I'll try to keep this from being lengthy, but with enough detail for everyone to provide feedback as I'm looking for opinions... We currently have two dogs, a 8 year old Labrador and a 3 year old rescue mix. Our Labrador has always had health issues and was diagnosed this year with Chronic Kidney Failure. There isn't much that can be done other than diet control and her future is generally unknown. She is still active and loving, but she acts like she's much older than she is and only has very brief periods of 'play time' in her. On the other hand our 3 year old is full of himself and wants to play non-stop. He could certainly use a play mate as his big sister just isn't into it any more. On one hand I can see that adding another younger dog to the mix will make the quality of life better for the younger guy... BUT on the other hand, I feel like it's not fair to our older girl and I want to give her as much attention as possible. I've had 3 dogs in the past and know it contains extra work and there is a lot more hustle and bustle from 3 dogs... Has anyone gone through something similar?? I want to make the 'right' decision, but it's hard to know what is better.
Re: Adding a new dog? Hi and welcome to the forum Unfortunately I can't help as my 9 month old pup is my first ever dog Just wanted to say whatever you decide will be the right decision. Sorry to hear about your labs poor health.
Re: Adding a new dog? Tatze arrived when Gavin was 15 and very shaky on his pins. He was great with her and she was with him, he was the boss for sure! But we kept him away from her exuberance too! I am really glad we got her when we did. It helped Gavin get over the loss of his brother, Callum, who had been with him for all his life. For me it was good too. I was so devastated when Gavin died it would have taken me years to even think of a new pup - but, as Tatze was already here, we simply got on with it. There is still a Gavin and a Callum shaped hole in our hearts and lives, of course. Here is Gavin in our 'upstairs downstairs' arrangement last summer He looks like he's giving a hard stare - but he was nearly blind, so had to get up close Sharing a bed
Re: Adding a new dog? Hi there, welcome to the forum. I am a first time single dog owner too so no experience to offer I am afraid. Hope your 8 year old has plenty of time left as part of your family yet jac
Re: Adding a new dog? Thanks for all the well wishes for Keely... The tough thing with renal failure is you just don't know how long it will be. Our vet has told us we could have under a year or many years. Just depends how here body holds out.
Re: Adding a new dog? Hello and welcome from me and my dogs too I currently own two dogs but have had five dogs together , no problems at all . Having said this , none of them were ill, one was very elderly but still enjoyed good health so , if it were me , I would be erring to caution here . Were you considering another rescue dog ? I noticed you said that your three year old is a rescue as is one of mine and so you will no doubt know that they often come with a degree of issues which could affect your poorly girl . If its a pup you are thinking of, then also this could prove too much for Keely , poor love . I am really sorry that you have this to cope with , and I think it might be best to let her enjoy whatever time she has without added stress x
Re: Adding a new dog? I'm sorry Keely's ' health is failing,I'm also on the group of single dog owners and like Ternaya,Dexter is our first dog so I'm not able to help you with practical advice,I just wanted to stop by Nd say hi Angela and 20 month old Dexter x
