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01-18-2006, 08:00 PM | #1 |
YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana
Posts: 484
| 3 pounds full grown, need advice I am deprate need of advice. I am a single mom with a wonderful yorkie named Gracie. At 20 months old, she only weighs 3 pounds. (She is very healthy, just small). I have been fortunate that I have been able to stay home with Gracie and my daughter Mia (who is only 8 months old) but I am going to be going back to work in about 5 months. I have been agonizing over the decision if I should get another yorkie so that Gracie won't be alone all day while I am at work. She has gone threw some trama the past few months, my husband left us in March (she was so attached to him) in April we moved, the baby was born in May, then Katrina hit in August and we spent 2 weeks living in hotels and then we had to move again. I do not want to put her threw any more trauma but I have to go back to work. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do? I worry that since she is so small she would not be able to handle a yorkie, that may weigh 7 to 8 pounds, as a playmate. I am thinking about adopting an adult Yorkie because I can not see myself taking on the demands of a newborn puppy at this time. Gracie is a very sweet tempered yorkie. She has never bitten anyone and the vet has been amazed by her, she has never seen a yorkie that is as sweet as Gracie. But, I have never had her around other dogs. She has been around them at the vet, and seen them in passing but that is it. She barks and growls at them when she sees them and if she sees a cat or if you even say the word cat she goes crazy! (I have been very over protective of her, she was and always be my first baby) She has always been great around kids but has been staying away from my daughter since she has become mobile. So... any advice on what I should do about my sweet Gracie would be apreciated and by the way...we are moving one more time in about 8 months but this will be the last time that we move again for a long time. Any advice on how to make that transition smoother for her? Thanks! -Claire |
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01-18-2006, 10:51 PM | #2 |
BANNED! Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,246
| I would say you should get the new dog as soon as possible and I would get a male and make sure he will be about her size. Females tend to fight more than the opposite sex, but I think you are right to get her some company. Maybe you can find dog that is her age or a little less than her so you don't have the puppy stage to deal with. Good luck. |
01-18-2006, 11:15 PM | #3 |
Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa
Posts: 9,493
| My female is 3 1/2 pounds and my male is 7, they do fine together. She's the boss of him! They have been together since they were pretty young. I adopted them when they were a 1 1/2 - but I do know the previous owner had Bubba first and from the get go when Roxie came in she took charge even though he was slightly older and a bit bigger. I do think that SoCal is right, the sooner the better. Especially, you should get them adjusted to each other while you are still able to be home with them. I'm a firm believer in 2. I have 2 Siamese cats and the 2 Yorkies - they get a built in playmate and someone to cuddle with during all the hours you are away. I will pray for you as you continue to transition through so many issues in your life. I'm a single mom, too. I always say I wouldn't wish being a single parent on anyone, because its hard work - but I'm also a happier, stronger person than I was before. You sound very strong. The future is bright! yorkiesmiles |
01-19-2006, 12:42 AM | #4 |
BANNED! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Majorca
Posts: 163
| Lady is 2 years old and 2lbs and she gets on fine with Jess who weighs over 7lbs. Some people tend to think that just because a yorkie is small,it has to be kept in a glass case,that you have to have a special house hold to keep one,that it cant be in a household with kids and that you have to specialize in tinies to even think about having one,but this isnt true. I have 2 small kids (one with adhd) a cat,Jess and Lady has always been totally fine and she is way stronger than I would ever have imagined! She has never needed special care or attention (she does have to have high calorie food but thats about it..),she plays with my kids,we dont hide her or put her away when people visit and she has a totally normal yorkie life,theres no need to be super different with the small ones at all,just a little more careful. Small doesnt always mean fragile. If you have to go to work,your yorkie will be fine alone,but she will apreciate a "friend" eventually if you decide to get another yorkie Lady had NEVER been around other dogs either and she did ok.There was no fighting although Lady didnt like Jess for months! lol.Infact,she decided back then that she would potty all over the house to punish us,and although she LOVES Jess now,she still pees and poops all over the house Having 2 yorkies is rather like having 2 little kids |
01-19-2006, 07:22 AM | #5 |
YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana
Posts: 484
| Thank you, I am going to take your advice and go ahead and get another Yorkie, and soon!!!! I'll keep you posted! |
01-19-2006, 07:28 AM | #6 |
Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: USA
Posts: 1,857
| I am so sorry about all of your trials of late. I wish you all the best in the future. I only have one Puppy so I can't advise you on that but just wanted to send you good wishes. God Bless you. |
