[Sweet Apple]

Originally Posted by Britster

Just a question, and discussion.

As alot of you know, I've been debating a second dog for a long time now for a buddy for Jackson, but I have not yet found that right dog, or the right time.

There's a lot of threads about the benefits of adding a second dog, but I wanted to know what most peoples reasons are for only having one. I know I see a lot of posts of people who only have one, so speak up!

I know, for me, right now, one is easy with my lifestyle. I am a single girl and I like to bring Jackson with me to family events (Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer parties, etc, at families homes), I enjoy traveling with him (my dad has an RV and 2 dogs of his own, and it's fun to tag along on some trips), and bringing him to pretty much everywhere he can go, cousins little league games, etc. I often think how different it will be with 2 and that's what always makes me wimp out on getting a second... lol.

Jackson was my first dog, besides family dogs growing up, and so he will always be special to me for that reason, plus he was the first thing that made me truly happy since my 6 year old brothers death in 2006, and we share a really special bond. I'm worried that I won't feel that for a second dog.

Right now, it's just easy with one, and I don't want to screw up what we have right now. So those are my reasons for having one right now... why do you only have one?

Brit, all the reasons you listed are valid reasons for you having only Jackson...One thing I miss, the very most, is not taking Apple w/me, almost every where I would go....I don't take two, because when I go to someone's house, they both take off in different directions, and I can't keep up w/the little rascals, which means I can't visit w/my friends...I haven't EVEN tried to take three anywhere w/me, not even the Vet! You're young, and full of energy, and willing to spend all your time w/Jackson, training, and stuff, so I don't think Jackson misses having a sibling...You have him around other dogs, plenty enough time, to keep him socialized...I'm older, and don't always feel like playing w/the pups, all the time, and they do great, playing w/each other...I just sit back and smile...They are hilarious!!!...I do think I make time for all three w/their affection...At first, it was hard, but we've kinda got a routine down, and they all get their time in...With you travelling w/your dad, occasionally, and your lifestyle, I think you are making a very wise choice in having one...There may come a time, when you change your mind, but you'll have a peace about it, and won't wonder...You'll just do it...For now, I think you and Jackson are soooooooooo lucky to have each other