I wouldn't add another dog until you see if Charlie is actually being affected by your lack of presence, unless you really want another dog.
Peek a Boo got really sad after his buddies passed on... he stopped being interested in anything, including me!, went off his food, slept most of the time. I had to intervene to get him to eat and go potty.
Then I decided to get Tinkerbell. Well he doesn't like Tink, they keep vying to be head dog, even now after 4 years! He liked the Yorkie down the street... I could see him perk right up whenever he saw her, so I went to get another that was more similar to his own coloring (Tink is a Blondie).
We got Sapphire, who could be his twin. They love each other and are best buddies. He lets her get away with everything! So cute!
Then a Biewer became available (I've wanted one ever since I first saw one) and I thought she would be a better playmate for Tink. When she came home, poor Sapphire thought she was on her way out and really got sad, but I gave her so much more attention to get her to come around again and she did. So now we're all fine!
When Finny the Biewer first came home, Tink thought she was a big toy bc of her coloring.... I caught Tink dragging Finny across the carpet by her ear! I was able to stop this behavior quickly and Tink now knows Finny is a real dog and not a toy to add to her collection!
Just beware, another dog could be nice.... or not! |