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Post by Think Pigeon on Apr 22, 2012 7:41:16 GMT
Hi everyone,
A few years ago a friend of mine wanted to get a dog but he was concerned that he and his partner worked full time. So he advertised in his local village mag for a family, couple or individual interested in a sharing arrangement. 11 people responded and they chose a family with children who had interests that took them away every weekend. The dog mad mam of the family had some health issues and so was around all day. Both families chose the dog (a rescue called Molly who looks like our Chad). The families made a clear agreement before this. My friends pay for food and all vet bills etc and if they ever were to move away the dog would go with them. But they have no intension of doing so and the arrangement has worked brilliantly for years. Molly gets three good walks a day, loads of love and play from young people and a lovely calm home at evenings and weekends. She's a fit and happy dog.
I could see problems arising with a less formal arrangement that wasn't thought through properly but this sort of deal, if well managed, could increase the number of people in a position to adopt couldn't it?
What do you think folks? Have you tried it? Is it an idea we could promote to others?
Denise xx
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Post by Jo on Apr 22, 2012 9:13:24 GMT
That's a really interesting idea!
You're right. Many people choose not to have a dog as they go away a lot on weekends and going on holiday, and others due to working full time. If a match can be made whereby two families' commitments worked in exact opposite to each other, it could work out, as your friends have shown.
It could get complicated I suppose when tough decisions have to be made, such as moving away, but maybe something can be written up and decided in advance in some sort of contract?
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Post by Kara Collie-Cross on Apr 22, 2012 11:56:54 GMT
I think it's something that could work really well for some people and in some situations.
But personally I struggle with the idea of someone else having input in what or how soon my dog would receive vets treatment, what she gets fed, how she is trained etc.
Also what if the other party does something, like their kids lets your dog run across the road and it gets run over... Could you forgive them?
I don't think it's for me.
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Post by Think Pigeon on Apr 22, 2012 15:39:41 GMT
Hi Jo and Conny, Yes, I think it would only work for some people in some situations, but as my friend's situation shows, it can work well for some folk. I posted because I'd forgotten about his arrangement until he mentioned it yesterday and it isn't something you hear about very often. I can imagine a partnership of energetic working people and older person at home all day working well. If everything is agreed and understood in advance. I've found the stress of finding the right dog (and getting it spectacularly wrong) bad enough - I think I'd take forever to find the right family to work with as well. But not everyone makes as much as a meal out of things as me, thankfully!  |
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ellie
Junior Friend
Posts: 58
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Post by ellie on Apr 22, 2012 16:10:35 GMT
Are you going to have another go with a CDH dog, Denise? I really hope so - you and Fliss work so hard to get everything right!  |
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Post by Kara Collie-Cross on Apr 22, 2012 16:28:04 GMT
I think it can work if all the rules are set out straight from day one. For example, I could see something working where it's very clear that party 1 own the dog, make all the major decisions that party 2 have to abide by, and party 2 effectively provide doggie day care and have canine company for most of the day during the week, with none of the responsibility for cost, vets etc. I could see that sort of thing working for a lot of people. So for example you drop off your dog on the way to work, dog has fun with family somewhere all day, pick up dog on way home after work and it's your dog for the weekend etc. Like a day care arrangement without paying as both parties feel they benefit. But personally I'm funny about the "joint parenting"... for me it would be more like getting a nanny.  I mean my other half barely gets a look in... I know we say she's "our" dog, but he full well knows she's MINE! ;D |
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Post by skye on Apr 22, 2012 17:13:20 GMT
Haha I know what you mean, me and the other half have joint bank accounts, joint mortgage etc BUT Still yet the spaniels are MY dogs, the collie is HIS. All decisions re: the dog are made accordingly, even though we both happily walk play and cuddle all dogs equally  Maybe we are co parenting just in the same house?! |
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Post by Think Pigeon on Apr 22, 2012 17:15:35 GMT
Kara is SO loved. It's fab.
Ellie - we're not ruling it out but really, really want to get it right this time. I wanted to adopt an adult/adolescent dog because, well, there are so many lovely ones and the little pups tend to fly out. But we are wondering if a very young puppy is the way forward. Maybe one of Missy's. I'm concentrating on the Snoopster for now. Mind you, have you seen Angel? She might be joining the Snoop Loop too. As the song goes, 'Ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have fallen in love with?'... Xx
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Post by Think Pigeon on Apr 22, 2012 17:18:07 GMT
Skye, that sounds like a good arrangement!
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Post by skye on Apr 23, 2012 5:01:03 GMT
Think: glad its not put you off! The right pooch up pup will come along!
We now have a great situ when he used to shout 'look what YOUR spaniel has done' now he as to add to the end 'cool original flavoured' or 'tangy cheese' ( which means thyme dog or jake dog)!!
Teehee
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