Member

Posts: 75
From:Brewton, AL, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-20-2003 05:47 PM         

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O.K., here's the dilema:

At work, there is this girl - part time worker in the afternoon, and student in the morning - who has just lost her little Chihuahua. She was 15 years old (the doggie) and she went to doggie Heaven. She is grieving for her lost little Chihuahua, but she is so used to cuddle with a little baby in her arms, she would like to have another one. But the problem is she doesn't have the money to get another dog.
Now I know what they say about never getting a puppy for a Christmas present, and I totally agree with that, but I was seriously thinking about doing just that - getting one for her as a Christmas present. I know she loves and spoiles dogs, and I know the puppy would be well taken care of, but I'm just worried about her "little mommy" being away from home for such long hours - school first, and work after that....
What do you all think??

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Member

Posts: 81
From:Santa Maria, Ca.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-20-2003 06:10 PM         

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Hi,
does she live alone or does she live with anyone? that might make the difference. I'm assuming alone or you might have mentioned it. Do you know if school is full time? Maybe she would have help with it, that you don't know about. Maybe you could hint around....sure wish I knew what to tell you, she sounds like she could benefit from another dog. Hope you get the anwers you're looking for. Sincerely, Susan

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Member

Posts: 501
From:
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 11-20-2003 06:12 PM         

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One of the problems I see is that if she doesn't have the money for a dog, how will she care for it? I mean, the cost of buying a dog can be large, but so are vet bills, supplies, shots, spay/neuter, etc. This is something to think about.

It's very kind of you to want to help her. I hope you make the right choice, whatever that may be.

Jamiya

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Member

Posts: 17
From:Yellowknife, NWT, Canada
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-20-2003 06:16 PM         

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Hi dogangel,
I'm just writing from intuition and not from any great dog ownership experience...there are so many sides to your dilemma!! On one hand, you could be a Christmas angel. On the other, you could make your friend sad (i.e. if she's not ready for another dog...although has any bereaved dog owner ever been sad to have a pup in the house?). It seems to me maybe Christmas would be a good time for her to get a new pup if she's home for holidays and could get it kind of used to her & the place. It would be so lonely & confused if she couldn't spend time with it at the beginning! Unless she can get home during the day - at lunch maybe? -until it gets used to her? A rescue dog might be good for her bc maybe it- if it was an older dog-might be a bit more independent at the beginning...but what are your chances of finding a Chihuahua?! (how about a gift certificate & she can decide for herself?) Regardless of what you decide, what a noble sentiment!

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Member

Posts: 585
From:Portland, Oregon US
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 11-20-2003 11:35 PM         

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Hi DogAngel, How about this...I went and looked on PetFinder.com, I just typed in Dog, Chihuahua and AL in the column on the left. I got a huge list of Chi's in need of homes. What if you found a local recsue for Chi's and arranged for a "gift certificate" or made up a personal card that states your Christmas gift will be that you will pay the adoption fee for her. This way, if it's something she cannot do right now, it gives her the chance to say no, if a puppy doesn't fit into her schedule right now...there are plenty of adults needing homes or even a dog thats just past puppyhood but still very young and puppylike. I still think you should make sure that this is something she can handle, and that she would be able to afford it's care before doing anything, but at leaste with this option she can choose the right dog for her.

PS..there is actually a Chi/Border Collie cross on there! I am still laughing! Her name is Frida and she looks adorable and full of it!
http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=2&pet=1988339&adTarget=468doggeneral&SessionID=3fbdbe8e6be73158-app1&display=&preview=1&row=0&tmpl=

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Member

Posts: 75
From:Brewton, AL, USA
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-21-2003 12:02 PM         

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Thanks, guys (well, sorry - gals).
I was going to look for a rescue dog anyway. You may not remember, but all of my six babies are rescues.
And I think I'm going to take everybody's advise, and kind of give Holly a hint of what I'm planning on doing... It will spoil the surprise, but it will benefit both Holly and the baby-to-be.
Maisey, you gotta be a psychic(spell???) or something!!! That ADORABLE Frida is so close to where we are!!!! I think I'm going to show her to Holly when she comes back to work on Monday.
Jamiya, the vet expenses and all the other stuff that puppies need would not be a problem (I think). She is just short of money right now, with all the holidays expenses and all. And she WANTS a new dog.
Thanks for the advises, again...

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