Overheard on Facebook

[partgypsy]

Horses have frogs?

Yes, that's why they can jump so high.  ;)

The whole triangular part is the frog.  Why it's called that, I couldn't tell you.

Because it looks like a frog! Learned something new today.

[Taran Wanderer]

Thanks horsepoor!  I was trying to figure out how autocorrect got that one wrong. Instead I learned something new!

[Kaydedid]

The friggin LuLaRoe crap is all over the newsfeed.  It seems like every week another person is having an 'online popup party' for $40+ simple shirts and $60+ dresses and skirts.  The company has a very successful business model:  limited styles, but tons of limited-number prints, and MLM distribution with sellers paying for all inventory up front.  Their biggest seller is $15+ leggings in the most awful prints.  Everyone swears the clothes are super comfy, but IMHO they are incredibly ugly and usually unflattering.  I'm also still not convinced leggings are pants.  The below pic popped up today from a seller, with a comment about it being "one of her favorite outfits". 

[Sibley]

The friggin LuLaRoe crap is all over the newsfeed.  It seems like every week another person is having an 'online popup party' for $40+ simple shirts and $60+ dresses and skirts.  The company has a very successful business model:  limited styles, but tons of limited-number prints, and MLM distribution with sellers paying for all inventory up front.  Their biggest seller is $15+ leggings in the most awful prints.  Everyone swears the clothes are super comfy, but IMHO they are incredibly ugly and usually unflattering.  I'm also still not convinced leggings are pants.  The below pic popped up today from a seller, with a comment about it being "one of her favorite outfits".

I don't mean to be nasty, but if they think that looks good, their sense of style is very questionable.

[Travis]

One of my friends posted today that she's upset her phone carrier no longer does upgrades. She would rather go back to having a contract and a phone upgrade (amortized indefinitely in the contract) than buy the phone outright and pay less each month.  She is otherwise a very intelligent professional, but her need for convenience is trumping her math skills in this case.

[Kaydedid]

The friggin LuLaRoe crap is all over the newsfeed.  It seems like every week another person is having an 'online popup party' for $40+ simple shirts and $60+ dresses and skirts.  The company has a very successful business model:  limited styles, but tons of limited-number prints, and MLM distribution with sellers paying for all inventory up front.  Their biggest seller is $15+ leggings in the most awful prints.  Everyone swears the clothes are super comfy, but IMHO they are incredibly ugly and usually unflattering.  I'm also still not convinced leggings are pants.  The below pic popped up today from a seller, with a comment about it being "one of her favorite outfits".

I don't mean to be nasty, but if they think that looks good, their sense of style is very questionable.

I get that everyone has their own style, which is great!  However, the price really doesn't seem to match the quality-these look more like thrift store finds, especially with the fit.  The biggest annoyance is the constant invites and chatter.

[coin]

One of my friends posted today that she's upset her phone carrier no longer does upgrades. She would rather go back to having a contract and a phone upgrade (amortized indefinitely in the contract) than buy the phone outright and pay less each month.  She is otherwise a very intelligent professional, but her need for convenience is trumping her math skills in this case.

I worked with a woman like this. She seemingly had a huge blind spot when it came to money. It was infuriating to hear some variation of "look at my shiney new on contract phone" then hear her complain about how "poor" she was every single pay day.

[LeRainDrop]

The friggin LuLaRoe crap is all over the newsfeed.  It seems like every week another person is having an 'online popup party' for $40+ simple shirts and $60+ dresses and skirts.  The company has a very successful business model:  limited styles, but tons of limited-number prints, and MLM distribution with sellers paying for all inventory up front.  Their biggest seller is $15+ leggings in the most awful prints.  Everyone swears the clothes are super comfy, but IMHO they are incredibly ugly and usually unflattering.  I'm also still not convinced leggings are pants.  The below pic popped up today from a seller, with a comment about it being "one of her favorite outfits".

I don't mean to be nasty, but if they think that looks good, their sense of style is very questionable.

I get that everyone has their own style, which is great!  However, the price really doesn't seem to match the quality-these look more like thrift store finds, especially with the fit.  The biggest annoyance is the constant invites and chatter.

