A new Puppy for a 12 year old?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Chrisann · 05-12-2006, 06:07 AM

Hi all. It is nearly 2 years now since we said goodbye to our little Prince..which left our Sammie on his own..He has been fine really...albeit a bit clingy to me now...but he seems o.k. I would really now like to have another pup...I have always had 2 for the last 20 years or so...they kept each other company.

Sammie is a bit of a loner..with a mind of his own..and small at only 3lbs in weight.... He has just turned 12 years old and sleeps quite a bit..but also still likes to run with a ball..

Do you think that his age now I should leave him to enjoy the rest of his time on his own..or go for another pup.??? He does seem lonely when we go off and leave him and howls quite a bit ... I also dread the time when I will be on my own without him....

So should I go for it do you think..

Chrisann..

yougetthesmiles · 05-12-2006, 06:22 AM

wow, thats a tough one. what does your heart tell you to do? I think if I were in your shoes and I was dead set on getting a new puppy, I would take sammi with you when you go look at pups, and maybe let sammi pick the puppy, you know if you see growling that it's not the right pup, but if you see sammi loving on the pup, then thats the right one for sammi!
I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted!

Lacy's Mom · 05-12-2006, 12:34 PM

I had a 12 year old that passed from Cushing's disease. I wanted to give her my undivided attention in her senior years, but I was home all day and she did not like other dogs. I guess it would depend on your dog's personality, but I would vote wait and then you can give your new puppy your undivided attention and not feel guilty about it. Also, the new puppy really helped me get over the loss of my Lacy.

SnowWa · 05-12-2006, 06:15 PM

Well - let me tell you (and you probably all ready know this) -- a little puppy can make life hell for an older dog. My poor 4-year-old, 21-pound Bichon has has the patience of Job with my little pup. At 8 weeks, the pup was constantly jumping on my Bichon, biting him (the teething stage was especially hard on all of us), hanging on his ears and being drug all over the house.

I literally had to put my Bichon in the other room and close the door or somewhere where else where he could get away from the pup once in a while just to rest. Even so - they do play a lot - especially in the evening. And, they love to run together outside. They are fast friends now. The problem is that my Bichon doesn't want to play 24/7. Who does???

So - if you have a way for your older dog to take occasional breaks away from the pup - take naps and get some rest - I think it would be fine.

And remember - your new pup will be a pup for a long time. I think it's hard to do, but it would be nice if you could get a second dog that is two or three years old.

Whatever - I'm sure you can find ways to protect your older dog from the energy of a little pup.

Best of luck! Carol Jean

Lexi's_Mommy · 05-12-2006, 10:02 PM

I guess my opinion differs from most because I would say yes, get a puppy.

1st reason your Sammi has only been the only dog for the last 2 years. It's not like he has been an only dog all his life.
2nd reason a new puppy could add years to Sammi, and bring out some serious puppy in Sammi.
3rd Sammi is 12, yorkies can live for 14, 16, or etc. years. (please don't take offense to this, but) I just don't know about the thought of oh, I'll wait til my dog dies then get a new one. (I am by all means not saying that is how you feel)
4th reason you can love many dogs at once and still give each the individual attention they need.

BabyFidgette · 05-12-2006, 10:15 PM

I know you really want a puppy, but I agree with most. Give your present furbaby the attention in his elder years because the puppy is the one that's going to need undevided attention. A puppy will also probably drive him bonkers.
Is your heart set on a baby? What about adopting an older Yorkie that is not going to want to play with your senior furbaby all the time, just give him some love'n?

AprilLove · 05-13-2006, 03:43 AM

I will give you my experience thus far. I brought my new pup (4 months old now) into the home with my 12 year old, diabetic Bichon and 10 year old Maltese. I will say that the bichon took to her right away and he plays with her often, but when he doesn't want to she knows it and he just ignores her.I feel like she as added spark to his life again. My Maltese, who has always been the "queen" of the house is just starting to come around and they play and sleep together, but the puppy does get on her nerves sometimes because she is a 24/7 play play play machine!! They all get equal attention and probable a bit more for the pup just because of the initial house training and such, but when she gets treats .. they get treats!! It has been a joy watching my little family come together and meld as a pack.
My personal opinion, you won't regret bringing a new baby into your and yours pup life at this point.

MaryKay
AprilLoves Mommy

londonteatime · 05-13-2006, 10:08 AM

I think it would be cool if you'd consider adopting an older dog who needs a home. By older, I mean around 5 or 6 years old. Your dog would likely enjoy the companionship, the new dog would be so grateful to have a good home and family, and none of you would have to put up with all of the teething, destruction and unbridled energy that comes with puppies. A 5 or 6 year old has many great years ahead!

Julie

SnowWa · 05-13-2006, 11:24 AM

Me again - I mentioned that a puppy can sometimes be "quite playful" for an older dog. But - I didn't mean that you shouldn't get a puppy. I would get one - but just be prepared to help your older dog get a few breaks once in a while. And - for a while - be sure and give your older dog (who is bonded to you) most of the affection and attention. He'll need a lot of special treatment and love with a new puppy invading his home.

