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Barnyard Buddies:  What would you do?  |
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LisaTwo
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Lisa
Hampden
Maine
USA
127 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 8:01:40 PM
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I want a dog. My husband does not. I have a cat, four goats, 25-30 chickens, 8 turkeys, 3 ducks and bees. Which is lovely, but I really want a dog. I am a stay-at-home mom only because our boys are disabled and need 24-hour care. I also work two or three at home jobs to pay my share of the bills, keep a garden, tend my animals, keep a so-so clean house and everything else we girls do. I don't have a lot of friends. I can't leave my boys with a baby sitter and go have a girls night out like most of my old friends so they've drifted off. So I want a dog. If he was allergic or if we were starving or if it was going to hurt our family I would not do it, but that's not the case. So I am getting a damn dog. I think. NO, I am. Or should I just forget it?
What would you do?
http://pinkporches.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPorches
*And you know when the truth is told-- you can get what you want--or you can just get old.* (Billy Joel) |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 8:06:28 PM
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Awe, I'll be your friend! :)
I think you should get a dog. lol Go for it!
Hugs,
Channah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Just a small town country girl trying to live her dreams. :) |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 8:11:29 PM
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Lisa, a dog would be so great for your boys. You should research dog breeds to see which would be best for them. There are so many great breeds that are good with disabled children. You might even be able to get a dog that could be trained to help you with the boys. Now what husband could say no to that? I wish you luck and hope you get a great dog. I would not get one that's too awful young because they would be extra work for you. Maybe at least 6 months or older. And I think the boys would beneift from having a dog. As well as you. And I sure wish I lived closer. I would love to hang out with you.
Hugs, Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 8:23:40 PM
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there are so many dogs that need good homes, and all boys need a dog, and alot of dogs naturaly will be extra attentive of a disabled child. I would start with saying , the dog will help with the boys, open doors, steady them if they are shakey, alert you to a medical problem, and protect them, and most of all, be their best buddy, and remember, dog spelled backwards is "GOD", so what better choice???
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 8:39:00 PM
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I agree it could be awesome for your boys...but also make sure you're finding something that is going to fit in well with the menagerie of animals you already have! :) Not all dogs can just move in and play nice. Would be great if you could find a rescue that would let you take the dog for a couple days to see if it would work. Unless of course the dog is only going to be indoors, then its probably not as big of an issue, but if its a hang around you, go where you go all day kind of dog...probably want to make sure its not going to tangle with everything else you have. :) Good luck!!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
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DvilleMama
True Blue Farmgirl
159 Posts
Lyn
Small Town
MI
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 8:53:52 PM
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I don't know anything about these organizations but what about looking into a trained service dog? These are dogs that have been trained specifically to help people with disabilities. The dogs that are chosen are the ones with the Omega personalities...it goes Alpha, Beta, Omega. In the wild, the Omega's are the ones who get kicked out of a pack or worse because their personalities are so docile. Even if the dog is not from an organization, if possible, it's best to find one with an Omega personality just because they are such gentle creatures. Blessings to you on this journey. I keep bringing in strays even when my husband says no. We have 4 cats & 2 dogs. He's fallen in love with all of them & hasn't divorced me yet...in spite of his not wanting "another mouth to feed". There's hope for you!! Good luck!
Lyn
Farmgirl Sister #1574
Mid-Michigan Farmgirl Chapter
http://simplelifeseeker.blogspot.com |
Edited by - DvilleMama on Jul 13 2010 8:57:56 PM |
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natesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1735 Posts
angela
martinsville
indiana
USA
1735 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 9:07:21 PM
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If you really researched it I am sure there are service dogs that are trained for helping the disabled that are given to families of lesser incomes. You could do the research, find the organization, be paired to a dog, and then tell Hubby you figured it was better than the assistance monkeys that they have! LOL! I'm sure Hubby wouldn't mind the dog so much then!
