We knew after Murphy died that we would need to get another dog. Of course not to replace him, but company for Maisie (who since has been very down) and also our house feels really empty I don't think we are going to actually get another until we move house (which is probably in the next month) m, but I can't help but look at a few rehoming charities, and there is a lovely 6 month old springer on one looking for a home. He is a failed gundog and it says he is very timid and will need lots of help to understand what it is to be loved. my grandparents always had springers, but they weren't your average dog owner as they always had loads of land so they never physically walked their dogs, they would just explore their land and potter with my grandad. My grandparents springers were always quite chilled (but then were older) and so I am worried I don't know the true characteristics of a springer and that unknown worries me as I am worried I wouldn't be able to successfully train. We know we don't want to get another lab, and so I am keen to get a spaniel (knowing they are hard work) but I also know I want to rescue a young dog rather than get a puppy from a breeder. Sorry this is a bit blabbery, I don't think Iv actually asked any questions, but would be interested to hear opinions on what Iv said .
Oh Frankie,I can only imagine what the house must feel like and I'm sorry Maisie is feeling low,she must find it really strange bless her x It's a wonderful idea to explore adoption options.I think for me,if I had a house move coming up I would probably wait.Dogs move house all the time ,I know ,but a dog that has been in rescue has already probably had quite a lot of disruption as it is.If this particular dog is quite timid and nervous then yet another big change could be quite unsettling and that might make the whole transition process and you getting to grips with a new breed harder. I've known people go out and get a new dog immediately after they lost a much loved pet and I know people that have waited years before they could face the idea....so I don't think timing is a consideration,you are ready when you are ready.I think the dog you are looking at might be more suitable for another home though ( at the moment) and you can use the time you have before you move to really get stuck into the research of owning a spaniel.The right dog will find you xxxx
I'm so sorry Frankie you must be feeling so empty but if I were you I would wait a while and see how you feel. Emotions are raw and you miss Murphy so much but taking on a rescue Spaniel of 6 months old would be pretty difficult and Maisie is still a puppy. Pour all your spare time and love into training lovely Maisie and maybe reconsider when you feel less vulnerable. Just my thoughts, you must do what is right for you and your family. Sending our love to you xxx
Oh Frankie, it might seem so very quiet in your household. My heart goes out to you. How you are feeling is completely understandable. You are both so loving and committed to any animal you have. Getting a rescue, as we both know can be wonderful, and the right one may help. My only advice would be give yourself a little bit of time, and if you still feel that adopting would be right for you, make sure the rescue organisation really do offer lots of help, you know what I mean! especially if you get stuck. Fostering might be something to consider, so you are able to help a dog on it's journey towards a new home.
You and Maisie must be missing Murphy so much, but if it was me I think I would wait until after the house move and spend the time work and training with Maisie to help overcome her loss and help her settle into her new home first. Once settled into the new home I would investigate the adoption option or as Kate says, perhaps even fostering to begin with while deciding on the best way forward for all of you. What ever you choose, you know you have all the support and knowledge of the forum to help
Ah, Frankie, must be so difficult for you right now. Do what you think is right for you and your family. Make sure you know what you are getting into if you take on a rescue spaniel, but if another dog is calling to you, well, maybe that's what you need to do.
I LOVE having a spaniel! He is completely different to the vast majority of labs I've met and he has his own challenges. I've taken Heidruns advice to heart and he doesn't get walked in the same way we go for an amble with Riley and while that's meant more time required it's definitely the right way to go. He's eminently trainable so if I wanted a dog that would walk I think he could but I want to work him so I'm nurturing the hunter in him which would make him a liability if you didn't concentrate on him all the time. I would consider a rescue spaniel as long as the dogs were really well assessed and there was lots of support. You may have to be quite picky though as the extremes of spaniel behaviour can, I would imagine, need a LOT of work and experience to cope with. I would also be more tempted to a spaniel or at least Gundog specific rescue who know more about the breed and the pitfalls. I'm with Julie and you know in your heart what's right for you and your family. I wish you all the very, very best with your decision. Any dog would be lucky to have you xxx
Frankie, my advice to you would be to wait. You, and Maisie, need time to come to terms with Murphy's loss, and a rescue spaniel is going to take a ot of time and effort. I think you should devote your attention to Maisie for a while.
Do what your heart tells you. This little Springer needs love and you have love to give in your grief. If you don't want to work him you can enjoy him as a dog and take him for a walk with Maisie.
