NEED Advice About Having TWO Dogs

[StewiesMom]

Ok, as everyone may or may not know, I am single and I have Stewie. I was thinking about getting him a lil sis or bro (most likely a sis. Everyone probably knows that already since I have been talking about it for months.

The problem is this...

Since it is ONLY me and not a boyfriend or husband or whatever, I think that the cons of getting another far outweigh the pros. Let me give you some examples if you don't believe me:

1. Double the costs (vet, food, etc - which is the least of my worries).

2. There is no possible way I could ever fly with two Yorkies/dogs - no airlines allow it more than one dog per person. AND most airlines don't even allow two dogs to be on the same plane in the same cabin period.

3. I could never bring two dogs everywhere with me - such as family parties, overnight stays, hotels. A lot of my family just tolerate Stewie since they know I treat him as a son, but I wouldn't even try to bring two around w/ me.

4. I have a hard enough time finding a dog sitter for one and I'm not a fan of boarding.

5. I will probably be living in an apt and most apts have a hard time allowing pets. Maybe I could squeeze in and beg for one dog, but two? Not a chance.

So what is a girl to do? Is Stewie never going to have a playmate? I am at a loss.

[Rae Rae]

If money is no issue, then don't worry about # 1. As for flying would you be able to fly the pets w/o them being with you? I forgot what it's called, but when you check them in..I"m sure you could do that w/ more than one pet. As for bringing them everywhere with you, I don't think they would need to be brought everywhere with you, but if you don't want to leave them home alone, at least they will have eachother to play with. Is there a specific reason you have to bring them everywhere with you? If it's cuz you don't want them to be lonely, they won't be cuz they'll have eachother. You're fourth issue is a big one...do you travel alot? If you rarely travel then I wouldn't worry about this as much. I'm surprised you have trouble finding dogsitters...who WOULDN"T want to watch a yorkie?? Find a place that is pet friendly, there aren't a lot, but there definitly are some. I know where I live, the only pet friendly apartments that I liked were a little bit more. And since the dogs are soo tiny, it might not even be a problem.

I wouldnt say NEVER, theres definitly things you can work around in order to get a friend for him!

[kitty]

As long as money isn't an issue I dont see why you shouldn't have 2. I take at least 2 with me everywhere I go. I have 6 dogs so we take turns. I travel alot to see family and usually all 6 go with me. I am married and have 4 kids but my husband has a full time job and is also in the National Guard so he is never here. My kids don't help out with the dogs so I figure I am a single mom to them. (Most of the time I feel like a single mom to my skin kids too.) I don't know what to say about the flying part since I don't fly. Maybe you could work that one out? Any way Good luck in making your decision.

[Jaspermom]

Kristy, if this is something that you really want, then you will overcome all the obstacles.

I can tell you that if you get a second one, you will end up asking yourself why you waited so long!

[Zoey's Momma]

I say go for it!

[Yorkie3]

It is so easy for us to say "go for it", but in the end only you can make that decision. If you think you can work it out, great, little Stewie would have someone to keep him company, but if you feel that it would be a burden (with the family, flying, boarding, and apartment) then I would think it through carefully. Only you know your specific situation. Best of luck to you.

[serrelind]

You have echoed all my fears and concern with getting another dog. I so want badly for Napoleon to have a playmate, but with another dog comes all sorts of obstacles to resolve. In the end, I don't think I am ready yet.

[Julez]

I've had the same concerns too. I would love to get a sister for Dolce, but don't know if I could handle two on my own. Not only am I single, but I don't have a yard, so I would have to walk two dogs, which might be difficult. I would love to hear from someone who has been able to manage two dogs on their own. For now, I don't think it's worth the risk of bringing in a new family member that I might not be able to handle.

[StewiesMom]

Thanks for the tips guys. I have a lot to think about.

BUMP for some more opinions.

[browniesmom622]

i have 3 wanna get a 4th what am i gonna do i can not get dogs cause these things might come up
so i deal .........

[Lexi Rae]

i feel the same as you...im single too and want a playmate for lexi so bad, but i wonder how this and how that...i guess i will wait till i get married or
move out into a bigger house with a yard... right now its hard doing it all by yourself i know it.... its roughwith just lexi...she holds me back from so much too.... i really wish i had the right answer for you, but i know what your going through....

[sneri13]

Even though I am married an have kids. I am the one who basically does everything with the babies. I take them to and from groomers. Yes it is an additional cost but really not that Much more..

I will say that I don't feel as bad leaving them alone because they DO have each other. THey will play together, which I love to watch. They sleep together. As for flying, if you do go with a friend I know continental allow 2 dogs in coach. But only 1 in first class. So if you went with a friend you can each have one.

I really admire you for thinking of all aspects, not just the pros before getting another baby. If more people thought like you our shelters wouldn't be so full.

Best of luck in whatever your decision!!!

[DENISE517]

I just got another one. A little girl named Maddie. Her and Parker have come great friends in just a few days. At first I was worried too, but so far so good. I dont travel on planes so thats never a problem. They really do keep each other company. I do feel much better now when I leave Parker during the day.

[chattiesmom]

We have three adults and the three puppies right now. They are not a problem for us of course we don't go anywhere.....

About the only place we go overnight are horse events and we take our big trailer with living quarters and all the yorkies and Boo the Boxer go with us.

If you travel a tremendous amount by air -- then check with the airlines.... maybe there is someone that will allow you to travel with both of the kids especially if they will fit into one crate. You will probably have to buy to tickets for them, but so what.

You are such a wise woman for thinking this thing through so thoroughly.

[mustangbee]

Originally Posted by sneri13

Even though I am married an have kids. I am the one who basically does everything with the babies. I take them to and from groomers. Yes it is an additional cost but really not that Much more..

I will say that I don't feel as bad leaving them alone because they DO have each other. THey will play together, which I love to watch. They sleep together. As for flying, if you do go with a friend I know continental allow 2 dogs in coach. But only 1 in first class. So if you went with a friend you can each have one.

I really admire you for thinking of all aspects, not just the pros before getting another baby. If more people thought like you our shelters wouldn't be so full.

Best of luck in whatever your decision!!!:thumbup:

Ditto!!!!!
Yep, well said!


Kristy I think it would be great to have a playmate for Stewie.