Should We Get Another Dog

[Meerkat]

for our old Molly? She is so depressed and has never been alone like she is now and she mostly stays on the porch unles its real cold or real hot. Maybe a bad stoem tour dog Alice lived a very long life and taught Molly well.then Alice passed and Becky was company now our little Becky is gone too.
We don't want another dog. But do we neeed one,not sure,had Nieghborhood Watch Meeting a few years ago and cop told us the best protection you can have is a dog to let you know if somebody is snooping around.
If we just got one dog then when Molly passes it will be alone.So maybe need to adopt two dogs?It is very hard decision to make. We would adopt from pound of course and have it fixed so it doesn't try to run. Then all its shots and test.We have never paid for a sog and vet saysour dogs live extra long lives. He once said whatever your doing keep doing it.

 

[snappy1]

In the past, we have usually kept 3 so when one passes there is another for company. At this point with 2 older dogs and Oreo (young and not user friendly), we are reconsidering our "normal". Not sure at this point. If God puts a small dog in front of us at the right time, then we will decide.

 

[The Lazy L]

If I had a vote I'd vote no for a second dog.

Wife loves cats. I knew that when we married. I have no objection on the number of cats she has as long as they are NOT in the house. Well...about one year after we were married when of the cats got sick and the Vet recommended it be keep inside until winter was over. YEARS later I was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper when the same cat walked passed. That's when it dawned on me that cat must be the longest recovering cat in the world or...cats have been in the house ever since.

Ten years ago we were on our morning walk when two sister kittens meowed their way out of the woods into the wife's arms. They "followed" us home (in the wife's arms). Recently one died and wife was talking about how lonely the surviving sister was and .... NO! For 45 years we've cats in the house and when the last one is gone NO MORE for the next 45 years!

I'm the one the watches the tears roll down her face when one dies. I'm the one that has to carry the body out to the wife's pet cemetery. I'm the one that has to dig the grave and make a marker. No more.

 

[Meerkat]

In the past, we have usually kept 3 so when one passes there is another for company. At this point with 2 older dogs and Oreo (young and not user friendly), we are reconsidering our "normal". Not sure at this point. If God puts a small dog in front of us at the right time, then we will decide.

Thanks for help Snap,it is a hard decision to make.

 

[Meerkat]

If I had a vote I'd vote no for a second dog.

Wife loves cats. I knew that when we married. I have no objection on the number of cats she has as long as they are NOT in the house. Well...about one year after we were married when of the cats got sick and the Vet recommended it be keep inside until winter was over. YEARS later I was sitting in the living room reading the newspaper when the same cat walked passed. That's when it dawned on me that cat must be the longest recovering cat in the world or...cats have been in the house ever since.

Ten years ago we were on our morning walk when two sister kittens meowed their way out of the woods into the wife's arms. They "followed" us home (in the wife's arms). Recently one died and wife was talking about how lonely the surviving sister was and .... NO! For 45 years we've cats in the house and when the last one is gone NO MORE for the next 45 years!

I'm the one the watches the tears roll down her face when one dies. I'm the one that has to carry the body out to the wife's pet cemetery. I'm the one that has to dig the grave and make a marker. No more.

Thanks LaztL, that is sounding more logical. I love cats toobut became alergic to them about 30 yr ago. I miss having a cat alot.

 

[backlash]

We just had to have one of our dogs put down. Very hard thing to do but it was the humane thing to do. We still have 1 dog and 1 cat. They are doing OK. At one time we had 3 cats and 2 dogs. We are not planning on getting any more pets but you never know.
You have to weigh the pros and cons and make your decision. Maybe old Molly isn't the only one depressed about losing Alice and Little Becky. Maybe you and Mr. Meer need another fur baby in your lives. They do bring a lot of joy to a home.

 

[zoomzoom]

Meer - Have you tried occupying your dogs time with toys, activities or treats/bones?

Myself, I have one dog and she doesn't get lonely. She just hangs out with whomever is home (mainly me).

