Need some input

[finn's mom]

I really have no interest in a pure bred dog. I've had "mutts" in the past, and they did just fine. But all of this was BEFORE I had children. lol
I've looked on petfinder.com
Zip code- 54660 OR 54656
At the Sparta Animal Shelter... The Cocker Spaniel named Joshua, isn't suitable for children the lady at the shelter told me.
My daughter is cognitively disabled, and has seizures.
In other words, she's 10 years old, but functions at the level of a 5-6 year old. She's also ODD and ADHD.

Well, the only reason I said anything about purebreds, is cuz you asked about specific breeds. Nothing wrong with a purebred, I've seen purebreds at the pound that need a home just as bad as the mutties...I love them all! Yeah, cockers aren't always the best with little ones, from my experiences. I've been told, actually, that Spaniels aren't really that awesome with kids, but, I don't know that from personal experience. I do know that Cockers can be a bit jealous and nippy, from personal experience. They're great dogs, don't get me wrong, but, maybe not suitable for your situation. Is there a way for you to apply for an actual therapy dog? I don't know how you would go about it or what the rules and requirements are, but, it's just a thought that came to mind. I'm sure you've thought of it, though, and, I imagine it's expensive to acquire a dog as well trained as a service dog has to be. I don't know what those acronyms mean, but, from the sound of it, you'd be walking the dog, so, your daughter's ability to walk her by herself doesn't sound like it's something that needs to be taken into consideration...

you will find the perfect dog, it just may take some time! keep us posted on how it goes!

[lookin4caninecompanion]

I already tried, and they won't cover it, becuase it's a "companion animal". I however, MAY get financial aid to help cover the cost of it's adoption, altering, vaccines, licensing, etc.

I've never had a purebred before. lol Guess I always that that $400-500 for a dog was too much. lol

Well, the only reason I said anything about purebreds, is cuz you asked about specific breeds. Nothing wrong with a purebred, I've seen purebreds at the pound that need a home just as bad as the mutties...I love them all! Yeah, cockers aren't always the best with little ones, from my experiences. I've been told, actually, that Spaniels aren't really that awesome with kids, but, I don't know that from personal experience. I do know that Cockers can be a bit jealous and nippy, from personal experience. They're great dogs, don't get me wrong, but, maybe not suitable for your situation. Is there a way for you to apply for an actual therapy dog? I don't know how you would go about it or what the rules and requirements are, but, it's just a thought that came to mind. I'm sure you've thought of it, though, and, I imagine it's expensive to acquire a dog as well trained as a service dog has to be. I don't know what those acronyms mean, but, from the sound of it, you'd be walking the dog, so, your daughter's ability to walk her by herself doesn't sound like it's something that needs to be taken into consideration...

you will find the perfect dog, it just may take some time! keep us posted on how it goes!

[finn's mom]

I already tried, and they won't cover it, becuase it's a "companion animal". I however, MAY get financial aid to help cover the cost of it's adoption, altering, vaccines, licensing, etc.

I've never had a purebred before. lol Guess I always that that $400-500 for a dog was too much. lol

Yeah, I'm not saying buying a purebred, just adopting one from the pound or from a rescue. They're not going to cost more at the shelter than a mutt. The individual rescues will probably charge more, but, I don't think they charge as much as a breeder would for a puppy. Good luck, either way!