Yeah, I'm certainly not the most stylish lady, but I have to say: (1) That outfit looks mismatched -- did she let her child pick out random pieces of clothing?  (2) Even as separates, I don't like either one -- especially those horizontal stripes on a skirt.  (3) It has a cheap-looking quality, but obviously I can't really be sure of that from the photo.

[MgoSam]

One of my friends posted today that she's upset her phone carrier no longer does upgrades. She would rather go back to having a contract and a phone upgrade (amortized indefinitely in the contract) than buy the phone outright and pay less each month.  She is otherwise a very intelligent professional, but her need for convenience is trumping her math skills in this case.

I worked with a woman like this. She seemingly had a huge blind spot when it came to money. It was infuriating to hear some variation of "look at my shiney new on contract phone" then hear her complain about how "poor" she was every single pay day.

Yeah, my plan is split between me and my parents, and it took work to convince them to change their contracts and buy their phones outright. They resisted until I showed them the numbers, we pay ___ now, which is ___ more than we will pay once we get the new rate, so that saves us ____ in a year, which is more than enough to buy a new phone.

[merula]

I have one friend that I only really keep for her value in this thread. Her latest thing is involvement in a MLM scam, which she posts about daily. This morning's gem:

82% of women who make over $100,000 a year, do it through a home-based business.

That doesn't even pass a smell test. Even if everyone in MLM did that well (which they can't, because it's a scam) there can't possibly be four times as many women in "home-based business" full-time as there are women who are doctors, lawyers, accountants, engineers, professors, pharmacists, executives, middle- and upper-managers, and probably a whole bunch of other miscellaneous jobs that make over $100,000 per year.

Heck, I met this woman through work originally, and if she had done well at the job she was in when I met her, she'd be at $100,000/year by now. But she got pushed out essentially for laziness, and then laid off from the place she went, so she's now in MLM. And as far as I can tell, she's still lazy, so I really really doubt she's going to be successful at this.

[Paul der Krake]

I have one friend that I only really keep for her value in this thread.

That is hilariously mean. Wow.

[infogoon]

That MLM stuff is the worst. I'd rather see a thousand poorly-Photoshopped Tea Party memes than one person trying to sell fingernail stickers or "essential oils".

[merula]

I have one friend that I only really keep for her value in this thread.

That is hilariously mean. Wow.

I don't tell her that! I'm not a monster. :) I just would have unfriended her long ago for her rambling rants about how anyone who is pro-choice must hate all babies ([picture of cute baby], "If you think she's cute, you're pro-life."), how Obama is a despot and how we need to build a wall and not let any foreigners in. But, in my selflessness, I decided to not unfriend her and instead share her ridiculousness for the entertainment of everyone in this thread.

[Dollar Slice]

I'm seeing all these ads in e-mail and FB about "celebrating" Leap Day. Mostly acting as though it's some magic extra day, like we have an 8-day week or a 3-day weekend or something. And therefore we should spend money, because that's what marketers think you should do on literally every occasion.

Dear world: Leap Day is not a holiday. Or anything. It's just a day. Stop trying to use it to sell me shit. Thank you.

[LeRainDrop]

I'm seeing all these ads in e-mail and FB about "celebrating" Leap Day. Mostly acting as though it's some magic extra day, like we have an 8-day week or a 3-day weekend or something. And therefore we should spend money, because that's what marketers think you should do on literally every occasion.

Dear world: Leap Day is not a holiday. Or anything. It's just a day. Stop trying to use it to sell me shit. Thank you.

True, but I do like your idea to use it as a 3-day weekend!  Let's do that going forward -- February 29th is a bonus day of rest and relaxation (or whatever else you want to do with it).

[FIREwoman]

I'm seeing all these ads in e-mail and FB about "celebrating" Leap Day. Mostly acting as though it's some magic extra day, like we have an 8-day week or a 3-day weekend or something. And therefore we should spend money, because that's what marketers think you should do on literally every occasion.

Dear world: Leap Day is not a holiday. Or anything. It's just a day. Stop trying to use it to sell me shit. Thank you.

True, but I do like your idea to use it as a 3-day weekend!  Let's do that going forward -- February 29th is a bonus day of rest and relaxation (or whatever else you want to do with it).

by BF took a vacation day today. "we get an extra day this year, i'm not spending it working!". he's spending it watching tradecentre. and yes, he's Canadian.

