farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 7:09 PM |
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i just got off the phone with my mom
she doesn't think getting a puppy is a very good idea. that i should wait until i have a house with a yard, that she won't be happy since i'm working all the time (i get home at 2-3pm?! ) and the neighbors won't like me because of all the barking, and that i'll lose my cleaning deposit... the list goes on and on...
i'm just not sure what to do  i think i'd be able to handle everything just fine... but everyone else doesn't think so
should i be rethinking this?
sorry, needed to vent... what do you guys think? |
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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Baileydukedavis
Terrier Terror
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| 09/07/2008 7:37 PM |
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| well I know you are really really really excited about getting a pup.....but how long will it be before you get a house and yard?? The barking thing is an issue but it should only be a few weeks until your rattie gets used to the new enviorment. When are you thinking about getting your new baby?? |
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"If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either." - Unknown
Bailey Duke Tazman Davis, Sydney Grace Davis and Chance Tazman Davis. |
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winnihoohoo
Bratty Ratty
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| 09/07/2008 7:37 PM |
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OMG! You have been planning this for, like, ever! Now you are going to let others talk you out of it! If you are living on your own, and are an adult, it is time to make adult decisions...Moms, and Dads, usually have a habit of talking their children out of things, because they want them, to stay a kid forever, in their mind at least...My 24 year old son, is in the Navy, and has had his Husky, for 3 years. He has done everything he can to keep her. Even when he was overseas, his roomates took care of her. He is living in an apartment, now, that allows dogs, just so he could keep her, when he was re-stationed in Maryland from Virginia. Yes, a dog is a great responsibility, and should not be taken on lightly. |
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Daxter
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 7:39 PM |
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How about getting an older dog that already house train instead of a puppy?
I know you want a puppy because it's cute and also you can train them since they are little and watch them grow, but puppy needs constant attention. I think if you have a puppy, they need to be around you all the time. I had a puppy one time when I live in a cottage in Bali and they cried out loudly when you left them. And he end up running away because he doesn't bond with me and live with someone else.
I work all day too and I live in a condo, but I have a 4 years old rattie from Ratbone. In the beginning he got a separation anxiety too when I left him, but I train him so now he understand that when I go I will be back.
I would reconsider having a puppy if you work long hours. Just my 2 cents but you know your situation better Ashley, so in the end you do what is best for you. Good luck! |
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Monica & Daxter |
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mphillips
Ratterific
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| 09/07/2008 7:40 PM |
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How long have you been living on you're own? My ratty mix barks a lot and they seem to be known for that. At least you're thinking ahead and considering all the potential problems. If you do go with one, I would definitely check with the apartment people and invest in a kennel and carpet shampooer Good luck! |
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 7:53 PM |
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| i've been living out of my parent's house for about a year. and even though we're in 2 different states, they still constantly try to tell me what i should and shouldn't do (it's frustrating) . when i first mentioned getting a puppy months ago they didn't say anything really, must've thought i was "kidding" or something... i dunno... but now that it's getting closer (less than a month!) they're freaking out and think that i'm being stupid. they think a dog needs a yard to stay in or they will rip up the house and don't think she'd be happy. i don't see myself getting a house for at least a few years... but i thought that they would be fine as long as i take her for a walk and play with her and stuff... i've spent so much time, money, etc. on this, and want her really bad. i just want her to be happy too... |
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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ivy
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/07/2008 7:57 PM |
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| I don't know if a rethink is in order but I would make sure to plan on spend just about all your "free" time doing training and socializing to make sure she turns out to be the greatest puppy in the world!! It does require alot of time to make a dog into what you want it to be, If you are committed to her everything will be great if you don't put the time in to training and socializing it could be heart breaking after the big lead up you have gotten. |
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k_dmom33
Terrier Terror
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| 09/07/2008 8:12 PM |
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| I just got my puppy last wednesday. They are a lot of work, but if you are willing to invest your free time in to her then she will be ok. My sister has a dog and would crate her all day then come home for a minute then go out with friends half the night. That wasnt fair. too many hours away. She quite doing that now. But if you can invest the time, I dont see why not! I have to get up at LEAST once in the middle of the night to take Willy out to potty.(I dont want to train on potty pads). I work all day 8-5 and my kids are back in school and my husband also works. I crate him during the day and I am lucky to work close to home so I come home at lunch and spend the whole hour with him outside. Then the kids get home by 3 so he's only crated about 5-6 hours (with a break). He does cry in his crate. I also dont work on fridays, saturdays, or sundays. We watch him DILIGENTLY so he doesnt develop bad habits like sneaking off to do his business. Once you are past the potty training it will be fine. That is the hardest. As for having a yard, Jack (my rattie) would rather be inside with us, and when he is outside I never leave him out there alone anyway. If you walk her daily so she gets excersize, work hard on training her then I no reason not to get a puppy. But like someone else suggested here, maybe think about getting an older puppy. |
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~~Teresa~~ |
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Baileydukedavis
Terrier Terror
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| 09/07/2008 8:13 PM |
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| Go for it girlie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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"If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either." - Unknown
Bailey Duke Tazman Davis, Sydney Grace Davis and Chance Tazman Davis. |
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 8:21 PM |
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i think everything will be fine. i've been looking forward to this and preparing for a long time.