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 9:08:19 PM
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Just a note: in frontier times, dogs were often used as baby sitters for young kids when momma was busy doing chores. The number one breed of choice for looking after kids were the Staffordshire terrier-types. They were gentle with the young ones and also fiercely protective of them. And if a wild animal came prowling around, they were more than able to handle it. There are many breeds that are qualified, but the trick is finding that special individual. And often, it's a mixed-breed. Best wishes in finding that special dog--your boys will come to think of him/her as a sibling.
cindy
"There is more to life than increasing its speed". Mahatma Gandhi
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 9:10:35 PM
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Wow, Lisa, you're quite a gal!! You've got a full day, each and every day, and you so want a dog, even with all you do, so I say, it's a "meant to be"! A dog for your sons would be the bonus, but as all have pointed out, may take a few tries to find the right match for your life! You go girl and I'm sure your husband will come around. There are so many dogs that need loving homes. You're a stay at home mom, so caring for the dog is not an issue. My daughter (is 13) wants another dog so badly. We lost our Golden Retriever several years ago to a heart attack and we miss her terribly, but we have since rescued 3 inside-only cats, I'm divorced and work full time so to add a dog at this point would be difficult. My daughter has Aspergers, so a dog would be so therapeutic for her, but I have to be sure any dog we get would be a match for our life and right for the dog. It sounds to me like a dog for you would fit in very nicely!!! You'll do the right thing! By the way, I lived in Maine for 4 years!!! I miss it! Hugs and Smiles, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
Edited by - Lin on Jul 13 2010 9:13:20 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 10:08:07 PM
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I agree that you should get a dog but I think you really need to get husband atleast partially on board. Doug and I got a dog for me when I was desperatly homesick and needing a friend when we lived in Moscow. He never really wanted the dog, but he wanted me to be happy. We picked her out together and he does love her- but certainly not in the same way I love her. She is very much "my" dog. We have had some fights over her and sometimes he says he wants to get rid of her. (Uhm no- we adopted her and made a LIFETIME commitment). If he hadn't agreed first we probably would have been divorced over it long ago. I know that might sound silly but I feel that if you are willing to fudge on some commitments it asks too much of a person. It would be like asking me to give up a child, really!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Jul 13 2010 : 11:03:42 PM
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I can't imagine life without a dog (or two) so I am totally on board with team "get a dog".
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 03:34:31 AM
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Will this animal be a family member or outside fixture?
Pup or adult?
Is there a particular breed you have your heart set on?
As a kid I had always wanted a dog, and made that 20 year dream a reality when I finally had the time and space and was not in a small apartment.
I think we'll always have one. You just can't beat that kind of loyalty. And a happy greeting at the end of a hard day really is a stress buster
Best wishes on what ever you decide!
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 09:32:51 AM
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Get the dog. My husband claims he hates dogs but we have 5. I wanted a Great Dane but he kept saying no so my daughter brought one over "just until we find it a new home" and finally he said "I" could keep it. She now lays under his feet all day and follows him everywhere. She is now "his" dog. See if you can find out why he doesn't want a dog. Maybe it would be easier to work from there. Could he be afraid of them. Some men are but they don't want anyone to know it.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
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Heather B
True Blue Farmgirl
562 Posts
Heather
Longmont
Colorado
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 10:32:21 AM
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Dogs are a great addition for special needs children. They can help them feel more independant, comfort them, detect issues and just be a friend. So with that said I think a good arguement for having a dog in your situation would be "it would be good for the children". And remember, rescue dogs make good buddies!
Heather
http://homesteadincity.blogspot.com/
http://littlehouseonthebumper.blogspot.com/ (My "glamper" page)
"Only your real friends tell you when your face is dirty"
Farm Girl Sister #662 |
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36paws20hooves
True Blue Farmgirl
161 Posts
Danielle
Weirsdale
Florida
USA
161 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 6:40:18 PM
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I agree with Kristin and Heather. The dog would be a great asset to the boys and how could your hubby say NO to them.
I'm so busy I don't know if I just found a rope or lost my horse! |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2010 : 7:25:43 PM
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Lisa, I would like to tell you a story about my oldest G/son, he is 11 and blind and autistic. He panics around loud strange voices. My D-in-law is at the park with him, some boys were talking real loud and Roger put his hands over his ears and started screaming, as his Moma is trying to calm him down, and those boys are yelling louder and making fun, a 8 week old (?) puppy walks over and sits next to Roger and start howling her little heart out, and Roger stops screaming and listens, then the pup stops howling and crawls into Rogers lap and goes to sleep. My D-in-Law asks everyone around if its their pup, and no one claims her. She takes her home and continues to look for her owner, and in the mean time she has a magical effect on Roger, he gets upset and she howls, he gets quiet and so does she. That was about a year ago, and "WEBBLE" is the best therapy Roger has ever had, they are like velcro, and she has been ok'd to even go to school with him. Oh, and she weighs all of 4 lbs.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2010 : 05:18:42 AM
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I am on board with you getting a dog. I sure hope you look into a shelter or rescue animal. I belong to a rescue group and we have placed over 47 dogs in 6 months. A lot of rescue groups, like mine, use foster dog parents so they know how the dog acts in the home environment and they usually have all the vet stuff done and even some training. I wish you luch in finding the right one. I know the dog would become a member of the family and be great for your sons.