[Nederstash]

I have one friend that I only really keep for her value in this thread.

That is hilariously mean. Wow.

I don't tell her that! I'm not a monster. :) I just would have unfriended her long ago for her rambling rants about how anyone who is pro-choice must hate all babies ([picture of cute baby], "If you think she's cute, you're pro-life."), how Obama is a despot and how we need to build a wall and not let any foreigners in. But, in my selflessness, I decided to not unfriend her and instead share her ridiculousness for the entertainment of everyone in this thread.

Can I have her as a friend too? She sounds hilarious.

[MgoSam]

I have one friend that I only really keep for her value in this thread.

That is hilariously mean. Wow.

I don't tell her that! I'm not a monster. :) I just would have unfriended her long ago for her rambling rants about how anyone who is pro-choice must hate all babies ([picture of cute baby], "If you think she's cute, you're pro-life."), how Obama is a despot and how we need to build a wall and not let any foreigners in. But, in my selflessness, I decided to not unfriend her and instead share her ridiculousness for the entertainment of everyone in this thread.

Can I have her as a friend too? She sounds hilarious.

There must be something wrong with me because I generally don't find babies to be cute. There are a few that are, but most I don't know. Of course, I don't say anything aloud, especially not to the parents or family members.

[dycker1978]

I'm seeing all these ads in e-mail and FB about "celebrating" Leap Day. Mostly acting as though it's some magic extra day, like we have an 8-day week or a 3-day weekend or something. And therefore we should spend money, because that's what marketers think you should do on literally every occasion.

Dear world: Leap Day is not a holiday. Or anything. It's just a day. Stop trying to use it to sell me shit. Thank you.

True, but I do like your idea to use it as a 3-day weekend!  Let's do that going forward -- February 29th is a bonus day of rest and relaxation (or whatever else you want to do with it).

by BF took a vacation day today. "we get an extra day this year, i'm not spending it working!". he's spending it watching tradecentre. and yes, he's Canadian.

HAHA I saw two posts on this today:

1. Everyone who is working today, that gets paid twice monthly, you are working for free today.(not sure the logic but thought it was funny) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/leap-day-compensation-semi-monthly-payments-annual-salary-1.3454536

2. This was an ad for a TV sales company asking everyone to thank them for giving one more day this year so they can come in and buy a TV... Because of course... some sale is on.

edited to ad link to article

[HairyUpperLip]

There must be something wrong with me because I generally don't find babies to be cute. There are a few that are, but most I don't know. Of course, I don't say anything aloud, especially not to the parents or family members.

lol - not all babies are cute though. A lot of people have ugly babies.

[HairyUpperLip]

I'm seeing all these ads in e-mail and FB about "celebrating" Leap Day. Mostly acting as though it's some magic extra day, like we have an 8-day week or a 3-day weekend or something. And therefore we should spend money, because that's what marketers think you should do on literally every occasion.

Dear world: Leap Day is not a holiday. Or anything. It's just a day. Stop trying to use it to sell me shit. Thank you.

True, but I do like your idea to use it as a 3-day weekend!  Let's do that going forward -- February 29th is a bonus day of rest and relaxation (or whatever else you want to do with it).

by BF took a vacation day today. "we get an extra day this year, i'm not spending it working!". he's spending it watching tradecentre. and yes, he's Canadian.

HAHA I saw two posts on this today:

1. Everyone who is working today, that gets paid twice monthly, you are working for free today.(not sure the logic but thought it was funny) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/leap-day-compensation-semi-monthly-payments-annual-salary-1.3454536

2. This was an ad for a TV sales company asking everyone to thank them for giving one more day this year so they can come in and buy a TV... Because of course... some sale is on.

edited to ad link to article

haha, I just got an email promoting 29 cent shipping for today only.

[ShoulderThingThatGoesUp]

1. Everyone who is working today, that gets paid twice monthly, you are working for free today.(not sure the logic but thought it was funny) http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/leap-day-compensation-semi-monthly-payments-annual-salary-1.3454536

Doesn't that just mean February is slightly less generous than usual?

