6 answers

Dogs & Kids

My husband and I always wanted a large family, but after our first child we couldn't seem to get pregnant again. We tried everything we could over a 5 year period. Finally we both decided to just give up the baby dream and get a puppy instead. We found a local German Shepard breeder through a friend of a friend and came home with the most adorable puppy. Then wouldn't you know it - a month later I found out I was pregnant! Unfortunately, it wasn't an easy pregnancy and it was very difficult dealing with that and a new puppy. There were many times I wanted to give him back to the breeder, but we stuck it out and I'm happy to say I now have a healthy 2 year old child and VERY healthy (100 lbs) 2 year old dog. But he is such a love, just like one of the kids. Over the last 2 years my husband developed a friendship with the breeder. They both love these animals so much. They go to shepard meets together and talk nonstop about shepards. And they get together so our dog can see his parents. It's all just swell. But recently the breeder told my husband that he & his wife are tired of the business. They feel the people they sell the dogs to don't really care for them and it's heartbreaking when they hear one of their dogs has been put down because the owners can't properly care for them. So they plan to take the best two puppies from their final litter, keep one for themselves and they would like to give one to us. GIVE, as in FREE. These are purebred puppies from a champion line. AKC with papers and all that. Usually sell for $1200. We are so flattered that they want us to take their last puppy. They know we would give it a great home. But guess what! I'm pregnant again!!! So, we are torn. We love our dog, and had talked about getting another before we knew about the new baby. We always wanted a big family. But 3 kids and 2 German Shepards??? Is that way too much for a mom to handle?

What can I do next?

More Answers

It sounds like you could probably handle it..... however, if you are not sure about it... why not see if one of yours family members or friends is interested in doing this? That way you can see the puppy all the time, it can have play dates - as well as the kids, etc??

Have they bred the dogs yet? If not - would you have enough time to get adjusted to a new baby and puppy again...

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I say do it!!!! I am a dog groomer and I love all dogs. But my husband (and possibly 2 year old)are allergic. It is heartbreaking to me that I can't have a dog. So, in my opinion, you are a very lucky woman (I always wanted 3 kids too, but my husband say we're done at 2)
Do it!!!
Do it!!!

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Not when you love them! I have 6 kids, and will have my 7th any day. Would that be too much for some people? Sure, but it's my life. Heck, you're already outnumbered anyway! I think you probably know what you can handle, and once you make the decision you somehow make it through the tough times, stronger for the struggle. I say go with your gut.

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I'd say go for it! Your husband sounds like he really does alot with the dog so make it a gift to him. Yes you will have to help train it and deal with it and your kids at the same time but its not that hard. I did it (and still do). we just got a min-pin pup and have eight kids in and out all day. (plus a black lab and a medium mix breed and 2 cats.)

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I have always found that two large dogs are happier than one large dog, and therefore easier to deal with. That being said, I have two young kids and only one giant dog right now. We adopted our current dog-boy while I was pregnant with our 2nd child and it was a challenge, but well worth it. I am starting to drool just thinking about getting a second dog...yum! If you think you and your husband can do it, I say go for it. You made me realize that we will be ready for another dog soon ourselves.

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I understand your thoughts. I have two boys 2 and 4 and 2 dogs. Honestly it is not so bad. The tough part is meal times.... the dogs sit and beg and the kids think its funny to feed them. We have since gotten control of that. Granted you are adding a third child.... congratulations!!! But honestly I don't see it as a huge problem. The dogs will play together and once the baby is mobile the kids will play too.... just my opinion.

Sorry so jumbled...my 2 year old has the stomach bug and I have stopped and started this a few times now!

Such is motherhood ..... never dull and never still! :)

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