Am I selfish getting puppies while I am in remission?

Get the puppies...get all the dogs you want...BUT be sure you have a plan for them if things go south. I have 13 rescue dogs and have a someone that will take each of them and finances to send money with each for their individual needs. All come with issues from allergies to kidney issues. Put all things in your will...Talk to your estate planner/lawyer and get it sealed.

@lkstafford Thank you - excellent sensible advice especially as I would like both to go together to the same home. The new owner will need financial help to do so

Hi Isadora2021! It's been a while since you posted this so I wanted to check in to see what you decided. I happen to be the "mother" to labradoodles myself - one just turned 11, the other is a spunky 8 month old.

We'd not really planned on a new puppy this year but after our 10 year old doodle, who came to us when she was 2 and was a therapy dog at a local children's hospital, died after a sudden illness this past February, my heart was so broken that my husband indulged me. That was pre-diagnosis for me. It was while I was participating in Canine Good Citizen training (I'd hired a trainer for a few one-on-one visits over the summer) that I underwent my evaluation and diagnostics but we completed the course as it's my hope this pup, too, will someday be a therapy dog at a hospital - perhaps the very one where I'm undergoing treatment!

BUT, I do have to say, it's been a journey. Raising a puppy takes work, dedication and patience - the latter of which I have to admit I have more of than my husband! These puppy days - that can last upwards of two years - can be exhausting, but it's true that the companionship and love provides a tremendous bond.

I can add here, too, I know of several people who have satisfied their longing for canine companionship by fostering dogs from area kennels. That way they're helping to care for dogs who are awaiting their forever homes and doing so on their own time at their convenience. A win-win all around.

Hope you're doing well and have found peace with whatever you've decided!

"Raising a puppy takes work, dedication and patience"

Very true. My daughter and son-in-law are living with us temporarily, and they got a beautiful Australian Shepherd puppy in August. They do all the primary care, but at 5½ months now she's a supernova of energy (until she suddenly collapses from exhaustion).

I'm tolerating my "forever" cancer meds very well, but just helping out a little every day knocks me back; I realise I couldn't possibly handle primary care for a puppy 24/7 (at least not an active, herding breed like her).

@grammato3 I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Wishing you the very best with your treatment with the support of your husband and dogs!! Gorgeous photo 😊🐾

I did go ahead with taking both Lulu and Benji, and I’ve not regretted doing so. You are so right! It sure has been a LOT of hard work, love and infinite patience to raise 2 mischievous intelligent little imps. They are coming up to 6 months in a couple of weeks and sometimes it’s very daunting thinking of the challenges in ongoing training ahead as they get bigger and stronger. Time has flown and they’re growing so fast.

They are both such lovely natured dogs and socialise so well with other dogs, and love people. They’re a pleasure to take out.

It has been amazing how things work out. My best friend since University days, and who is my executor, helps with advice and also walking one pup with me on some Sunday mornings. He recently offered to take them, if needed. I cried. I couldn’t wish for a better home for them if needed. It sure has taken an underlying worry off my mind.

@northoftheborder Such a wonderful natured breed but so very active! I totally understand how difficult it would be to be a primary carer.

It has helped me out having 2 pups and they do like each other a lot and play so beautifully together - lots of scampering and quite rigorous wrestling. So far not an angry word for the other!!

However having 2 has other issues so there are very much pros and cons I was warned about in going that route. Made harder because Ben does suffer from separation anxiety when I take my elderly father out for breakfast, a walk and a drive. He’s even chewed holes in the TV room wall plaster despite lots of toys they love to chew!!

I’ve prioritised being able to leave them alone together in the now heavily puppy proofed TV lounge (through trial and error!!)

They have progressed to sleeping in separate but adjacent crates overnight. The next challenge is to take them for walks separately leaving one with a stuffed Kong.

Lulu recently had to have vet treatment and Ben insisted on accompanying her on vet visits. She coped with the cone better than he did!! He was determined to rip it off and it took heavy supervision and periods of dividing the TV room in 2 (or closing the screen door with Ben in the big courtyard) so Lulu could rest 🐾♥️

How wonderful! They are absolutely adorable - my first doodle, Bosco, was chocolate and holds a special place in my heart ❤️.

So pleased everything has worked out so well for you. You’re an inspiration!

I am not sure if selfish is the right word
When I was diagnosed with my cancer my dog was 10 and started having health issues
I did my liver resection and all was well with me not her she was struggling
2 years later my cancer returned and my dog had to be euthanized she couldn’t walk anymore
I swore as much as I missed her I would never get another dog
Well I do rescue and rescued an abused 6 month old pitbull like labs very high energy
I swore I would get him better and get him a home because I knew if things went bad for me it wouldn’t be fair to him
He needed 4 surgeries before he turned 1 year
He is now 3 and needs 2 more surgeries
My cancer has taken on a life of its own inside my body
Yes things have gone bad and now I have a dog that no one would want to adopt due to his medical situations not his personality because he is the best dog ever loves everyone and everything including other dogs and cats
I am not sure what the moral to this story is other than to let you know what happened to me
I was led by my heart
Volunteer at a shelter see what it is like to walk 2 energetic dogs and maybe a nice older dog might steal your heart
Please think it out carefully

@sophiarose Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so sorry for your own ill health and also dealing with your much loved adopted dog’s health challenges. Veterinary care is so expensive as it’s not covered by something similar to Medicare. Pet insurance is also expensive and useless if a condition occurs before being insured. Such a dilemma for new pet owners for various reasons whether or not they can take on a pet with health challenges.

We had Labradors when we were kids and it had always been a deep dream to get myself one when I retired. When I did retire, I roamed dog shelters. Put my name down on Labrador adoption sites. No luck. Then Labradoodle pups (litter of 7) around the corner from my house needed homes.

Life sure throws up challenges and changes ❤️‍🩹

If you go the route of getting 2 puppies a 12-15 year commitment please make sure you have someone that will help you with them and or take them if need be
I ran an animal shelter for 5 years and when older people came in and wanted a kitten they could bond with I always asked for the person who will take the kitten if it out lives the adoptor to also fill out an application
I’m sorry I just want to spare you the heartbreak I am going through right now with my dog
Be well best wishes