Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Advice needed from dog owners...

I totally agree with Poochibelly... I have my two shih-tzus who are the loves of our lives. They are definitely people dogs, though, and love attention, but ours do handle being alone for quite a few hours at times (pee pads might be needed, but get the ones for humans, they're less expensive than the ones for dogs!). The breed generally has a great disposition and a long lifespan(14-16 yrs average). Feed them good food (ours eat Iams), and yes, the grooming/brushing/eye care will keep you busy. We do lots of the grooming ourselves... hubby does the brushing, I do the trimming of their faces around their eyes, noses, and mouths. Our female is pretty aggressive, and does bite, but we have allowed her to get by with it... there are things we didn't know that we should have done when she was smaller. One thing I will say... this dog will be very sad to leave its family that has had it, so if you take it on, please try to commit to giving it a lifetime in your family, not a trial run. Maybe bring him over to visit with your kids for several hours a few times, see how it goes. They become attached very quickly. My male is a mommy's boy and my female is a daddy's girl. MAKE the children do the chores with the new member of the family... no buts about it. It will take the stress off of you, and quite honestly, dogs are a calming factor and offer complete unconditional love, so you may find that he/she helps you with your IBS, at least that it offers some sympathy... they are highly intuitive and know when you don't feel well. I do bathe the dogs about once a month unless it's been really rainy or snowy, then it's more often. We also have a problem of skin allergies, which require steroid shots, and over the counter benadryl. Both have the problem, but my boy is worse. I get them professionally groomed every 3-4 months, at about $30/dog. Their groomer is also their sitter if we go out of town or are away for the day, so they know her well... she's great with them. I can't bear boarding them... last time I did it I swore I'd not do it again, but might have to for at least one night, maybe 2 with our wedding coming up. I say that if you think you have the time, and can give it the attention and love it needs (it will undoubtedly find one family member, at least, that it wants to sleep with), go for it. They really don't eat much... one 4 lb bag of dry Iams maature adult formula lasts us for well over a month... more like 2, probably, even for both dogs and ours eat either Iams moist mixed w/the dry or some boiled ground turkey/chicken/or beef (cheaper and safe), but the dry is fine by itself if the dog is not too picky. My female LOVES veggies... any kind of them. Good luck... let us know what you decide. ~K~

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