I don't post too often, but I think you are making a good decision. Your family seemed supportive, and I think you'll give this little guy a good life.

Brit, you only live once and if the second dog brings you as much joy as Jackson is now you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner. I know I had changed my mind so many times when I went to get Toby (the newcomer rescue to the family) last December. I was a nervous wreck simply driving to the foster mom's home that was 1 1/2 hours away. I almost turned around twice but told myself if it wasn't the right fit, I'd know when I walked in her house. Needless to say, he was the right fit. He's FAR from perfect as he suffers from severe separation anxiety when I'm not hear and he is a rescue and tries to dominate Speedy at times but 90% of the time I can't imagine my life without him in it. Speedy was fine being the only "child" in the family but once the two of them got to know each other, you can't keep them apart and she definitely plays big sister to him. So if your heart is saying you have to do this and your head is saying think twice, I say go with your heart. The love we have in our hearts will far outweigh all the over analyzing and second and third thoughts. I will be following this thread to see the pics of the new addition!

You really need to follow your heart. Marco may be there now, but gone in one minute. Personally if I was second guessing myself this much, I think I'd put it on the back burner for awhile. I do think Jackson and Marco really look like brothers (both very handsome) and seem to be a great match. Good luck what ever your decision!

Brit, Once I decided to get Bailey a playmate my mind was made up, my bf didn't want me to do it, he said we have 3 dogs already, we could wait a couple of years to get another yorkie. But I was set on it. If I had let myself think about it to much, I probably would have not done it, and that would have been a mistake because Jesse is such a part of my life already :) Bailey loves his older brother and to watch them play makes me laugh so much!
If you feel in your heart this is what you want, then go for it, no regrets :)

Ahhh, I am a complete TOTAL mess. I don't even know why. I didn't think this hard with Jackson.

I keep thinking of things in the back of my mind.... these are my main reasoning's I'm freaking out:

I am at my dads house 1-3x a week depending. In the summer, more so than ever. They have 2 dogs over there. Me bringing over 2 more... I don't know. I know my dad would just end up loving the dog because that's how he is. He initially didn't want me to get Jackson either and thought it was a stupid decision. But their dogs aren't the best behaved so he can get really stressed when all 3 of them are there, it can often times sound like a zoo in there (the next minute, he's loving on them, of course). If I brought a 4th over, I think he'd tell me I was crazy. Now when I go to my dads house, I typically always sleep there. It's a 45 minute drive from my regular house across the Bay Bridge of Eastern Shore so traffic is often terrible and it's easier just to stay there. Sleeping there 4 dogs.... I don't know. Sometimes I think maybe I should just make an effort to stay over there more, so Jackson will have buddies more often than not through the week. But it's kind of a far drive for all of the things I'll be doing (school, work, etc) so then again, I don't want to do that. My little brother will be back in school soon, so automatically I won't be over there AS much. Btw, I've already decided with a new dog, he would have to go to a boarding/daycare place when I go away.

I know my dad will continue to watch Jackson for me, but not a new one. So that's an added expense. I started getting worried about finances. To be perfectly honest, I'm not really financially stable. Yes, I've got money. But, I mean, I'm a college student living at home. I can afford Jackson easily, and even I can't, I've always just made it work. That's the thing, I've always just made it work.... I'm sure I'd do that with a second dog, too. And it's not like I'd really be spending much more. Lord knows I spend a month on Jackson what most people probably spend on 3 dogs a month, LOL. But still scares me. If a major emergency popped up, I honestly couldn't afford that. Then I don't know what I'd do. When it comes to Jackson, I will do anything to get him the care he needs, and my entire family considers him family and I have multiple family members who would step up to the plate to help, and I could pay them back, etc.

Basically, when I'm home with Jackson at our regular house (moms)... I totally wish he had another doggy friend to play with. Like he did when my moms dog was still alive. Ya know, everything would have been solved if my mom agreed to getting themselves another dog, LOL. Then Jackson would have a playmate but it wouldn't be my responsibility. They thought about it after their dog died but they're both just not home enough for a dog.

