How much will a dog adapt to an owners lifestyle

[poiuytrewq]

I feel like I’m in a bit of an awkward situation.
I have a lovely close friend, she’s long term ill and pretty much house bound.
They as a family had 2 dogs, one of which was a huge Spinone and they lost him a few years back, her kids have moved on and her husband is at work much of the day. So she has the remaining little dog at home and they are a perfect pair. The dog plays in bursts and sleeps a lot!
Sadly she’s getting on and my friend has decided it’s time to get a puppy. They have a small budget and so far have had no luck.
So, and this is the bit I’m finding a bit difficult. I, as some know am also getting a puppy. I have one possibility lined up and a back up plan incase.
Both are cheap because we have contacts (that sounds dodgy!, I mean through the farm/gamekeeper. Always JR puppies due or planned and not current pet market prices)
So, I could help, I could get her an affordable puppy. My worry is what life it will lead, it’s going to be pretty sedate, I’m not sure regular walks will be possible.
Ive tried talking to her, explaining the kind of puppies I know of are going to be pretty energetic and lively and that I’m worried it will drive her nuts (I’m more concerned for the dog but it’s a difficult convo)
She disagrees, she said all dogs just adapt and fit into the owners lifestyle. ?‍
She desperately needs this, before the old one go’s because that’s going to devastate her.
Any dog will want for nothing (except exercise)
Do I help? If not I need to find some excuse as to how I got one and didn’t get them one ?
Opinions please?!

 

[hobo]

Though they do adapt to someone's lifestyle from what you are saying I can not see how she will cope with a puppy. She needs a small older dog who wants plenty of human time can she not try a rescue place as long as it is a good one that matches the right dog to the right home.
Hopefully you can help her with talking to a couple of rescue places, I would not help her get a puppy that would be wrong.

 

[AmyMay]

She’s right I think, to a certain extent. But at the end of the day a puppy is a puppy. They’re hard work.

I’d steer clear, personally.

 

[poiuytrewq]

This has been my gut feeling. If I wasn’t getting one myself it wouldn’t be a problem!
It would be the perfect home for an older quiet dog, although that said my old lady is 15 but she still likes being out and about.
Rescues round here are just a no go it seems, another friend offering the perfect home to a rescue has finally given up and bought a puppy after being turned down constantly. Hers isn’t the only story the same I’ve heard.
Anyway, they are adamant they want a puppy. I’m just so worried about the whole situation

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’ve currently lied and feel bad for it but said the litter I’m hoping for has a few promised to people already so there may not be any left ?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Surely she would be better with a rescue whippet or something similar - could you find out about one that is 'in need of a really good, understanding, experienced home'?

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Or you could also just tell them that what you paid for the puppy is above whatever budget they have?
I agree that a puppy isn't for them it sounds and I think you would always feel guilty and responsible for the puppy, so it would put you in a super tricky position.

 

[TGM]

I think you are doing the right thing. Puppies are very hard work compared to adult dogs, particularly if they are from working terrier lines! I can't understand her assertion that "all dogs just adapt and fit into the owners lifestyle" - if that was the case why do so many dogs end up in rescue because the owners can't cope with their demands! You'd feel awful if she got a pup and ending up rehoming it. Or not giving it the exercise and stimulation it is bound to need.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Surely she would be better with a rescue whippet or something similar - could you find out about one that is 'in need of a really good, understanding, experienced home'?

Yep I think that would be perfect, I think it would take quite some convincing.
She’s had a very set idea, it’s to be a small scruffy x breed type. So really my JR puppies aren’t what she wants but I think it’s a price thing there.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’ve been trying to think if maybe I have time to go walk it after work, obviously I’ll be walking mine anyway but it’s in the wrong direction for me and realistically not something I can commit to.

 

[AmyMay]

I’ve been trying to think if maybe I have time to go walk it after work, obviously I’ll be walking mine anyway but it’s in the wrong direction for me and realistically not something I can commit to.

Kind thought. But, really, I just wouldn’t get involved.

 

[SAujla]

I'd steer clear. You will never be able to relax because you'd be forever worrying about the puppy and you'd feel responsible.