[Nederstash]

There must be something wrong with me because I generally don't find babies to be cute. There are a few that are, but most I don't know. Of course, I don't say anything aloud, especially not to the parents or family members.

lol - not all babies are cute though. A lot of people have ugly babies.

Kids are like farts: you're really proud of your own.. when it's someone else's it's sometimes funny but mostly just disgusting.

[Papa Mustache]

There must be something wrong with me because I generally don't find babies to be cute. There are a few that are, but most I don't know. Of course, I don't say anything aloud, especially not to the parents or family members.

lol - not all babies are cute though. A lot of people have ugly babies.

Alot more cute puppies and kittens than cute babies IMHO. ;)

[MgoSam]

There must be something wrong with me because I generally don't find babies to be cute. There are a few that are, but most I don't know. Of course, I don't say anything aloud, especially not to the parents or family members.

lol - not all babies are cute though. A lot of people have ugly babies.

Alot more cute puppies and kittens than cute babies IMHO. ;)

Completely agree, there are few things better in life than playing with a puppy imo. I saw a 4 month labrador just the other day, I didn't want to leave, just had to stay there and keep playing with such a sweet puppy.

[Papa Mustache]

Dogs are a good yardstick of "good person" for me. If a person treats their dog well then I might expect them to be good people. If they fall for every puppy and then ignore it as it gets older - warning bells. A dog is a lifetime commitment but I've been surprised at how many don't see it that way.

[ringer707]

Thanks horsepoor!  I was trying to figure out how autocorrect got that one wrong. Instead I learned something new!

LOL! I knew horsepoor would know what I was talking about, guess I didn't think how odd it would sound to everyone else :)

[MgoSam]

Dogs are a good yardstick of "good person" for me. If a person treats their dog well then I might expect them to be good people. If they fall for every puppy and then ignore it as it gets older - warning bells. A dog is a lifetime commitment but I've been surprised at how many don't see it that way.

Yeah that's a good point. I learned that there is a HUGE difference between a dog lover and a dog owner. Some day I would like to get a dog, but if I do it likely won't be a puppy, they are adorably cute but a ton of work, instead I plan to see what's currently available in a shelter.

[LeRainDrop]

Dogs are a good yardstick of "good person" for me. If a person treats their dog well then I might expect them to be good people. If they fall for every puppy and then ignore it as it gets older - warning bells. A dog is a lifetime commitment but I've been surprised at how many don't see it that way.

Yeah that's a good point. I learned that there is a HUGE difference between a dog lover and a dog owner. Some day I would like to get a dog, but if I do it likely won't be a puppy, they are adorably cute but a ton of work, instead I plan to see what's currently available in a shelter.

Totally agree with Jethrosnose, and that is so good of you, MgoSam!  I visit our local humane society a fair amount and whenever I do, I make sure to spend some time visiting the adult dogs, not just the puppies and cats.  One of my friends set a good example for me -- she took me the first time and spent probably an hour visiting to make sure that she engaged each adult dog who wasn't sleeping.

[turketron]

I'm seeing all these ads in e-mail and FB about "celebrating" Leap Day. Mostly acting as though it's some magic extra day, like we have an 8-day week or a 3-day weekend or something. And therefore we should spend money, because that's what marketers think you should do on literally every occasion.

Dear world: Leap Day is not a holiday. Or anything. It's just a day. Stop trying to use it to sell me shit. Thank you.

You need to watch more 30 Rock!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcRYnmYJNHc

[nnls]

Saw this on facebook last night.

She was asking if it was better to get a pay-day loan for $1000 or a $1000 credit card for spending money for a holiday. She wouldn't listen to anyone who told her not to get a loan at all. Though most people were suggesting she go to the bank and get out a loan.

[Adventine]

Expect the fabulous vacation photos, followed by whining about the repayments, in 3, 2, 1...

[nnls]

Expect the fabulous vacation photos, followed by whining about the repayments, in 3, 2, 1...

my thoughts exactly, why would you rely on credit for holiday spending

[Taran Wanderer]

"I just don't trust myself with that much money..."

W.T.F.

[nnls]

"I just don't trust myself with that much money..."