I'm not worried about taking care of two dogs, when it comes to training, feeding, etc. I know I can do that. Because I've done it before... moms dog lived with me when I was home, and would get sooo depressed when I took Jackson over to my dads house. I fed her, she slept in my bed, etc.

Sorry this is getting so long... but as I woke up this morning, with Jackson curled up under my arm, and it was 9:30am, I started thinking about tonight if we have this dog here with us... and how different it would be. Marco does not currently sleep in his owners bed so I'd have to do the crate thing all over again (he sleeps in a crate).

Bottom line, I'm SCARED that I am going to make the wrong decision. I'm positive once he was at home, I'd probably be happy. But I almost feel like I'm making an irresponsible decision by adding a second when technically, I'm not financially ready (I can afford food, treats, clothes, etc, it's the medical emergencies that scare me). I've only had one really expensive vet visit w/ Jackson, and I covered it ($400 might not be considered really expensive to some, but it was for me).

I don't know what happened to me! I was SO ready yesterday and then last night, I just started thinking sooo much. ARGH! I over-think everything. I'm totally crazy, lol. This woman is going to think I'm completely nuts. Maybe yorkie_mama was right, maybe my lifestyle is just not ready for a second dog yet.

OK Just read your whole thread :) and I'm now thinking your not ready for another baby. I think once you decide you will know it but maybe at this point you just better wait. Best wishes to Marco and hopefully she finds him a loving home!

:thumbup::thumbup:

Try not to over-think it. I do that with everything too. Yes, it will be more difficult with two but it will also be more fun.

Finances are indeed something to consider but just don't let your nerves get the best of you.

Keep a calm and clear head ~ try not to make any decisions out of fear.

Whichever you choose - it will be the right thing for you.

Okay maybe you should sit down with your mom and dad and step parents and talk to them about it it is possible that if you get a second dog they will be able to be a financial buffer so that if there is a emergency you can rest safe knowing there is someone you can count on.

on a side note i wish i had never gotten a second dog, i love her don't get me wrong, i just wish i had spent more time with my little guy gotten to know him better im sure he could have filled my life on his own.

You'll be fine either way, I'm sure. :) That said, it does not sound like you're ready for another dog, esp. financially. Also, the history of this dog (breeding, testing, etc.) isn't really known. So that makes it more likely for medical bills.

Pet Insurance??
 

Brit have you thought about pet insurance? This might help ease the financial "risk" for you.

I also think it a good idea to talk with your family ahead of time.

Which-ever way you go with your decision, it will have been well thought out.

Best of luck sitting on the edge of my seat to see which way you go:)

Well, guys, you're going to think I'm absolutely NUTS! :eek::eek:

I passed up on this dog.... I got myself so stressed about it. I think that means I'm not ready.

I think the MAIN reason I want another dog is to keep Jackson company because I know he enjoys the company of another dog greatly. But I had to sit down and be like... that should not be the only reason to get a second dog. And it's not like Jackson doesn't live a good life or anything! lol. I mean we go to the dog park all the time and visit my dads dog, etc.

So... NO new dog post unfortunately and I'm going to get the second dog idea OUT of my head until at least the new year.

Btw, I've been really wanting to get insurance for Jackson as well. Just in case. I think it really would be worth it.

That's EXACTLY why I got so nervous. I really want Jackson to be happy for one, and myself of course. And I am trying to make the responsible decision and not just go and get a dog... I want to really be sure I'm making the *right* choice.

So, look back next year! I think I will be more ready then. In the mean time, I'll torture myself by researching breeders and viewing petfinder. :rolleyes:

Brit, I think you made the right decision. Now, get off Petfinder!!

I think the best thing is to stay off any sites that sell dogs. I'd probably research some breeders but I know before when I would be looking at dogs that were for sale it would really make me want another dog.

I really liked the idea that if you talked to your parents, maybe your mom would be willing to share half the responsibilities of him.