I so appreciate how you’re questioning your beliefs and meeting your perception of pet ownership with open-mindedness. Dogs are the best!
In my experience, the best thing you can do for them is provide your time and energy, and commit to training them (you certainly don’t need to share a bed with them if you train them that way!). We sadly had to put my partner’s dog of 13 years down last year—several friends have asked if we’re going to get another one but we’ve agreed not right now because he’s enjoying his freedom and I’m too scarred from giving up a dog I had with my ex. But I hope to again someday!
Hi Brenna, Let me know if you have questions about Lagotti! We love our Lagotto Romagnolo, Coco, and she is trained to hunt truffles. She's a lot of work being a high energy breed, but we wanted a dog who'd love to hike with us. My biggest caution would be to select from a breeder who genetically tests - not a random DIY home-breeder - if you don't get from our a pound. The last thing you want is to buy a full bred for love of the breed, but who is sick because of unidentiifed recessive genes in inbreeding. PS no need for dog to sleep in your bed with you at all. And I hate picking up poo
I am loving these dog owners who hate picking up poop and having dogs in the bed. 😂 I didn’t know they were out there. Coco sounds lovely 🥰 maybe I will meet her next time I come to Como!
We have two lagottos in Massachusetts and cannot recommend them enough! My husband and I did not grow up with dogs and these two have absolutely made us better, more patient, and joy-embracing humans. Lagottos are also the perfect size. These curly floofs light up our life!
Aww Kath I love to hear this! I agree on the size, we don't want a dog too small or too big. I am enthused to hear you didn't grow up with a dog and have found love with your two pups.
My husband and I have both always been dog people. (We were adopted by a stray cat once, which we kept saying was ridiculous, but in the end, we invited her in and named her Ridiculous.) As full-time international nomads, we have decided we will no longer share our lives with pets, as it is so complicated when crossing borders. So, when our last beloved dog aged out at nearly 16, we didn't get another. Now we actively, intentionally, wholeheartedly enjoy other people's pets--even those of strangers in the park. It helps.
I also did not grow up around pets (except for an ill-fated pair of turtles and a gazillion goldfishes) so when we got two cats last year I felt like the most inadequate pet owner in the entire universe!! The first week they managed to use my bed as their personal litter three nights in a row, leaving me without any clean blankets in the middle of winter. The anger and resentment I felt on those first days of adjustment convinced me that I was a horrible person who lacked compassion, so I kept all these thoughts to myself, because I didn't want my boyfriend to think poorly of me. After a while I realised that even my boyfriend ( who I consider to be the most generous and selfless person I know) really didn't love cleaning up the litters and sorting out the mess and getting up from the couch to feed them, but he still did it because we made this choice and the cats need us. Eventually I stopped associating the things I begrudgingly do for the cats with my own morality/ethics and just accepted that these furry friends are here to stay and I love them and I will forever hate picking up their poo!! (ps. currently trying to clean the couch because someone decided to pee on it due to the stress of moving!!)
Hahah Vittoria omg. I was laughing so hard at this comment. I think we have similar levels of emotional highs and lows haha, unlike my husband who seems to be even-keeled and rarely annoyed. I'm glad to know I'm not alone here and that it's not black and white!
Longtime dog-lover here. I highly recommend dog ownership, but with the caveats that 1) Dogs cost a lot of money to care for, and 2) Dogs are a lot of work—especially if you don't have a fenced yard for them, meaning they need to be walked at least 2-3 times a day, rain or shine, and 3) If you're someone who travels a lot, you'll need to either take the dog with you, or you'll need to have a reliable person or kennel who will board the dog for you. (This can get quite expensive if, for example, you return to the U.S. for a 2-week visit.) One last caveat: If you think you won't stay in Italy indefinitely, be aware that moving a dog overseas can be very complicated and very expensive, depending on the particulars of the dog and the move. (Long story that I won't go into here, but to move our 60-lb. Shepherd mix from California to Italy cost almost $6k.)
All that said, I do recommend dog ownership! But go into it eyes wide open.