W.T.F.

a few people suggested getting the $5k bank loan, and then putting $4k straight back on to it, effectively making it a $1k loan and then just paying it off, but she didnt like that idea as if she had $5k she knows she wouldn't be able to put it straight into the bank as it would be too tempting

[WerKater]

"I just don't trust myself with that much money..."

W.T.F.

a few people suggested getting the $5k bank loan, and then putting $4k straight back on to it, effectively making it a $1k loan and then just paying it off, but she didnt like that idea as if she had $5k she knows she wouldn't be able to put it straight into the bank as it would be too tempting

Maybe, I'm naive, but: I simply decline to believe that anyone can have that little self-control.

[former player]

Dogs are a good yardstick of "good person" for me. If a person treats their dog well then I might expect them to be good people. If they fall for every puppy and then ignore it as it gets older - warning bells. A dog is a lifetime commitment but I've been surprised at how many don't see it that way.

Yeah that's a good point. I learned that there is a HUGE difference between a dog lover and a dog owner. Some day I would like to get a dog, but if I do it likely won't be a puppy, they are adorably cute but a ton of work, instead I plan to see what's currently available in a shelter.

Totally agree with Jethrosnose, and that is so good of you, MgoSam!  I visit our local humane society a fair amount and whenever I do, I make sure to spend some time visiting the adult dogs, not just the puppies and cats.  One of my friends set a good example for me -- she took me the first time and spent probably an hour visiting to make sure that she engaged each adult dog who wasn't sleeping.

Our dogs are rescues. I've tried to get others to do the same when they say they are going to get a dog. So far, all have opted to pay a breeder a LOT of $$$$$ for a specific breed puppy. Sigh....
We love our dogs. There is a Kliban cartoon that has a building with a big sign saying "USED CURS".

I have a friend whose golden retriever was just put down for cancer, and she has been devastated.  She told me yesterday she is looking at spending £800 on a new golden retriever puppy.  I haven't had the heart to tell her that 60% of goldies die of cancer.

My dog was an adult rescue and is officially The Best Dog in All the World.  Any future dogs would also be adult rescues.

[LeRainDrop]

"I just don't trust myself with that much money..."

W.T.F.

This was my favorite part:  "This isn't for people to try to talk me out of it btw, please just comment if you have any helpful advice!"  Self-contradictory.

[JordanOfGilead]

Dogs are a good yardstick of "good person" for me. If a person treats their dog well then I might expect them to be good people. If they fall for every puppy and then ignore it as it gets older - warning bells. A dog is a lifetime commitment but I've been surprised at how many don't see it that way.

Yeah that's a good point. I learned that there is a HUGE difference between a dog lover and a dog owner. Some day I would like to get a dog, but if I do it likely won't be a puppy, they are adorably cute but a ton of work, instead I plan to see what's currently available in a shelter.

Totally agree with Jethrosnose, and that is so good of you, MgoSam!  I visit our local humane society a fair amount and whenever I do, I make sure to spend some time visiting the adult dogs, not just the puppies and cats.  One of my friends set a good example for me -- she took me the first time and spent probably an hour visiting to make sure that she engaged each adult dog who wasn't sleeping.

Our dogs are rescues. I've tried to get others to do the same when they say they are going to get a dog. So far, all have opted to pay a breeder a LOT of $$$$$ for a specific breed puppy. Sigh....
We love our dogs. There is a Kliban cartoon that has a building with a big sign saying "USED CURS".

My wife and I refuse to get animals from anywhere but our local humane society. We thought we were getting a terrier mutt when our dog was a puppy, but now that he's 8+ months old, we're pretty sure he's full-breed APBT . We still recommend to all of our friends that are looking at getting a dog that they get it from a shelter and get a mutt. They are healthier and just as beautiful as any one breed, and a lot of times have more character (but that's just my opinion).

[JordanOfGilead]

Not overheard on facebook, but is the signature line of somebody on a car forum I frequent:

"Money can’t buy you happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery."

Made me laugh a little.

[steviesterno]

Not overheard on facebook, but is the signature line of somebody on a car forum I frequent:

"Money can’t buy you happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery."

Made me laugh a little.

"money can't buy you happiness, but it's hard to be sad on a jet ski!"

