I REALLY want a 2nd Yorkie...any advice???
 

I LOVE LILLIE! That's why I need to get her a pal. I'm pretty sure I'll get another from the breeder that I got Lillie from since she's so true, and I trust her! Lillie has been such a joy in my life and I'm really considering this. However, I don't have a ton of money right now (my fiances' about to hop into the US Air Force as a pilot and we will FINALLY have a little more financial freedom) so I want to make sure that my house is 100% ready for another life.

I feel like Lillie really needs a pal. I feel terrible for leaving her here all day, even though I have come home every day for lunch to take her out and for a walk for the past 2 months since the day I got her. She is crate trained and I'm sure the other pup will be too---I just need some help in making an honest decision. =)

I think you shoud wait until you have your " financial freedom" and then go from there :D No need to rush things.. Yorkies will always be there.

I agree. One bout of pancreatitis or luxating patellas in one Yorkie can wipe out that financial freedom in a minute.

I'm not sure of the details of your financial freedom but I think if you guys have some wiggle room it'll be fine. If you're worried about any emergency financial situations with a dog you can get insurance to help out (although that is an added monthly cost.) I've been out of college almost a year and don't feel super 'stable' yet so I made sure to get insurance for my little gal. I went ahead and paid for a year in one payment to get it out of hte way so now I feel like it wouldn't be SO financially bad if something came up. As long as a problem wouldn't cause a major financial upset I would.

Hi my name is net n I'm in a similar situation. I have a yorkie name Judah n wouldn't mind getting him another pal as well. I think as long as your not struggling n behind on house payments then it would be fine to get another yorkie. Yorkies r small n they don't eat much anyway especially after six months they only eat twice. I'm actually trying to get My bf to get me a second yorkie for Xmas!! Hopefully! Yorkie are the greatest dogs ;)

Hi I think dogs are like people . They are socialable with their own kind and get lonesome. Your little girl would probably love a little friend to play with /sleep with etc when you are away and you will feel better too so every body wins.

Financially I believe if you really want something you find a way . At least that is how it has always been with me.

Maybe have to give up something else to get it but it is worth it if your heart is set on it.

The best of luck to you in finding a second little friend for Lillie if that is what is in your heart.:)

I'd wait
 

If you husband is just joining the Air Force do you mean he is entering the Air Force Academy? If so, you won't be making any real money for 4 years and if you move into on base housing after he graduates they may have rules against pets.......

Also, you mention that you work now. What is after your husband is out of Academy and you move and cannot find a job for awhile..... your income will drop a lot and will not have that "extra" money for emergencies.

Base pay for Air Force 2nd Lt
 

is only $2,655.30. Of course this is after he graduates from Academy which is 4 years..... If you think you'll have more money you are wrong.

I live in Colorado Springs where the Academy is located, rent is very expensive and jobs are hard to come by.

You really need to think twice about gettting a 2nd Yorkie. I think everyone wants a 2nd one, a friend for their Yorkie after getting the first one. But you need to think this over.....

How much they eat has nothing to do with the cost of owning a dog. The first couple of years, even with the purchase price, spay or neuter, etc, are cheap compared to what you will spend as your dog ages. Just read through the Sick or Health sections and see all the Yorkies who need thousands of dollars for knee and liver surgeries or the all too common bouts with pancreatitis that can run $1,000 plus with ER care. Remember, ER vets require payment upfront or they will turn you away.

Consider the yearly dentals your Yorkie may need after three years old which can run anywhere from $200-$500 depending on where you live and the cost of annual physicals and bloodwork, heartworm medication and flea treatments. Double that.

Most seniors develop health issues as they grow older and those years can be very expensive. I spend about $5,000 a year on medication and routine vet bills for 14 year old Lady (does not include emergencies which is usually another $1,000 a year). Multiply that by two and ask yourself where you will be in ten years (children, mortgage?) and whether you will be able to properly care for two senior dogs.

A dog is a huge financial responsibilty.

If you're strapped for money wait
puppies can be expensive even without any incoming emergencies

But having two pups are great
for you and both of the dogs

I'm taking the plunge and getting my 2nd yorkie in a couple of weeks. If a financial setback arises, I will deal with it. Just like I dealt with the 3,500 dollar bill when Missy broke her leg. Where there's a will, there's a way! :)

Thanks so much, everyone, for your input! This is why I JUST LOVE this place!

I'm not struggling by any means, I just know that we'll be making much more money, soon. I just know that I give Lillie my 100%, and I know I spend (more than I should on toys, clothes, treats, etc.) on her. Thats minus the health items, vaccinations, etc. thats mandatory. Knock on wood she has been one healthy little pup, but thats not to say that she won't always be. It helps hearing the costs of certain instances--I just need to make sure I'm prepared.

I just feel so bad for the little girl because she just adores being around other yorkies and I feel like I'm being selfish and depriving her. :( Also, my fiance is hopping into the Air Force as a pilot in March and he will be away (off an on for training) for a whole year and a half. :( I would LOVE more furbabies around (since I'm pushing 30 already and I don't know if we are going to have skinbabies) I treat Lillie like shes my child.

I'll probably keep reading on and weigh out the pros and cons! I'm sure I'll know when the time is right! Thanks everyone for all of your input!

How old is Lillie now? If you do decide to get another one, it's best to wait until Lillie is at least a year old.

This article points out the pitfalls of having two puppies at the same time:

Two Puppies or One? - VeterinaryPartner.com - a VIN company!

Sorry, I should have made myself clear. =) He's a tanker pilot in the Air Force Reserve. Starts Officer Training in March then off to UPT shortly after...Keeps his civilian job---I sent you a PM---you might be a good person to ask questions!!

We're going to hold off on the 2nd yorkie until we can stand on solid ground. :)