So I’ve been wanting a little walking buddy lately. Probably a shih tsu mix or something. Something small that has a good personality and is available at the shelter. I’ve never had a dog myself before though and I had a couple of bad experiences with large off leash dogs when I was a small kid (I don’t think I was hurt but I very much do remember being chased and being very afraid) so I find myself still a little nervous around larger dogs I don’t know, especially if that dog is feeling excited or jumpy. A couple of gentler breeds are excepted in my head (golden and labs) and once I get used to a particular dog, I’m perfectly fine. I can leave other situations just fine by myself but I’m here asking for opinions from more experienced dog people. I suppose I’m afraid that having a dog myself would be like a magnet for other dogs while on walks that I might be uncomfortable with or that my being nervous could make a normal meet and greet go poorly. I just don’t want to adopt a dog and wind up putting it in a bad situation by accident. It’s also super common that I see escaped dogs when I’m out for walks by myself and others who walk their dogs without a leash.
Also, to say out loud, I am addressing my dog fears in therapy. It’s just not an instant cure, you know? It’s also possible I am way over thinking this.
Having a dog is a magnet for other dogs on walks. They often want to say hi to each other, sometimes they’re dicks about it.
I have a small dog and it’s a bunch of work. He barks when left alone for too long, needs a walk twice a day. Food, water, vet, meds and I’ll eventually have to get him put down. I like my dog, I’m happy to give him a good life, I’m not planning on getting another.
I’m in the same boat. I have a medium -big dog and I’ve had him for a third of my life. He is my most precious friend and I absolutely treasure him.
But I’m never getting another dog. Not because he’s going to break my heart when he leaves, but because of how much work and money goes into owning a dog.