(11-28-2014, 05:07 AM)Happyflowerlady Wrote: Cyber, I can understand about the not being able to give a dog enough exercise because I can't walk long distances any more either. However, my little Chipper is only six lbs, and he is basically an inside dog, and he gets whatever exercise he needs bouncing around in the house, and following me in the yard when I am working outside.
Another possibility would be to adopt an older dog. They aften get abandoned, and then are put to sleep when they go to the dog pound because people are looking for a puppy, and not a ten year old senior dog. They are often wonderful companion dogs, and sometimes, a very good guard dog as well, and since they are older, theyare not up for a lot of exercise either.
Unfortunately my OH is not a dog lover. He did tolerate one when I was able to do all care and walking but he does not so much as want to do a bowl of food for a dog. It is not just the walking it is the poo pick in the back garden which he would never do and I have too many days where even getting out of bed is a challenge - I could not keep the garden clean.
I do hope to reach a stage where I can manage a small dog again but I have to make sure I can cope with everything involved before taking that step. There is also the question of cost - the cats are all covered for vet treatment etc but I could not afford a dog at the moment.