When is it time to get another dog? - with a twist

[Stevenzachsmom]

Yeah, I know. We just lost Annie, our 14.5 year old GSD on August 2nd.

This is a different When? story, because there are FIVE of us. FIVE different personalities and opinions. Husband, me, 2 college kids, and one 14 year old. Each of us handled the death differently. One did not want to be here at the end. She would have been a basket case. Three of the 4 of us that witnessed the end cried. My son laid his head on Annie's and sobbed. One did not cry. She never cries. She holds everything in and does not share her feelings. But - she hurts deeply and of all of us, I'd say she is the least ready for another dog. She doesn't even want to talk about it. This is the child that made the "Annie" movie I posted. She was 13 at the time. Now, she is almost 19 and one of her majors' is electronic media and film. She could make an awesome new Annie movie and said she was going to. Now she says she can't. It hurts too much.

Husband and son want a small dog. (My son has achondroplasia) and my husband thinks it would be easier for him to handle a small lap dog. I think any well trained dog should be easy for him to handle. Besides, wouldn't you all agree that GSDs make excellent lap dogs?

There is disagreement about breed, puppy vs adult dog, rescue vs responsible breeder. I love all dogs, but the GSD has really taken over my heart. I guess it's good that I will be recovering from surgery into November. Can't even consider getting a dog at this point.

How in the world are we ever going to come to a consensus? I think the fair thing would be for me to have whatever I want.

[LaRen616]

Originally Posted by Stevenzachsmom

I think the fair thing would be for me to have whatever I want.

I say get the dog you want and then in a year or 2 get the small dog that your husband and son want.

[Jax08]

I agree Jan! It's absolutely fair for you to have whatever you want!

In fact, I wish the dog that you wanted would be Erik in East Smithfield PA!

[JakodaCD OA]

I'm voting for what you want I see it this way, get a puppy (there's your small dog) and well it will grow up..

I'm sure your the one who does the most work, feeding/training etc,,the others get the fringe benefits..with that, go with your gut..

[Daisy&Lucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by Stevenzachsmom

I think the fair thing would be for me to have whatever I want.

YES,I like that. As we say in our family if Im happy everyone else stands a chance at happy!LOL

[elsie]

Both times we were in this situation, Pat firmly said no. First time, I came home from work on a Friday afternoon with the old dog's box in one hand, and baby Dylan in the other. One lick and he was in love. Then, well you know about Cara. Again, I said I'm getting this girl. He said, 'we'll go meet her.' And again, one lick, and he was in love.

I don't know if this will work for your family, but the nay-sayer in my house was quickly swayed with one swift swipe of the tongue.

The "right" dog will come into your life at the right time. The Lord always give us what we need when we need it. Sometimes we have to wait a few days, other times, well, longer.

[Stevenzachsmom]

I LOVE all of you who said I should get what I want. LOL! Michelle is Erik posted anywhere? I truly could love any dog. I'm trying not to even look, because I know I can't have a dog right now. Only starting week 2 of my 12 week recovery and have very firm restrictions. I wouldn't even be allowed to walk a dog. I still can't drive. I really miss my life and I miss having a dog. One day though.......

[Good_Karma]

First, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure the whole family will be grieving for a long time.

I'll agree with everyone else, not every family decision must be a democratic one. You are one of the heads of the household. If you and your husband can come to agreement, then that's all you need to do.

[Jo_in_TX]

The kids will be leaving, and you will be with the dog for several years to come. Get the dog that you and your husband want. Everyone will fall in love with it, anyway.

And I want to say that I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Annie.

[Nikitta]

Sorry you lost your loved one. I concur. Get what YOU want. Personaly, even thinking about having another breed of dog and my brain locks up. German shepherds are the only dog for me! But by all means, wait until you are ready for it physically.