Is Impulsive always a bad thing

nancy237 · #1 05/10/12, 11:05 AM

I have wanted a dog for a year since my dog was put to sleep last summer.
I kept thinking I needed to move first , but that could be another year.

I saw this dog online that is at a shelter about 2 hours from me and may just go get him..
If he doesn't work I can find a home for him..They say he is a wonderful & loving dog.

Flat Coat St. Bernard

I need some enablers !!!

AngieM2 · #2 05/10/12, 11:06 AM

If you love him, and have a decent chance of giving him a good home - DO IT

nancy237 · #3 05/10/12, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngieM2

If you love him, and have a decent chance of giving him a good home - DO IT

he would be spoiled rotten like all the dogs in my life have been..a total family member..I have just been over analyzing it this year..

celina · #4 05/10/12, 11:10 AM

omg, he is beautiful..seriously..go get him!!!!!

PNP Katahdins · #5 05/10/12, 11:15 AM

You can change his name to Impulse. I hope you can bring him home. You need each other.

Peg

watcher · #6 05/10/12, 01:05 PM

I can tell you from my experience getting a dog on impulse is a bad thing.

Smalltowngirl · #7 05/10/12, 01:11 PM

He's a beauty but please only get him if you're committed to giving him a lifelong home. So many dogs end up being bounced from home to home after an impulse buy/adoption & ultimately ending back up in shelters.
I volunteer at the local shelter and that is a common theme when dogs are surrendered.

Silvercreek Farmer · #8 05/10/12, 01:48 PM

A lot of good things in my life have some from times when I have just closed my eyes and jumped. Although usually this comes after a lot of planning and forethought, so at that point I guess it is not impulse, just the courage to act and have faith that the things that one has not considered will work themselves out. In relationships impulsiveness is commonly referred to as "spontaneity", and generally ranked high as an admirable quality...for a while. I like to consider the worst case scenario when being a little impulsive and it sounds like you have. Having to get rid of him is not great for anyone, but not nearly as bad as the potential consequences of following the impulse to drive 120 mph on the interstate. On the other hand someone who over analyzes every decision (my tendency) can have just as many problems as the impulsive. I hope it works out well for you.

DAVID In Wisconsin · #9 05/10/12, 03:06 PM

My entire life has been doing things on impulse. Works out pretty good for me.

Chickensittin · #10 05/10/12, 03:49 PM

If you have wanted a dog for a year, then I don't think this is an impulse. You obviously are familiar with the responsibilities that come with dog ownership, so I say, go get him!

unregistered41671 · #11 05/10/12, 03:54 PM

Go get the dog. It will make you and him happy.

Maura · #12 05/10/12, 04:14 PM

First find out as much information as you possibly can. If you can find out the breeder, call them. St. Bernard's often have hip dysplasia, so if this line is prone, you would want to know that. Hip dysplasia probably has a nutritional component, so you also want to know how well he was taken care of prior to being left at the shelter. If you take him, they may give you a couple of days to take him to your vet, which you should do.

jen74145 · #13 05/10/12, 04:22 PM

I did the same thing; hemmed and hawed for a solid year, and then just leaped. He's a great little guy and my buddy.

Mine is all of seven pounds though, lol. If you've had giants before and know what you're getting into, sure. I personally will never own a St. Bernard, too big, too many health/temperament issues, just too much hassle. But if they're worth it to you, go for it!

pumpkin · #14 05/10/12, 04:45 PM

You should at least go and see the dog. I think you will know in your bones if he is for you. I have had quite a few dogs that I took on impulse and not one was a disappointment. The heart wants what the heart wants and apparently yours wants another dog.

sandsuncritters · #15 05/10/12, 05:12 PM

You've waited a year, your previous dog would not want you to be alone and unproteced. You have years of experience caring for dogs, so you have a good idea what you're potentially getting into.

My only concern is your statement that if he doesn't work out for you, you'll just rehome him. I defer to Maura's comments in that regard.

He looks lovely, he's over the clueless puppy stage, and he has a very kind eye. If you can commit to lifelong relationship and have the finances to deal with possible medical issues common with his breed, I say "Road Trip".

And of course, pics - lotsa pics

In His Love
Mich

nancy237 · #16 05/10/12, 07:01 PM

Thanks everyone...He's home with me..Love him..
He needs some TLC (thin) and has kennel cough I think and we will be headed to the vet tomorrow.Love his temperment..
He is barking at the cat but I will introduce slowly and I think they will do fine.

Not really impulsive in that I have always had a dog and understand the commitment..I have had an eye out for the right dog ..Just sorta spontaneous to go that far today when I had not planned to.

My comment about rehoming him if it doesn't work only means that if his temperment needs a different type home . No harm in rescuing and finding his perfect home..this was a kill shelter.

My last shelter impulse was my amazing Skipper that gave us so much love for her 10 years..

ps..He is only about 45 lbs and quite a mix..I don't think there is really St Bernard there or only a tiny bit. almost chesapeake bay hair on rump..some brindle coloring..
I will post better pics for everyones guesses .

nancy237 · #17 05/10/12, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maura

First find out as much information as you possibly can. If you can find out the breeder, call them. St. Bernard's often have hip dysplasia, so if this line is prone, you would want to know that. Hip dysplasia probably has a nutritional component, so you also want to know how well he was taken care of prior to being left at the shelter. If you take him, they may give you a couple of days to take him to your vet, which you should do.

He is just a love starved dog with no background info..Not neutured, thin, kennel cough...
who needs someone on his side....

Jokarva · #18 05/10/12, 07:17 PM

Bless your heart, you did a good thing.

sandsuncritters · #19 05/10/12, 07:18 PM

Congratulations! Waitiing for pics!
Thank you for saving him from an uncertain future. I'm sure he will reward you with much love and loyalty

Give him a big hug from me, please. And hugs to you too.

In His Love
Mich

tailwagging · #20 05/10/12, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nancy237

ps..He is only about 45 lbs and quite a mix..I don't think there is really St Bernard there or only a tiny bit. almost chesapeake bay hair on rump..some brindle coloring..
I will post better pics for everyones guesses .

that is what i was going to post. doubt ST B is in there.
Happy you got him =)