Poor Teddy!

[TeddyGrahams]

I recently had a baby, he came 6 weeks early and so we had to spend a lot of time at the hospital. DH took Teddy to day camp every day so that he would be able to have fun with his pals instead of staying at home. He even got pretty close with a boston terrier. Well, finally my son was able to leave the hospital but being a first time mom is a bit more challenging in terms of my available time for Teddy.

Baby eats every 3 hours and so when baby is sleeping I'm sleeping. We only have 1 vehicle that DH uses to go to work and he works 6AM-6PM. The day camp Teddy goes to opens at 7, so DH can't drop him off and I don't have the transportation to bring him. The vets office is just down the road but I don't think Teddy would want to hang out over there during the day lol Thankfully I constantly have family coming help me out and they play with Teddy and take him on his walks but soon the visits are gonna stop (we live about 4 hours from all of our family).

I know that with time as Baby becomes less needy Teddy will be able to have more attention. However, I don't like seeing Teddy waiting on me to throw his ball or scratch his head. I'm so exhausted that really all I have time to do is cuddle Teddy but he's so wired that he doesn't want to cuddle, he wants to play. SO DH has suggested we get another dog. I'm unsure if that's the best idea because that would be TWO dogs I don't have time to play with. In terms of expenses we can easily afford another dog, and we just moved into a large house with a big fenced in yard. My issue is that we'd have to get a rescue dog that is already up to date on vax, neutered, and crate trained and there is not a single rescue that's gonna adopt out a dog to a home with a newborn. I don't have the time to buy a puppy and train it, we'd need to get an adult that is about teddy's size and compatible with Teddy.

This all seems like a lot but would it be worth it or should we just let Teddy tough it out until the baby is less time demanding..

[gracielove]

I don't think getting a puppy is a good idea at this time. You are too tired to house train a puppy. Maybe a rescue or some full grown dog would be a better idea.

Actually a second car is really necessary for you. Being a mom you need a car to get the baby to well visits and in case, God forbid, the baby gets sick and needs to be seen. It would also give you the ability to take Teddy to the daycare some days. Just a little run around car that can take short trips around town would be great for you at this point. When we were having children I was stuck at home without a car and there were so many times I needed transportation. I hated to have to depend on others for help. Just a thought. We finally purchased a used car. Of course back then a used car didn't cost the price of a house!

[TeddyGrahams]

oh yea, I plan on getting me a little car for baby's dr visits but that won't happen for another two months (right now the new house and hospital bill took a big chunk of our savings and we don't want to create debt when we wont have to if we wait. The plan is for DH to take off on babys appointments and if something happens I will either take a cab or DH will leave work)

If we were to get another dog it would be an adult but I just hm...still on the fence about it because in two months I would be able to take Teddy to camp.

[Maximo]

I would check with good breeders -- they occasionally have 1-3 year old dogs. When I was looking for my second dog, I had a choice between two 2 year olds and Teddy, who was 8 months. Or look in the sections here for people who wish to rehome their adult dogs. Either way, be sure to do your homework.

[OkieMoe]

I see a lot of ads about rehoming an adult dog, I've never contacted them, but if you list the questions and interview why they are looking for another home, ect... Well, that might be just the option for you. Good luck!

[navillusc]

Hi, and congratulations on the birth of your new little one. I completely understand the drain on your energy under the circumstances. I know it must be wonderful to be home after having to spend so much time with you young one in the hospital.

It does kind seem like a mixed blessing getting a second dog. On the one hand, they will hopefully play together and keep each other company, and on the other, there will be a little more work and expense involved. Finding another adult dog is also hit and miss...you might find the perfect one immediately or have to search or spend time you don't have on adoption applications, interviews, inspections, too. It is not an open and shut decision, and while finding another dog to adopt could take time you don't have now either, getting a puppy will likely be more consuming in additional ways as well. If you were thinking of getting a second dog...a playmate anyway, now may be as good as any, and in the meantime, maybe you could find some other ways to get you little furry baby exercise, etc.

I had a Yorkie-Poo when my first was born and no more demanding a baby do I believe there could ever be...my second was an angel by comparison, and both grew up just fine anyway.

My Yorkie-Poo loved fetch, so when I would feed, etc., my first son, I would throw a ball for my Yorkie-Poo. I kept a ball in my pocket and a diaper over my shoulder. Later on, when my second was born, I used similar techniques to spend time I didn't have with my older son while nursing, etc. my younger son.

I do not know if something like that would work for you, but maybe you can think of things pertinent to your situation where you could double up on things and at least buy enough time to figure out what your final decision should be. As your little one grows, things will change in your household anyway, so perhaps the decision will become easier and more clear in the days ahead.

Good luck, and, again, congratulations!

[Joyce Adams]

Congrats on being bless with a new baby and I pray that all works out for the best.

[CouversMom]

If I were you, I'd wait. I don't think it's fair to bring a second dog into the home if you don't have time for the first.

[yorkieusa]

Congratulations on your new little bundle of joy. I do feel sorry for Teddy. I hope you can find fifteen minutes a day to play ball with him. I know it's tough. I don't really think bringing a new doggie into the home at this time would be the best thing to do. I would just try to give him a little more time, even though you're tired. That will pass in time, too.

[Namor]

Before you know it you'll be back to yourself and able to meet the needs of your baby and fur baby. Many of us have been there you can do this. I had no family locally and figured it out when It was my time. And actually the best time of my life!!!!!! Teddy needs to learn how to deal with this gradually and you can help him do it. Engage him.

[TeddyGrahams]

Thanks for the input! Def. needed it for some clarity, will talk to the husband about reconsidering.