Question:
well, i went to petco the other day to get charlie a new collar and there was a rescue organization there with a couple of dogs, some puppies and a cat. needless to say, i really fell for one of the dogs. now you guys have to talk me out of getting him!

his name is fred and he is the castoff of a divorce. he is a jrt mix, but acts nothing like one. he's super calm, laid back, walks well on a leash, knows his name and gives me kisses on the mouth (major requirement for me). :hearbea: the lady that owns the rescue has been fostering him and told me that he's pretty laid back, but likes to play once in a while. but mosty he just chills/sleeps (like me). he is potty trained as far as she knows. she's been keeping him in a crate when she is gone and at night just in case. he only went in the house once, but she thinks it's cause her daughter had put his leash on him and was walking him around the house for a long time when he had to go (her daugter is like, 3 yrs old). he doesn't chew or anything.

there are many reasons i shouldn't get him:
*i already have TWO dogs.
*it's hard to walk the two i have as it is cause they pull (seriously thinking about gentle leaders for them).
*my future roommate gets mad cause she "doesn't think i need another dog."
*the costs, etc.
*another dog to worry about when i go out of town.

ok...but i always think, if i already have two, what's another? when i go out of town i have to have penny and chaquita watched. what's another? ugh!

i spent about an hour with him while jim came back from dallas. i had him pick up the dogs at my house to bring them to petco to see if they would even like each other. of course, they did. fred was happy to see them and they were all fine with one another. ignoring each other after a min or so (a good sign).

so you guys - talk me out of it!!!!!

here's his pic, btw. i took it on my phone.


Answer:
Awwww, he's a cutie! (am I doing a good job talking you out of him? LOL)
It sounds like you are beyond talking....if you already brought the other dogs to check him out. So when does he come home with you?


Answer:
annie - you are NOT helping! i'm serious!


Answer:
DON'T DO IT!!!!
I know how hard it is.. I work with homeless dogs everyday.. and every once in awhile (like everyday) there is another one that tugs at your heart and I think "he needs me"..
I think the reasons you mentioned for NOT getting him are very valid... I also find it hard enough walking 2 little dogs and couldn't imagine having another..


Answer:
i know, suzoo!!
the lady won't even be back at petco till this saturday. i think i'll be over it by then. we'll see.

i have horrible episodes of this because i suffer from OCD. that is why i now make myself think about anything permanent for a least a week or two. even longer sometimes because i can't trust my instincts.

thanks.


Answer:
I'm with ya Girl!
I also have OCD (but not as bad as it used to be).. so I understand the lack of impulse control..


Answer:
Jane, I know how difficult it is to say no. After all, it is hard to resist such a precious little animal. You are doing right by thinking it over and I am sure you will come to the best decision.


Answer:
i don't have OCD but i am bipolar and i guess during manic episodes they are quite similar...i make really irrational decisions and impulse buys and ugh..it's crazy and causes a lot of trouble between me and the rest of the family..luckily i rarely get new animals, though i often splurge on the ones we have during these times lol..so new collars, name tags, toys, food bowls, litter boxes..you get the idea!

but, you wanted to be talked out of it. two dogs is enough..like you said, they pull and walking them is difficult enough. imagine having three leashes to juggle!


Answer:
Jane, you know that I am definitely not the one you should talk to about this! Where is Carmen? She is always the voice of reason!


Answer:
Here I am!!!

Jane we were just talking the other day about how two dogs is all you want. Remember that?
Also when Jen moves in she has a dog she is bringing and she wants a ferret....that takes you up to 4 animals in the house that you are normally happy to have two in. I'm leaving Charlie out of this because I know he has to be gone for Jen to move in with you.
The dogs were happy with each other at petco, but it might be different in penny and chaquita's environment....they had nothing to defend at petco...nothing was 'theirs'.
You also don't know how it would go with Jen's dog...that could cause a problem.
It's another lot of vet bills to pay if he gets sick, it's another mouth to feed, another pet to worry about, pick up poo for etc.

And I seriously could not imagine walking three dogs....well four once Jen comes to live with you. I know it's her dog but can you imagine leaving one behind?

On a side note...get the gentle leader, they rock!!