• pHr34kY@lemmy.world
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      3 hours ago

      My neighbours were like that. I saw them walk their dogs once in 10 years.

      Their dogs are long gone and mine turns 18 in July.

      • iamericandre@lemmy.world
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        2 hours ago

        I just got back from my dog’s daily ~4 mile walk. We watch our friends dog occasionally and they don’t walk her at all and she’s a few years younger than my dog but she can barely move because she’s so overweight and doesnt get any exercise

    • turtlesareneat@discuss.online
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      14 hours ago

      Yep my dog needs 1+ mile in the morning and at least 2 miles in the afternoon for optimal health - bowels, muscles, etc. He’s 7 now and acts like a dog half his age.

      Then some of my friends are like “I try to take mine around the block at least once a week” and I am sad for their poor dog.

      Hard to find good dogsitters who will actually take them on long walks too.

      • Suck_on_my_Presence@lemmy.world
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        13 hours ago

        Once a week?? My god.

        I walk my 10 year old husky 3 miles a day at least, and we usually go to the dog park at least every other day. He’s showing signs of aging, but he acts like a dog half his age.

        • Cousin Mose@lemmy.hogru.ch
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          9 hours ago

          I have two chihuahuas so I take them on three walks per day, but just two of those walks are what I call “medium” walks for them, it’s a few a big blocks around the neighborhood.

          What you reminded me of is when I do my 3+ mi walks, I bring one of them in a shoulder sling carrier for dogs. They can’t walk that far every day due to their size but they still absolutely love the adventure.

  • kamenLady.@lemmy.world
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    17 hours ago

    That’s why i don’t have a dog or a cat. I couldn’t do that to them. On the other hand, a dog from a dog shelter could see themselves rescued in the last second, if anyone takes them in. At least they would live in a safe place.

    After being in a dog shelter, they may even enjoy some alone time. I imagine it being as stressful for dogs as it is for humans, to be incarcerated with strangers.

    • FoxyGrandpa@lemmy.world
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      16 hours ago

      I’d say cats are different, I have two and when I get home they run after a laser pointer for 30mins and then they’re pooped. Plus they snuggle and sleep with me so that’s bonding time as well

      • Maalus@lemmy.world
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        5 hours ago

        Don’t let cats chase a laser pointer. They need to catch something to not get frustrated with their “hunt” - which you simulate with playing. Laser pointers are especially bad for this, even if you lead the cat to a treat or something.

    • dingus@lemmy.world
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      15 hours ago

      Yeah I love alone and have a career where I cannot work at home. Sometimes I think about getting a pet, but I just can’t see it as being ethical in my situation. Sometimes I do ponder getting a cat though as they seem more independent, but I don’t have much experience with them.

      • kameecoding@lemmy.world
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        7 hours ago

        Get two cats and they will be fine, if you are lucky one will be cuddly, the other one for sure will be upset you came home.

  • St3alth@lemmy.ml
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    18 hours ago

    Fuck anyone who doesn’t get someone to go look after their dog for a few hours if especially if they are gone for 12 hours.

    • MrVilliam@lemm.ee
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      17 hours ago

      My job is 12 hour shifts plus an hour commute each way. This is a big part of why we haven’t already gotten a dog. Well that, and also until a few months ago we were in a pretty small apartment. My wife is home more than me, so we’re considering it, but I want to try to time it so that I’m off and there more early on for adjustment period and training.

      Humans don’t deserve dogs. I want to be the kind of human who can almost disprove that fact.

      • dingus@lemmy.world
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        15 hours ago

        If you lived alone I’d say it would be a terrible idea to get a dog. But if your wife is home a lot then it sounds like a much more doable situation imo.

  • Poem_for_your_sprog@lemmy.world
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    12 hours ago

    My dog usually prefers fetch in the backyard. I always give her the option of either. Sometimes she’ll go for the walk and then turn around after 5 minutes to go home and play.