From: primeaux@alphard.cs.utk.edu (David Primeaux)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Advice on Small Dogs
Date: 28 Jul 92 21:26:13 GMT
Reply-To: primeaux@alphard.cs.utk.edu (David Primeaux)
Organization: Computer Science Dept, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
NNTP-Posting-Host: alphard.cs.utk.edu

In article <22888@oasys.dt.navy.mil>, may@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Dolores May) writes:
|> We had a wonderful dog (mixed...looked like the "Never Ending Story"
|> Dog) that we got from the pound.  His name was Frosty.  He was a little
|> larger than cockapoo....and looked very much like one.  We had him for
|> 9 years...and he was my daughter's best friend.
|> 
|> Since his death, we have a definite void.  She was so attached...as
|> was I...that I swore we would never have another.  Well....
|> 
|> In the year since Frosty died....I got re-married.  My husband does
|> not like dogs.  He said he doesn't want to smell it....he doesn't want
|> to have it slober on him.  He doesn't want to have to rush home for
|> it.  My daughter is 16 now...and very responsible.  I have decided that
|> we would do better with a small dog.  He will (of course) be crate trained.
|> Definitely a house dog....will receive lots of attention....  My daughter
|> misses her companion...and after a period of mourning....we are ready
|> to take a new member into our family.
|> 
|> We're looking for characteristics like....friendly, prissie is OK, funny,
|> safe with visitors, loyal....not yappie.  He/she will be spoiled in
|> the best kind of way....but will also be well behaved.  My daughter
|> will be off to college in a couple years...so MAYBE it is not just for
|> my daughter...I am doing this.
|> 
|> thanks for any suggestions....warnings....comments....hints....
|> 
|> BTW....he'll have lots of socialization....as my best friend has 6 dogs...
|> two champion Bearded Collies....two champion standard poodles....two
|> poorly treated orphans....that are huge.  Everyone we know have large
|> dogs....  I just think that is more than my husband can take.      
             ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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I wonder if a *single*, *small* dog is more than your husband can take.
What does *he* think about your plans?  Do you really think he will *never*
have to concern himself with the dog you plan to get?  Do you think he
will *never* feel inconvenienced by obligations (even those you or your
daughter directly meet) related to the dog?

If my spouse was opposed to having animal X as a pet, I am not so sure 
that a smaller version (animal x) would be OK either.  To make the point,
consider what your reaction would be if you hated snakes and your husband
wanted a python as a pet.  You put your foot down:  "No pythons in my
house!"  So your husband goes out and buys a garter snake.  Better?
Perhaps.  Perhaps not.  It really depends on what you mean by "hates
snakes."  And a snake is a *lot* less intrusive than a dog.

To put the shoe on the other foot.  My wife loves cats (and dogs --
we have three).  I don't want a cat as a pet.  We don't have a cat.
I am sure that no cat alive would make me feel differently. (By the
way, if I wanted a cat but my wife didn't, the same no-cat
situation would obtain, so please don't bother with flames).

I guess my point is:  if you get a dog you will have different
family dynamics, different family responsibilities.  Of course
taking care of a dog and loving a dog can be a wonderful and 
enriching experience.  But if I were you I would be very concerned
about the possibility of your husband resenting the presence of your
dog in your family.

-- Only my opinion, of course
David



|> 
|> thanks.