Is it better to have one pet or several?

1. 74

   backporchstoriesposted 11 years ago

   Is it better to have one pet or several?
   
   We live with eight dogs, 3 pitt bull mixes, their mother who is border collie, a full blood dashound and her two pups and one full blood chihauhau.  Often we are told we have too many pets, but my disabled husband thrives with them and the more the merrier.  There are also two cats lurking about as well.  Are we overtaxed with animals or can I safely claim they are here for his theraphy?

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2. 69

   AM Hansonposted 11 years ago

   Animals can be extremely helpful for those who are limited to what they can do, whether it is due to disabilities or injuries or what have you.  However, what exactly constitutes "too many" depends greatly on both the animals and people involved.
   
   For instance, I grew up with no pets (besides goldfish) because my entire family besides me is allergic to fur.  Also, I have had some negative experiences with both cats and dogs when I was little, so I have grown up to be not much of a "pet person."  For me, one pet would be too much.
   
   However, my brother has one cat and he loves it.  He takes medication to help with his allergies and chose the cat based on how it would affect those allergies.  One pet is better than several for him, because his lifestyle and medical conditions would make more pets a negative.
   
   Also, I had a friend when I was little who had four dogs, and couldn't have been happier.
   
   It really depends on the person and the animals.  Animals who are prone to aggressive actions can, obviously, be problematic with other animals, but if you aren't having any problems then several is absolutely fine!

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      backporchstoriesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your imput.  I used to be allergic to cats but after constant exposure, my allergy as subsided!

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3. 80

   Dragonrainposted 11 years ago

   I wrote a hub about this topic before...
   http://dragonrain.hubpages.com/hub/Find … pet-number
   
   I think how many pets each person/family has is a personal decision that should be based on their ability to properly care for each pet.  For some people, even just one dog is too much work for them.  For others, they can care for numerous pets successfully.
   
   Just make sure you are able to care for each pet physically, emotionally, and financially.  Only you will be able to say if you feel overtaxed or not.

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      backporchstoriesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      We do well with time, physicality and emotionally, but financially has been a strain on keeping dog food in the house!  LOL

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      Dragonrainposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Lol I can imagine with 8 dogs that the food would go fast!

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      backporchstoriesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Go through about 80 dollars a month and add cooked rice and sometimes beans to supplement!  They love lentils!  Smack their chops for those while its cooking!

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   Lisa HWposted 11 years ago

   If he's happy with them and they're well cared for and loved; and if, between the two of you, you're willing and able to deal with whatever "issues" pets can inflict on things like floors, carpets, yards, etc. etc., I don't think it's anyone's business.
   
   On the other hand (and particularly when time, space, patience or even financial resources are limited), I think (in general) pets often do best when there are only one or two (or when they're completely separate (the way, say, fish and a dog would be, or the way a hamster and a dog would be).  Like children, pets can really thrive and grow amazingly "smart" when they most of the "pet-time attention" and ongoing "relating" with the humans in the family.  Then again, like children in large families, pets in multi-pet situations can form their own kind of "social thing" and relationships among themselves.
   
   In other words, I guess I think that as long as everyone (including the pets) is happy, and nobody feels left out and/or insecure as a result of feeling threatened by "peers", it all just depends on how good the humans involved are at establishing a healthy environment for all.

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      backporchstoriesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      We are happy.  However we do have to do daily tick patrol!  LOL  We live in the country.

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   Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

   My husband and I currently have 4 dogs and 2 cats, with my mom living in a cottage on my property with 2 more dogs and a cat. I feel that we are maxed out when it comes to pets. I love all of them, and can't imaging which one I would be willing to part with. I think as long as you can keep up with it, it's fine. But you mentioned that 2 of them have had pups, I hope your pets are spayed and neutered now, if they continue to reproduce it could become a real problem.

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   1. 74

      backporchstoriesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, we are very mindful of that issue!

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