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SarahLovesJS

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Hi all! DH and I are at a crossroads so I thought I''d get your insight/opinions. We live in a really nice, updated apartment right now and love pretty much everything about it except we can''t have pets. So..we''re contemplating moving to a different apartment complex and getting a puppy if we can afford it (want to check the budget first). I know how much it costs to take care of a dog and how to take care of a dog, I always had dogs growing up. Annnd I know puppies take A LOT of everything time, attention, money, care, etc. So I am factoring that in as well. Sorry if this is long. So here are the pro''s and cons!

New apt Pro''s:
-Rent is over $150 cheaper a month
-Puppy!!!
-Bigger master bedroom
-Location isn''t so bad we can''t handle it, it is still pretty convenient for both of us..just a bit more crowded
-Better resident activities
-Two pools instead of just one
-Probably quieter since it''s on a bit more secluded road
-More developed, established
-More homey feeling
-Has a patio

New apt Con''s:
-Don''t know the office staff as well as I do here so don''t know how nice they are
-Finishes (light fixtures, kitchen, etc.) are not as nice
-Appliances are not anywhere near as nice and we LOVE our appliances
-Smaller master bath..we LOVE our bathroom
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-Location is a little bit less ideal than our current one
-No covered parking (would have to pay over $100 a month for it..not doing that)
-More developed also means more crowded
-MOVING..omg. Not excited about that process.
-Would want to pay for security system because of the patio
-Would have to drive to the places we walk to now to eat out

Our apartment Pro''s:
-Location is a bit better
-Newer, better finishes
-Nicer appliances
-Covered parking!
-Within walking distance of where we like to eat out
-Bigger bathroom
-Better building security overall
-We do love our apartment..

Our apartment Con''s:
-No puppy
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-More expensive
-Smaller bedroom
-Not quite as homey feeling
-Can''t paint or make changes

Soooo what do you think? Thank you!
 
Puppy! Puppy! Puppy!

Nothing beats the companionship and happiness that a pet provides, let alone the health benefits (i.e. taking the dog for a walk and reduced stress and blood pressure!)

Plus, who doesn''t like saving a $150/month!?!?!?
 
I would vote on puppy....but saying that I will say this....

I love dogs and cats...I have two cats right now and everyday they do something crazy and I say to myself, "Why!!!???"

Today I get an email from my husband while I''m at work to let me know that one of our cats has figured out how to jump on top of the fridge and he knocks everything off the top...he did it when I was home and managed to open the freezer....WHY!!!! WHY did we get two cats!!!


But not a lot beats when they snuggle up to me and lick my nose...lol

Plus cheaper rent...how can you say no to that!
 
Do you both work during the day?? I would vote for puppy hands down but there isn''t anything worse than a puppy left alone all day in an apartment. Puppies whine, pee and bark--not a good way to make friends with your new neighbors.

But if you are going to be around to raise the puppy I''d go for the lower rent and cute puppy!
 
Thank you everyone! To answer swingirl's question, hubby will be working, but I will be home for the first few months. After that I go back to law school in August, so my Mom is willing to come over and let the puppy out half-way through the day if I can't build my schedule where I would be able to come home and take the puppy out, feed him/her, and have a play session.

E.T.A. I haven't said anything on PS about this really, but recently I was diagnosed with anxiety that has led to depression. I talked to my doctor today and he thinks getting a puppy would be very therapeutic.
 
Well ... I vote puppy. But don''t count on *spending* that $150 a month on anything but that puppy! Agree about the schedule thing though ... will one of you be working at home or close enough to come home for lunch, walks etc. Or will you have a dog walker? CAREFULLY consider the type of dog that would be best for your living arrangements and lifestyle. High energy would be a disaster in a small apartment w/o much company.

Have you considered kittens? Two to keep each other company? An option for first time pet getters. Does your current apartment allow cats? (That''s what happened to me -- my apartment allowed cats but not dogs, so I had cats only until I bought my house).
 
Hmmm deco, our current apt doesn''t allow cats either.
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We''re in the "no animals no allergens" section essentially..lol. But I think we could move to a different unit, in the same complex and at least get a cat. Are there any types of cats that cause fewer allergic reactions? My allergies are horrible!
 
PUPPY!!!!

As if I would ever choose anything over a new puppy.
 
I vote for 2 kitty cats too! That way you can get the therapeutic benefits and not worry so much about your schedule. I would think that a short haired cat would be better for allergies. There are hairless breeds you might want to look into.
 
Puppy. Only I'd say an adult dog. Ours were about 2 when we adopted them and they were so much easier to train and deal with then a puppy. But they still had the cute puppy playfulness and interest in life. Just less energy! Although they didn't have that cuddly cute puppiness going on...

Also, I'm sacrificing our privacy and saving $600 a month by moving in with my dad, and one of the major reasons for the move is so the dogs will have a yard.
 