My Bichon is only 4 years old. He was greiving from the loss of my other dog. And, this is certainly one reason I decided to get my pup. And - it certainly quickly changed my Bichon's life. He does play a lot with the pup (who is now 9 months old) - and he has become so much more outgoing and friendly in general. The new pup has been wonderful for him and has made his life enjoyable again.

At 9 months - little Murphy isn't the "wild little puppy" that he was when I first got him. The two dogs get along great. But - I still help my Bichon "get away for a rest" occasionally.

Good luck - Carol Jean

Chrisann · 05-15-2006, 06:56 AM

Wow...thank you all for the comments. It is really hard to make a decision...In the past when I have lost a yorkie..my other dogg has always a bit younger and I have had no trouble with them getting on with a new pup. ''Sammie'' always got on great with my Prince...although he is a bit of a loner really..you know..only cuddles when he wants to....really I'm saying when he wants something..i.e. cupboard love..you all know what I mean.!!!
But I do love him...and feel very protective of him as he is small...

Guess I will have to ponder o it..trouble is there is always pups in our local paper just recently..some with piccies...and I am so sorely tempted...but I will think about it for a bit....

Catch you all soon..!!

Chrisann..

GeorgiesMomma · 05-15-2006, 07:04 AM

I actually got Georgie in September of last year and our boxer is 7 years old and has never had another dog around to play with. I know that puppies can drive older dogs crazy, but Coco (boxer) has a new lease on life now. She used to lay around and sleep allday now she wakes up sniffs Georgie (or vice versa) and they go out and play. It's really great to see it because I feel like Coco has so many more years ahead of her because she is so active now. Good luck with whatever you choose.

GeorgiesMomma · 05-15-2006, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowWa

Me again - I mentioned that a puppy can sometimes be "quite playful" for an older dog. But - I didn't mean that you shouldn't get a puppy. I would get one - but just be prepared to help your older dog get a few breaks once in a while. And - for a while - be sure and give your older dog (who is bonded to you) most of the affection and attention. He'll need a lot of special treatment and love with a new puppy invading his home.

My Bichon is only 4 years old. He was greiving from the loss of my other dog. And, this is certainly one reason I decided to get my pup. And - it certainly quickly changed my Bichon's life. He does play a lot with the pup (who is now 9 months old) - and he has become so much more outgoing and friendly in general. The new pup has been wonderful for him and has made his life enjoyable again.

At 9 months - little Murphy isn't the "wild little puppy" that he was when I first got him. The two dogs get along great. But - I still help my Bichon "get away for a rest" occasionally.

Good luck - Carol Jean

Very good point we occasionally have to calm Georgie down when we know our boxer Coco is done playing. We knows she still likes her rest

However, most of the time he is laying right there with her napping it's so wonderful to see them together

05-12-2006, 06:07 AM	#1
Chrisann Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Midlands Posts: 162	A new Puppy for a 12 year old?? Hi all. It is nearly 2 years now since we said goodbye to our little Prince..which left our Sammie on his own..He has been fine really...albeit a bit clingy to me now...but he seems o.k. I would really now like to have another pup...I have always had 2 for the last 20 years or so...they kept each other company. Sammie is a bit of a loner..with a mind of his own..and small at only 3lbs in weight.... He has just turned 12 years old and sleeps quite a bit..but also still likes to run with a ball.. Do you think that his age now I should leave him to enjoy the rest of his time on his own..or go for another pup.??? He does seem lonely when we go off and leave him and howls quite a bit ... I also dread the time when I will be on my own without him.... So should I go for it do you think.. Chrisann.. __________________ Chrisann

05-12-2006, 06:15 PM	#4
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Well - let me tell you (and you probably all ready know this) -- a little puppy can make life hell for an older dog. My poor 4-year-old, 21-pound Bichon has has the patience of Job with my little pup. At 8 weeks, the pup was constantly jumping on my Bichon, biting him (the teething stage was especially hard on all of us), hanging on his ears and being drug all over the house. I literally had to put my Bichon in the other room and close the door or somewhere where else where he could get away from the pup once in a while just to rest. Even so - they do play a lot - especially in the evening. And, they love to run together outside. They are fast friends now. The problem is that my Bichon doesn't want to play 24/7. Who does??? So - if you have a way for your older dog to take occasional breaks away from the pup - take naps and get some rest - I think it would be fine. And remember - your new pup will be a pup for a long time. I think it's hard to do, but it would be nice if you could get a second dog that is two or three years old. Whatever - I'm sure you can find ways to protect your older dog from the energy of a little pup. Best of luck! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

05-12-2006, 10:02 PM	#5
Lexi's_Mommy ~GirlieGirls~ Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,293	I guess my opinion differs from most because I would say yes, get a puppy. 1st reason your Sammi has only been the only dog for the last 2 years. It's not like he has been an only dog all his life. 2nd reason a new puppy could add years to Sammi, and bring out some serious puppy in Sammi. 3rd Sammi is 12, yorkies can live for 14, 16, or etc. years. (please don't take offense to this, but) I just don't know about the thought of oh, I'll wait til my dog dies then get a new one. (I am by all means not saying that is how you feel) 4th reason you can love many dogs at once and still give each the individual attention they need. __________________ Tricia ~ mommy to Alexis, Victoria, & Candise www.TriciaMartinPhotography.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosbytricia/sets/

05-12-2006, 10:15 PM	#6
BabyFidgette Learn Yorkie CPR! Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,855	I know you really want a puppy, but I agree with most. Give your present furbaby the attention in his elder years because the puppy is the one that's going to need undevided attention. A puppy will also probably drive him bonkers. Is your heart set on a baby? What about adopting an older Yorkie that is not going to want to play with your senior furbaby all the time, just give him some love'n? __________________ Nicole & Baby "The more men I meet, the more I love my Yorkie!"