 

[Clodagh]

Just say the ones you know of are all sold. Why should a pup adapt to her lifestyle? I get she is not in a good place but tbh she is being selfish. I see it with my MIL.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Your all right, my mind is made up for sure. I kept doubting wether I was being horrible not wanting to help.
I will use the all spoken for or price to high excuse.
Ive read @Clodagh posts about mil dogs, I don’t want to be constantly worried about that kind of situation.
I know they will do it with or without me ultimately but at least it won’t be my fault.
Thanks all

 

[Goldenstar]

She needs an older dog in need of a home .
My parents announced they where getting a Lab puppy at 84 and 85 my dad had dementia and my mum could not really walk I set my brother on them .

 

[poiuytrewq]

She needs an older dog in need of a home .
My parents announced they where getting a Lab puppy at 84 and 85 my dad had dementia and my mum could not really walk I set my brother on them .

Blimey! That could have had disaster written all over it!
Our 6 yr old almost knocked me flying this morning!
He’s not completely mannerless we just kind of met a narrow gate, him at speed at the same time ?‍

 

[Goldenstar]

It would have been a complete car crash I had to remove their old Lurcher in the end she was terrified of Dad when he was delusional .

 

[Ranyhyn]

The Cinnamon trust can help her, but I do think she could and should give a home to a slightly older dog.

Mine was a pup three years ago and honestly, it was hard going. I gave everything i had to try and make him a great dog, puppies are intensive and yes they'll bend to you to a degree but why make life harder when it can be easier?

Where is she looking for a dog, there are loads of lovely smaller rescues where she might fare better. The ones who dont make it on mainstream media but are still there slowly chugging away. MAybe take her to visit, I'm sure her heart will burst once she sees what a wonderful change she could make in their lives.

 

[Goldenstar]

The right greyhound would do the job .

 

[SAujla]

Say all spoken for just in case they decide they can manage the price, unlikely as that sounds from what you've said but it completely covers you

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’m going to try and work on this idea. Both her and her husband really want a puppy.
I think she’s looking at the usual online Pets4homes, Preloved type places. The prices are the prevention factor here though.
Ive sent her a link to an old dogs needing homes page on fb ?

 

[poiuytrewq]

The right greyhound would do the job .

I thought that! Too big though

 

[poiuytrewq]

Say all spoken for just in case they decide they can manage the price, unlikely as that sounds from what you've said but it completely covers you

Very true!

 

[Griffin]

The only way I could see a puppy working for her would be if she got in a daily dog walker and the costs for those mount up pretty quickly.

Would your friend be interested in fostering? I would love to foster but because I work, I am not considered eligible to do so. I am just thinking that if she fostered, if her health declines, she would be able to reduce her commitments.

 

[Odyssey]

I think that getting a puppy is a really bad idea. It might be feasible if her husband can walk it morning and evening. I live alone and have ME, having an active puppy would be a nightmare and would badly impact on my health. I have a greyhound, and picked one who is very lazy, even by greyhound standards, and an absolute doddle to walk. He's happy to laze/sleep all day, and is the same whether he has a slow amble round the block (if I'm having a bad day), or a longer walk. He fits into my lifestyle well because he's a low energy, undemanding breed. They are large dogs, but much better to have a big dog that you can easily cope with than a small one that you can't! He's my 5th, they're such gorgeous dogs that once you've had one, most people don't want another breed.

Something like a bichon frise would be suitable for your friend, but obviously come with a large price tag.

 

[poiuytrewq]

@Griffin i don’t know if a Walker would be an idea, I’d say it would be too expensive. No idea about fostering, but I’d imagine not as her old dog would need to be settled and get used to a new friend.
@Odyssey Its a no to the husband walking it once a day forget about twice, don’t get me started on that! #lazy (I didn’t say that....)
Current dog is a Bichon x actually, are they known to be calm quiet dogs then? It’s not a breed I know.
I may also suggest the grey hound idea but she really wants tiny.

 

[AmyMay]

Something like a bichon frise would be suitable for your friend, but obviously come with a large price tag.

This is my Bichon. Full of fun and a zest for life. Walks an average of eight miles a day.

Regardless of the breed, this home doesn’t actually sound suitable for any dog currently.

 

[poiuytrewq]

View attachment 69032
This is my Bichon. Full of fun and a zest for life. Walks an average of eight miles a day.

Regardless of the breed, this home doesn’t actually sound suitable for any dog currently.

Oh gorgeous! I thought you had Shih-tzu’s?
That’s the dream shot of a dog isn’t it!

 

[poiuytrewq]

I have suggested a cat ?

 

[AmyMay]

Oh gorgeous! I thought you had Shih-tzu’s?
That’s the dream shot of a dog isn’t it!

I have both (now ?)