PS: I don't recommend letting any dog sleep in your bed, regardless of size. We've never allowed Bibi into our bed, and I can't imagine doing so.
I love love love long-time dog lovers saying they don't let their dogs in their bed!!! I thought this was a pet parent requirement!!
I think with the military we get assistance to get dogs back to the US, but I'll have to look into it more. I have heard similar sticker shock horror stories about transportation and I'm sorry that happened to you.
Most commenters here are aligned on the cost and work it takes to own a dog. Maybe it will have to wait until I get a job again...we'll see! Thanks so much for your advice!
I see doggies being walked around here in Melbourne and I have the same thoughts around lack of grass and poopsies. Dogs here are fancy ones. Sausage dogs are growing on me, I like how they look up to you with eyes so inquisitive they make you feel small. Like they KNOW what you did. There's plenty of big fluffy white dogs and corgies, or shibas (can't tell the difference). I see some huskys and wonder how on earth can they live in a tiny city apartment.
I know huskies belong in Alaska! I see some here in Napoli where it's hotter than hades! In the US the "doodle" is having a moment, everyone seems to want one...
Poodles might be my least favourite. At least chihuahuas (thanks autocorrect) have a personality. The only benefit of a poodle mixed with whatever else (labradoodles etc) is that they don't shed. That's it.
Animals are awesome! I've had either a dog or cat in my home throughout my whole life. While they have been a loving extension of my family, I do think the choosing is important in regards to: space you have, the time you have to give, your financial ability to care for them properly and certain personality traits you're looking for. The realtionship can be so very rewarding! Good luck in your search.
Dogs can be a bit of work, Brenna, but in my experience they give way more than they take. The dogs I've had are just so happy to be with you, all they give is affection. And they are fun, they love to play.. We never let dogs in the bedroom let alone the bed, but they adjust to that easily. Smaller dogs are wonderful, they sit on your lap and snuggle. But then again, big ones think they are lap dogs too. One practical thing to think about is who will watch the dog when you travel - you need to have a good plan for that with someone you trust. We don't have a dog right now for just that reason (that plus my wife doesn't want one), but miss them terribly.
Aww I love this Dan! I think finding a sitter in Naples is easier and cheaper than finding one in the US, at least according to my animal-loving friends here. But we'll have to do more research for sure.
Maybe you can pet sit or dog walk now that you're retired! My landlord's dog Miley I walked ad hoc, whenever I felt like it, and it was an enormous treat and no committment! Maybe a neighbor has a dog that needs extra love that you can give.
I absolutely love dogs but I don’t want the responsibility of taking care of them anymore. It might be selfish but I also think it is responsible to not get a pet if you aren’t ready for it. It is a lot of work. There is a lot of reward also( they are so loving) but… don’t put more stress on yourself. If you want a dog, maybe offer to be a dog walker for others for a while and see how that goes. If you can do that, or I g a dog will be great for you!!
Extreme animal lover here, particularly dogs, the kind who gets distracted mid-conversation if a dog comes into view. 😅
I very much relate to being overwhelmed by the needs of a messy, slobbery, time-consuming, expensive, living thing. I think because I’ve grown up with animals (dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles, horses) and know all that it entails, and that I am naturally a “prepare for the worst” kind of person, I’ve been able hold off from getting a dog for this long.
The current plan is in a year or two after the wedding and we’re considering the same breed, funnily enough! Preparing mentally and emotionally that the first year will probably suck, saving so that any surprises aren’t such a hit, and researching how to train your dog, taking the training classes, are key things helping my anxiety. From there I’m telling myself others do it all the time. 🙃
It's so funny, when you said, "the kind that gets distracted..." I knew exactly what you meant! My cousin is the same way and I love her dog Landis.
That's so exciting you're also considering a Lagotto :) It sounds like you're giving this a lot of thought and careful planning, I know it will work out for you!
I so appreciate how you’re questioning your beliefs and meeting your perception of pet ownership with open-mindedness. Dogs are the best!