thank you so much
sorry for the minor freakout... my mom just really knows how to get under my skin sometimes lol |
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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Baileydukedavis
Terrier Terror
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| 09/07/2008 8:26 PM |
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| dont feel bad. Mine is the same way. Just do what you think is right Your heart will lead you in the right direction |
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"If your dog doesn't like someone you probably shouldn't either." - Unknown
Bailey Duke Tazman Davis, Sydney Grace Davis and Chance Tazman Davis. |
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treble02
Alpha Feist
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| 09/07/2008 8:30 PM |
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| I dont have a yard...and I have THREE ratties!! as far as the barking goes, Skippy is a bit of a barker, when he hears a strange noise...but my other two aren't...at all!!...I think it depends ya know? Mine are crated when I am at work and sleep with me when I am asleep...We got Toa at 12 weeks and Michael was away at school. Toa was crated from 7:30-5 everyday with one break (my lunch break) I think he had maybe one accident in his crate? anyway...I am trying to ease your worries....if you're committed and going to put the TIME in and be RESPONSIBLE, then yes, by all means...but if you think you may get easily annoyed or your social life is coming first right now, then maybe its not the right time....I hope thats doesn't sound snotty, thats not how i mean it...I just know how many evenings and weekend trips i have had to decline or cut short for the pups....worth it, but yes a commitment! GO FOR IT...we've been WAITING YA KNOW? |
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~ Mary, Trixi and Toa's Mommy,
Ratbone Rescues Database Manager
and Applications Coordinator
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singingpilgrim
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 8:37 PM |
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Glad you were able to calm down... maybe your mom's warnings will just help you prepare better? Maybe some good will come out of the "minor freak out"...
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Pamela
~Sophia Abigail's Mom~
Ratbones Rescue Volunteer |
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Caesar & Julia's mom
Alpha Feist
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| 09/07/2008 8:45 PM |
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| I agree with Mary~ puppies take up a lot of time, and not only puppies...I still walk my 2 ratties (who are 1 1/2 and 3yrs.) and play with them... Have to be home at certain times to let them out, can't just pick up and go! They are like having kids...having a pet is a huge responsilbility...I believe it can be done, its just up to you. You need to commit and if you're willing to, then I don't think you should let anyone talk you out of it. You can do it!! |
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Diane~ loved by Caesar and Julia
"Don't count the days, make the days count..."
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 8:47 PM |
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haha, moms... 
thanks for all of your encouragment guys, it means so much.
