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Dog Roberts
Ok, I heard that Yubbledew* picked a nominee for the Supreme Court, and NPR tells me that Republicans are happy, Democrats are “cautious,” and Laura Bush is pissed. (Ok, NPR didn't say that, but it did say that Bush ignored his wife's public plea for a female nominee. Tee hee hee.)
That's all very interesting. I mean, I know I should care, and I do, but... Well, anyway, I have a more pressing and weighty issue that requires careful consideration: Should we get another dog?
Specifically, I'm wondering if any kind reader out there has more than one dog and can tell me how much more work and effort and cost is involved in going from one to two. Also, more generally (if generalizations on this are even possible), do you have any thoughts about pros and cons of having one dog as opposed to two, or two as opposed to one? Am I just crazy to even consider getting another dog when it's likely I'll be moving a year from now and starting a new job as a lawyer? (That's something that is also worthy of consideration, but as E. Spat. notes, that subject causes way too much anxiety so I'd rather think about other things—like dogs.)
The situation is that someone at work must get rid of her 1.5 year-old pit bull mix. He's nice, friendly with people and other dogs, crate-trained, has all shots and has been neutered, doesn't bark, responds to basic commands (sit, stay, come, roll over, etc.) and is almost exactly the same size as our current dog. I know if we don't take him he'll still find a good home, so it's not a question of being forced into it for the dog's sake. It's just that, against my own better judgement, I kind of like the idea of having another dog. Am I crazy?
* When I say that name I'm also thinking of the witch Valerie in The Princess Bride who is married to Miracle Max (the character played by Billy Crystal). Valerie keeps yelling “liar!” and “I'm not a witch I'm your wife!” But really what I'm saying is that when I think of Yubbledew I also think of that voice saying “liar!”)
Posted July 20, 2005 07:07 AM | life generally
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I currently only have cats, but I have had multiple dogs before (and certainly would again).
They eat a lot more. :) That's about it... and sometimes it can be more difficult to walk two, but that really depends on the dogs.
My wife and I sometimes walk dogs at the pound and I will say that pit bulls (that haven't been abused, unfotunately far too many are) are the kindest, sweetest and most loyal dogs. They are really good dogs...
Posted by: Dave! at July 20, 2005 11:34 AM
Hey, you are supposed to be the more mature one right?
First you come on here and bitch about money, loans etc. Then you go buy a new car, now you want another dog? You do know dogs cost money. If you are buying dog food with loan money, you are paying a gajillion times as much after interest.
And what happens if next year you have to move somewhere tiny and you can only keep one dog?
Bad idea. (even though it would probably be more fun)
If you do get another dog, the Sunday Source had an article about how to break up a dog fight.
Posted by: D at July 20, 2005 11:59 AM
I think the real question is whether you can fit two doggy crates in the back of that new Cobalt. :)
Posted by: raquel at July 20, 2005 01:31 PM
just remember that if you're breaking up a dog fight, don't end up hitting the other guy with the stick instead of the dog, because then you'd be that tort case from first year.
Posted by: monica at July 20, 2005 04:45 PM
You're not crazy. I think you're great for considering it.
Having two dogs is a bit more work (and costs a bit more in food, toys, etc.), but I wouldn't say it is twice as much work, and it is really nice for them to have each other, especially if you are not going to be home as often. I personally use a dog walker, so that they have a chance to get out once during the day.
The moving is a little more of a concern, because if you're planning on renting, dogs make it a bit harder to fine a place (especially larger and "dangerous" breeds) - but I've found apartments with a 100 lb+ rottweiler, try pets-people.com for California, there are probably similar sites for other locations.
I don't know if you have a significant other, but there is something nice about each having a dog to walk ;-)
Good luck!
Posted by: LAlawyer at July 20, 2005 07:46 PM
Hey, since when am I supposed to be "the mature one?"
Posted by: ambimb at July 21, 2005 07:37 AM
Moving isn't a problem, just move to my fair city which was recently ranked the number one dog friendly city in the U.S. :)
Posted by: Dave! at July 21, 2005 10:46 AM
Ha! I know at least a couple of people who are putting on the pressure for us to end up in Chicago. (And you know who you are!) Dave, are you conspiring with them or something?
About the doggy crates in the car: Does anyone have any experience with the folding travel crates, such as these, or these?
Posted by: ambimb at July 23, 2005 01:44 PM
