I want a dog

So, in early August, we had to say goodbye to the best dog, the best beagle that ever was, Barkley. I'm near 50 and it damn near - actually, it did - break my heart. I miss my guy so, so much. He really was a best friend.

I swore off dogs after that because it's too goddam hard. They're too good and give so much and only last for so long. Barkley loved us for 15 years so we were incredibly lucky. But I fucking hate saying goodbye.

Five months later, here I am. I'm drawn to this wonderful local rescue shelter which takes in strays and everything else and has a 2-year-old beagle whose photo melts my heart. He's being fostered.

The thing is, our life is good. We don't wait on anything and don't have to rush home for anyone or anything at night when we go out. My daughter is graduating college and out of the house. We're finally truly living as real happy empty nesters in a new build that we bought this year, and love the little town we're in..

And yet, here I am looking at this little guy's adoption criteria. For all I know, he's a holy terror who chews everything in sight.

What the hell do I do? I don't think my lovely wife is on board. And it may be too soon for her. She loved our Barkley more than anyone. Goddam, he loved her, too.

But I want to rescue this little guy.

Please advise.

 

Get him.

We had rescues all while our kids were growing up, and they are out of the house now. But the rescues will always have a spot in our home. Limit of 2 at a time, though.

I'm convinced that rescues know that you saved their life and love you that much more for it.

Not sure who said it first, but read something along the lines of, "People give dogs the extra time and attention that they can give, at the end of the day and on weekends, when it's convenient. Dogs give people every single ounce of love in their hearts, all day and every day. It's the most lopsided trade of all time."

Just thinking of that puts a lump in my throat.

 

Get a big dog with long hair.

 

Our dog-child, Mocha, crossed the rainbow bridge in 2013. This past September we finally adopted another puppy and all I can say is we regret waiting so long; Marigold has been the best thing to happen to our family in a long time.

 

Talk with your wife and let her know how you feel. I don't dispute BurnsWhenIPee's post at all ... but if the new puppy chews on stuff or isn't a dream acquisition from the moment the new bundle of joy is brought home, your wife will need to be on your side. Is she ready for a new family member? Will she help with training and adjustments? Not asking her could mean she might not be as patient and willing, and a new pet needs everyone on board and all the trust and patience in the world.

Maybe your wife is ready for another pet to fill the massive void caused by Barkley's loss. I can't prove anything and don't wish to be presumptive, but I have to believe that - based on what you have posted - if your wife isn't yet ready that she would give you some sort of indication of when she will. I can't speak from the POV of someone married (insert spit takes here given my track record), but her being on board will be better for all involved.

Good luck. Take care.

 

I did not want another dog after one of 14 years died in 2020. I fought it but my wife won out in fall, 2021.

Eight weeks old, six months of hell and I wanted to get rid of her at least once every day. Now of course I adore her and can't imagine a day without her. Best dog we've ever had, plays and plays, wants to be around us, will ride in the car all day without complaint and plays great with other dogs.

Dogs are a gift. They love you unconditionally and only want you to love them in return.

 

Most animal shelters will let you meet a potential pet before you adopt it. Not sure if that works for a dog that’s being fostered, but if you can arrange it, might help reassure you and your wife that the dog isn’t a holy terror.

We’ve had five adopted dogs dating back to when the kids were in grade school — more than 15 years ago. We adopt older dogs so we don’t have to housebreak them, and until dog No. 4 there were years they overlapped, with two dogs at a time.

The fourth one, Molly, was not good with other dogs but was great with people. We adopted her as a 5-year-old (estimated) and had her for eight years before she died of cancer. It was very tough to take, especially since both kids were out of the house.

We went about six months and then my shop did a news story about how the local humane society was jam packed with animals. We weren’t sure if we were ready to adopt again, but then we met Lily, an 8-year-old husky mix. She’s been with us a year and a half now and has been a great addition to the house.

 

Every flow chart I have ends with "ADOPT!"

We just had to have one cat's front leg amputated last month, and on Sunday we adopted two kittens on our 16th anniversary.

Our zoo today:

 

Our most recent rescue was a little puppy who joined us from a foster parent, and apparently had gone through trial periods with about 6 other people, and they all rejected her because she was so wild and chaotic.

We went through a one-week trial, and then decided to take on the challenge. When we told the foster parent we wanted her permanently, she was shocked.

It took a few months of constant supervision (thanks for WFH, Covid!), but she settled down great and is a perfect family member now. This foster parent texts us on her adoption anniversary every year, asking how she is and requesting current photos.

There were some challenging moments, but I cannot imagine our life without her.

 

Go through a rescue that will give you an idea of the behavior of the dog from the foster family.

And get another dog.

 

I’m the pet-free guy. Deep in my heart I know I always will be. But if having a dog brings you both joy, get a dog. Both is an important word though.