[shaymic]

I know that feeling. It's a big part of the reason we got Clark. Maple was just absolutely obsessed with my parent's maltese mix, and LOVED him a little bit too much (She scared him away, lol, even though he's twice her size). I was concerned because she was already older (she'll be 2 in March) and does pretty well on her own, but when I had my parent's dog for 2 weeks and he left, she looked very depressed. She loved having him around.

So we decided to get a puppy for her. Not just for her, obviously, as I have 4 kids and they would fight over Maple constantly, who got to take her for walks, who got to have her at night, who got to bathe her etc. We all needed Clark, lol.

Maple and Clark get along great. He's pretty aggressive as far as puppies go, but Maple seems to know how to control him, even though he's gaining on her in the size department.

Maple was never very well potty trained, but once we got Clark and he was pretty well paper trained, Maple has only ever had accidents on the paper ever since (And she's actually gotten better going outdoors, I think she's disgusted with Clark now, LOL). She was also very maternal with him, if he cries (which he does often if he doesn't get his way, he's very vocal) she will come running to help him and try to comfort him. It's very cute.

So even if you aren't ready right this minute, I think up until a dog is 2 they will still be pretty accepting. After that they can get a little set in their ways. My parent's dog is 5 and absolutely did not like Maple or Clark (We are over there a lot). So there is some time yet.

Good luck with your decision!