I''d go with the puppy, only I''d get an older one. I don''t know what kind of dog you''re considering, but if it''s a small breed (which can be very apt friendly), they still feel like a puppy even when they''re not. When we got our dog, he had just turned 1 and was completely house broken. It was great. All the feel of the puppy and none of the work that came along with it!
 
We did this! When we moved we didn''t have a lot of time to look around and were just starting out, so money was an issue, so we took an apartment that didn''t allow pets. A year later we moved to a townhouse in the same complex just so we could get a dog!

I would definitely say puppy, unless you might be moving again any time in the near future (like buying a house, starting a family, etc.). If you plan to do any of that in the next 4-5 years, maybe wait on the puppy.
 
Sarah, coming from a dog lover, I say puppy! They''re good for the soul. Just a few words of advice - our dog expenses are far more than we ever thought. Our dog has allergies and is on prescription food that cost us about $175 a month.
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This, of course, is in addition to our normal doggie expenses. We lived in a dog friendly rental prior to buying our house a year ago and the downside is that A LOT of dog owners in these communities are really inconsiderate. To put it bluntly, there is dog poop everywhere! So - just scope out the area.

Out of curiosity - what kind of dog are you considering? Do tell!
 
Another vote for a pet!

Though I agree with the others that the $150 you save on the apt. will now be going to the pup (plus more!), even sans the dog walker. I agree with Deco that there should be lots and lots of research before you make a decision! It sounds like your heart is guiding you towards the pup :)
 
Puppy or Kittens!! I don''t know much about different cat breeds but I''d definitely get one with short hair if you''re worried about allergies.
 
for someone with two dogs in a nice apt. I''d vote updated apartment (unless it''s a teacup puppy). I looove our doggies but our "puppy" who is now almost 3 yrs. old was, and still kinda is, so destructive. Our beautiful real hardwood floors are all scratched up from the dogs'' nails, moulding''s been chewed up, downstairs neighbors have complained once or twice about the noise one of her hard toys made on the floor (we try to lay rugs in as many places as possible to keep this from happening, but it still does...) Also, we''ve had accidents on our rugs and had to invest in a lot of pet cleaning product (and the smell still isn''t quite right).

I love our dogs, but if I were to do it again, I would have waited to purchase a puppy until I was in a house with a yard.

good luck with your decision!!
 
PUPPY!

I''m biased because I truly think my pets saved my sanity, but there is nothing quite so heartwarming as some furbaby cuddles when you get home after a tough day...or an easy day...or any day, really.
 
I''d also think about (as I''m sure you have) what size dog you''d like to have. Also, would you ideally need a fenced backyard? We bought a condo (1000+ sq. ft) a few years ago and we really wanted a dog. We wanted a Wheaten Terrier, still do, but we realized that it wouldn''t be the best situation because our place was small and we didn''t have our own yard. We opted to get 2 kitties, and we''re very happy. We''ll get a dog someday...

Anyway, I just thought I''d throw that out there.
 
older dog, new apt
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I wouldn't want to leave a puppy at home alone all day.. ours ate the walls. Like, literally bit chunks out of the corners. Now he's never home alone all day anymore!


If you're planning on moving a few times, relocating, etc. perhaps hold off on the dog, though, and consider a kitten? We currently have three cats and we're definitely in for trouble when we move, unless we can buy a house.
 
Wow everyone, thank you so much for all your comments! A lot of good insight e.g. hadn''t thought about unanticipated costs like $175 food! I was thinking like what my parents pay which is around $17 per bag. Anyway, we will keep thinking it over and researching, researching, researching! We''re thinking about getting a Bichon (I always had Bichons growing up), so I know they have some issues with training and separation anxiety so it would be really important for them to have playtime and potty time during the day. Anyway, thanks everyone!!
 
I would vote puppy every time. I adopted a five-year-old pug recently, and he has been a joy. And my Boston terrier is seven, plays fetch for an hour a day, and often accompanies me out jogging. Small dogs maintain their energy levels for many, many years, so you don''t necessarily need a pup.

I would definitely figure in the cost of a walker/doggie daycare. People do it, but I would never leave a dog home alone all day.
 
Date: 3/10/2010 6:24:42 PM
Author: ZoeBartlett
I''d also think about (as I''m sure you have) what size dog you''d like to have. Also, would you ideally need a fenced backyard? We bought a condo (1000+ sq. ft) a few years ago and we really wanted a dog. We wanted a Wheaten Terrier, still do, but we realized that it wouldn''t be the best situation because our place was small and we didn''t have our own yard. We opted to get 2 kitties, and we''re very happy. We''ll get a dog someday...

