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Delraypete User is Offline

Posts:1

06/25/2010 5:01 PM
I've been planning on getting a GSP for about the last 8 years, but circumstances haven't really led to that happening. However, I now have a unique situation where I am in graduate school for the next year and am home about 5 days a week. I wanted to see if anyone agreed that this moment in my life would be a great opportunity to get a GSP puppy. I'm 32 years old, married and live in a single family home with a yard and 6' fences. Of course I'll hopefully be going to work on a regular basis in about a year/year and a half, but it seems to me like this would be just about the best opportunity I'll ever have to spend time with and raise a GSP puppy the right way being able to spend plenty of time with it, etc. Thoughts?

everbell

Kanata, ON

MH
Posts:2737

06/25/2010 5:24 PM
my husband and I always say if you wait for the right time you may never do anything in life. If you feel you can balance a puppy and grad school, then by all means. Just bear in mind that there may be another adjustment period when you go back to work. As an aside, we got our first when my FIL was dying of cancer. Was it the best time to make a change? Probably not, but Bo brought us lots of laughs in an otherwsie trying year. We got our second as we were doing renos in the house. Was this the best time to make a change? Probably not, but Shiraz was a super addition to the household (and made losing our first cat this past Christmas a little easier). GSPs are awesome dogs, and if you DO decide to adopt, you'll see what an amazing breed they are. I'm not going to say its always easy, but when they look at you with those eyes, well, it makes it all worth it

Joce and Rich Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs) Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats) The Everbell Adventures

gharner

Middletown, PA

MH
Posts:512

06/26/2010 7:25 AM
If you have the time....now is a GREAT time!!! Some of my friends kind of looked at me odd when I said that I was getting a dog since Im only a freshman in college. When I looked at it, I had all of winter break to spend every moment with the new puppy plus Im living at home and commuting to school for the next 2 years. I figured my college schedule is a much nicer schedule than a work schedule since Im usually only at class for a few hours. It worked out great. The only thing I may suggest is that you spend a bunch of quality time with the pup the first few weeks, but then transition it to be a little more independent. With my pup I spend/spent sooo much time with him that he's not to good at being functioning without me. Spending time with the dog = good, but I think you can even over do it. Good luck!

riley90

SH
Posts:50

06/26/2010 10:36 AM
I say 8 years wanting a dog is a long time. If you want something that bad what are you waiting for? go get it, i love my GSP im 16 years old and ive balanced school, work and competitive sports with raising my dog. But i was 13 when i baught him and now hes 2. It wasnt easy, but i did it. He is my pride an joy and exactly what everbell said, when you look into those hazel eyes, it makes it all worth it! Good luck! i hope to see a post from you soon saying " My new puppy!" chris

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:6748

06/27/2010 11:30 AM
Only you can decide when the time is right. I have three shorthairs and I got my third one as an 8 week old pup when my husband was in the last stages of cancer. I was going to cancel with the breeder, but my husband said no and insisted I get the pup anyway. It was hard, but I have to say when things got very dark in my life, Ringo would always make me laugh and lightened the mood. After my husband passed away, all three of my shorthairs kept me going. They never gave me a chance to get down or regret anything. Today, they are my family, and I don't know what I would do without them. Are they work, you bet, but worth it all. Shorthairs need your time. You may have heard them described as velcro dogs, and there is a reason. They are absolutely happiest when with their people. That does not mean you can't leave them, only that they prefer to be with their people. Just remember in deciding to get a dog it is not just the time you need to invest though, but also the money you invest in food, vet bills, etc. So, if you decide to get a shorthair you can adopt or get a puppy. If you go the puppy route, be sure and find a good breeder and ask lot's of questions. A good breeder will be willing to talk to you as many times as needed and answer questions. They will also have lot's of questions for you. I have become good friends with the breeder of two of my shorthairs and that is how it should be with a good breeder. Good luck in your decision, and post pictures when you finally do get a puppy. : )

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato

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