[Beaker]

Not overheard on facebook, but is the signature line of somebody on a car forum I frequent:

"Money can’t buy you happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery."

Made me laugh a little.

"money can't buy you happiness, but it's hard to be sad on a jet ski!"

"Money can't buy happiness, but poverty can sure make you miserable!"

[MgoSam]

Yeah I concur, while being wealthy might not make you happy, being broke likely will cause additional unwanted stress. I've had some unexpected bills come up over the past two months and I've paid them off. I have a mortgage on my house, and haven't found roommates, but I'm still able to pay off the mortgage plus extra while still investing in index funds (though of course, not as much until I get roommates) and still live comfortably. Imagine doing that if you are going paycheck to paycheck without much margin.

[dragoncar]

Dogs are a good yardstick of "good person" for me. If a person treats their dog well then I might expect them to be good people. If they fall for every puppy and then ignore it as it gets older - warning bells. A dog is a lifetime commitment but I've been surprised at how many don't see it that way.

Yeah that's a good point. I learned that there is a HUGE difference between a dog lover and a dog owner. Some day I would like to get a dog, but if I do it likely won't be a puppy, they are adorably cute but a ton of work, instead I plan to see what's currently available in a shelter.

Totally agree with Jethrosnose, and that is so good of you, MgoSam!  I visit our local humane society a fair amount and whenever I do, I make sure to spend some time visiting the adult dogs, not just the puppies and cats.  One of my friends set a good example for me -- she took me the first time and spent probably an hour visiting to make sure that she engaged each adult dog who wasn't sleeping.

Our dogs are rescues. I've tried to get others to do the same when they say they are going to get a dog. So far, all have opted to pay a breeder a LOT of $$$$$ for a specific breed puppy. Sigh....
We love our dogs. There is a Kliban cartoon that has a building with a big sign saying "USED CURS".

My wife and I refuse to get animals from anywhere but our local humane society. We thought we were getting a terrier mutt when our dog was a puppy, but now that he's 8+ months old, we're pretty sure he's full-breed APBT . We still recommend to all of our friends that are looking at getting a dog that they get it from a shelter and get a mutt. They are healthier and just as beautiful as any one breed, and a lot of times have more character (but that's just my opinion).

Any tips for this?  I worry that if I just pick a random dog it will not have appropriate temperament or size for my household (eg a dog that needs to run miles everyday).  Does the shelter usually help with that?

Also do any shelters do house training? I heard they are starting to do that now as it ultimately reduces the total work needed by eliminating a lot of cleanup.

I've wanted a dog for a long time but could never justify it given the amount of time I'm away from home.  Now I'm part time so I'd expect to be able to dedicate the time required.

[nobodyspecial]

Any tips for this?  I worry that if I just pick a random dog it will not have appropriate temperament or size for my household (eg a dog that needs to run miles everyday).  Does the shelter usually help with that?

Any decent place ( xSPCA ) will talk about what kind of dog you need and where you live.
A big problem can be convincing them you can take a large dog because although you don't have acres you do walk miles everyday.

Also do any shelters do house training? I heard they are starting to do that now as it ultimately reduces the total work needed by eliminating a lot of cleanup.

Most animals in shelters are from homes, especially over the last few years people have had to move house/job and can't keep their pets so they are trained.  You probably don't want a puppy anyway - however cute they look.

I've wanted a dog for a long time but could never justify it given the amount of time I'm away from home.  Now I'm part time so I'd expect to be able to dedicate the time required.

Get an older dog. They are trained, dogs adapt well to a new environment and they are likely to need less constant attention / exercise / entertaining than a very young dog.

[Travis]

"I just don't trust myself with that much money..."

W.T.F.

This was my favorite part:  "This isn't for people to try to talk me out of it btw, please just comment if you have any helpful advice!"  Self-contradictory.

"I need attention! Validate my opinions and lack of decision-making skills please!"

[MgoSam]

Any tips for this?  I worry that if I just pick a random dog it will not have appropriate temperament or size for my household (eg a dog that needs to run miles everyday).  Does the shelter usually help with that?

Any decent place ( xSPCA ) will talk about what kind of dog you need and where you live.
A big problem can be convincing them you can take a large dog because although you don't have acres you do walk miles everyday.

