OK Folks, I need a Little Help

[Misty_Morning]

So, I am in the process of inviting my dad to come live with me. He is VERY old and I love him dearly. We have had some differences over the past few years but nothing will ever change the way I feel about him.


AND....I am thinking that he needs a friend. Several years ago my dad used to live with me and during that time he expressed that he would like to have a little dog.


So, help me out.


I'm thinking a mini hotdog or sompthin.


What little dog would you suggest?


Keep in mind that I would like said little doggie to be friendly with a little kitty that I would like to have.


The floor is open for debate.

 

[glynndah]

I'd get the dog and the kitten at the same time so they can grow up together. A puppy might be better, but if you know the history of an adult dog, that could work, too. The mini weiner dog sounds fine. A mutt would work,too.

 

[glynndah]

Try this: Animal Planet Breed Selector

 

[Misty_Morning]

maybe a pocket beagle.....




my dad just turned 86 so he needs a very small doggie.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

MISTY

I found a smart little something and am very pleased with him.

 

[TE999]

Pomeranians, cockapoos, pugs and shi-tzus are all small and sweet tempered. All are long haired except the pug. They are all easily cared for and don't eat much.

 

[Emperor_Nero]

My Bichon Friese gets along great with every cat he's ever met. They're fairly small (12-14 pounds) and often considered largely hypoallergenic (should that become an issue)

 

[Zeb_Carter]

A small beagle would be ideal...I have one and it's the queen of the house. I also have two bigger dogs, rottweilers and the beagle is the boss.

Beagles do have a tenancy to bark a lot, but are basically smooth tempered and loyal friends. The rotts don't really bark, they just growl but mine have learned from the beagle and when all three get going it's hard to tell them apart.

 

[Misty_Morning]

Try this: Animal Planet Breed Selector

Wonderful site...thank you!

but it just seems that most of the doggies in the catagory best suited for my dad are all bugeyed.


mini hotdog looks good though.

 

[Nameless_Rose]

I'm going to advocate the scottie, but I'm biased because I grew up with two of them. They're hardy but small, and they don't shed very much and tend to be intelligent and good natured. It's weird to me that you hardly ever see them.

 

[Wildcard Ky]

I would go through a rescue to get the best dog for you. Rescues do a good job of evaluating a dog and their personality. Find a dog that has the right traits and temperment for what you need.

In this regard, adult dogs are much better than puppies. Puppies are like people; they change as they grow older. An adult dogs personality is already set.

There's bunches of good rescues out there, and they can help you find the perfect dog for your dad.

 

[trysail]

At the risk that this might seem prosaic, be sure to first ask your dad if he would like a dog.

For many of the older folk I know and have known (including me dear departed mum), the very last thing that some of them want is the added worry that comes with assuming responsibility for a pet.

When it came to me mum, we kids had the same thought that you have (i.e., that she might like some company). When we asked, she made it abundantly clear that she wasn't even slightly interested.


ETA: Recent exposure to my sister (and niece's!) bichon friese siblings made a convert out of me. They're great dogs and chock full of character.

 

[jomar]

If you'll take care of the dog, get him a frisky, fun to watch dog. If he'll take care of it, get him a laid back, easy to manage dog that he can pet while watching the golf channel. Anyway, those are my thoughts at this point.

 

[Maeve_redux]

First, make sure he wants a pet. Second, find out what KIND he would want - some people prefer birds or fish, and find them to be just fine company.

Third... Check the local pound/shelter/whatever. I know you're in the general area serviced by PAWS (an animal welfare service) and they usually have adoptables. Also check the local PetSmarts and Petcos, as they usually have adoptables. Avoid actual pet stores. They all come from puppy mills - known for 'discarding' the less than perfect puppies in a rather less than humane manner.

 

[Trombonus]

I find hot dogs are much too much of a hassle. Most leave me with terrible indigestion after I eat them. There are some really good ones though. Chicken and Apple sausage in a french roll? mmm...*drools*

 

[keeblercrumb]

Wanna launch my rocket, Baby?

So, I am in the process of inviting my dad to come live with me. He is VERY old and I love him dearly. We have had some differences over the past few years but nothing will ever change the way I feel about him.


AND....I am thinking that he needs a friend. Several years ago my dad used to live with me and during that time he expressed that he would like to have a little dog.


So, help me out.


I'm thinking a mini hotdog or sompthin.


What little dog would you suggest?


Keep in mind that I would like said little doggie to be friendly with a little kitty that I would like to have.


The floor is open for debate.

It is probably impossible to find a puppy that he would NOT like...

But your little "hotdog" is an excellent choice. Our miniature dachsy lived to be 18 and was a wonderful, obedient and clever little beast. Affectionate, clean (short haired) was fine with the cats, scared to death of Issac the cat (another thread, another story), keen senses, and ferocious in the face of larger dogs which was just about all of them. She had a technique with big dogs of running between their legs and biting their nuts.... highly effective.

She was lap sized and that was her favorite place to be. She loved to burrow into a blanket until it completely encased her. That was when she did not worm her way under the blankets to the foot of our bed at night.

She loved to be “rolled” across the floor and would do it for hours.

She did not do well when the snow got deep (anything over 6 inches was an issue for her) during our days in upstate New York, but otherwise was great to have around outside.

Being the manly man that I am, my only complaint was the occasional embarrassment I felt for this being "my" dog. She was too "cute". Entirely too cute. My other issue was that when she was given to us as a two year old, her previous owner had registered her as “Shirley’s Precious Gretel”. Now THAT is embarrassing!

I think I deserve a bulldog.

But really... any dog is great... it is one of those costs I bare for working overseas. I truly miss our pets, even Issac.

And for Gretel?

Dammit.

-KC

 

[freshface]

I would go through a rescue to get the best dog for you. Rescues do a good job of evaluating a dog and their personality. Find a dog that has the right traits and temperment for what you need.

In this regard, adult dogs are much better than puppies. Puppies are like people; they change as they grow older. An adult dogs personality is already set.

There's bunches of good rescues out there, and they can help you find the perfect dog for your dad.

I would second this advice. Some Humane Societies and shelters also evaluate dogs to help match pet with owner. It's not just the breed, but also the temperment of the individual that is important. If your dad wants a lap dog, you need a dog that wants to be a lap dog. They can also help you with selecting an individual that gets along well with cats.

I would NOT get a puppy unless it is several months before your dad arrives. Training and socializing a puppy takes a lot of time and attention. Those tend to be in short supply when someone moves in. I would also stay away from the bug-eyed, snub nosed breeds, as they tend to have lots of health problems that require lots of care and attention.

I also agree that you should make certain that your father still wants a little dog. And whatever you do, stay far, far away from the pet stores and the puppy mills that feed them. Those puppies tend to be inbred, diseased, unsocialized, and mistreated.

 

[glynndah]

Two kittens might be a good option, too.

 

[Vermilion]

Word to the wise - be sure you know what you're getting in to if you get a puppy - my mum just got one and it is *literally* like having a small child - she's up really early to feed it and take it outside, it keeps having little accidents, it's clingy, stubborn, difficult - we love it dealry and it's a great dog, but seriously, you may have enough on your plate with your dad moving in without having to worry about all that training. Perhaps look into an adult dog first.

x
V

 

[jomar]

Rescue dogs make wonderful pets.

 

[lesbiaphrodite]

I have a mini-dachsie. She has been my faithful companion for almost 14 years now. She is the sweetest little weiner-schnitzel you'll ever meet. Dachsies are the best (IMHO) and you will never find a more loyal dog than this breed.