Help I need talking points; I want another dog, spouse doesn't

[hatredisnotavalue]

My kids are getting ready to leave the nest for college. One next year, the other the year after. I am going thru incredible separation anxiety even now. I just don't want them to leave.

We are now down to three cats, which I just found out I am allergic to, down from six (died at 15, 17, and 19) We also have a golden retriever, 1, who requires as much upkeep as a pencil sharpener. I want another dog, and I want a special needs dog. His name is Lucky and he has three legs. I just want this dog so badly.

We own our own business where we work at home. The longest the Golden has been left alone is perhaps half an hour since we got him at six weeks. We have 50 acres of land, our house is on a dead end dirt road and we are 600 feet off the road.

Should I just go get the dog and let my husband be pissed off for a while?

[Splatter Phoenix]

1. Yes.

If you're fully capable of taking care of the dog, and believe it will ease the pain of your kids seeking their own ways without your support, by all means get the dog. Explain to him that you feel lonely and need something to lavish attention on and reassure him that the dog won't be his responsibility?

Good luck, it's a wonderful thing you're thinking of doing. I know a lot of people don't want "crippled" animals.

[hatredisnotavalue]

4. Thanks so much

I really want this dog. He has been at the shelter for two years now. no one wants him....But I do. He apparently is a great dog. And yes it is loneliness that I feel. I am too old to adopt a kid, but i might make a difference adopting a special needs dog.

[Splatter Phoenix]

7. I have only one further thing to say then.

:hug: Good luck filling out all that adoption paperwork. ;D

[flvegan]

2. 2 dogs are better than 1

They, like children, will play together and entertain each other.

Caveat: make SURE that the dogs like each other first. They should meet on neutral territory. Feed apart for the first couple weeks.

I run a dog rescue, so you can say that this is "expert advice" if you want.

Thanks for adopting, btw, and a special needs pup to boot!

[AirmensMom]

3. How long does your husband stay pissed off?

We got a Golden Retriever puppy when the kids were growing up. (Yours must not do all the shedding that most of them do -- we were vacuuming all the time!) My husband didn't want a dog, but the kids and I overruled him. It was hard that my husband didn't love the dog as much as the kids and I did. We had him for 13 years and it never got better. There was always tension. I would never again get an animal that my husband didn't want!

You'll adjust to the empty nest. It definitely has its advantages.

Just my .02 worth.

:hi:

[hatredisnotavalue]

5. My husband stays pissed off for about 20 minutes on average n/t

[Splatter Phoenix]

6. LOL!

Definitely worth it then.

God, the stuff I'd try to get away with if my dad was like that...

[hatredisnotavalue]

8. Ask my kids, he tries to be the mean tuff dad and we all laugh

And funny my kids have never tried anything because they know if they get his goat it will only be for about 20 minutes. I on the other hand am the hard ass.