In my experience, the best thing you can do for them is provide your time and energy, and commit to training them (you certainly don’t need to share a bed with them if you train them that way!). We sadly had to put my partner’s dog of 13 years down last year—several friends have asked if we’re going to get another one but we’ve agreed not right now because he’s enjoying his freedom and I’m too scarred from giving up a dog I had with my ex. But I hope to again someday!
Aww. Thanks for sharing your perspective Morganne :) Sounds so tough to lose a dog! When I saw Marley and Me I was really crying.
Ohh yeah that’s a heartbreaker 💔
Hi Brenna, Let me know if you have questions about Lagotti! We love our Lagotto Romagnolo, Coco, and she is trained to hunt truffles. She's a lot of work being a high energy breed, but we wanted a dog who'd love to hike with us. My biggest caution would be to select from a breeder who genetically tests - not a random DIY home-breeder - if you don't get from our a pound. The last thing you want is to buy a full bred for love of the breed, but who is sick because of unidentiifed recessive genes in inbreeding. PS no need for dog to sleep in your bed with you at all. And I hate picking up poo
I am loving these dog owners who hate picking up poop and having dogs in the bed. 😂 I didn’t know they were out there. Coco sounds lovely 🥰 maybe I will meet her next time I come to Como!
Dogs for the win
We have two lagottos in Massachusetts and cannot recommend them enough! My husband and I did not grow up with dogs and these two have absolutely made us better, more patient, and joy-embracing humans. Lagottos are also the perfect size. These curly floofs light up our life!
Aww Kath I love to hear this! I agree on the size, we don't want a dog too small or too big. I am enthused to hear you didn't grow up with a dog and have found love with your two pups.
My husband and I have both always been dog people. (We were adopted by a stray cat once, which we kept saying was ridiculous, but in the end, we invited her in and named her Ridiculous.) As full-time international nomads, we have decided we will no longer share our lives with pets, as it is so complicated when crossing borders. So, when our last beloved dog aged out at nearly 16, we didn't get another. Now we actively, intentionally, wholeheartedly enjoy other people's pets--even those of strangers in the park. It helps.
Love that Sherry! It's so nice to borrow other people's pets too. Happy Thanksgiving
I also did not grow up around pets (except for an ill-fated pair of turtles and a gazillion goldfishes) so when we got two cats last year I felt like the most inadequate pet owner in the entire universe!! The first week they managed to use my bed as their personal litter three nights in a row, leaving me without any clean blankets in the middle of winter. The anger and resentment I felt on those first days of adjustment convinced me that I was a horrible person who lacked compassion, so I kept all these thoughts to myself, because I didn't want my boyfriend to think poorly of me. After a while I realised that even my boyfriend ( who I consider to be the most generous and selfless person I know) really didn't love cleaning up the litters and sorting out the mess and getting up from the couch to feed them, but he still did it because we made this choice and the cats need us. Eventually I stopped associating the things I begrudgingly do for the cats with my own morality/ethics and just accepted that these furry friends are here to stay and I love them and I will forever hate picking up their poo!! (ps. currently trying to clean the couch because someone decided to pee on it due to the stress of moving!!)
Hahah Vittoria omg. I was laughing so hard at this comment. I think we have similar levels of emotional highs and lows haha, unlike my husband who seems to be even-keeled and rarely annoyed. I'm glad to know I'm not alone here and that it's not black and white!
Longtime dog-lover here. I highly recommend dog ownership, but with the caveats that 1) Dogs cost a lot of money to care for, and 2) Dogs are a lot of work—especially if you don't have a fenced yard for them, meaning they need to be walked at least 2-3 times a day, rain or shine, and 3) If you're someone who travels a lot, you'll need to either take the dog with you, or you'll need to have a reliable person or kennel who will board the dog for you. (This can get quite expensive if, for example, you return to the U.S. for a 2-week visit.) One last caveat: If you think you won't stay in Italy indefinitely, be aware that moving a dog overseas can be very complicated and very expensive, depending on the particulars of the dog and the move. (Long story that I won't go into here, but to move our 60-lb. Shepherd mix from California to Italy cost almost $6k.)
