Most of you know that we very recently lost our little rescue JR to seizures which lead to a stroke, he had brain damage, he was only 15 months old, we had only had him for 6 months . Sam adored him , they were about the same age and interacted really well, never a cross word and Sam has missed his pal terribly , he became quite morose at times . I do ensure that Sam mixes with other dogs often so that he keeps his sociability , he meets others most days but I am beginning to wonder if he would like a friend ? or maybe this is just me putting human emotions into a dog ? Sam is a very friendly soul indeed , he never displayed any jealousy towards little Flynn and so I am pretty sure that he would accept another one happily . I wouldnt have another terrier , but probably another gundog as a puppy . Is it totally stupid to think that a dog isnt happy as an only one when they have lost a good friend ? Also , do you think that, at 16 months , Sam would be a good age to take on the hard work that a puppy would be or would it be better to wait until he is a bit more mature ? Any opinions gratefully received thank you .
Re: Opinions welcome please Hi Kate I don't think you're transferring human emotions onto Sam. You know him better than anyone and dogs can become very despondent and withdrawn when they loose their companion but conversely they are quite resilient and will (usually) settle to whatever situation they find themselves in. I have two examples at opposite ends, Juno was an independent dog from day one, she joined the current pairing and slotted in but when Juno was only two we lost both girls within a few months of each other, the second just a few days before Christmas. Whilst Juno was more attentive and needed more reassurance she wasn't depressed at all and actually settled quite well to being an only dog but welcomed and bonded really well with Maia. Hebe joined a bigger pack and bonded really strongly with Cara, when Cara died she became so depressed and withdrawn we put her on a herbal mix to help her over it and Finnegan soon arrived to fill the gap much to her delight. Having lost both Juno and Finnegan in the space of a few months (and various other family disasters) she's quite low again, she did OK after Juno but it's finally sunk in that Finn is not coming home this time and these last couple of weeks it's been heartbreaking to see her try to raise her spirits. I have a puppy "on order" for the spring from Juno and Maia's breeder but I'm not quite sure what's going to happen in the interim. With regard to Sam's age, he'll probably accept a pup with no problem, in fact he'll probably revert to some puppy ways himself! In an ideal world I aim at pair one being around ten before staring the next 'brace' and then for dog one of pair two being between two and half and four when the next pup arrives. My girls will be five and twelve when our new arrival lands so that doesn't fit the formula at all! From my point of view the big question is can you give both Sam and a pup the time they both need? Plus it's not a great time for a puppy, we had a November pup once and swore never again, it's brutal being outside in all weathers and far too many dark hours whilst house training and then when you do get out the opportunities for training are limited by the day length. If it wasn't late autumn I'd be looking for a new dog now and not waiting for one from Mittenhills. I don't think I've answered your questions at all! But I hope it's grist to the mill. You know your situation and Sam best, trust yourself I'm sure you'll make the right decision. Kerryn
Re: Opinions welcome please I`m with you on the winter puppy Kerryn , standing out in the garden in the freezing cold isnt my idea of fun either, been there got the t shirt : If , and its still an if, we do decide to get a pup , I want some time anyway to do lots of searching for the right breeder , that could be a long process in itself and by spring , Sam will be that bit older . Thaks for the imput, its always good to hear how others stage their additions
Re: Opinions welcome please Just a thought from a newbie for what it's worth Kate. Have you considered taking on a rescue dog as a companion for Sam. The 'time of year' problem would be solved and many a rescue dogs are obviously in need of a 'family' situation. Both you and Sam would have less to contend with as compared with introducing a new pup and Sam would even get a 'grown up' friend. Sam might even be allowed to help you to select the right companion for himself. I'm sure you will do whatever is best and only you know what that will be for your household but you are to be commended for your sensitivity to Sam's needs.....definitely not transferring human emotions because dogs surely have similar feelings, particularly when losing a loved one...how could they not....they are such creatures of habit, routine and loyalty.
Re: Opinions welcome please Hi Lynda, thanks for your imput . The dog we lost five weeks ago was a rescue, only 9 months old when we had him and so we thought we had many happy years ahead of us, little knowing that he was very ill . I do believe in the concept of rehoming, often looking at the FB page for Black Retreiver X Rescue who do such wonderful work but since losing Flynn, I am terrified at the thought of another rescue, not the hard work aspect as I have time to give but the not knowing about underlying health problems as we simply couldnt go through it again . I`m not discounting it completely, just a bit scared x
Re: Opinions welcome please Oh Kate ....how insensitive of me. I hadn't realised that Flynn was a rescue dog. Too sad that you lost him and Sam must have wondered what the heck was going on. I certainly feel for the whole situation and can well understand your reticence to try that again. I can only imagine the emotional energy involved with what you've been through. I'm sure you will be guided to making the right decision at the right time. Lynda
Re: Opinions welcome please Dont worry about it Lynda please . My heart breaks for all the dogs in rescue, especially the ones in the Irish pounds, which is where Flynn came from , theirs is a very poor prognosis indeed unless they are brought over by charities to be rehomed . I`m quite happy to take on a dog with some behavioural problems as long as its not aggressions issues but wouldnt want to run the risk of neuroligical problems again , the trouble being that you dont know this when you first take them, not that I regret Flynn for one fleeting moment x
Re: Opinions welcome please Hi Kate, I am sure you will make the right decision for you and Sam... Maybe suddenly and unexpectedly there will be just the right dog for you, looking for a home. But if you do decide to go the puppy route, then my vote would also be for a spring puppy. The JOY of being able to leave the door to the garden open so the little love can pop out when he/she needs a wee... And the grim spectre of you in your dressing gown, Welles, woolly hat and mittens at 10 pm in the garden saying "Do weewees puppy", while the drizzle and mist settle around you... ;D
Re: Opinions welcome please I've only had one dog and Riley is it. I sometimes feel bad that he's an only dog as he loves to play with other dogs. I watch the BRX page too and one day a Black Retriever X dog may make it into our home and hearts but once the baby is quite a bit older I think. You can't rush these things though, I know we thought about getting a dog for ages and then suddenly the stars aligned and there was no real decision to make, the same will happen to you and Sam I'm sure. Good luck
