cycas Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Some may think that sounds a pretty sad existance but im happiest when out with them or just curling up on the sofa. I also only work part time so plenty of time at home with them. Anyone who thinks that is sad is pretty sad themselves. Nothing wrong with living the life that works for you. Whenever I hear someone making mock in that way, I always think of JRR Tolkien, who lived a life which was thought by all the literary types of his time to be terribly boring and suburban, but produced such incredible books that are read by millions, full of amazing landscapes and people... I love the idea of travelling, but I tend to find that I get the most appalling upset stomachs whenever I actually do it, so I don't tend to travel much these days. The glamour of travel wears thin when you are constantly having to look for a loo! I don't kennel my dogs: they might well be fine once they got there, but I've tried taking them to a kennels and their reaction when they saw and heard the place upset me: I just don't want to have to drag them shaking in through the door, even if they are perfectly fine afterwards. The vet is bad enough, I don't want to start a holiday that way. Mine go to a petsitter instead when I need to go away, and that doesn't seem particularly limiting. My stomach is much more of a limit on my travelling aspirations than the hounds are! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanishPastry Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I wouldn't tell anyone else not to kennel their dog but I honestly can't imagine doing it with mine so that I can go on holiday. There is lots of the world to see, lots I would love to see, but I just don't think *I* would be able to leave my dogs in kennels to do it. Each to their own eh I thought Akita would hate it and be stressed, but she had a great time I would have never considered kenneling mine, before working at kennels. Can completely understand your feelings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maria Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Although we both came from families that had dogs, we came to having dogs as our own family members 'late' as we both used to work long hours / work away etc. We did most of the socialising and travelling abroad we wanted to do then - there is only one place I would like to visit (NZ), but I wouldn't be too bothered if I didn't get there as I hate flying . It wasn't until I took a severance package that we adopted our dogs, and they come on holiday with us. I wouldn't dream of kennelling them as Boysie was very traumatised by his 4 months in kennels, and we only have to pull up outside (to drop stuff off) and he sits quivering in the back of the car. Having said that, due to the increasing no of numpty owners round here , who care little about what their dogs are up to and who they are annoying, walking them locally is a lot less enjoyable than it was.So I could see a time when we may well decide to be dogless again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owl Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I decided long ago that Polly would be my last adopted dog and all future dogs would be fosters only, and I did intend to volunteer as foster mum for the Oldies Club. I was particularly clear that I would never take on a young, energetic dog even as a foster. Ahem That went the way of all sensible intentions in my life i.e. straight down the drain. Sorry, Oldies Club people. Still got room for a foster if he/she could cope with mad spotty fing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kats inc Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Just get a house full of pooseykatts like me They are a bit more independent and allow you more freedom than a dog does.You still get that unconditional love plus you have an animal to lavish your love on,my Mum said when she was here that was what she missed most about Soph going and she loved having the opportunity to have the cats on her lap and give them some fuss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redditchlady Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I couldn't imagine life without dogs. They are my reason for getting up in a morning. On a bad day, when my ankles kill me I know I need to make the effort to go out for them. I guess I have a lot to thank our 3 for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslass Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I can't deny that having a dog is a tie. There are family and social occasions which are far more difficult for me to organise because I have pets, and I have to say that if it came to something like attending an important family occasion, Bonnie's needs would not come before my children's, simple as that. I'm not going to avoid seeing my daughter graduate, or my son marry, just because it would mean making arrangements for Bonnie. I've been lucky so far - I've always managed to take her with me or leave her for a short time with a friend (er...once ) - but I do envisage a day when I'd savour the freedom (no resident kids, no resident dog) just for a few years. You can't really know true freedom until you try it out, and it's a choice easily reversed, after all. It's one reason I've stopped looking at 'dogs needing homes' pages. Bonnie is here, and we love her to bits. I do my best to ensure she has a lovely life, and she needs people, not other dogs, around for her to be happy, so we're lucky in that respect. My heart will be broken when she goes, but I'll take time to reflect on what that next stage of my life might entail. (I'm not thinking wicker chairs in a care home, by the way - maybe more travel, some voluntary work, adventures in general... ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katiebob Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Claire - there are no rules - life would always be easier without the dogs - you must do whatever you want to do I did actually compose a massive reply to this thread but it feels like I have to justify what I'm doing with my own dogs and that's not relevant so my only advice would be to do whatever you feel is right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reds Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to be 'dog-free' for a years. I'm lucky Henry is an easy dog and as long as he has been fed and taken for a walk, he will quite happily sit and watch TV while I go out Please don't leave your TV on when no-body's home Cheryl, or radio or any electrical appliance. Anything could go wrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reds Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 You have to do whatever is best for you Claire . Your health and well being, and the dogs' rely on that. I need mine to give me sanity when there's nothing else and I personally don't think I could live without but I have been having similar thoughts about the horses when they leave me - something I wish would NEVER happen needless to say Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslass Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Please don't leave your TV on when no-body's home Cheryl, or radio or any electrical appliance. Anything could go wrong I know nothing about electrical things, but what's the problem with leaving a radio on? People often advise leaving a radio to keep the dog happy while it's alone. And what about other electrical appliances which you can't switch off (fridges/freezers etc)? (Genuine question by the way, in case it sounded rude! ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khanu Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I did write a big reply but really it doesn't matter what I do or think. Having dogs or not having dogs is a personal choice and given different circumstances I would perhaps make a different choice than I have currently. It's your life and you get one shot at it, do what is right for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fee4 Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I don't think I'll ever be dog free. For that matter, I don't think i'll ever be multiple dog free. I don't like myself when I'm not around dogs and I'm certainly not happy not being around dogs. I have never understood the "tie" that people mention, I simply don't see dogs as a tie. I can't suddenly bimble off without making plans, and to kennel all the dogs and cats usually costs as much as a holiday, when I go. It doesn't stop me though, I simply just add that cost to the holiday and that's what my holiday costs. When people have to go home early from somewhere to get their kids fed/to bed etc etc etc, noone says that they are a tie and I see my pets as no different (though my pets are in no way a replacement child!), I just simply don't see them as a tie but a benefit and for that benefit, I make arrangements. I've lost relationships, friends and family from visiting or inviting me out, but quite frankly, I'd rather live my life my way than live it theirs... totally agree-i love travelling and have 3 trips planned this t=year-with poss another if we can. i know the dogs like the kennels-i know thay are happy-and i think overall it gives them a different expeience. i have been dog free-when i lost Emma the mad dog beast thing...i was dog free for about 2 years-and maybe i will be again-but somehow i doubt it. they just are part of life for me fee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReikiAnge Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I know nothing about electrical things, but what's the problem with leaving a radio on? People often advise leaving a radio to keep the dog happy while it's alone. And what about other electrical appliances which you can't switch off (fridges/freezers etc)? (Genuine question by the way, in case it sounded rude! ) The risk of electrical fire I presume. Stuff like fridges/freezers can't be turned off but I do turn off everything I can when we're out, switching things off at the mains. I do leave a stereo on which is a risk but apart from the fridge/freezer and the phone, that's it really if I'm out for more than an hour or so. I never ever leave the washing machine running if we're out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslass Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 Just noticed our local police (West Yorkshire) suggest the following - "If you go out for the evening make it look like someone is at home by turning on the lights and the radio" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts