Getting a puppy. . . feeling guilty and conflicted

[Emoore]

I've been a rescuer since 2003 and have fostered many, many GSDs and helped them find new forever homes. Something inside me broke when Cash died. Honestly I think people on this board are some of the only people on earth who can understand how much I love that dog. I've had 3 fosters since then and I'm finding that whatever I had that allowed me to do this well, I just don't have anymore, not to mention that Rocky at 8 1/2 doesn't think it's nearly as fun as he did when he was 4.

I can't stop thinking about puppies. I think about them during the day and dream about them at night. A lot of times I'll dream that I have Cash as a puppy, which of course I never got to see because he came from the shelter. Sometimes I dream that he's playing with a puppy in my yard.

So we've pretty much decided to get a well-bred working-line pup from a reputable breeder, but now I feel guilty. Is this ok? Does the karma I've accumulated through my rescue work give me a pass to buy a puppy? Or am I going to feel guilty every time I look at my new dog?

[ba1614]

I'd say you get whatever pup you want, and love that sucker like it sounds you will.

[GSDBESTK9]

I would not feel guilty, you have helped many dogs and probably will continue to do so even if you get a puppy.

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by GSDBESTK9

I would not feel guilty, you have helped many dogs and probably will continue to do so even if you get a puppy.

Yes, I probably won't foster while the pup is young but will continue to support the rescue financially and with home visits, running applications, etc.

[clearcreekranch]

Don't feel guilty....you have and I am sure will continue to do more than most people do in their lifetime. I have rescues and always have purebred animals too. Smile and be happy to give another puppy a home.

[LaRen616]

I think getting a puppy is a fantastic idea.

Thank you for all of the work you do, thank you for helping all of those dogs, thank you for showing them love while they were with you.

Get your puppy, raise him/her, train him/her, enjoy him/her, love him/her, and when your ready you can always foster again.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by Emoore

So we've pretty much decided to get a well-bred working-line pup from a reputable breeder, but now I feel guilty. Is this ok? Does the karma I've accumulated through my rescue work give me a pass to buy a puppy? Or am I going to feel guilty every time I look at my new dog?

I hope that you can find a way to let the guilt go. There's nothing wrong with buying a puppy from a reputable breeder - it's not like you're supporting a BYB or a puppy mill. There is something special about having a dog that you raised from puppyhood, from being involved through all stages of development and training. If that's what you want, you should go for it, and you don't need to apologize to anyone for that.

[Courtney]

I'm really sorry to hear about your boy Cash-it's obvious how much you loved him.

I think it's normal to feel the way you do about purchasing a puppy from a breeder vs adopting from a rescue or shelter. It's very obvious that you are very passionate about rescuing-not only do "you talk the talk, you walk the walk" by fostering, etc.

So yes it normal to feel guilty BUT absolutley fine to find the line of dog your looking for from a great breeder.

Good luck on your search and puppy fever is powerful!!!

[MIGSD]

I think you're GREAT. We do foster work, but purchased a puppy. we wanted to pick from the litter, get our family dog as a pup. We wanted to bond very closely with our pup, not to say that you can't do that with a shelter/rescue dog but for us we WANTED a puppy, and its ok

[Stosh]

I agree 100%- get a puppy! Nothing will help heal your heart better than a little fuzz ball with puppy breath. The dream of Cash playing with a puppy in the yard seems like a message from him and he will be out there playing with both of you.