puppy hungry :(

[MK]

Well, all this talk about puppies (and I am actually happy for you guys who just got puppies)has made me want one even more. But I can't have one. It's against our lease for one, and we've already smuggled in our cat that I've had for ten years and am not about to get rid of for another. I did get a desperate idea a while back, but decided it wouldn't work, but now I've decided to ask you all what you think- who knows, maybe?

Anyway, I was thinking of "adopting" a dog from the animal shelter, by paying for it's care and food, and license, and go see it and exercise it everyday (another way for me to get some exercise and lose weight), but it would have to stay there because I can't have it here at home. The problem I see is the bonding issue-- these animals need a family to bond with and imprint on, to be a part of a "pack", so I don't know if it would work. But I feel so frustrated seeing all the ads on the community bulletin boards by the animal shelter begging people to adopt pets, and yet so many people are not in a position to, even if they want to. And I'm one of those people. And I very much wish that I could have a dog.

So has anyone heard of such a thing being done? Do you think it could work or am I hopelessly dogless? I love my cat, he's great, and fun, but he doesn't like to go for walks or rides in the car, and he doesn't catch frisbees or do neat tricks. He doesn't even wag his tail or hang out his tongue, lol!

[KarlaB]

It sounds like this is something you really want, so I would definitely look into it. I do think the dog would form a connection with you if you went everyday. We puppysit for my sister's puppy occasionally and see her a couple times a month and I think the dog knows us pretty well and is comfortable with us, so I do think this could work for you. What a BIG heart you have!!! :)
(btw Sorry about the HUGE run-on sentences - it's hard for me to think about typing correctly in the middle of a thought!! LOL!)

[PamE]

I think it's a wonderful idea! A lot of rescue organizations have "foster" families for the animals that are rescued until they can find permanent homes. I don't think there would be a bonding issue with the dog, BUT I am concerned for YOU!! Would you get horribly attached? Especially if your shelter is not a "no kill" shelter. What would happen if the dog you've been caring for for two weeks had to be put to sleep because no home was found? I know that personally I would turn into a quivering mass of goo at the mere thought! :0( Maybe if you walked a different dog each day it wouldn't be too bad.

Here's a great place to post this question. There are tons of dog lovers on there who may come up with more ideas on the matter. http://forums.thathomesite.com/forums/pets/

Let us know what you decide!