Dog for two wheelchair users

Mental Mickey

Hi All,

What are people's thoughts on a cockapoo?

Mental Mickey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121992901#Comment_121992901

Anyone?

HeidiHeidi

A cockapoo is a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, both very intelligent and energetic dogs (particularly the spaniel bit).

While I don't profess to be an expert on either (or crosses), that dog is going to take a lot of stimulation and exercise to keep them happy and sane. Can you commit to providing that? From previous posts you both seem to have a lot of other commitments, and I thought you had conceded that your lifestyles didn't really suit dog ownership? (open to correction on that).

Mental Mickey

Just seen another dog for adoption from a place near me. Gorgeous little cockapoo:-)

Dial Hard

My thoughts are the same as they were the last time you posted about a dog, and the time before that too: you're simply not in a position right now to be a dog owner. I'm sorry to keep saying this, because it's clear you really, really want a dog. But wanting a dog just isn't enough. There's a line I break out all the time in so many scenarios because it's applicable to so much: Maybe the question I should be asking myself isn't "Can I?", but "Should I?".

Mental Mickey

My Wife is now permanent in her job.

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123720855#Comment_123720855

That's fantastic for her. Genuinely. But what else has changed in your circumstances that makes you think you're in a position to be viable, responsible dog owners? Because I've just re-read this whole thread and your continued response to people gently probing your suitability to have a dog and asking genuine questions/giving really helpful advice has been a series if one-word answers and vague hand-waving in the 'We're sure it will be fine" direction.

I've been quite circumspect in my previous responses to this thread, OP, out of a genuine wish to be respectful of you and your wife's disabilities, but I really think you need to ask yourself - and honestly answer - the following questions:

1. Can you actually afford a dog? The initial outlay ofadoption/purchase fee/bedding/toys/vaccinations/microchipping/licence/leads/harnesses/bowls, etc?
2. Can you afford the ongoing expense of owning a dog? Food, treats, vet visits, boarding/sitting if required???
3. Are you in a position to walk or have someone walk the dog for a bare minimum of 30 minutes a day, ideally twice a day? This is completely separate/in addition to playing with/exercising the dog in your back garden.
4. How are you going to clean up after the dog?
5. Is the dog going to be left at home alone for more than 4-5 hours a day?
6. What happens when you go on holidays again, or someone's kids need minding?

You need to sit down with your wife and answer all of those questions 100% honestly and with a dog's wellbeing front and centre when you do - not your desire to have one.

Deja Boo

Why are you allowing people on an internet site to dictate whether or not you are "worthy" to get a dog you will love and care for, and one that will love you back? Only you know the answer to that.

Yes, it takes some serious introspection about your own circumstances…. But if we all waited until we were completely prepared for anything, nothing would ever get done. Commit to care for your dog and do what is best for you both - only you can make that decision.

Cock-a-poos are wonderful, was my first dog as a child…. ours may not've been the ideal situation, but we always made it work and took good care of her.

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123720938#Comment_123720938

Because it's not about being "worthy", it's about being able to give a dog the life it needs and deserves. Love isn't enough, unfortunately. As I said in a previous response to the OP, sometimes the question we need to be asking ourselves isn't "Can I?", but "Should I?".

With respect, the OP has been posting about this for 6 years now, and not once has he actually really answered any of the "hard" questions he's been asked about whether dog ownership is realistically for him. Tbh, I'm kind of at the stage where I'm wondering if it's mostly just blue-skying. Either way, the OP is definitely to be commended for not just going out and getting a dog first and asking questions later.

Deja Boo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123720945#Comment_123720945

That's a decision they make for themselves, they know their own circumstances. I live near wheelchair pet owners daily. Discouraging people from a support dog, for 6 years is not a blue sky thing. end of.

Dial Hard

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123720948#Comment_123720948

But they're not looking for a support dog, they're looking for a pet - that's literally in their own words - and one that will require minimal exercise to boot. Even the most couch potato breeds require more than a run around the back garden, which is why we keep ending up back here. Support dogs are a different consideration entirely, in fairness, they're selected, trained (and often bred) for circumstances such as the OP's.

Genuine question, have you actually read the whole thread?

Rubberchikken

We have 2 rescues..rescues in so far as our spaniel turned up at our door Christmas night 4 years ago. Vet said she was roughly 4 months old. She's an absolute beauty but has needed and will continue to feed a lot of daily exercise, which we love.

Our other furry is a jack Russell left on the side of the road by some uncaring miserable bollocks that I can only wish has a lifetime in he'll.

He is the complete opposite of the spaniel. Lazy and laid back and 14 hours sleep a night is absolutely necessary according to him😉 easy to walk just loves pottering about.

All dogs are different. We've been very lucky with ours, maybe the Op just has to be in the right place to finally achieve their wish.