Second dog opportunity -- should I do it?
 

I've been wanting another dog for a long time. I think Jackson would be a much happier dog, and I think and hope I'd be a much happier person.

I've searched on petfinder many times with seemingly no luck. They either don't accept out of state adoptions, adoption is already pending, my age (I'm 20) and often times it's 21+, or something always goes wrong.

I've gone the breeder route. I've researched a ton of breeders, got into the Silky Terrier for a while, most breeders won't sell me a male because apparently Silky's are known for same sex dog aggression which I can't have. I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with the puppy phase again... so that was making my decision harder as well.

Well, I found this little guy about 20 minutes away from my house the Penny Savers ad. He will be 1yrs old later this month. He's around 11lbs at last vet visit. He seems well taken care of and groomed. He is neutered, UTD on shots, has vet papers, and akc papers. The owner and I have been texting all morning and I think I'm going to go over later and make a visit to see if he and Jackson get along.

Her description of him:
Marco is a 10 month old Yorkie, he is neutered, shots up to date and comes with papers, I will also suppy all Veterinarian papers. He loves outside, playing with his toys, and he most definitely love other dogs and kids. I am selling him because we are moving and cant take Marco with us. I really want him to go to a nice loving family if thats you I look forward to speaking with you. The price for Marco is 500 but I will negotiate.

He is seemingly a perfect fit. She said the last snow storm, he loved! He just loves being outdoors, period. Hello, perfect for Jackson! :p

So, I'm gonna go over to this house.... of course you a see a dog, and you usually want to take him home right then and there! But any tips for me? What should I ask? What should I be looking for? Will I just KNOW if he's the right one for Jackson & I? If it doesn't 'click'.... will I know, and be able to walk away? lol.

My only tip is take Jackson with you to make sure it's a good fit for him too. Otherwise, congrats in advance! :D He sounds like a great fit.

oh Brit, that's so exciting. Marco sounds perfect to be a playmate for Jackson. His personality, age and weight.
With dogs, i kind of let my heart rule my head, so i can't give any sensible advice. I just think you will know when you meet him.
When i went to see my little puppy farm girl, my husband said 'try not to like her!' I did try a bit, but she just won me over, even with all her problems.
there was 'just something about her', and hopefully you will find the same when you go to meet Marco.
Can't wait to see how it goes, and if Jackson likes him. It doesn't matter if its not love at first sight, but as Jackson is friendly, hopefully it will all go well.

oh my marco is adorable. I say go see how they get along, however jackson will be out of his element and may not be so happy at first, I just rescued a dog a month back after my other dog died, shaffer had always had fife with him, it took him about 2 days and he was in love with cooper, both boys but it was love lol. The first day was a little rough, but smooth sailing after that. I always think 2 is a great idea, I work at home but when i go out i like that they always have company, and shaffer my 7 year old was not the most active, he has lost 1 pound since copper came, he has 1 pound to go but he and cooper are non stop so i think he will be is tip top shape in no time. I hope it goes well with marco,, and i love the coloring of jackson, he looks so sweet and fun in his pics.

Putting Max's medical issue aside I think that getting Cooper a brother was the best thing I could do for both Cooper and my family. The joy in watching the 2 dogs interact is so fulfilling and the change in Cooper's activity level is just wonderful.

Personally, I had no idea if Maxi was right for Cooper. I trusted my instincts and assumed Cooper would be fine with him. The first 3 days were very difficult but I don't think I can break them apart, even after a week.

Also, Brit, you have a knack at training Jackson. You can put those skills to use in making sure that they behave together.

I'm 100% - go for it. Keep in mind that Jackson might not love him when you bring them to meet.

Why is this woman selling a dog? What's the issue? Is there a health contract?

I agree with Deuce! Go see Marco and see if Jackson and him get along. I would also ask to see his veterinary history. If Marco is as well taken care of as you think, the family will have a folder for him. At least that's what I do with every receipt from the vet. :) I keep it all together so I know exactly when Kaji went to the vet and what did they do. If everything checks out, OH MY GOD! You'll have 2 babies. :)

You may also want to leave your wallet at home. Make it clear this is only a first visit to see if the boys get along. :)

Thanks, Karen! I'm really glad to hear that from you. I know how much Cooper loves his brother already.

She said she is traveling a lot and hardly home and just wants him to go to a good family or individual. But I'm sure she will elaborate more when I meet her today. There is no health contract that she mentioned... but I probably should ask that, if by chance, something is wrong with him if she would take him back, etc. And she how she would handle a situation like that. I don't know, do you think it would be rude of me to type something up, like a health contract and get her to sign? I don't know how she would take that!

It's a tough call but i have a neighbor Lisa that found herself in similar situation. She had 2 other pups at home and wasn't sure if the third would mesh with the rest of pups and the family. Lisa needed to be sure before committing so the owner of the pup (who just wanted the best rehome they could find) agreed to week trial basis. It was agreat opportunity to see how they would all get along, as it turns out it was a perfect fit. Lisa felt it was a great way for all involved to get to know each other, the original owners, Lisa and family and most importantly the 3 pups. So maybe you can try a week with the pup and she how jackson does.

LOL @ the last sentence! VERY good advice for me!

And yes, she says she has all of his veterinarian history and papers since he was born.

Ahh, okay, I'm not gonna lie. I'm getting a little excited.

I do still live at home, with my mom and stepdad and halfsister. I have my own section of the house with a bathroom, bedroom, living area, etc so it's basically like living on my own, they're not here from 9-5, mom owns a salon so she's often not home 'til 8. I know they would not particularly agree with the initial idea of me getting another dog (well, stepdad probably doesn't care, moms just not a dog person). But I know once I brought him home, they'd be fine. That's just how they are, lol. They even contemplated the idea of another dog for themselves after their other dog, Carmen, passed away. My mom said she just works too much.

Aww, Marco is a cutie! Definitely take Jackson with you. I hope it works out! I'd love a second dog, and Levi would love a playmate. It's just not the right time for me.

I don't think it's rude to talk health contract with the previous owner. Type something up. Get her to go over all of Marco's vet records with you and don't be afraid to question anything.

Good luck! :)

I don't want to rain on your parade, and I'm already seeing that I'm going to become one of those crazy YT people.....but, chances are that god forbid something is wrong with him after a week, you aren't going to want to give him back. I would however be curious how she would handle a situation. I doubt that it's her financial responsibility to care for the dog after selling it.

I think you should chat with her. I wouldn't put anything in writing. If it so happens that you are loving the dog, then sit at her coffee table and discuss issues and upon agreement, put something in writing. Chances are he's going to be a wonderful, happy, healthy brother. :)

That would be GREAT if she would agree to a week trial. I think that would make me feel more comfortable.

No, you're right! I probably wouldn't give him back anyways, lol.

I think today I will just chat with her and see what the deal is. :)

Leave your wallet home. Google her phone # and do research.

I couldn't find anything on her phone number- I googled earlier. ;) Just two ads for Marco, and then a bunch of Yellow Book type stuff.