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From: cam@aluxe.UUCP (MASCAVAGE)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: A house dog
Message-ID: <831@aluxe.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Dec-85 18:09:29 EST
Article-I.D.: aluxe.831
Posted: Mon Dec 16 18:09:29 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 17-Dec-85 05:24:31 EST
References: <1305@wucs.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Allentown, PA
Lines: 37

> 
>     I`m interested in getting a dog but would feel very bad about leaving it at
> home (an apartment) all day while I am at school.  Since I'm likely to be 
> single, apartment bound and working for the next decade or so I can't see any
> solution to this problem.  I would have plenty of time for play evenings and
> weekends - it's just daytime I'm worried about.  I'm thinking about a German
> Sheperd or other large but calm dog.  Does anyone have a solution to this
> problem?  I suppose I could take it to the computer lab but I expect people
> might object.  Thanks for any advice you can give!
> 
>     Billy
> -- 


  I would stay away from a puppy of any kind, since they take pretty much
constant training in the beginning, and you will probably end up with
messed up floors &/or chewed up items;you may be able to put up with this,
but the pup might get pretty lonely for a while--missing mommy & all!
Your idea of a larger calmer dog may be the best bet, though I wouldn't
go too extra-large in an avg. size appartment. I've known 4 retriever
type dogs(labrador & golden), and know that they are usually very gentle
and calm. I would also suggest a dog that is a few years old: they tend
to be somewhat trained, alittle calmer, and when they get middle-aged,
they don't mind napping a bit during the day(this is all generally speaking!)

Why don't you take a walk through the local animal shelter and see who
fate calls you to--despite my advice, in most cases you can both adjust!
****This last point I think is worth repeating: go to the shelter first!
There are usually a variety of dogs & cats(some of these may take a liking
to you also?!) there: purebreeds and mixes of all types. Plus most shelters
have a return policy so that if you two really can't get along you may
return the dog. Most importantly, you'll be giving an animal a home
 that really needs it, and also maybe saving a life.



                                         CAM