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Originally Posted by susansmom This is good to hear, but I think you're right about saying someday we'll look back on this stage and miss it. Both of my parents are very ill with terminal diseases and the puppies give us something to laugh about and something happy to talk about. Personally, I'm glad to hear they will settle down because someday I will probably have both dogs. Mom and Dad are both still up and around and able to do most things. But Little Bit gives them so much comfort and joy especially when they're feeling particularly bad. This is working very well for them but I wouldn't recommend getting a puppy for very ill people unless there is someone who will be willing to step in and take the puppy when it becomes necessary. That's one reason I try to spend a lot of time with Little Bit, brushing her and playing with her so she won't be too upset some day. She's a poor eater, so this seems particularly important. I wonder if she would stop eating entirely in a completely strange environment with completely strange people. |
I am sorry to hear about your parents that is hard. I am also glad you are ready to step in with their puppy. It always broke my heart when someone bought a puppy in their late 70's and then passed on and no one in the family wanted their spoiled little Yorkie. Of course this could happen to anyone and is a good reason for everyone to have a plan for their babies so they don't end up in rescue.
If you end up with Little Bit she is not going with a complete stranger, maybe a new home but not a complete stranger. I have found with most of the rescue's that came in they adapted pretty quick to their new environment and also when we adopted them out to their forever home. I know we all think they will die of a broken heart (and they will be very sad) but usually they move on and appreciate the love you give them. I know they never forget but they do move on.
The one thing you might consider is that both of you feed your dogs the same food so if she has to come to your house there is not a change in her diet. This could help in the transition. Of course in many of our rescue situation we never knew what they ate or the owners were feeding them very poor quality food and so usually I would have to deal with some very loose stools but I could deal with that.
Now onto the rough housing. I love when they play so hard they drop and I have found it depends on the dogs themselves how much they want to play. I have a 2 year old that can't stand playing with the other dogs but I have a 5 year old that goes crazy running with the 1 year olds. They can get into some very rough play but I usually let them figure out their own fights unless I think someone can get hurt. They really make a lot of noise and it gets wild but I love it and dogs do need to learn their pecking order. Of course in my house it is Bella who is only 9 months (I think) and only 3#'s. Boy can she tear into the other ones and they let her...
Good Luck and my thoughts are with your family this holiday.
Good Luck