I'm going to adopt!

[morethanpretty]

Originally Posted by orthodoc

No opinion or advice, just a few questions that I'm sure you've thought through already -

How will you handle it if/when Toby poops on or under your bed repeatedly, or elsewhere in your home? If you're not going to crate him and he potties inside at night when loose, he WILL potty in your home. Della may pick up the behavior as well.

You don't want him to shed, but he almost certainly will. How will you deal with this in practical terms?

Do you think your psychiatrist's concerns are valid, i.e. does stress worsen your bipolar disorder? What happens when you have a setback? In case of a setback, would you be able to care for both Toby and Della?

Does your budget have enough margin in it for unexpected vet bills? Expected vet bills?

Are your parents in agreement with your payment plan? Is your mother's concern for your health well-founded? Will you realistically be able to cope financially in the first month or two, even if unexpected financial stresses (like a large veterinary bill or another medical issue) occur?

Just some thoughts that come to mind. Toby's cuteness, which is undeniable, is only one small aspect of the entire picture. If important people in your life are expressing concern, maybe a little more time and discussion before making a commitment?

Della wasn't 100% potty trained either when I adopted her. I know how to clean up the mess. I'm just not sure if I'm going to crate him awhile or set up a routine where I take him out right before bed, once in the night, and again right when I wake up. Which will be best for him and me, and will he make the transition to a full night without a potty break? I'm honestly not sure and plan on consulting more information about it. I've not ran into this specific issue before.

I've had shedding dogs before, its just more brushing and clean up. Della technically sheds, but it has to be brushed out. I love brushing my dog while watching TV, so brushing isn't a big deal. Its just getting used to have dog hair all over again that I have to get used to.

Psych's concerns are valid, wrong type of stress makes my anxiety shoot way up, but exercise is good for anxiety and so is my Della being happy. I am still capable of caring for my dog when my anxiety is bad, I just am not capable of work. Which is the real issue, money.

I have a CareCredit card with a decent limit, so unexpected vet bills should be covered as well as the expected bills.

My mom is in agreement with a much less aggressive payment plan then the new one I've made up. She will be fine with this one. My insurance has started over for the year, I have a decent HRA. Finances aren't really what stress me.Its mostly work, but I've been put on PTSD meds that I'm hopeful about. Anyone can have a surprise major health ailment occur to them at anytime. This is America, we do bankrupt people for that. I don't have anything looming on the horizon health wise. I'm mostly stable now that my surgery fiasco is over, and I don't have any other health ailments that should require such a large chunk of change looming in the distance. In fact, my surgery should start improving my health better than it was before. (I had a tonsillectomy and balloon sinuplasty if you didn't know.)

As I said, this has been my wish for 3 years. I have not stopped searching for a partner for Della during that time, or trying to get to the "right place" or find the "right dog." If this is the right dog, I've been planning and thinking about this for 3 years, they have not. Yes, their concerns are valid and I do consider them. I was on the fence about contacting the rescue group about him for at least a week. I favorited his page and visited over and over. I went to bed thinking about it, woke up in the middle of the night and thought about it, thought about it while I peed. I know I'm a tad obsessive, but the discussion has been going on in my head since the moment I got Della. I tried discussing it with them, but they won't budge anymore than I will. I've discussed it with coworkers, friends, and now my forum. I just don't know how to explain it. This may all be for naught and he may not be the right dog, or his foster mom may think I'm not the right owner.