Hello everyone,

Over the past months I've been seriously thinking of getting myself a dog, I feel it may be more therapy in helping me on my way with my loss.
Now my life has changed up to now having got back into the motorbikes, something I never thought I would be doing in a million years ever again from my youth, but thought a dog would be such a wonderful companion and company for me as I live alone.
I do realize all the responsibility's dogs bring along with them, but I'm pretty sure that I can deal with all that. We did once have a Doberman some years ago so it wouldn't be a first.
It's just that I thought it would be something else to maybe take my mind off things that sometimes upset me as I sit around my house.
Also it would do me a world of good I'm sure in keeping me fit, hence walking it. There are some lovely walks around here where I live in the countryside, so it would kill two birds with one stone so to speak.
There is one problem though that sort of holds me back, that is that Pamela didn't want anymore dogs, pets etc as she always said they break you heart when they go and they are too much trouble.
So I have her words ringing around my head.
But surely now my situation has changed, things are different for me aren't they?
There's loads of things that we wouldn't do as a couple that now and in the future I'm sure I'll find myself doing. Has anyone else found this?
When Pam passed away, my Mum's uncle who is around 83 and lives in Gloucester wrote me the most wonderful letter of sympathy, a part of it read, "you must keep up your daily chores, and your home in good fettle and do all that you used too when Pam was here" That way if ever she was to come back she would be so proud of you, I thought that was a wonderful way of thinking.
So, back to the dog, she'd give me such a telling off if there was a dog here now...lol, so, a slight contradiction in my thinking, ah well, I can't always be right can I?
So, is it a dog or not a dog, that is the question, maybe I should just settle for a goldfish instead, has anyone ever seen anyone taking a goldfish out for a walk though???

Thinking of you all

John.

Hello to everyone on here.
John, I think that getting a dog (providing it's not left on it's own for long periods) is a good idea. We have one and she is a wonderful companion. My eldest son bought her when he was living at home but has now married and left home and I'm left holding the baby! lol He's met so many people through having her and people seem more sociable when you're walking a dog (unless it's a Pitbull!) lol Your Pam was right that when something happens to your pet, it's heartbreaking to lose them, but they do bring a lot of pleasure.
Love to everyone.
Louise x

Hi john,no i dont think you getting a dog is a good idea,I have a dog and i wouldnt part with her for the world,BUT,when i need to leave the house for any length of time,i need adog sitter,going on holiday is a nightmare she frets and wont eat the vet says its because she relies on me as the leader of the pack,and as dogs are pack animals i guess hes right,i suppose i should be happy that i get to be top dog,,, but seriously ,they need to be walked regularly[pooper scoop in one hand leash in the other]you have to give them a lot of your time training them and making sure they intergrate with other dogs or they become humanised.....have i put you off yet....honestly though getting a dog for company is great if you have loads of time or have someone to share in looking after it when your not around[my daughter looks after mine when i go off anywere],,,,,,hi to everyone else,whats your thoughts on JOHNs doggy probs....Hazel

Hi ya girls and all....

Such very good advise from you both Hazel and Louise, it's what I reckon too.
Like Louise says, they make such good company but are very dependent on us to look after them. That's not the problem, I see the problem in my case in the time consumed in doing so.
It's so easy isn't it to just make the dissuasion, but it's not just for a week or so, it's for many years.
so on that note...it's going to be a gold fish after all, hahahahaha
Oh...I'm trying to make you smile that's all...lol
Hasn't it turned damn cold, such a frost last night and this morning, ah well, suppose we can expect some higher heating bills to come in now.


All the best all...

Jon

I have always had dogs, and at the moment have 3! Like with most things, there are pros and cons with dogs. I guess the first thing you must ask yourself in this case, is whether you are considering getting a dog just as a quick fix because you may be lonely, in which case you may want to think carefully. If cicumstances change you may find yourself wondering what to do!Like you say, once you get a dog (and that's the easy part!), it's a commitment of at least 10 years! But then again, if you have thought of that, and you're no stranger to dog ownership, you know dogs make the most perfect companions, they keep you busy, get you out and you meet so many different people walking their dogs! And that has to be a very positive thing, surely!
Let us know what you decide, John!

Hey up Max, hope your ok as well as can be buddy. I wish everyone else my hellos also.
Ditto to everything you mention regards dogs. Wowwwww you've got your hands full haven’t you? 3 dogs, it's to hope you take them all for a walk at once and not individually... or you'll be at it all day lol.
I've been considering a dog for a while now since I lost Pamela, for company. My days are very quiet and lonely indeed seeing no one unless going shopping or out to work which is just at weekends for me.
I see a dog filling such times and I'm sure would entertain me too, also would be able to take it with me to work so wouldn't be left on it's own.
I have plenty to do around my home, don't have to look far, but very little incentive to do it these days, like alot more people on here I suppose.
I've been a very creative person all my life in many things, but now it seems all gone and not worth while just for myself.
One minute I'm almost going to get a dog and the next I kind of go off the idea, so undecided. I suppose that is my answer then really isn't it? not to get one if that's the case.
Oh dear...our bereavements don't half cause many an issue don't they? not just the missing of our loved ones, but a multitude of other things we have to deal with too.
I thank you for sharing with us Max your thoughts on the dog subject.
At this time of writing my mind says don't get a dog, maybe tomorrow I'll be for getting one...lol oh dear I am such a confusion. While ever I'm like this I guess I won't be getting a dog.

Best wishes to all

John.

John, if you are not planning to go away on long hoidays etc, yes get a dog. You are on your own now, and need a companion - just make sure it is the right kind of dog, and you will not regret it. Go on, choose a dog that needs you as much as you need it for companionship, and if you can, let us see a picture of it eventually.


God bless, and get yourself that companion to take care of.

XX Ennill

An old friend of mine was crying in the street, and it turned out his dog had died. His comment was "breed a dog and break your heart". However, as a confirmed non dog lover I personally wouldn't entertain the idea, but so long as you keep any animals away from me, do what you feel is right! I know lots of people get a lot out of pets, but I think I must have a brain cell missing where animals are concerned! I think the remark the old man said about keeping the house tidy so that you wife would be proud of you if she came back is a great idea...I must try it! My main problem where that is concerned is that Pat had so much stuff! She was a dealer in antique linen and lace, and also acquired lots of didy little antique things...I went along with that , but my tastes are very minimal.A good friend of mind said that she thought I would have made a good Buddhist monk, as my tastes were so simple..(Not sure about the monk bit!)
I had a bitter moment this week, because I was remembering the several times Pat was in intensive care, and they hauled her back for another few months opf relative Hell. What should be done in those circumstances? I desperately wanted her to live, but looking back it would have been better for everyone if she had died at that time and not lingered on in such distress. That's an awful thought to think, but I had it, so I can 't unthink it.
I found a little card again that Pat had written several years ago and left it on my pillow, saying "Sleep well, my love...XXXXX) and I couldn't forget what a kind a loving person she was. Why do they have to be taken , and why do they have to suffer? Right, stop this...tears are coming, and I though I was doing so well. thanks to all of you for being there and reading this stuff. Keep on keeping on.
Love, Derry