05-13-2006, 11:24 AM	#9
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Me again - I mentioned that a puppy can sometimes be "quite playful" for an older dog. But - I didn't mean that you shouldn't get a puppy. I would get one - but just be prepared to help your older dog get a few breaks once in a while. And - for a while - be sure and give your older dog (who is bonded to you) most of the affection and attention. He'll need a lot of special treatment and love with a new puppy invading his home. My Bichon is only 4 years old. He was greiving from the loss of my other dog. And, this is certainly one reason I decided to get my pup. And - it certainly quickly changed my Bichon's life. He does play a lot with the pup (who is now 9 months old) - and he has become so much more outgoing and friendly in general. The new pup has been wonderful for him and has made his life enjoyable again. At 9 months - little Murphy isn't the "wild little puppy" that he was when I first got him. The two dogs get along great. But - I still help my Bichon "get away for a rest" occasionally. Good luck - Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

05-12-2006, 06:22 AM	#2
yougetthesmiles BANNED FOR NOT MAILING PRODUCTS PURCHASED Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 9,295 Blog Entries: 3	wow, thats a tough one. what does your heart tell you to do? I think if I were in your shoes and I was dead set on getting a new puppy, I would take sammi with you when you go look at pups, and maybe let sammi pick the puppy, you know if you see growling that it's not the right pup, but if you see sammi loving on the pup, then thats the right one for sammi! I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted!

05-12-2006, 12:34 PM	#3
Lacy's Mom YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 3,065	I had a 12 year old that passed from Cushing's disease. I wanted to give her my undivided attention in her senior years, but I was home all day and she did not like other dogs. I guess it would depend on your dog's personality, but I would vote wait and then you can give your new puppy your undivided attention and not feel guilty about it. Also, the new puppy really helped me get over the loss of my Lacy.

05-13-2006, 03:43 AM	#7
AprilLove My Three Hearts Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Wrapped around their paws :-) Posts: 7,190	I will give you my experience thus far. I brought my new pup (4 months old now) into the home with my 12 year old, diabetic Bichon and 10 year old Maltese. I will say that the bichon took to her right away and he plays with her often, but when he doesn't want to she knows it and he just ignores her.I feel like she as added spark to his life again. My Maltese, who has always been the "queen" of the house is just starting to come around and they play and sleep together, but the puppy does get on her nerves sometimes because she is a 24/7 play play play machine!! They all get equal attention and probable a bit more for the pup just because of the initial house training and such, but when she gets treats .. they get treats!! It has been a joy watching my little family come together and meld as a pack. My personal opinion, you won't regret bringing a new baby into your and yours pup life at this point. MaryKay AprilLoves Mommy

05-13-2006, 10:08 AM	#8
londonteatime Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA Posts: 170	I think it would be cool if you'd consider adopting an older dog who needs a home. By older, I mean around 5 or 6 years old. Your dog would likely enjoy the companionship, the new dog would be so grateful to have a good home and family, and none of you would have to put up with all of the teething, destruction and unbridled energy that comes with puppies. A 5 or 6 year old has many great years ahead! Julie

05-15-2006, 06:56 AM	#10
Chrisann Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Midlands Posts: 162	Thanks all.!!!!!!! Wow...thank you all for the comments. It is really hard to make a decision...In the past when I have lost a yorkie..my other dogg has always a bit younger and I have had no trouble with them getting on with a new pup. ''Sammie'' always got on great with my Prince...although he is a bit of a loner really..you know..only cuddles when he wants to....really I'm saying when he wants something..i.e. cupboard love..you all know what I mean.!!! But I do love him...and feel very protective of him as he is small... Guess I will have to ponder o it..trouble is there is always pups in our local paper just recently..some with piccies...and I am so sorely tempted...but I will think about it for a bit.... Catch you all soon..!! Chrisann.. __________________ Chrisann

05-15-2006, 07:04 AM	#11
GeorgiesMomma I love TBCG! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MD Posts: 7,227	I actually got Georgie in September of last year and our boxer is 7 years old and has never had another dog around to play with. I know that puppies can drive older dogs crazy, but Coco (boxer) has a new lease on life now. She used to lay around and sleep allday now she wakes up sniffs Georgie (or vice versa) and they go out and play. It's really great to see it because I feel like Coco has so many more years ahead of her because she is so active now. Good luck with whatever you choose. __________________ Morgan Mommy toGeorgie boy & Isaiah RIP sweet Coco 10/12/99-8/1/12 Read About Georgie's Experience with Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI) Here!