Hire a dog

[r_j_k_p]

basically,
i was thinking because me and my gf loves dogs so much (especially chocolate labrador pups),
if one could hire a dog for a day? The gf's birthday is soon and i know she would love it!
is there any companies like that.... i mean i know it may be ethically wrong as a dog needs stability etc, but maybe the rspca does something?

thanks

[sammyc]

doubt you'd get that per se... maybe offer to dog-walk for a local kennels or dog charity...?

[tigerboyce]

Ask a friend that may have one to see if you could borrow theirs?

[shelley bda]

Don't be so selfish, either get one as a pet or don't bother full stop.... they aren't toys, you can't pick them up and put them down as and when you feel like it, the Dog walking thing sounds like a nice idea but you'd only do it once, that's not something you should do unless you really wanted to benefit the Animals.

Buy her a toy one instead then you can discard it at your will.

Sorry if it sounds harsh, that's just the way I feel.

[shiato storm]

Don't be so selfish, either get one as a pet or don't bother full stop.... they aren't toys, you can't pick them up and put them down as and when you feel like it, the Dog walking thing sounds like a nice idea but you'd only do it once, that's not something you should do unless you really wanted to benefit the Animals.

I can't disagree more actually. you can volunteer as a dog walker at rescue pounds and take dogs out for walks they otherwise would never get and receive attention they'd miss. If it costs anything its more of a nominal donation to the worthwhile dog rescue/charities looking after - for want of a better phrase - discarded dogs. Its also an ideal way to see whether you really want a dog at some point, I'm aware that you can take the same dog out repeatedly and should you become good friends take things further and take them on as a pet. though this is a huge responsibility the idea behind the walking bit is so you get a feel for things first. Dogs left at rescue homes etc deserve a chance...I was an out and out cat person but have since had two awesome dogs, both from rescue places, the one in my profile pic (saddly no longer alive) and a 'newer' much younger one, mental but great fun...getting a dog full-time is much better but cannot be done 'just like that'. perhaps offer to help out at a rescue pound, that way you help all the dogs and maybe help give one a home one day (chicks dig sweet dogs )

[shelley bda]

I agree with you. I'm all for People volunteering their services to Dog Homes and Sanctuarys, I've fostered rescue Dogs for the Dog Warden in the past and will do again without hesitation when their Kennels have been full, but there needs to be a certain level of consistency, you can't go and do it once, and I'm sorry but I get the impression that once he's had a fun day with the Dog and his Girl then the Dog Pound won't see him again, I think if he can't commit the time then not to bother at all

[r_j_k_p]

I can't disagree more actually. you can volunteer as a dog walker at rescue pounds and take dogs out for walks they otherwise would never get and receive attention they'd miss. If it costs anything its more of a nominal donation to the worthwhile dog rescue/charities looking after - for want of a better phrase - discarded dogs. Its also an ideal way to see whether you really want a dog at some point, I'm aware that you can take the same dog out repeatedly and should you become good friends take things further and take them on as a pet. though this is a huge responsibility the idea behind the walking bit is so you get a feel for things first. Dogs left at rescue homes etc deserve a chance...I was an out and out cat person but have since had two awesome dogs, both from rescue places, the one in my profile pic (saddly no longer alive) and a 'newer' much younger one, mental but great fun...getting a dog full-time is much better but cannot be done 'just like that'. perhaps offer to help out at a rescue pound, that way you help all the dogs and maybe help give one a home one day (chicks dig sweet dogs )

Cheers for the insight.
i will google around to see if me and the missus can be dog walkers or something. It was mainly a gesture to her, but im sure she would love this as she does alot of brownies and rainbows help...
And yes it would be very ideal way to see if a permanent dog would be feasable, as i've never really had many pets, so i don't really know that much about responsibilities regarding them.

Thanks again

[r_j_k_p]

I agree with you. I'm all for People volunteering their services to Dog Homes and Sanctuarys, I've fostered rescue Dogs for the Dog Warden in the past and will do again without hesitation when their Kennels have been full, but there needs to be a certain level of consistency, you can't go and do it once, and I'm sorry but I get the impression that once he's had a fun day with the Dog and his Girl then the Dog Pound won't see him again, I think if he can't commit the time then not to bother at all

its quite the contrary, im sure that it wont be like this.
If we did go and volunteer we'd try to keep it consistant as possible, but what with exams and life's hassles, it may not always be feasable, but im sure we could spare some time to help those less privileged.

[shelley bda]

That's good then wish you lots of luck with it

[MadduckUK]

a dog bursting out of a cake is a brilliant idea