Anyway, I just thought I''d throw that out there.
I agree with Zoe. I love puppies and would also love to have one, but my current space and work conditions just aren''t fair for the puppy. My DH and I also live in a condo (about 1150 sq ft.), and while that is a decent size for a puppy, there are lots of other things to think about, like Zoe mentioned. For example, when you start to potty train, puppies need to be taken out like every two hours. If you are in a condo, not only is it a hassle to go down the elevator/stairs everytime to take it out, but in the event of an "emergency pee", the treck to the grass may be a little too long. Also, how long are you and your DH away from home during the week? Most days, my DH and I are gone 9-10 hours a day. I wouldn''t want to leave a puppy alone that long, even with a 30 minute break in between. We have neighbors with dogs who are left alone in crates all day, and I just feel so bad for them. Also, I know you mentioned you would be home to take it out during the day, but what about the other 8-9 hours they are locked up in the house alone?

My vote would be for a pair of kitties. No potty training needed, no worries about chewing moulding or peeing on the carpet, and no having to walk/run them. Cats are solitary enough to take care of themselves, but can be sweet and curl up with you on the sofa/bed. (In fact, they can be bed hogs too
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)

That being said, there are plenty of shelter puppies who need homes and plenty of people have puppies in condos. So, if that is what you choose to do, just make sure you make it as pleasant as possible for the puppy.

Good luck!
 
Date: 3/9/2010 11:54:40 PM
Author: SarahLovesJS
Hmmm deco, our current apt doesn't allow cats either.
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We're in the 'no animals no allergens' section essentially..lol. But I think we could move to a different unit, in the same complex and at least get a cat. Are there any types of cats that cause fewer allergic reactions? My allergies are horrible!
Yes, there are cats that are considering more hypo-allergenic than others. Not to see they are free of allergens, but more so. They produce less of the protein in their saliva that is what causes allergic reactions. It's not the fur itself that people are allergic to. It's the protein in their spit, they then clean themselves and it's left all over the house on their hair. Devons produce significantly less of the protein.

Devon Rex

ETA: If a dog is what you want, a cat will not be a happy substitute. We happen to have a cat/dog (a cat, who is certain he is a dog) but they aren't many that have the kind of personality we got lucky to find. If you're a cat person, they're a better solution to apartment/condo style living, but they will never be like a dog. You can't take them to the park, or to the pet store for treats, they're less happy to ride in the car on trips, etc. My cat, loves all those things (again, he's a 'dog') and we take him to picnics and to Petsmart and on vacation, etc.

Just follow your heart. I'm also for going for an 'adult' dog that is 1-3 years old and be through a large part of the 'puppy' phase of needing to go out every few hours and housebreaking. My FF and I are closing on our first house in May and we're looking at breed specific rescues so we can get the breed we want without the cost of going through a breeder, going through a rescue and saving a pet who would otherwise not have a home, and not have to deal with housebreaking and night time walks, etc.

I don't know where you live, but google for Bichon Frise rescue organizations. You should be able to find one that will make your heart sing.
 
I would also say an older dog. We have rehomed two older breeding girls who have finished their usefulness. I have to say that Maggie our new one is a bit of a barker if she thinks she is home alone. That might cause a problem with our neighbours but hopefully she will settle in and realise its ok to be at home with Blossom our other dog. I don''t intend on leaving them alone too much anyway.

I love having my pets. I have had depression and anxiety too and they really are theraputic.
 
If you''re having heath concerns, and your physician thinks a pet is a good idea, can you get him to write a note for a companion animal? Most apartment complexes have to allow companion animals in the same way they''d have to allow for service dogs. Not sure what the requirement swould be in your area, but then you could have the upgrades and the pet.

I do think a cat might be better for apartment living though. We have 3 cats and 1 dog, the cats are much easier to care for, and don''t mind living in small spaces. They also cost much less. My dog has allergies too, and the food is outragous!
 
Thank you again so much everyone for all of the info and suggestions! We''re still researching and processing, but I think we''re leaning toward moving because at the very least it will save us some money every month and that''s always a plus, right?
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We do want to get a house eventually, so the less money we throw away on rent the better.
 
i have to throw in another vote for the pup! i am a little biased because i have two of them, but really.. there is nothing like a cold, wet nose on your cheek when you''re trying to sleep :)
 
Gee. I guess I'm in the minority here, but I'd wait on the puppy. From what I've read, it doesn't seem like the right time at all. Puppies are cute, but I think of getting a dog as something you do when you are more established with work, living situation, money... especially if you have to bring in your mom to help out. It might not end up being fair to the dog if things become stressful rather than therapeutic.

It's your call, but if it were me I'd wait. $150 a month cheaper rent is a drop in the bucket compared to some other expenses you'd potentially be looking at.
 
Maybe I''m crazy or missing something here, but my two dogs don''t cost me anywhere close to $150 a month. One of them is on a medication, and of course food and vet costs every 6 months, but still doesn''t average to $150 a month. Sure, emergencies might come up and such, but I don''t think most owners of pets would be in a position to spend $200+ per month on animal care. Only emergency we''ve had is when my dog got a gash in his side from a tree branch and needed surgery.

Anyways, best of luck! I vote puppy.
 
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