Pretty sure this will be our last dog or pet. The Mrs & I are both retired and having a pet adds a level of complexity as we plan on traveling more. We just bought a condo in FL and according to their rules, she's too big of a dog to have there. The dog also hates hardwood floors and the entire condo is wood flooring.

 

[phideaux]

Nobody loves dogs more than me.

But with our age and our health....it's just not feasible.

I hated to let Doogan go , my last dog.
Good thing I did , no way we could have taken care of him soon after letting him go, we both were down with serious health problems.

Guess I'm saying ...consider your age and health about taking care of another one.

We can never have another one.

Jim

 

[Meerkat]

We just had to have one of our dogs put down. Very hard thing to do but it was the humane thing to do. We still have 1 dog and 1 cat. They are doing OK. At one time we had 3 cats and 2 dogs. We are not planning on getting any more pets but you never know.
You have to weigh the pros and cons and make your decision. Maybe old Molly isn't the only one depressed about losing Alice and Little Becky. Maybe you and Mr. Meer need another fur baby in your lives. They do bring a lot of joy to a home.

Never a day goes by without talking about Becky and Alice too. We have so many memories but now can have a happy memory but it still hurts, Thats the main reason we don't want another animals. But to be practical out here in the wwods alone we probably need dog to alert us. Thick forest allows so many places for a bad person to hide.Also dogs let you know about large or poisonous snakes. Our dogs have killed many snakes not that we want them dead but at least they no londer threat.
Sounds like I'm talking myself into a dog,huh? Hubby did last night but thats after a few drinks.
I don't want us to make anymore mistakes for sure.Thanks BackL for help.

 

[Mr.Meer]

It's a kinda hard decision to make, I was just thinking Molly being 13 yo, age that Becky passed, she may live longer if we got her a pup, to play with, and teach.

 

[Meerkat]

Meer - Have you tried occupying your dogs time with toys, activities or treats/bones?

Myself, I have one dog and she doesn't get lonely. She just hangs out with whomever is home (mainly me).

Pretty sure this will be our last dog or pet. The Mrs & I are both retired and having a pet adds a level of complexity as we plan on traveling more. We just bought a condo in FL and according to their rules, she's too big of a dog to have there. The dog also hates hardwood floors and the entire condo is wood flooring.

Visiting kids is not a problem best friend is afriad the dogs will scair her birds she is nuts about wild birds,spends hundreds a month on bird seeds.
Dogs can be a hassle traveling at times though. Can't leave them in auto in hot weather. We traained these how to camp and stay in tent with fans all of our dogs were campers.They leaned real fast not to touch tent walls. Or jump up on air beds.Our other dogs wouldn'r get on any furniture. So have to teach new dogs.We probably won't be doing much cmping anyways, can't find a vacant campsite now so many living on the road 'lucky dogs,lol JK. We're too old to live like that and hubby flatly refuses.But a weeek or two would work.

Soon as Spring Break is washed off the shores we are going to the beach,and that is going to be hard! Becky loved the water.Onlt dog we had that likes playing in the waves with me or swimming out. Always on lease.

 

[Meerkat]

Nobody loves dogs more than me.

But with our age and our health....it's just not feasible.

I hated to let Doogan go , my last dog.
Good thing I did , no way we could have taken care of him soon after letting him go, we both were down with serious health problems.

Guess I'm saying ...consider your age and health about taking care of another one.

We can never have another one.

Jim

Jim I know you hated letting Doogan go..
Our age is one of the main reasons we question it. Like you said we never know what the next days holds in store. But we do need protection but what price is the question. Also be saving a life at the shelter now or two?

 

[Mr.Meer]

Visiting kids is not a problem best friend is afriad the dogs will scair her birds she is nuts about wild birds,spends hundreds a month on bird seeds.
Dogs can be a hassle traveling at times though. Can't leave them in auto in hot weather. We traained these how to camp and stay in tent with fans all of our dogs were campers.They leaned real fast not to touch tent walls. Or jump up on air beds.Our other dogs wouldn'r get on any furniture. So have to teach new dogs.We probably won't be doing much cmping anyways, can't find a vacant campsite now so many living on the road 'lucky dogs,lol JK. We're too old to live like that and hubby flatly refuses.But a weeek or two would work.