01-19-2006, 07:32 AM | #7 |
Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York
Posts: 238
| I may be the lone dissenter here but I don't think getting a new dog is really a good idea. It sounds like not only has this dog been through a lot but also YOU have been through a lot. You have a small dog, a new baby and have shuffled around yourself. Adding yet another responsibility to your plate to me seems like a lot and is something I would not recommend if I did not have another adult in the house with me. Your dog will adjust to being alone just like most people's dogs do. Most pet owners work and you are not the only one on this board that has such a small dog. Of course she will not like it in the beginning, mine definitely didn't but she got very used to it and now has no problem. If socialization of your dog is a problem for you then on the weeknds make sure you take your dog and your baby to dog parks or places where he/she will meet other dogs in your area. There are also play groups at various places for dogs. If money is not really an issue then you can also send your dog to doggie daycare a few days a week. I am going to start sending coco once a week. Or if you can find a stay at home friend or neighbor that may be willing to take care of her for you during the day. There are a lot of lonely elderly people that would love the company during the day. The ultimate decision is up to you of course but I personally don't think given all that you have said that has happened that getting another dog at this point in your life is a really good step. I would give some time like another year get settled and see if this is still what you want to do. Good Luck! |
01-19-2006, 07:32 AM | #8 |
Luv My Spoiled Babies Donating Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Jersey
Posts: 3,065
| I say go for another, I also suggest a male. Mac & Mellie are home alone for 5 1/2 hours, I work part-time. (shh, yes posting from work). Mac weighs just under 3 lbs and is the boss. They actually do keep each other company and play while I am gone. They sleep together (with me) at night. I love watching them play together. Sometimes I swear they are having conversations about what kind of trouble they can get in together. When they have done something wrong. It looks like they give each other the look then look at me and say I didn't do it she did it! I think they would be lost without each other. Occasionally they will fight, (very rarely) usually over a favorite toy, I just tell them to knock it off and it's over. Good Luck on your new job.
__________________ Susan Mac Mellie & Manny Until we meet again at Rainbow Bridge |
01-19-2006, 07:33 AM | #9 |
Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member | I'm so sorry that life has been so hard for you and hope things will start looking up for you ! I agree with Sneri13 here - I have 2 girls & I think they'd be lost without each other too....They never fight ...but they DO have rules - Chanel (who is oldest) gets ALL the toys first Just kidding but it's true They are actually best friends and are constantly kissing each other - So depending on what sex you choose - you have to think about the pros and cons on each .....but ....having 2 girls is GREAT ! |
01-19-2006, 09:21 AM | #10 |
YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisiana
Posts: 484
| In response to wolftrap, the added responsibility is a concern for me. Money is also a concern. I do not get child support but I do have the help of my family who have been so loving an supportive. It was my mom's suggestion that I get another Yorkie. She is not a dog lover, scared of dogs in fact, but she has fallen in love with Gracie and worries about her. There are not any dog parks around here and most of the parks are either closed, damaged or not safe at the moment. Katrina really put a damper on things here. Doggie day care is way too expensive. Gracie has just not been the same since my husband left. None of us have. I have been thinking alot today about it, maybe I should wait and see. If I am ment to get another Yorkie then he or she will come to me when I am ready. One more thing, there is no need to feel sorry for me. Everything in life happens for a reason, it was all just a test and I passed with flying colors. Things may have been bad, but others have it worse. I am lucky to have my Gracie and my daughter Mia. I am lucky to have such a wonderful family and supportive friends. I am happy and healthy and that is all that matters. Thank you for your kind words... |
01-19-2006, 11:47 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NJ
Posts: 4,021
| If you get another one, it is a good idea to do it soon so that they are completly used to each other by the time you go back to work. Also, keep in mind, that just because it's another Yorkie, that is no guarantee that they will get along. It may take time and work to get them liking each other. Only you know if you are up to the challange. good luck!
__________________ Teri Owned by and completely devoted to Tucker... Maddie, we will always love you Bandit, you are always in my heart Proud Member SSLS |
01-19-2006, 12:23 PM | #12 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: montclair,nj
Posts: 925
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__________________ Rest in peace my sweet angel dog, Lavinia Hyacynth, Vivi. I love you forever. Bear healed my broken heart! | |
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