[lizardlady]

It's been more than two months since I had to put Al down. Up until recntly I had no interest in getting another dog. The pang each night when I come up the drive and he's not there to meet me hurt too much. On top of which I just plain did not want another dog.

The last few days I've begun to think it might be time. I just got done surfing the local SPCA website looking at dogs. A couple kind of caught my attention. I'm going to give this some time. If I'm still interested in looking I think I'll ask a friend to go with me.

What do y'all think? Am I nuts to consider another dog? Remember I still have Ivan. Or could it be time?

[bluekoi]

Lizardlady, How old is Ivan?

[lizardlady]

Originally Posted by bluekoi

Lizardlady, How old is Ivan?

He'll be 10 in October.

I'm thinking of getting an adult dog from the SPCA rather than a pup.

This morning I'm questioning whether it would be fair to the new dog. I work long hours and am away from home a lot as a result. I don't worry about the cats because they can amuse themselves while I'm not here. I don't know. Like I said, I'm in the thinking about it stage at this point.

[UnderRugSwept]

Do you have any rescue organizations in your area that have dogs in a foster system? Just wondering because I know that the ones where I live often already know the dog's personality/behavior as they are already living with other dogs/cats...much easier to predict than getting a dog from the shelter Although I am all for shelter animals...most of my cats have come from one. I just think it's harder to adopt from a shelter (so many unknown factors until they get into a home environment with other animals) when you have multiple animals already and need everyone to get along well!

[lizardlady]

Elewhere, the local SPCA provides information about the animal's background, whether they get along with other animals/kids, that sort of thing. A lot of the animals have been fostered before they are put up for adoption. Our local county shelter (pound) has no information about the animal's background, etc. I'm leery of adopting one of those animals for that very reason.

This is probably all moot. My animals have always "found" me in the past. I'm wondering if a dog will "find" me when the time is right.

[bluekoi]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

He'll be 10 in October.

I'm thinking of getting an adult dog from the SPCA rather than a pup.

This morning I'm questioning whether it would be fair to the new dog. I work long hours and am away from home a lot as a result. I don't worry about the cats because they can amuse themselves while I'm not here. I don't know. Like I said, I'm in the thinking about it stage at this point.

lizardlady, Would Ivan have enough energy to play with another dog? If so he would love the company & the companionship.

[Rose76]

I don't think you're nuts at all. Just the opposite. It sounds like you are prudent and are avoiding getting a dog "on the re-bound." You have gotten through the initial grieving and are not just making this decision on emotion. (I know you still grieve.) Give it some more thought, and start visiting some shelters.

For me, one dog at a time seemed to be enough, but, over the years, I've gotten the impression that dogs actually like being part of multi-dog families. They are good company for each other when you are not home. Your second dog would have to be compatible with Ivan. Explain that to any shelter you consider using. They can help you rule out dogs that might not be suitable. Also, they might have an understanding with you that you can return a dog, if it and Ivan just don't click very well.

My main concern, in your shoes, would be the expense of having two dogs. They all get sick, eventually, and Veterinarians just keep getting more and more costly.

[lizardlady]

Thanks everyone. After some more thought I've decided to keep waiting. Between things starting to get busy at work and some current health problems I decided it would not be fair to bring another dog home right now. I'm concerned I would not be able to give it the attention it would deserve.

A friend pointed out I have the kittens to cuddle when I'm down. They are both a couple of snuggle babies. They've gotten me through some rotten evenings lately.

Am also thinking of Ivan. He is a Rottie mix and can have an attitude. He might not be happy about another dog. He is enjoying the extra attention he is getting since Al is gone.

Coming home each night and not having Al meet me in the drive still hurts. I suspect it will hurt for a long time to come, afterall he met me every night for almost 15 years. As a youngester he would come bounding down the drive with his ears flopping. Eventually that became shuffling down the drive as an old man. Regardless how he was oving he still had a bif ol' happy dog grin on his face. Oh how I miss that.

This is going to sound kind of weird. I decided to stop looking for a dog. In the past all my dogs have "found" me. They've all come into my life without me actively searching for one. For now, I am content to sit back and see what happens.

[Rose76]

Aaaawww, you really do miss that "Al." It may be a few years before you stop wishing he was there in the driveway. But the pain will get less. Does take time, though.

I think you have a good plan. Enjoy the 3 pets you have, and wait-and-see. I'm glad you have your snuggle babies.

I'd say your heart and mind are pretty much in tune on this so whatever happens will be right

[Fresia]

The advantages to adopting an older dog: already housebroken is plus if you can find this and is especially helpful if working; using their critieria of being vetted for good with kids, dogs, and cats important too for temperament issues all around, especially since Mikey and Chrissey too would appreciate this ; most from the rescue organizations are spayed or neutered with all their shots; and also that more of their personality has formed and their temperament is showing to know more of what you are getting that this can be an advantage but also then can also be a disadvantage because it is already formed as it can then be harder to find a match for a temperament with the one you have and with your household. I highly recommend doing a meet and greet for longer periods, NOT a just a quickie (15 min) like some organizations allow. Also walking them together on the meet and greet can tell you a lot and gets them better acquainted for a smoother transition. Overall, it just may take a different kind of work and discipline than starting out a puppy from scratch.

The transition period takes a couple of weeks with an older dog; anywhere from 3-8 in bringing an older dog in particular into the home. Something to be prepared for.

If I had known Sophi was getting sick this time with the tick disease, I would have waited for a smoother transition this time around. Energy level can possibly be an issue but when I adopted Sophi, as a puppy (10 weeks), I had Patch and he was 10 at the time; it went beautifully well as even with her high energy, he let her know when he didn't want to play, she learned to back off at those times, leaving him alone. He taught her the most about proper socialization cues with other dogs. When I adopted Patch at 2, I had Duncan, who was 9, it went really well too, smoothest transition of all.

However, any dogs of any age, old dogs included, can learn new tricks with time, patience, and love, which I know you have all those to give whenever the time is right or the right one comes along.