Age only matters if you are wine or cheese.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
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Mama Jewel
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Jewel
Sweet Peas Farmette,
Bend, OR
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2010 : 07:33:52 AM
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Lisa, big hugs, my farm sister!! I vote to get a dog, too! I have 3 sp needs kids (4 kids total) & like you, can't get a babysitter & don't have time & really no friends (other than virtual as it's easier to "visit" when you can pop on/off the computer at a moment's notice). My littlest has high anxiety/OCD and goes to a dev ctr to help him with regulation (as he stops breathing if he's injured or gets emotionally upset or something's not done right, the OCD part)... Anyway, we have a rescue dog (a Daschund/Jack Russell mix) and she has been the best dog for him. We call her Nana Lulu because she has treated him like one of her pups ever since he was a baby. She will lay across him like a weighted blanket and has this great calming effect on him. Really very sweet. I think everyone in your family will benefit from having a dog around... they're loyal, funny & great for security. BTW, if you ever want a friend to talk with, I'm here 
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette
"Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14
http://www.piecemama.etsy.com |
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LisaTwo
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Lisa
Hampden
Maine
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 4:42:10 PM
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Thanks so much for all your advice and stories. They really helped. We got a border collie puppy today. I still have goosebumps, I am so excited. I would have gotten a rescue dog in a heartbeat, but up here in Maine we have pretty strict breeding laws or rules or whatever and there are not many dogs at the humane society unless they eat cats and/or little children. My rationale is that THIS dog will never end up in a shelter, he will be loved and trained and did I mention LOVED.
AND-guess where he is right now? With hubby down in his shop. I came home, put his little puppy self on the floor and he walked over and licked hubby's hand. I said I wouldn't tell a soul, but I saw misty eyes and the next thing I knew he had named him Jake and they went out the door to explore the farm. HA! Umm, wait, I think I just lost my puppy...
Anywho...thanks so much again I just loved reading everyone's comments and just look what you did!
Smiles,
Lisa
http://pinkporches.blogspot.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PinkPorches
*And you know when the truth is told-- you can get what you want--or you can just get old.* (Billy Joel) |
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1badmamawolf
True Blue Farmgirl
2199 Posts
Teresa
"Bent Fence Farms"
Ca
USA
2199 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 5:23:57 PM
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Lisa, I am soooooooo happy for you and your not dog wanting husband,lol !!! I am sure your kids will be well loved by "Jake", and a border collie is a great pick, congrads girl...
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 5:43:42 PM
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Yay Lisa!! Those are great dogs. I am so happy for you. And your hubby. Sounds like he caved big time! And that dog will have plenty to do and lots of kids to "herd". I want one also. I am going to get some lambs and will need help with them. He could also herd cows and goats.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Mama Jewel
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Jewel
Sweet Peas Farmette,
Bend, OR
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 6:33:34 PM
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Lisa!! I'm so happy I have tears in my eyes! What a great visual you gave re: Jake & your hubs. Big hugs to you & your new pup --I can tell already this doggy is very much loved
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette
"Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14
http://www.piecemama.etsy.com |
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Lin
True Blue Farmgirl
807 Posts
Lin
Sioux City
IA
USA
807 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2010 : 9:31:04 PM
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Oh my gosh Lisa, that brought tears to my eyes!! I am SSSOOO happy for all of you and especially for little Jake! What a lucky pup he is!!! Hugs and puppy slobbers, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
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LisaTwo
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Lisa
Hampden
Maine
USA
127 Posts |
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Mama Jewel
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Jewel
Sweet Peas Farmette,
Bend, OR
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 08:05:03 AM
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Oh my goodness lol, that is the *cutest* face. What a love!!
Farm Girl Sister #1683 Living Simply & Naturally on our lil Sweet Peas Farmette
"Do Everything in Love." 1 Cor 14
http://www.piecemama.etsy.com |
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Karrieann
True Blue Farmgirl
1900 Posts
Karrieann
Northeast
Georgia
USA
1900 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2010 : 08:28:34 AM
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LOL such a happy Jake... he knows that he won the lottery with the family that he got! His breed is perfect for your home!
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766 (29 Sept 2009)
My Blog: ...following my heart, dreams and Jesus
...http://karrieann-followingmyheartandjesus.blogspot.com/
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Barnyard Buddies: What would you do? |
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What would you do?
