vet basically said his heart was getting worse and we needed to start getting prepared to lose him. As hard as that was for me, I had been expecting it for a long time. Well, my DH bought me a puppy recently, and guess who's perked up and is acting like he's 3 years younger? Socrates. Even our vet is shocked. While I agree that sometimes a puppy can be hard on a dog, it was just what ours needed.

 

[farmerlor]

Quote:
I agree with this. We recently got another dog and while she's not a puppy, she's very active and much smaller than my two big, very old dogs. By golly ol' Boo (who as I said is 8) and Gert (who had her 13th birthday yesterday) are bouncing around outside with the new dog like they were young again. Barking and playing with each other again like we haven't seen in a long time. You might be surprised.

 

[allanimals21]

In my experience free dogs end up costing the most. LOL My boxer was free. Due to her stupidity in the first year we spend over $800 on emergency vet bills. Now this last weekend I took in her brother for free because he needed a home and was not taken care of very well at all. First vet bill $170.

 

[Countrywife]

We have three dogs now. I really feel like this is my limit as far as time, energy and money to care for them. If you can provide everything that all the dogs need, go for it.

 

[cat1994]

I do have 2 mutts right now, but if it was a pug puppy or a female black and tan coon hound puppy and it was for free then YES of curse I would take it.

 

[NoseyChickens]

On the up note, vet bills aren't too bad for us. We are military and the base we live next to has a vet. Super cheap because there is no visit fee. A full set of shots is only about $20 maybe less even. They also spay and neuter, do all the lab work for super cheap, heck they are even willing to see my goats if need be. they are pretty great. We do have a big yard nearly an acre. But yes there is still alot to think about. The puppies are only 3 weeks old right now, so I have a little time. I was actually talking to a friend about it tonight and now she wants one too! So if we decide not to maybe I can just go visit hers. She and her hubby have been wanting one for a while now. Oh and I would get a girl and name her Sadie. IF we decide to get one. Although DH said it's his turn to name a pet. LOL Right now I am leaning toward my more logical side. I think a lot will depend on our dear dog Bailey and how he is over the next few weeks.