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olga5050 · Dec 27, 2009, 10:25 AM

Why do I keep getting dogs? I have three chihuhuas, a big Bullmastiff and a rescue pomeranian. Now, I am rescuing another dog. My friends say that I am crazy, but I have a large yard and the ones I already have are perfectly trained. Why can't I resist those eyes that are telling me to help them? Most people would realize logically that it is a lot of work. I am a stay at home mom and my kids are in school and my husband works a lot. I think I am missing something, that why I keep getting dogs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Even my therapist says enough already, but I can't stand the fact that dogs are mistreated and need a good home and love. Am I co dependent or something?

shazamataz · Dec 27, 2009, 10:33 AM

I don't see a problem with it but others may have a different opinion.

I grew up with 8 dogs in our household so a lot of dogs is nothing strange to me.

As long as they are all well cared for and you have enough money to get them all veterinary care then it's a good thing.

You do have to be careful though, have you considered what would happen if all the dogs got sick at once, or some of them decided to start fighting?
Would you be able to afford to take all of them to the vet at once?
Would you be able to keep some of them permanently separated from the others should the need arise?

At my parents house the dogs are separated into 2 separate lots.
There are 2 poodles and a great dane in the backyard and another 2 poodles in the side yard. They are rotated around so they both get inside time.

I have currently got a new puppy on order to add to my own family of 2 dogs and I already have a plan for what to do if my 2 current dogs and the new puppy don't get along.

Wondergirl · Dec 27, 2009, 10:48 AM

I rescue cats. I can't stand to see a hungry, shivering stray at my front door.

If you can afford to feed and house and give vet care to strays, more power to you!

J_9 · Dec 27, 2009, 10:55 AM

While I agree with rescues (I have 4 rescue dogs myself... all indoor dogs), what does your family say about this. Is your husband in on this with you? How about your children?

I know if my husband took in another dog, I would not be able to handle it.

You and your family have to be on the same page with this.

sajjw · Dec 28, 2009, 02:02 PM

I have four big dogs indoors and I love it and don't see anything wrong with it. I think they are my baby substitutes though as my son is grown up. Its hard work yes but they give a me a good reason to get up in the morning!

Alty · Dec 28, 2009, 02:33 PM

I think it's great that you're rescuing dogs.

My only concern would be finances. If one of them needed surgery, or something else, could you afford it?

Are all the dogs fixed, up to date on their shots? If not, then you should consider that you're not doing them any good by getting another.

I have 3 dogs, all indoors. I would get more, but my husband would move out. Not that he doesn't love them, he does, but enough is enough.

Aurora_Bell · Dec 28, 2009, 03:19 PM

I think rescuing is great as well! I can't stand looking at those poor eyes behind a fence,just knowing the life they lived brings tears to my eyes. I agree with the above posts, as long as you have the finances, and the dogs are taken care of and fmaily is on board, who cares what other people think.
But have you ever heard of animal hoarding?
Animal hoarding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Animal Hoarding Syndrome - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com
How Animal Hoarding Develops
How Many is Too Many? When Does Having Too Many Pets Become Hoarding Syndrome? Animal Blawg