I can tell you our experience with our own Katie. Our Katie is an almost 17 year old dachshund. About 5 years ago, she seemed on her last legs, barely moved around, just laid there most of the time and had no spunk at all. We decided to get another dog as it might help ease the pain since we thought Katie was going soon. When we first brought home a puppy, Katie ignored her for about a week. Then she just started coming back to life. She occasionally would play with the pup and seemed to find new energy and life. It was the best thing we ever did! I think part of Katie's morose attitiude was just being lonely for canine companionship. Having another around certainly gave her back some of her own youth.
She is getting to the point again where she can no longer get about easily. We help her in and out to go potty. She has a lot of accidents and walks with obvious pain. I know she is at the end of her time but at least we gave her another 4-5 years of happiness that I do not think she would have had, if we had not gotten a puppy (and then another and another -- lol!). The other dogs truly have been good for her. Now, this last puppy Rocky, I think is getting on her nerves a bit. But she will be 17 in August and I don't think we will be able to restore her youth again at this point. I do try to keep Rocky away from her most of the time. When she has her good moments, I let him greet her, but she is soon overwhelmed. So, I guess it all depends on exactly what condition your Katie is in. If she can physically tolerate a pup, I say go for it! But if she is not able to endure a little persistent play, maybe hold off unless you can give them each their own space. |