Thinking (only thinking) about getting a Dog!

[Johnny Vinyl]

White Boxers are frowned upon in the Boxer breeding world. I have owned two boxers (I have one right now named Maggie) and I don't understand the "less a companion dog" comment. Boxers are very loyal and loving. Anyone who grew up with a boxer as a child has stories about how their father couldn't spank them when the boxer was near. They will allow no harm to come to a child. I wish I had one when I was growing up. My first Boxer would put some teeth into my wife's butt (just enough to get her attention) if she started yelling at me. God I miss that dog.

And they have health issues as well, such as deafness. They are gorgeous though IMO. Anyway, I'm a long way from deciding. Besides, like was mentioned earlier...I think a dog chooses you.

 

[rbbert]

...Besides, like was mentioned earlier...I think a dog chooses you.

If you go to a humane society or rescue, that is certainly true


Dogs are wonderful, and it's pretty hard to get one that won't be wonderful for you; how it will react to other people and/or other dogs is much more variable and perhaps not so predictable.

Right now we have a Boxer mix (15 y.o.), a Pit Bull mix and 3 miniature Dachshunds. We've also had an Aussie, a Miniature Schnauzer (the least likable of all but atypical for the breed IME) and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. My parents have had Goldens for the last 30+ yrs. Our favorites of all are the Dachshunds, a little strange because before our current three neither of us had ever been particularly fond of small dogs.

 

[carolkoh]

I've never had a small dog. Growing up, I've had German Shepards, a Great Dane that Gary remembers but I don't, and a whole series of medium sized mutts. I love dogs too, but my idea of a dog is a German Shepard, not a Pomeranian. Given that I live in a small apartment, work 8 to 6 and am away often, cats are more my speed these days.

 

[mep]

I guess I believe in the zoo theory because I have 3 dogs (4 if you count the joint custody I seem to have with my neighbor's dog) and 4 cats. I have a pure-bred boxer, a pure-bred Walker Coon hound (a rescue dog), and a Beagle mix that someone let loose on the highway near my house that we almost ran over before we scooped him up and took him home.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I'm still not any closer on getting a dog, because I live in an apartment, but I have been looking and looking and really would love the companionship of one. There are lots of breeds that interest me, plus I continue to visit my local Humane society...just in case. Would I be nuts to consider an English Mastiff? I love those dogs......they make me laugh and I love their docile nature. I've always wanted one. I'm nuts right?

 

[Steve Williams]

Isn't that too big a dog for an apt

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Isn't that too big a dog for an apt

Apparently, and much like Great Danes, they do very well in apartments. I've made some inquiries and hope to find out more about that.

 

[mep]

A dog in an apartment with an owner who loves him/her is much better off than a dog in a shelter regardless of size.

 

[rbbert]

A dog in an apartment with an owner who loves him/her is much better off than a dog in a shelter regardless of size.

No doubt! And besides love and affection having a dog in an apartment might stimulate his owner to get more exercise, since the dog will definitely need it.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

No doubt! And besides love and affection having a dog in an apartment might stimulate his owner to get more exercise, since the dog will definitely need it.

And I could use more of that..........

 

[LL21]

I'm still not any closer on getting a dog, because I live in an apartment, but I have been looking and looking and really would love the companionship of one. There are lots of breeds that interest me, plus I continue to visit my local Humane society...just in case. Would I be nuts to consider an English Mastiff? I love those dogs......they make me laugh and I love their docile nature. I've always wanted one. I'm nuts right?

New Yorkers have every dog imagineable at home, and nearly everybody lives in an apartment. Go for it...just make sure depending on the dog's need for exercise (even more than his size), you are ready to take him out.

 

[audioguy]

New Yorkers have every dog imagineable at home, and nearly everybody lives in an apartment. Go for it...just make sure depending on the dog's need for exercise (even more than his size), you are ready to take him out.

Regardless of the weather !!!

 

[LL21]

New Yorkers have every dog imagineable at home, and nearly everybody lives in an apartment. Go for it...just make sure depending on the dog's need for exercise (even more than his size), you are ready to take him out.

Regardless of the weather !!!

Yep!!!

 

[vinylphilemag]

We had a lovely dog called Judge. He was a German Shepherd/Labrador rescue dog. He reached the grand old age of 15.5, but we eventually had to put him down. I was so heartbroken when that happened that I was moved to write this poem in his memory.

We're now finally emotionally ready for another dog, but the time isn't right from a practical point of view. We still have most of Judge's toys, so if/when we get another dog (a rescue one of course!), we'll be set!

 

[mep]

Great poem Rich and very touching. As an avowed dog lover, I understand your feelings completely. I will be married for 35 years this June, and my wife and I have had dogs ever since we have been married. I have three dogs right now and they all live inside our house in the lap of luxury. It's always heartbreaking when they pass, but there are so many dogs that need a loving home that our nest is never empty. Oh, and we have four cats as well.