How do you know

[kathryn]

when you have gone over the edge and become a collector?  I told Michael that I want a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog but I am not looking at trying to find a breeder or a puppy for at least a year.  I am content with finding books and researching them.  I have Shiner who is 6 months old and is going through the "I don't have to hear you or mind you stage", Kaila and Cinder.  But lately I have been seriously missing my Rottie/Shepherd boy.  He acted way more Rottie and looked more like a Rottie also.  So the longer this goes the more I think I need a Rottie puppy in my house.  By the way, I also have the geriatric Boston Terrier and 9 cats.  So am I officially a collector of pets or am I just insane?   

[bigdogs@5501]

I have had that worry too - however, almost every one of my babies have been a rescue. My problem is I cant stand to see a dog that is not loved or doesnt have a home. I am having to exercise extreme will power right now when ever I see a dog that needs a home. I spend several hours a day with the dogs every day- just loving on each and every one of them.So my concern is wether I would have the time to give to another dog. I am fortunate in the fact that I have moved out to the country and that my dogs can all run and play and then come into the house when it is hot or they are tired.None of my dogs ever sleep outside and at least 2 tell me it is time to go to bed every nite and then go and crawl in my bed. I am hopeless- I hate to even leave them too long on weekends when I am running errands. Thankfully I have a husband who understands and my kids also help out with the pups. But I dont think that I will be taking any vacations any time in the near future. Bless you for wanting to give another dog a home- I wish more people would be so compassionate.

[kathryn]

Tina: Most people think I am insane and I kind of like it here in my own little world.   

Bigdogs: I have the same worry over whether or not I can give them all enough attention.  I look at the listings on Craigslist and petfinder and all I can think is if only I had more room.  I could at least take in another one or two and give them a good home.  I wish I lived out in the country with a lot of land but I am in the burbs. 

I think I'll go with my first guess of just insane. 

[Gypsy Jazmine]

I have 15 fur friends & plan for one more little girl Great Pyr in about 2 & 1/2 yrs...I have the time, $, & patience for the ones I have & none of them ever do without...I am pretty mcuh a stay at home mom to my skin & fur kids & they & my home are my life...Though my plate is full I do know my limits...For example..besid es the female Great Pyr we have planned for, I will take in fosters but they must be moved onto a forever home...It is not an option to keep any more but the one I have planned for....If you have all you need for another then go for it!...Life is better in fur!

[Kermit]

I think I should chime in here because I think I am in the top ten on BPO for most furry critters in the house. (I have 12! Gyps has me beat! )

For me, as soon as I realized that dogs were my passion, they just kept popping up in my life, and making their way into my home. I don't think you need to have any worries about being a "collector". As long as your furkids are getting attention, nutrition, proper vet care, and a cozy safe place to live and sleep, I don't think numbers matter.
If there came a point where you couldn't manage them all, you would know it. Personally, I have been surprised by how easy it is to take care of a large pack of dogs. You just figure out new ways of doing things and new routines. I think that if your heart is open to more, you will be able to handle it. I think that's the main thing-- whether you have more love to give.

[rickysmom1]

I think that by asking yourself and others if you are a "collector" that you aren't. Besides, animal collectors usually have some sort of mental issue going on that compells them to collect. You just sound insane for animals not insane. 

[Gypsy Jazmine]

I think I should chime in here because I think I am in the top ten on BPO for most furry critters in the house. (I have 12! Gyps has me beat! )

For me, as soon as I realized that dogs were my passion, they just kept popping up in my life, and making their way into my home. I don't think you need to have any worries about being a "collector". As long as your furkids are getting attention, nutrition, proper vet care, and a cozy safe place to live and sleep, I don't think numbers matter.
If there came a point where you couldn't manage them all, you would know it. Personally, I have been surprised by how easy it is to take care of a large pack of dogs. You just figure out new ways of doing things and new routines. I think that if your heart is open to more, you will be able to handle it. I think that's the main thing-- whether you have more love to give.

Yeah, but only 3 of mine are K9's...The "other's" are 8 house cats, 2 house bunnies, & a guinea pig princess...oop s I guess that is 14...I was still counting the foster kitten I just homed ...God bless us all...everyone!

[GR8DAME]

I think of collectors as people with an abnormal need for more, and more and more...until they finally become overwhelmed. I think they are good people, with the best intentions gone astray. Fear of becoming a collector is what keeps me off of petfinder, as I wish I could save them all. I would love to add to my crew but my personal limit is three. That is all I seem to be able to handle and devote enough time to on a perminent basis with working and the kids.
Stella

[Miranda]

I've asked myself the same question many times. Even though I only have 2 right now, I know that someday we'll have many, many more. I was looking on craigslist last night and saw a rottie whose last day is today. I want to go get her so badly because she looks like such a sweetheart and they say she's obviously had obedience training, but I know I don't have the money to take care of her right now. But I just can't stop thinking of her.