Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Help! We're Getting a Dog

The thought of a dog has never thrilled me, but I love my son and I've come to the conclusion that it would help with his OCD stress. We have resisted this conclusion for a couple years because my hands are already so full, but Peter needs courage to stop listening and obeying the OCD, and I believe (and research supports) that a canine best friend would help him.

I can't afford a real therapy dog, only a pound dog; I must trust God to do the rest.

I would love to hear your own experiences in choosing a pound dog, and potty training it. Will he scratch the door when he's got to go? Or just unload on my off white carpet? How does it usually go when you first bring a dog home?

Do I need more than a leash and dog food, initially? Is it a given that it will tear the furniture up with his teeth?

I understand from the pound (which we have yet to visit...maybe today) that it would be about $90 to adopt a dog, which includes shots and license. I was also advised to take it to the vet right away because they don't have one on staff, and diseases and conditions could show up within a couple weeks of adoption.

Do any of you have pet insurance? I heard a detail once that a $15-a-month plan will pay much of vet costs? Have you heard of this?

Any information you have would be appreciated. Or a website you've found helpful? Researching for hours isn't in my time budget, and I heard anyway that we shouldn't worry too much about breed, but pay more attention to how the dog reacts to us at the pound. Of course, no pitbulls or anything obviously dangerous.

Thank you, friend.

1 comment:

Margie said...

We are in the process of looking for a new dog as well. Not sure what insight I can give you, but I will try to send you an email with my dog experience. Our last dog was free ffrom a friend whose dog had a litter of puppies. She was sweet, but had a plethora of health issues. The key to care is finding a good vet and making your needs clear. For example at the end of our dogs life, considering her age we wanted to simply make her comfortable instead of pursuing possible cancer treatments. Anyway, I will send you an email a bit later this morning. Good luck.