Should I get another dog?

[mrsstats]

I had 2 dogs. Recently had to have 1 put to sleep. She was 15 years old but had Inflamatory Bowel Disease which was not getting better and she was just a walking skeleton. She had a long life with us.

My other dog is 14 and we have had him for 10 years. He is very lonely. Cries when we leave, something he never did before.

At first, I said "No More Dogs for me" MY DH wants another, my dog is lonely and I don't hate the idea. Just thought life would be easier without another. Went to the shelters today (that's the only way I will get another) but didn't see anything that would work for us. Only want a small dog as my dog is 15 lbs and dont want him taken over by a larger dog. What would you do?

 

[janette]

Some dogs just need the company. We had 2 dogs for a long time and when we lost one our other one cried and just wasn't happy. We got another and she did fine, it was strange because the new dog bullied her some but she was still happier.

She passed away recently and we had already gotten a small dog that we keep in the house (she and our other dog were outside dogs). The other dog seems to be doing fine on her own. The puppy does spend some time with her and she comes in the house some but really doesn't seem to be lonely.

Smaller dogs tend to live longer but given her age you might want an older dog. They are calmer and won't expect a playmate.

Try www.petfinder.com, you can search by breed for rescue groups in your area. There are so many dogs needing homes. I'm sure you'll find one perfect for you and your dog

 

[Music Mole]

you might want an older dog. They are calmer and won't expect a playmate.

I agree! And often these lovely, older dogs have a hard time getting homes because so many people want the adorable puppies.

Our Westie was 4.5 when we got her (now 6) and our poodle 15 months (now 2.5). Like you, I was determined to adopt a "rescued" animal, rather than get a puppy from a breeder or pet shop.

Advantages to adopting the older dog: We had very few housebreaking issues, because both girls had already had some measure of training, plus, older dogs are capable of going longer between breaks (as opposed to puppies who need to go so frequently). Also, Their energy level as adults is a good match for us - they love to take a long walk in the park, or play fetch, but they don't have to constantly be going, going, going all the time with the boundless energy of a puppy.

Many older dogs lose their homes because an aging owner is moved to a home (as in the case of our Westie) or due to divorces. It is so rewarding to be able to give them a new loving home after the disruption they have had.

Try www.petfinder.com,

This is a great tool! This is how we "discovered" that Westies would be a good fit for us - and it was absoultely correct. It considers everything from activity level to how much they shed and then makes a breed recommendation - we then contacted the local rescue groups for those breeds.

 

[Pin Wizard]

We've had Max (flat-coated retriever) two or three years now. He was from the pound. He's been fantastic! Two weeks ago on DS's birthday, we fell in love with a puppy for adoption out in front of PetsMart (lab/boxer.) It takes some getting used to and we're all still adjusting, but to see the two play together is just precious and comical! I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[AspiringCindy]

I would definitely suggest going for a 2nd dog. We have had depressed dogs after the death of their partner and have always had to go adopt another soon after. The dogs generally do better if they have a companion.Just try to figure out what doggie personality will make for a good friend for you existing pet.

 

[mrsstats]

Thanks for the advise. We have been using petfinders to look and are looking at an older dog. The one I have now I adopted when he was 4 or 5 and it worked out fine. We say a dog yesterday that was about 1 1/2 but would be too hyper for my older guy.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by mrsstats
I had 2 dogs. Recently had to have 1 put to sleep. She was 15 years old but had Inflamatory Bowel Disease which was not getting better and she was just a walking skeleton. She had a long life with us...........

mrstats, just wanted to add for your furbaby that is gone........
<font face="Comic Sans MS">
<h1 align="center"><img hspace="5" src="http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gif" width="74" height="37">Rainbow Bridge <img src="http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gif" width="74" height="37"></h1>
</font>
<center><p><font size="+1" face="Comic Sans MS">Just this side of heaven is a place
called Rainbow Bridge.<br>
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge.<br>
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and
play together.<br>
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and
comfortable.<br>
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those
who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember
them in our dreams of days and times gone by.<br>
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.<br>
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and
looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs
carrying him faster and faster.<br>
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you
cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses
rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once
more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never
absent from your heart.<br>
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....<br>
Author unknown...</font></p></center>

 

[Serena]

I think you should. It'll help your doggy and your family with something new to love.