As you all know, i bought 2 new dogs. The breeder i bought them from got a job offer here in Arizona and it is her dream job but the people won't let her bring all of her dogs (she has 8). She wants me to take 3 of her dogs and share them. That would put me at my 2 i have now plus the 2 coming and her 3. 7 total! She would pay me some to keep them and pay for all vet bills plus i get breeding rights (not that i'm after that) but i'm not sure i really have the room or want to take care of 7 dogs. My mom understands my thoughts but also thinks i'm nuts for not taking the offer (would make me lots of dough). Am i crazy for thinking it's a bad idea? Now the breeder is upset at me and blames me for her losing her dream job. UGH! I'm so frustrated. Should i or shouldn't i?
I'd say go for it, oasis. I'd do it too, if not for my dh telling me that I can't have any more dogs. But being co-ownership would be so much better than just taking care of them yourself. I must've missed, what kind are they?? If they're smaller I'd say do it, but if they're all big, I'd say think about it. Why don't you ask your mom for help?? I know my mom's great for that
They are all Parson Russells and my mom says to do it but hubby says no way. I am the one who feeds them and takes care of them but we don't have a hugh house and already have 4 people living in it along with a bunch of other small animals. The amount of money it would make to co-own the dogs would be a lot but i don't want to just base my decision on a profit. I don't keep my dogs in kennels like most breeders but they run my house. We already trip over the 2 we have, lol. I just want to make sure that if i say no that i'm not making a bad decision. Her main dog is #4 in the Nation!
I think you've answered your own question already " i'm not sure i really have the room or want to take care of 7 dogs".
Profit isn't a guaranteed thing, it is a potential. There are also alot of other potentials - disputes between 7 dogs that you'll have to referee and perhaps set up a routine for keeping certain dogs separated which you would definitely have to figure out anyways when any of the females go into heat.
What is most important is your peace of mind as well as your family's as well as the well-being of all the dogs. Having 7 highly energetic dogs, although small they may be, will add alot of hustle & bustle to your daily routine. And if she is willing to give you breeding rights and if you decide to breed that also gives you the worries that go along with that. She said she would take care of all vet bills for the 3 but are you sure that is all inclusive - what if one gets injured while in your care - would that be your financial burden?
Unless you are 100% certain that you want to take on the responsibility of a total of 7 dogs I would pass on it.
You are not responsible for her dream job. I think if it was her dream job she'd figure out a way to bring all of her dogs with her. If on the other hand, it was a temporary set-up until she could work out all the arrangements that might be another story. And it is very unfair of her to be upset with you! Don't let her "guilt" you into doing something you don't really want to do. Perhaps your mom would be willing to take on 3 dogs for her if she feels it is such a terrific idea.
Very good advice, Denise. If it hadn't been prt's I don't think it would be so bad, but I don't know your home situation all that well either, oasis. Probably better to just pass, I guess. But if you think you can handle 7 prt's, if it's just till she gets some arrangements where she's moving, then go for it. But, I know terriers, especially prt's can definitely be a HUGE handfull. Just go with your gut instinct. It will serve you better than to let her guilt you into doing something you don't really want to do. jmho
Two dogs are two dogs; three or more dogs are a pack. A pack is an organism with a life of its own. You're in for a great deal of adjustment when you get the two dogs you're planning on getting. Living with seven dogs would drive most people crazy, even if all of the dogs got along. When that many dogs get wound up, they don't hear well, and they don't notice when they crash into you. I happen to enjoy that kind of commotion (I live and work in a no-crate kennel), and if you enjoy it, too, then taking in the breeder's dogs would be a kind thing to do. However, you should not forsake your sanity because the breeder wants a favor, a very large favor, breeding rights or not. If living with seven dogs will make you miserable, then you shouldn't take in the breeder's dogs.
You also shouldn't feel guilty for turning down the breeder's request. YOU are not costing her the dream job. When she decided to keep those dogs, she made a tacit promise to them to be their guardian for the rest of their lives, not to be their guardian until they became inconvenient.
__________________
"Thought is an invisible and subtle power that mocks all the efforts of tyranny." Alexis de Tocqueville
Learn how to use kennels, and x-large cages. If you can organise yourself, the standard of living is considerably higher for the dogs. When I have "dog money" it belongs to them, they get the best, most expensive foods, and all the toys and treats, and vet care that they could ask for. Me, I live on a poverty level, I buy nothing for myself, my clothes, car are ancient, my rent paid by me, my food is less than $5.a day.
-- Edited by Kittys Mom at 01:23, 2005-03-03 If you are not willing to be professional about it, I would stick to one dog...
Kittys-mom, i just read your post. What do you mean by being professional about it? I don't want my dogs in a kennel situation. I want them to have free reign of the house like we do. I grew up my whole life with my mom having a kennel and i hated seeing the dogs in cages. Seemed too sad. I don't want that so if i took all of the dogs, they'd be all over the house.
Thanks protodog, your comments made a lot of sense.
Maybe you can try it on a trial basis. Also, she must understand that although she trusts you, you are not the only option for her. She can always place these dogs in other suitable homes. If she wants this job bad enough, she just may have to give up her breeding program altogether. Sounds like the decision is on her - not you.
If she is already telling you that you are responsible for her losing her dream job then I see this as a person who cannot accept responsibility for their own actions. Thats not someone you want to go into a partnership with. If I took the dogs, they would be mine. She wouldn't have any rights to them. Too much potential for trouble down the road.
"Thought is an invisible and subtle power that mocks all the efforts of tyranny." Alexis de Tocqueville