Soon as Spring Break is washed off the shores we are going to the beach,and that is going to be hard! Becky loved the water.Onlt dog we had that likes playing in the waves with me or swimming out. Always on lease.

Missy, loved swimming, remember how far her and Blaiser went offshore at beach?

 

[Meerkat]

Missy, loved swimming, remember how far her and Blaiser went offshore at beach?

Thats why we never let them in water again without leash.I learned that day I can't outswim a dog in the ocean,lol.

 

[Meerkat]

I called the animal shelter. Have to make appt to visit the dogs. it cost $135 to agopt each dog. That is a great deal,it covers all current shots,spay or neuter health test heart worn test first months heart wormer. So talking to hubby about if we want to go or not. it is always hard to see all those dogs begging to take them,its like they say ' take me, look I can do tricks or I'm so cute. They roll over grab balls and do all kinds of things. Then their face when they realize your walking away,it breaks your heart,why we use to get strays fixed so no kittens or puppies to suffer.Once took in 4 dogs at once and a cat now thank goodness its included in the fees.We can't afford that anymore.
How we got the best dog we ever had'Alice'. Called vet and ask for a fixed dog and cat.They said yes,so we got a crazy cat and a genius dog. Cat got lost at camp site in Georgia,never to be seen again.She jumped out of the bus ran into the woods.. We called for weeks she never was seen.


Not sure yet will leave it to to hubby.

 

[The Lazy L]

I called the animal shelter. Have to make appt to visit the dogs. it cost $135 to agopt each dog. That is a great deal,it covers all current shots,spay or neuter health test heart worn test first months heart wormer. So talking to hubby about if we want to go or not. it is always hard to see all those dogs begging to take them,its like they say ' take me, look I can do tricks or I'm so cute. They roll over grab balls and do all kinds of things. Then their face when they realize your walking away,it breaks your heart,why we use to get strays fixed so no kittens or puppies to suffer.Once took in 4 dogs at once and a cat now thank goodness its included in the fees.We can't afford that anymore.
How we got the best dog we ever had'Alice'. Called vet and ask for a fixed dog and cat.They said yes,so we got a crazy cat and a genius dog. Cat got lost at camp site in Georgia,never to be seen again.She jumped out of the bus ran into the woods.. We called for weeks she never was seen.


Not sure yet will leave it to to hubby.

Appears you already have your mind made up.

 

[Meerkat]

Appears you already have your mind made up.

No not really but sorta maybe. We are too old and depressed like most today to make another mistake. This could be major.

 

[The Lazy L]

No not really but sorta maybe. We are too old and depressed like most today to make another mistake. This could be major.

If you wasn’t planning on getting another dog you wouldn’t have called the animal shelter.

Wife loves Cheetos. She complains they make it hard for her to lose weight. But she continues to buy them and continues to eat the bag in a day or two. If she really wanted to lose weight wouldn’t she remove the temptation by stop bring them home?

 

[Meerkat]

If you wasn’t planning on getting another dog you wouldn’t have called the animal shelter.

Wife loves Cheetos. She complains they make it hard for her to lose weight. But she continues to buy them and continues to eat the bag in a day or two. If she really wanted to lose weight wouldn’t she remove the temptation by stop bring them home?

You want us to send you some pic;s of the dogs while we're there LazyL? If we go of course,still not absolutely sure.

 

[backlash]

If we go of course, still not absolutely sure.

You sure you're not sure?
Be sure to post pictures of your new fur baby.

 

[Meerkat]

You sure you're not sure?
Be sure to post pictures of your new fur baby.

We're still discussing it. Molly is feeling better today she is having a good day running around acting cute.Don't know how she would act with another dog or two.Pound said we could bring her and let her pick one out. But she is like a wild dog in public,she would be nervous around all that barking and whining.

 

[zoomzoom]

Since your dog is old and may be getting a bit lethargic, could a new, younger dog running around be kind of a pain for your older dog. The new dog may want to play a lot more than your current dog wants to tolerate.

