My son want a dog....
By anetteh
@anetteh (3590)
Sweden
February 21, 2009 2:09am CST
My son with ADHD, want a dog for his 18th birthday. He is so eager that he watches the advertisments about dogs for sale on a daily bases. I have a problem with this.
We have had more than one dog, and I do not want the job that goes with it. However, I can understand his willingnes of having a dog as a pet.
He has gain a lot of weight lately and he is worried about this. A dog would help him reducing the weight since he can start moving along with having a dog. My biggest problem is that dogs is so expensive, need a lot of work. And we now have a new law about how long we can let the pets stay alone at home.
He goes to school and I work fulltime. I struggling with the fact that we really do not have nor the money and the time for a dog. And still he want one. I am going to try and save money but he can not wait. He says well, than I will gain more weight before his 18th birhtday.
I know the fact is hi will have a great thing with a dog. Not only for losing weight, but also for his disorder. A dog will help him a lot.
Still, we have to save money first, we also have to think about what kind of a dog he should have. What is his needs to match the kind of a dog.
I am going to get him a dog, however he has to wait a couple of months, so I can save up to it.
What would you do, how would You handle this situation. A frustrating young man who have hard time to wait for something?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@blitz069 (38)
• Australia
21 Feb 09
i would get a minimal upkeep dog. though im not in your position and i dont really know what how much trouble it is to keep one. im sure if you ask the people that know dogs they will have one that is easy to look after. money is a problem, but you could probably find one at the pound or a dog shelter of some sort.
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
21 Feb 09
Hi blitz069, welcome to mylot.
Hope You enjoy it. I do. Mylot is a great place to be.
Thank you for responding. I am thinking about getting a dog that you take care of when Others leave them. But, those dogs need lots of attentions, and I am afraid we can not give that. I have come to the conclusion about getting a puppy and rase from the beginning. That will be for the best, for both me and My son.
It is hard watching pitcures, all the puppies are so cute and look really nice.
Happy posting
Hope You enjoy it. I do. Mylot is a great place to be.
Thank you for responding. I am thinking about getting a dog that you take care of when Others leave them. But, those dogs need lots of attentions, and I am afraid we can not give that. I have come to the conclusion about getting a puppy and rase from the beginning. That will be for the best, for both me and My son.
It is hard watching pitcures, all the puppies are so cute and look really nice.
Happy posting1 person likes this
@cajuncakes (106)
• United States
22 Feb 09
Hi! I see your thinking about a dog. You posted that your considering a puppy but I have to warn you that puppy's require so much more work! You sound as if you aren't looking to forward to the upkeep and puppies make a mess. I would suggest a mutt because out of all dogs they seem to be the heartiest and don't get sick with various illnesses like purebred dogs do. I don't know if there is animal shelters nearby you where you may find your new friend. Dogs can be wonderful companions as long as you choose the kind of dog with a personality that fits you and your son.
Good Luck with your search. For a child to learn patience is hard especially if it's for something he is looking forward to. I'd tell my kids to wait or they won't get it at all. But that's me.
1 person likes this
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
22 Feb 09
I have to be honest with you, I am not fond of getting a dog at all. However, My son is 18 soon and want a dog, so I guess he will have one. If I do not help him with it, he will go and get one for him by him self. So I rather be behind and help him get the right dog that matches him well.
Welcome to mylot hope you enjoy staying here. Mylot is a great place to be.
1 person likes this
@mammamuh (582)
• Sweden
23 Feb 09
I would not get the dog!
He's in school all day and you're at work. What says that he will not gain weight if he gets a dog? I would say that first of all he needs to show that he can take walks every day first. After that look for breeds that could fit in your life.
I wouldn't go for a breed that takes a lot of training - you're not that in to getting the dog - that is the first thing that sais you shouldn't get the dog.
You haven't got the money or time for a dog - that's the fact and he should understand that.
Dogs are expensive - as you know - why don't you sit down ant look everything up?! Is he willing to work to get money for the expenses - insuranse, vaccinations, food and everything else?
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
23 Feb 09
that is the main problem. When he was nine years old, his father got a dog for him, just becouse he wanted it. However, I was studying and did not have the time to do what a dog need you to do, and that was what I told. I am not going to be the one taking care of the dog. Unfortunately, the dog went to ME. I tried to show this dog of no interest but she just could not leave me alon. She did sleep in my bed with me, though we tried to have her sleep in my sons room. He got a bit disapointed I am shore. So I said, no dogs in my house, and the dog had to go since his father worked nightshift, and I was the only adult awake during the days, I did not accept it.
I am a bit worried that this will happen again, so I know what You are saying, I have told him about this and said, I am not willing to take over when you no longer want the responsiblility as it is having a dog. I also have asked him about the money and what a dog really cost, just as You mentioned. He say, he will take care of it, but I know the facts, when mornings comes he want to stay in bed instead of walking the dog in any weather, it is no fun anymore.
I am trying to keep day by day, not talking about it, and hopfully he will stop thinking about having a dog. But as ADHD is a disorder that keep things in mind, I do not think that will help. We will have a new discussion again soon about it, and then talk about all the issues about having a dog in your life.
Thanks for responding and have a great monday eveing.
I am a bit worried that this will happen again, so I know what You are saying, I have told him about this and said, I am not willing to take over when you no longer want the responsiblility as it is having a dog. I also have asked him about the money and what a dog really cost, just as You mentioned. He say, he will take care of it, but I know the facts, when mornings comes he want to stay in bed instead of walking the dog in any weather, it is no fun anymore.
I am trying to keep day by day, not talking about it, and hopfully he will stop thinking about having a dog. But as ADHD is a disorder that keep things in mind, I do not think that will help. We will have a new discussion again soon about it, and then talk about all the issues about having a dog in your life.
Thanks for responding and have a great monday eveing.1 person likes this
@KUSHANK55 (2437)
• India
21 Feb 09
having dog as a friend and a pet has been the practice since time immemorial amnd it is on the increase.
there is no harm in having one and seeing it growing with time!!
a real friend of mankind!!1 person likes this
@anetteh (3590)
• Sweden
22 Feb 09
Yes, KUSHANKD55, a dog is a mans best friend. And dogs have been with the mankind as long as there has been people on the earth one way or another. However, having a dog as a pet means responsibility. And it is not something you can give to somebody els. So I have a lot of thoughts about this before I actually will do something about it.
1 person likes this