I concur, I would also recommend researching dog breeds so that you have an understanding about what type of dog fits your needs. I highly encourage you to look into retired greyhounds, many elder greyhounds that are used as race dogs are put up for adoption after their racing days. Advantages of them is that they are fairly lazy dogs (nickname for them is 20 mph couch potatoes, only really need a quick walk I'm told, never owned them) and they are crate trained, which makes it easier for them when you're gone. Crates are generally very good for dogs.

Also do any shelters do house training? I heard they are starting to do that now as it ultimately reduces the total work needed by eliminating a lot of cleanup.

Most animals in shelters are from homes, especially over the last few years people have had to move house/job and can't keep their pets so they are trained.  You probably don't want a puppy anyway - however cute they look.

I've wanted a dog for a long time but could never justify it given the amount of time I'm away from home.  Now I'm part time so I'd expect to be able to dedicate the time required.

Get an older dog. They are trained, dogs adapt well to a new environment and they are likely to need less constant attention / exercise / entertaining than a very young dog.
[/quote]

[ShoulderThingThatGoesUp]

Yeah I concur, while being wealthy might not make you happy, being broke likely will cause additional unwanted stress. I've had some unexpected bills come up over the past two months and I've paid them off. I have a mortgage on my house, and haven't found roommates, but I'm still able to pay off the mortgage plus extra while still investing in index funds (though of course, not as much until I get roommates) and still live comfortably. Imagine doing that if you are going paycheck to paycheck without much margin.

Yeah, I had to cashflow a new refrigerator in December. I thought - holy crap! Poor people should not be homeowners!

[MgoSam]

Yeah I concur, while being wealthy might not make you happy, being broke likely will cause additional unwanted stress. I've had some unexpected bills come up over the past two months and I've paid them off. I have a mortgage on my house, and haven't found roommates, but I'm still able to pay off the mortgage plus extra while still investing in index funds (though of course, not as much until I get roommates) and still live comfortably. Imagine doing that if you are going paycheck to paycheck without much margin.

Yeah, I had to cashflow a new refrigerator in December. I thought - holy crap! Poor people should not be homeowners!

But how else will they build equity.........! Renting is just throwing away money..........

[PARedbeard]

Any tips for this?  I worry that if I just pick a random dog it will not have appropriate temperament or size for my household (eg a dog that needs to run miles everyday).  Does the shelter usually help with that?

Any decent place ( xSPCA ) will talk about what kind of dog you need and where you live.
A big problem can be convincing them you can take a large dog because although you don't have acres you do walk miles everyday.

I concur, I would also recommend researching dog breeds so that you have an understanding about what type of dog fits your needs. I highly encourage you to look into retired greyhounds, many elder greyhounds that are used as race dogs are put up for adoption after their racing days. Advantages of them is that they are fairly lazy dogs (nickname for them is 20 mph couch potatoes, only really need a quick walk I'm told, never owned them) and they are crate trained, which makes it easier for them when you're gone. Crates are generally very good for dogs.

Also do any shelters do house training? I heard they are starting to do that now as it ultimately reduces the total work needed by eliminating a lot of cleanup.

Most animals in shelters are from homes, especially over the last few years people have had to move house/job and can't keep their pets so they are trained.  You probably don't want a puppy anyway - however cute they look.

I've wanted a dog for a long time but could never justify it given the amount of time I'm away from home.  Now I'm part time so I'd expect to be able to dedicate the time required.

Get an older dog. They are trained, dogs adapt well to a new environment and they are likely to need less constant attention / exercise / entertaining than a very young dog.

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My wife and I did this, though we did it because we believe that we will move in a few years and may not be able to take an animal with us. For us, getting an older dog was all about offering a loving home to an older dog who might be nearing its end. We get the benefit of having the pup for a while, and the pup gets the benefits of love, lots of walks, and a pretty comfy couch.

The shelter told us that the dog wasn't house trained. After leaving her at home while we were at work, we found out that she was indeed. She had just been very nervous at the shelter and urinated at times. The bonus is that, as an elderly dog, she pretty much wants to sleep all day anyway, so leaving her at home is not an issue. During the mornings, evenings and weekends, we make it a point to involve her in most activities and cuddle her like crazy.