[minniemn]

I have big dogs and small dogs... my big dogs shed- I didn't know that my son had allergies to dogs when I got them, to the point that his allergies caused asthma for him (mold, dogs, dust ect)

I have had my big dogs for 10 years, my sons allergies to dogs happened last year.

I refuse to give up my animals to a shelter and since they do enjoy time outside, they are just outside more. They eat inside, take naps inside, sleep all night inside, and hang out with us... right now my sons allergies are pretty bad, so the hanging out inside is less, we hang out outside more with her. I only have one big dog left.

I will not buy another big dog or any dog that sheds, because of my sons health/allergies.

But at the time we got them, we had no idea, he had no allergies.

My son is 16, he will probably be out of the house at 18 (wants to join the military) we will work through the allergy problem until then, and once the pets have passed away we will not get any more that he is allergic to... so when he comes home to visit or whatever, his health won't be compromised.

Sometimes you are dealt a hand, and you have to deal with it the best you can. Now if my sons allergy to dogs was apparent before we bought shedding dogs, we never would of gotten them.

There is another person who has replied about allergies, and she had a remark directed to her about not owning the pet to begin with, or using allergies as an excuse or something like that.... that is why I explained in depth about my sons allergies... sometimes you don't know, until it is years after your pets have moved in.... and we all do what we feel is best in our situation.

Now my shedding dog, isn't outside in bad weather, she is inside, just more confined, (not tied up, or in a small space, just not in the main part of the house, kitchen, living room) She has plenty of time with the family, because it is more quality time, because she isn't always just hanging out with us, we make a point to have quality time with her, and the time is just hers, her time is not shared with the computer, phone, cooking, cleaning, ect, ect.... it is just you and her, or dad and her, or all of us and her, ect.

She is never tied up, eats the exact same food as the yorkie... except more of it... has the same prevenative meds, same treats only bigger and more expensive ect. same vet care, same loving from us.

Anyways, my point is, don't come down on someone because their circumstances are different than yours, I don't think any dog lovers treat their big dogs as less animals than small ones... if you are going to neglect a big dog, I would bet you are also neglecting the small ones... I doubt anyone here is neglecting their dogs.

Allergies are not an excuse, allergies can develop at any age, even after owning the same dog for 8 years... and in my opinion, getting rid of the dog isn't always the best answer... should you buy a dog when you know you have allergies... no. Allergies do lead to asthma, if you don't believe me, ask my sons allergist... we worked with the allergist to come up with the best solution. We did however have to get rid of the birds, there wasnt' a way to work around them, because their little feathers end up all over the home no matter how hard you try. The birds are in loving homes, and will live at least another 30 years... dogs on the other hand (well my "big" dog, has a life span of 8-10 years, I was not going to change her home when she was already 3/4ths into her life)

Sorry for the ramble, but hopefully at least those who believe "allergies" should not be a reason, have a little more understanding as to why, even with the children with allergies/asthma, try to do what is best for our pets and children.