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Originally Posted by DamSweet  I know this probably sounds like a no-brainer question - but I'm going to ask it anyway.
How did those of you with more than one fur-baby know that you were ready to add to your "fur-family"?
I would love to add to our family. Bridget will be 1 in October and I would love to find a fur-kid (not necessarily a puppy). The same reason I would like another is the same reason I'm not sure. I just LOVE my little girl - she has been so much fun and added so much life to my home that I would like to add another. But at the same time I love her so much - will I love another the same? Does that sound crazy? I remember wondering that when I was pregnant with my son (I hope that doesn't sound awful) I wanted him and we tried for him - but then I got worried that it wouldn't be the same the second time. But of course it was - I love him just as much!!
I look at Bridget and think how much fun she would have playing someone her own size and energy level - then I worry that she'll have a hard time adjusting because she is so spoiled. I'm sure (actually hoping) that she would adjust - but I don't want to cause any upset to her.
What are everyones thoughts -
1.) How did you know it was the right thing to do - and did your first baby adjust quickly or have a difficult time?
2.) Is it better to add a male if the first is a female - or doesn't it really make a difference?
3.) Would the same age be better - or do you think they adjust better to a baby
4.) Is there a time frame that you would consider "too soon" to bring another in.
5.) Bridget is the "boss" around here - even to the 3 cats - will that make a difference as to age and/or sex of the next one?
Sorry for playing "20 questions", but I really want to do this right - so there is less stress on everyone. What better place to get honest opinions than here! Thanks for your input! |
Barney was our first yorkie and only 12 weeks old when we got Daisy. They got along very well and always have since they were young and raised together. As the dogs aged we worried about them being alone should one of them pass (and Daisy is a very sick dog so who knows when her number is up). Anyway, we got Teddy when Barney and Daisy were 8 years old! Oh boy was that interesting. Teddy was immediately and very firmly corrected for his poor canine manners by Barney. Daisy did not correct Teddy but she tried to run away from him. It took about 3 mos before Daisy really warmed up to Teddy - she would hang around with him but not play with him. Barney wanted nothing to do with Teddy. It took 6 mos before Barney accepted Teddy as a member of the family. It is very rare for Barney to play with Teddy but Daisy always does. The three of them are very harmonious together but each is very much an individual.
I'm sure I've answered none of your questions so I'll sum up our story with this - your dog is young enough that I'm sure she will do just fine with a new addition. Dont freak out if she corrects the puppy as this is normal canine behavior. Make "good things happen" when the new puppy is around and soon enough you'll find that the two are best friends!