All that said, I do recommend dog ownership! But go into it eyes wide open.
PS: I don't recommend letting any dog sleep in your bed, regardless of size. We've never allowed Bibi into our bed, and I can't imagine doing so.
I love love love long-time dog lovers saying they don't let their dogs in their bed!!! I thought this was a pet parent requirement!!
I think with the military we get assistance to get dogs back to the US, but I'll have to look into it more. I have heard similar sticker shock horror stories about transportation and I'm sorry that happened to you.
Most commenters here are aligned on the cost and work it takes to own a dog. Maybe it will have to wait until I get a job again...we'll see! Thanks so much for your advice!
I see doggies being walked around here in Melbourne and I have the same thoughts around lack of grass and poopsies. Dogs here are fancy ones. Sausage dogs are growing on me, I like how they look up to you with eyes so inquisitive they make you feel small. Like they KNOW what you did. There's plenty of big fluffy white dogs and corgies, or shibas (can't tell the difference). I see some huskys and wonder how on earth can they live in a tiny city apartment.
I know huskies belong in Alaska! I see some here in Napoli where it's hotter than hades! In the US the "doodle" is having a moment, everyone seems to want one...
Poodles might be my least favourite. At least chihuahuas (thanks autocorrect) have a personality. The only benefit of a poodle mixed with whatever else (labradoodles etc) is that they don't shed. That's it.
Animals are awesome! I've had either a dog or cat in my home throughout my whole life. While they have been a loving extension of my family, I do think the choosing is important in regards to: space you have, the time you have to give, your financial ability to care for them properly and certain personality traits you're looking for. The realtionship can be so very rewarding! Good luck in your search.
Thanks Rachel :) More discussions to be had with my husband for sure...
Dogs can be a bit of work, Brenna, but in my experience they give way more than they take. The dogs I've had are just so happy to be with you, all they give is affection. And they are fun, they love to play.. We never let dogs in the bedroom let alone the bed, but they adjust to that easily. Smaller dogs are wonderful, they sit on your lap and snuggle. But then again, big ones think they are lap dogs too. One practical thing to think about is who will watch the dog when you travel - you need to have a good plan for that with someone you trust. We don't have a dog right now for just that reason (that plus my wife doesn't want one), but miss them terribly.
Aww I love this Dan! I think finding a sitter in Naples is easier and cheaper than finding one in the US, at least according to my animal-loving friends here. But we'll have to do more research for sure.
Maybe you can pet sit or dog walk now that you're retired! My landlord's dog Miley I walked ad hoc, whenever I felt like it, and it was an enormous treat and no committment! Maybe a neighbor has a dog that needs extra love that you can give.
I absolutely love dogs but I don’t want the responsibility of taking care of them anymore. It might be selfish but I also think it is responsible to not get a pet if you aren’t ready for it. It is a lot of work. There is a lot of reward also( they are so loving) but… don’t put more stress on yourself. If you want a dog, maybe offer to be a dog walker for others for a while and see how that goes. If you can do that, or I g a dog will be great for you!!
Great points Marie. I certainly have the time to dogsit so maybe it's a good next step :)
Extreme animal lover here, particularly dogs, the kind who gets distracted mid-conversation if a dog comes into view. 😅
I very much relate to being overwhelmed by the needs of a messy, slobbery, time-consuming, expensive, living thing. I think because I’ve grown up with animals (dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles, horses) and know all that it entails, and that I am naturally a “prepare for the worst” kind of person, I’ve been able hold off from getting a dog for this long.
The current plan is in a year or two after the wedding and we’re considering the same breed, funnily enough! Preparing mentally and emotionally that the first year will probably suck, saving so that any surprises aren’t such a hit, and researching how to train your dog, taking the training classes, are key things helping my anxiety. From there I’m telling myself others do it all the time. 🙃
It's so funny, when you said, "the kind that gets distracted..." I knew exactly what you meant! My cousin is the same way and I love her dog Landis.
That's so exciting you're also considering a Lagotto :) It sounds like you're giving this a lot of thought and careful planning, I know it will work out for you!