We love our dog … and dogs love you a million times over … and are wonderful for kids.
Next time we get a dog or cat it'll be from the lost dogs home, the RSPCA or our local Lort Smith Animal Hospital.
Meanwhile maybe one of these dogs might find a home with an OzBargainer wanting a pet friend.
http://www.ozdoggy.com.au/ozdoggy/searchResults.jsp?Template…
Mod: Moved to forums, edited title for clarity
And vets. Easily the biggest unexpected expense in most instances.
If you can't afford to take care of your pet when they're sick, you can't afford them. Period.
and are wonderful for kids.
Hmmm…..
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/aug4/thompson/thompson.h…
About 6500 people are injured in Adelaide each year as a result of dog attacks and about 810 seek hospital treatment (7.3 per 10 000 people per year). Children aged 0-4 years were attacked and required hospital treatment twice as often as adults aged 21-59 years, and men aged over 76 years twice as often as men aged 36-75 years.
Hospital admission rates were five times higher for the elderly (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3%-10.2%) and seven times higher for children 12 years and under
90% of children were admitted because of head and facial bites
If Adelaide is considered similar to most other Australian metropolitan areas, it could be expected that around 100 000 Australians will be injured and require treatment each year as a result of dog attack and that about 13 000 will seek treatment at a hospital.
Sounds like a case for avoiding Adelaide ;)
The fear of snakes or even the fear of spiders is understandable. But a dog is a wonderful animal, loving and full of life. It was created to be loved, not to be feared. Like most animals, it attacks only in self defense. The fear of dogs is a scary and a debilitating phobia, as there are so many chances to meet the object of your fear. It's nearly impossible to find a dog free area, so stop hiding and face your fear. With the right attitude and help, cynophobia can definitely be cured.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fear-of-dogs.html
Dogs can help kids learn to read too:
http://www.thisdishisvegetarian.com/2011/04/1470pit-bulls-he…
and teach children responsibility, help autistic children to adapt, help children learn empathy, find their way, and overcome their fear of dogs …
and NSW…
Total number of dog attack incidents reported to council in the 2nd Quarter of 2010/11 1,168
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/documents/information/…
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/dlg_generalindex.asp?s…
I think fear would be a sensible response, under the circumstances…..
At least eight dog attacks a day in NSW
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/at-least-eight…
You just carefully choose the dog you have; and your child will benefit. Cars are more dangerous to children than dogs but we don't ban them. It is good to be aware of the facts, but not alarmist. If you are not comfortable with a dog, don't get one. No one would suggest you should have the half a dozen or so breeds that account for 75% of incidents.
We have had dogs AND kids live happily together for nearly 18 years without a moments problems with ours or any other children. My 11 year old has just told me of course he is better off with a dog and of course they are safe.
Would I leave a toddler with a Cattle Dog, German Shepherd, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Of course not!
Would I take our shoo poo or newfie from my kids? Of course not!
http://www.gibdogpetsuppliesblog.com/shih-tzu.jpg
Even our cat might agree with that :)
We have had dogs AND kids live happily together for nearly 18 years without a moments problems with ours or any other children. My 11 year old has just told me of course he is better off with a dog and of course they are safe.
from the previous Adelaide report….
Data from the Injury Surveillance System clearly show that dogs and very young children frequently do not mix. Parents of young children would be wise to postpone purchase of a dog until their children are older, preferably more than five years of age.
and…… just because you have 'nice' dogs….
More than half the attacks reported in this study occurred in a street or public place by loose uncontrolled dogs.
doesn't mean they're all nice……
Have you been bitten recently?
any signs of foaming at the mouth?
;)
On the other hand, what value would you place on the benefits of dog companionship?
Just playing devil's advocate, I don't actually have a dog. :)
what value would you place on the benefits of dog companionship
depends if it rips my children's lips off or not…..
Just playing devil's advocate
me too :)
Go get some harmless pet like a goldfish, or a rock. :P
Actually I think children are more dangerous animals, look at what they do to parents. :)
Oh dang….why did I click!?!
fun read.. but other comments aside.. i love dogs.. :)thank you OP
If you're thinking of getting a dog remember a pet is a friend for life, so think carefully because it's a very important decision (for the dog!!!).
No pet is really free: there's the food, the good walks, the combing etc etc