- Shesaidyes
- 2 years ago
- Wedding: September 2018
I have never been a “purebred” animal kind of person (growing up and then later as an adult we have just always adopted any and all breeds in the form of rescues. Also seniors)
I was always interested in having a dog, but I don’t really have that much experience with them. I have always had cats. I always wanted a dog, and I have had partners with dogs. It just was never the right fit with my life up to now.
Years ago, when I found out about adopting greyhounds (and truly, the terrible terrible conditions that they live and die in and the sheer number of them that are destroyed annually! ) I wanted to help. (I live in Europe, so there are lots of people doing really great work finding homes and working with the animals they manage to rescue. They have so many greyhounds who need homes)
Also the greyhound “personality” (quiet, loving, intelligent, friendly and happy to learn) seemed like a good fit for our family with older kids. I knew I didn’t have a lot of experience with dogs, but I would absolutely be willing to do training to get prepared for taking on a greyhound.
So this year was gonna be the year we adopt: we just bought a house with a HUGE garden, in the country, my older kids are all moving out and I (finally!!) have lots more time to work with a dog. I always envisioned a greyhound.
But I didn’t do my homework. I was so caught up in the “greyhound” storyline and thinking it was a great fit (big garden, older kids, we both work from home, so the dog has a lot of company, lots of space because bigger house) that I didn’t dig in deep enough research wise about having a greyhound and also having cats. I thought when they offered greyhounds who passed the “cat test” that we were fine. I was so wrong.
Today I called a shelter for greyhounds to start the process for this fall and found out: We would be a great fit EXCEPT we have several cats. greyhounds might be able to be okay with one cat. Maybe two if it is a dog with minimal hunting instinct, but several cats and also ones that are outdoors: NO WAY. It would just be too stressful for the dog (mainly) but also for the cats. And the last thing I want is animals who have gone through so much already being in another stressful situation.
So I am a bit crushed. She said other kinds of dogs would be an option, but not a greyhound.
So now I have to consider my options. I think I still want to adopt at some point. But from what I am reading, apparently, ALL dogs cannot be trusted with several cats outdoors. But if this is an exaggeration, (kind of sounds extreme, but what do I know??) what kind of dog, would be an option??
I am thinking perhaps a senior pet, but that might be stressful for him: we still have 2 part-time kids (my step kids) ages 9 and 11 and they will want to play and cuddle. Senior pets are often “over it” with kids, am I right in thinking that? Animals shouldn’t have to endure kids attention if they just want to have a quiet life.
I am also thinking a younger dog is A LOT of work. I don’t want to be overwhelmed with a dog (to the point where it feels like I have a toddler again! lol!)
We’re super active in nature and feel like we have a lot to offer a dog, but now I just feel really unsure if it is even an option with the cats and also with me. I am still a bit disappointed if I am being honest. I also feel guilty about this because I am thinking maybe I was being a little silly about wanting a specific “kind” of dog (like being attracted to a specific breed and I feel like a bad person for being disappointed we can’t get our “fancy” greyhound)
Bees with dogs and cats, any and all advice welcome! Please be gentle, I do know I’ve made mistakes in my thinking.