I should have mentioned that growing up we always had dogs, cats, fish, a bird and a chicken or two. I also pet sit for my sister and a friend so I am up to the task. Oh and in my psofessional life I am a caregiver to the elderly. So I think I have the skills.

My concern about breed and size is due to the fact I live in an apartment. The apartment is a little over 1,000 sq. ft. with two bedrooms. The reason I worry about a chewer is my antiques.

I live on the second floor so taking the dog for a walks would raise my exercise level. Picking up poop would cause me to bend over for more exercise. Luckily my sister would pet sit if I traveled.

I guess I need to start visiting the shelter to see if I bond with any dogs. I am a sucker for sad eyes. Being soft hearted I might want to bring several home.

There is no joy in my life that exceeds that which is brought to me by my dog. She has been with me since she was 5 weeks old, and will be 5 years this sunday. Her devotion to me is amazing. The greeting I get when I come home is as though I have been gone for days, even if its been just an hour.

Gabby snuggles up to me and looks at me as though her world totally revolves around me. We play together, we eat together, and at night she curls up at my feet on the bed.

I have 12 coming to celebrate her birthday on sunday.

A dog in your life is the best therapy for lonliness.

Raymar

raymar2020 (imported) wrote: Fri Feb 11, 2011 9:22 am There is no joy in my life that exceeds that which is brought to me by my dog. She has been with me since she was 5 weeks old, and will be 5 years this sunday. Her devotion to me is amazing. The greeting I get when I come home is as though I have been gone for days, even if its been just an hour.

Gabby snuggles up to me and looks at me as though her world totally revolves around me. We play together, we eat together, and at night she curls up at my feet on the bed.

I have 12 coming to celebrate her birthday on sunday.

A dog in your life is the best therapy for lonliness.

Raymar

Thanks Raymar for your post. I agree that a dog will bring joy to my life and offset the lonliness. As of now it is only the dust bunnies that are glad to see me.

If you finally decide to have a dog, please adopt from your local shelter. You'd be amazed to see how many pure-breed, well-behaved and trained dogs have been turned in. Also, here's a generality for you, YMMV: In my experience, mixed-breed mutts make the smartest, most loyal and lovable pets.

Caith721 (imported) wrote: Fri Feb 11, 2011 10:33 am If you finally decide to have a dog, please adopt from your local shelter. You'd be amazed to see how many pure-breed, well-behaved and trained dogs have been turned in. Also, here's a generality for you, YMMV: In my experience, mixed-breed mutts make the smartest, most loyal and lovable pets.

I do want a rescue dog from a shelter. All my dogs have been mixed breeds but for a Collie I had once. She was so sweet and patient that I could take her to a class of young children with disabilities and they would have fun dressing her up. The kids loved it when she had her coat, purse, hat and sumglasses. They would pose with her and I would take their pictures. I want a sweet gentle dog.

I would never buy a dog from a store because I will not support a puppy mill.

Well I went to the Humane Society today and began the process to adopt. Then I went to the rental office to let them know I was going to have a furry roommate. Next of course if I am approved for adoption I need to buy food and toys, collar and leash, and maybe a doggie bed. Sadly I think my collars would be too large for the dog.

I was impressed by the adoption process. I had to give references along with the phone number of the rental office. They will call to make sure I live in a pet friendly apartment. They even asked where it would sleep and I answered "anywhere it wants to" but they meant indoors or out. I hope they do not call back and say I am not smart enough for a dog.

Seeing all those dogs behind bars reminded me of my last relationship. I hope the dog is not pretending to like me just to get sprung. I can imagine bringing it home only for it to lie in the corner and ignore me. I can imagine it barking "leave me alone but keep my dog bowl filled, bitch". One dog in particular seemed rather affectionate and needy. My sister is going with me later to look at all of them again. Oh I hope I am better at choosing a dog than I am choosing a man.

Is it crazy to be this nervous about choosing a pet?

My sister and I went back to see the dogs and I made my choice. Tomorrow I will be bringing home a 3 year old neutered male Beagle that was unfortunately named Regal. When I made the second trip back and I entered all the dogs were barking for attention but Regal. He just wagged his tail and smiled. His smile won me over.

Good for you. Regal needs a forever home.

Regal the beagle?!?! --FLO--

Regal the beagle?!?! --FLO--

Ya I have to deal with the name. He can be Regal but I am the Queen. One of my favorite audio companies from England is Rega so I may drop the L.