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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michelle_custer
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/07/2008 8:48 PM |
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| i think you should keep going with what you have planned already trust me on this one. my mom was freakin out when i moved outta state for 3 years after high school like one month after graduation you seem to be doing just fine know with out mom so i think youd be a good rattie mom and trust me the barking is only a minor problem there good dogs and they know when to be quiet you shouldnt have any problems with your puppy. have you got any new pics of her yet ? |
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My Rats are my babies and I wouldnt trade them for anything in the world
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 8:54 PM |
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http://imageevent.com/spursnspokes/ratterriers/gillyspuppies
here's the breeder's link
she hasn't posted any new pics for a week or so... but their eyes are open! |
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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michelle_custer
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/07/2008 8:57 PM |
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| those are some really cute puppies i bet your excitied |
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My Rats are my babies and I wouldnt trade them for anything in the world
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 9:01 PM |
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oh yeah! (minus the freakout lol it seems so silly now that i've had some time to calm down  ) |
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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winnihoohoo
Bratty Ratty
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| 09/07/2008 9:02 PM |
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Which one are you thinking about getting? 
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/07/2008 9:09 PM |
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well i have to wait until she has them evaluated at 8 weeks because she wants the top pick of the litter
i'm so impatient! it's so hard to stay impartial lol i kinda already have my eye on the high red girly |
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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mphillips
Ratterific
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| 09/07/2008 9:51 PM |
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| What got you here? You've obviously put a lot of thought into this. Were you raised with Rat Terriers? |
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lynnygal
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 09/08/2008 1:50 AM |
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Well, I think a dog is a big responsibility. Sounds like you understand the time commitment and the effort you are going to put forth for the pup. It's a big commitment, but you reap such great rewards by having a companion. I would encourage you to move forward with your plans and just know that your folks are just trying to give you a reality check before you make a big time commitment/purchase..... Puppies are cute and adorable, but they are lots of work and time and money and they don't potty train overnight....so you gotta know that going in so you are ready! Good luck....I am sure you'll do great!
Lynn |
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--------------------- lynnygal --------------------------------- |
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jojo4383
Rattie
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| 09/08/2008 7:05 AM |
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| I know your mom thinks she's looking out for your best interests, but don't listen to her!! My parents tried to do the same thing when I told them I was getting a dog. Now they love her and they see how happy she makes me. I also live in an apartment, and it's not that bad. Of course Lucie would love to have a yard to run around in (and hopefully she will someday!), but I just take her outside A LOT. She's not a barker either, so I lucked out there. You are obviously up to this responsibility and recognize it and you have done a lot of planning for it, so I think you should go through with it. Prove to your mom that you are an adult and capable of making good decisions!! |
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Joanna - Lucie's Mom |
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maggiew607
Terrier Terror
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| 09/08/2008 9:47 AM |
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Look, I got my first rattie a little over a year ago, and she is an apartment dog. At the time I got her, it was just me, and it was my responsibility all on my own. I have a full-time job and other commitments, but I also knew that making time to make sure she was happy and healthy was a top priority. Puppies do take work, you have to get them on a schedule,get yourself on a schedule, and you are responsible for a living breathing thing. But, the second that puppy snuggles close to you and falls asleep on your lap, it pays off. Having a dog in an apartment myay be a bit challenging, but nothing that you can't handle. Even potty training wasn't that big of an issue (except for the stairs at 5 am...lol), and mine pup is very happy and has become my baby. We loved having our pup so much, that a few months ago, we added another apartment dog. It still isn't an issue. My advice though is invest in a steam cleaner, even a mini one because pups will make a mess in some form or fashion. And the barking thing will work itself out. My Angus was a howler when we forst got him, but none of our neighbors said they could hear him at all.
The bottom line is you haven't just rushed into this. You've done your research, you've weighed the pros and cons and you have really thought about it. I think your making the right decision for you, and this puppy will be worth it, so very worth it. |
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**Maggie, Mom to CoCo and Angus**
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farmergurlyo
Ratastic
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| 09/08/2008 8:13 PM |
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thanks guys i know this is the right decision and they'll come to love her too (i mean who could say no to big puppy eyes?! )
the breeder just posted some more puppy pictures! <3 i'll put a link in the photo section
4 weeks old!!! 
dunno what i was thinking... |
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Ashley~
mommy to rattie kairi |
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tauney4
Pack Leader
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| 09/08/2008 9:34 PM |
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| i hope you dont think i am being mean or rude or something i can see your parents point and your point. but i agree with daxter what about an older rattie? a puppy has alot of time involved and takes alot and with you working you wont be able to house train it as fast or well enough!!!!! jmop |
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