Dog Community

Adding a dog...

Posted : 10/13/2012 9:55:03 PM

I need some advice on adding a second dog to our family. We've decided to pursue looking for a second. Rory is 5 years old and is a very good girl. We were staying with a relative while some work was being done on our house and they have two dogs and Rory really enjoyed their company. She doesn't get to play with a lot of dogs, she hates the dog park and we don't have many friends with dogs. She does meet them at the park and sometimes play with there on leash. But I have noticed she's not crazy about dogs a lot bigger than her. Anyway, after seeing her enjoy playing with the dogs, we decided to look into it and decided that we want another beagle to keep them around the same size and we just love them. We met our first rescue today and it was a beagle mix and she was a lot larger than Rory. The foster mom didn't have a fenced yard and had 3 other dogs and a bunch of cats. Rory was way too occupied with the cats to care about anything else and the other 3 dogs (other than the rescue) nearly trampled her (hence why she doesn't like dogs bigger than her). So while the two met, there wasn't really much interaction. Was mostly between myself, dh and the rescue. She was really sweet. Has some trust issues & barks at strangers. But after an hour she was on her back for me letting me rub her belly and she whimpered when we left. Now my heart is mush but I don't know if it's really a good play match for our dog. The rescue is at least double Rory's size. DH is feeling we should keep looking. I'm all stressed out and sad now. Don't know how to weigh this. When I started, the most important thing was finding a dog Rory liked to play with. But now I feel guilty for leaving a sweet dog. Does anyone have any advice???

oranges81

Posted : 10/14/2012 12:26:29 AM

Arrange another meeting at a quieter place with just the rescue and rory. That way you will know for sure how they get along. but dont let your heart rule or it could end badly. Good luck!

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/14/2012 1:21:52 AM

Dang -- I just typed a whole response and lost it.

First off -- welcome back!!

I'm going to caution you to listen to your first ideas -- that Rory likely does better with smaller (and maybe not dominant or forceful) dogs?

This situation isn't going to give you anything like a good idea of how they will get along. It's not even JUST this dog and Rory -- but if there is a lot of turmoil then you won't have a good idea of "reality".

Will they let you take this dog to foster first??

The other issue I will raise -- if this dog is already a barker is that going to be a problem for you?? Hounds can be REALLY vocal -- and if you have to leave them alone is that going to create a big problem?

Jewlieee

Posted : 10/14/2012 7:21:14 AM

I would pass on that dog. I am sure she tugged at your heart but keep your priorities in the forefront : similar size, gets along with rory.

There are a ton of dogs out there that will fit the bill. As a side note, at 5 yrs old rorys desire to play is probably diminished a bit. My 4 year olds play but not like they used to and they don't play much with dogs they don't know.

Personally I would think really hard about taking on another dog that I need to socialize with strangers. It is a lot of work.

JackieG

Posted : 10/14/2012 8:45:08 AM

Since this dog is in a foster home, she's safe and will most likely find a home soon. I think you should continue looking for a dog that is better suited to Rory rather than letting your feeling of guilt make the decision. It's never easy to say "no" to a dog looking for a home. When I was looking to adopt a dog I spent over a year and so many dogs that tugged at my heart but I didn't want to make the wrong decision for myself, my other dogs and the adoptee.

Freedom

Posted : 10/14/2012 9:18:25 AM

JackieG
Since this dog is in a foster home, she's safe and will most likely find a home soon.

Just what I was going to say! It's not like she is in a cage at a high kill shelter, this doggie is safe, well cared for, and vetted as needed.

Having fostered, I am surprised the foster parent didn't arrange for you to meet in a fence area - dog park, etc. Especially if you had made it clear you want a dog who will play with you current doggie.

Good for you taking time, and searching out a nice match! And thank you for considering an adult doggie, and not being intent on a puppy (which would likely be too much for a 5 year old anyhow, lol).