Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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nobody666 07/16/2010

That is the question.

I started a small business to supliment my SSD doing patrol work with my dog an american pit. She is super friendly but small and white and though she is a little intimidating I have been thinking of getting another dog to use for patrols. A German Shepard, big and beautiful (intimidating looking but also passive)

Here is the problem the shepard is up for free adoption but is 7 years old. Between shepard hip troubles and her age I would probably only have her for 5 -7 years more the pit is only 3. I have a very hard time with animal death espically dogs and am wondering if I shouldn't look for a puppy or younger dog instead?

Beautiful dog though and I will try to post pics oh I hate this kind of quandry something I love vs BP problems that may result. Is it worth the inevitable?

deleted_user 07/16/2010

IMO Tim I think you should get the shephard. Yes it is so difficult whenn they do pass but think of the joy they bring us while here on earth. You say the dog is 7? He is reaching the unadoptable age if not alreay there and you may be his saving grace and to me just that reason would be enough for me. Every living thing deserves to live out life with dignity and you would be proviing that and love too boot

walkingthewhiteline 07/16/2010

I vote for the shepard up for free adoption. We never know how long any of us have. I like the idea of the older dog finishing off it's life in a loving environment.
A puppy maybe young and cute, but I would take a chance with loving a good dog that needs a home over a puppy everyone is fighting for.
Just a thought,
T

deleted_user 07/16/2010

I would also go with the Shepherd. As someone who has worked at an animal shelter for years, I can tell you that older dogs make excellent pets. I know that losing a pet is very hard, but I think you should give the Shepherd a chance. Older dogs are usually the last to be adopted, so I agree with SB, you may be his saving grace as for as the chance for adoption goes. Give him a chance. I just hope the Pit likes him and they get along well.

nobody666 07/16/2010

I am now beginning to feel better about getting the shepard thanks to all of you. it is bigger than the Pit so I feel the pit will submit I just hope the shepard gets along with the Pit, lol. fortunatly one is an inside dog, the pit and the Shepard is an outside dog; and I have a big yard. If the rest of the family agrees then the Shepard will have a new home and job. I will keep you posted =) Thanks so far.

deleted_user 07/16/2010

I think you should get the shephard. If you only have him for 5 years, than it would bring you that many years of happiness, while also giving him a loving home for the rest of his life.

deleted_user 07/16/2010

Now they have where you can introduce your dogs before adoption. I suggest you do this before you adopt to make sure your dogs are compatible. I didn't, but I bought mine, and I have two that don't get along so I have to keep them seperate all the time. Other then that shelter or adoption pets needs love too!

deleted_user 07/16/2010

Dorkie is right, you may want to have them meet before you get the Shepherd just to make sure they get along. We do this at our shelter before we adopt a dog out just to make sure the resident dog and the adoptive dog get along. I also have 2 dogs that hate each other and I have to keep them apart at all times, which is easier said than done!

deleted_user 07/16/2010

I would also have your pit meet the 7 year old Shepard and see how they get along..... You have to be the ALPHA though , so there will be no outbreaks of dominance...

If all is good in that department, YES! get the Shepard! It would probably give her so much joy to be working side by side with you!!!

deleted_user 07/16/2010

Yaye for the shepard! That wAs my vote also. But I agre you should test them ut togethr. Size has nothing to do with it.

deleted_user 07/16/2010

Make sure they can get along first. Its' hard to have more than 1 dog that doesn't get along. Shepards are ususally very good dogs and you may have alot of luck with him helping with your business. Good luck whatever you decide.

deleted_user 07/16/2010

Get a puppy, I have four dogs all from puppyage. It was tough but worth it. Countless rugs and a recliner and I am almost ready to toss in the towel but no haven't done so yet.

Marilyanna 07/16/2010

Of course nobody!!!! Get the shepherd! If you got the young one he would die somee time too? Would you get any better at it then? A 7 here old would be better anyway so much more relaxed and to gether I would assume.

ml

dancingd 07/16/2010

The Shepard sounds good..already trained not overly aggressive ...yeah the life span is a problem but getting a good dog,is worth it

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