 

[ssonb]

if ya go to the shelter remember to let the dog pick you....... right after We were married the DW said that our kids were going to have a dog.. I don't know we'll see about it......... A couple of months later the DW informs me that if I want to be in the decision process for the dog they are bringing home I had better get in the car. !!!???? Well we get to the shelter and as expected dozens of pups barkin and yelping for attention, so I just put my hands behind my back and slowly walked down the isle not really lookin at the dogs or making eye contact TILL I saw this one long haired puppy lying on a pad at the back of the pen just watching me, no noise no bark no yelp. I stopped and then made eye contact and spoke all it did was tilt it head , so I approached the cage but still no jumpin or excited activity, Next I stuck my finger thru the cage bars and the puppy reciprocated with only reaching forward with its paw and touching my finger in return....... That was it !!! I called for the wife and kids to come over and introduced them to our dog . She lived with us for over 15 years.

 

[Meerkat]

Since your dog is old and may be getting a bit lethargic, could a new, younger dog running around be kind of a pain for your older dog. The new dog may want to play a lot more than your current dog wants to tolerate.

Zoom we have also discussed tha too. Thats part of why we thought maybe two dogs so they can play with each other,plus won't be alone if something happens to Molly. Also we do need a dog out here to warn us in case someone is hiding in woords. We have already had teens tresspassing. Jumped 5'no climb topped with barb wire!
But is it worth it? We caan't decide.
Too bad don't know the future or how long,lol.

 

[Meerkat]

if ya go to the shelter remember to let the dog pick you....... right after We were married the DW said that our kids were going to have a dog.. I don't know we'll see about it......... A couple of months later the DW informs me that if I want to be in the decision process for the dog they are bringing home I had better get in the car. !!!???? Well we get to the shelter and as expected dozens of pups barkin and yelping for attention, so I just put my hands behind my back and slowly walked down the isle not really lookin at the dogs or making eye contact TILL I saw this one long haired puppy lying on a pad at the back of the pen just watching me, no noise no bark no yelp. I stopped and then made eye contact and spoke all it did was tilt it head , so I approached the cage but still no jumpin or excited activity, Next I stuck my finger thru the cage bars and the puppy reciprocated with only reaching forward with its paw and touching my finger in return....... That was it !!! I called for the wife and kids to come over and introduced them to our dog . She lived with us for over 15 years.

Sweet story SSonb.And a good idea. If we go.We can't afford too many dumb mistakes for sure. Sometimes I think we're Dumb and Dumber,lol.

 

[ssonb]

Oh BTW her name was Molly. and still after 21 years I still get a tear when I think of how good of a dog she was.

 

[Meerkat]

Oh BTW her name was Molly. and still after 21 years I still get a tear when I think of how good of a dog she was.

Isn't that something, Molly huh?

 

[sonya123]

You can never have too many dogs I would say get another one. Maybe an older one?

Dogs are my favorite animals other than goats. We have 4 dogs at the moment. My favorite is my 8 year old GSD Heidi.

 

[dademoss]

If it's meant to be, a dog will pick you. Even if it's just a picture on a website, the message will be unmistakable. We went 5 years without a dog, then for an "unknown" reason I was looking and Teddy Ruxpin, the current resident, an Australian Shepard/collie/Chow mix took up residence. He knows the front/back "ring alerts" and God help you if you mess with his pack, be it cats, chickens or his peeps . I sleep really good now,

 

[Meerkat]

You can never have too many dogs I would say get another one. Maybe an older one?

Dogs are my favorite animals other than goats. We have 4 dogs at the moment. My favorite is my 8 year old GSD Heidi.

We love dogs,cats horses and donkeys. And had a goat as a pet when I was a kid'pun'.
W have so much work now to do but maybe its the wrong kind we're keeping up?
Buying dog food is tricky now too always hear of pet food recalls. So we make our own for the one dog. A small dog is not logical out here but can't afford make up food for a medium or large dog. Chicken and beef has doubled or tripled in cost now.

I do appreciate replys it helps alot with decision.