Honest opinions needed

[BabyElephant]

We have been conisdering getting another puppy/dog for some time now but we had to wait due to Poppy's health issues, then we had to wait because of this current bout of issue that we had with her. But I had a breakthrough this week (see thread in General Chat).

Hubby really wants another puppy but I wanted to go through a rescue rather than a breeder. As you know most rescues won't let us have a puppy if we tell the truth about our work circumstances. I have seen no end of dogs in rescue that I wanted to look at (as Dax knows) and we missed out on quite a few because we weren't fast enough. These particular rescues do not keep waiting lists.

Well yesterday I saw a dog on a rescue website that both hubby and I have fallen in love with ... BUT she is 4 years old and has issues that will need dealing with. She is an ex-breeding bitch, maybe ex-puppyfarm as she doesn't know how to walk on a lead and is way too scared to look at any human at all

I feel that we could give her the loving home that she needs and I am quite prepared to housetrain her and spend time with her working through her problems. I feel more able to do this especially since the progress I've had with Poppy. The rescue does like to place these dogs with homes that have other dogs too so that they can show them how to be pets But I just wanted to get some honest opinoins on what people feel about my situation and taking on a new dog.

I don't even know if we'd be approved yet but I'm asking everybody what they think

[Dax]

All living creatures have something or other. Even well socialized dogs that have been raised from puppihood can develop phobias, strong dislikes, etc.

Having another dog in the house, even a timid one could be the best thing for Poppy. No one can predict how a change like this will effect either dog.

What makes the difference for me is YOU and your level of commitment. Knowing you as I do, I don't think there are many obstacles you won't work thru.

I say go for it.

[dobermom]

I think you have done your homework, and I think waiting has been very responsible on your part.

So many people would not give a dog like you mentioned a chance. She will take some time and patience, but you would not believe what she will give you in return.

I agree with Dax, move forward!

You know my thoughts on 2 dogs. I dont think I will ever own just one again. Now that I am working such long hours, I dont feel guilty leaving the kids home, they have each other.

[SalemWitchChild]

I think it is better to have two dogs if possible. If my landlord and space allowed it I'd have another dog. I say if you know you can provide what this dog needs then go for it.

[golden&hovawart]

What issues,does she have apart from not being house-trained ,shy and not knowing how to walk on a leash?.
Is she people/kid aggressive?.I know you have a child.
What breed is she?.
I think that if you think you can do it,then,do it but I would be very careful with submissive/aggression.It's tough to change and very unpredictable.
2 dogs is better than one but remember,they do teach each the good and the bad.

[FairyDogMother]

I also think more than 1 dog is a good idea. They have each other when you're away and they are pack animals so it works for them most of the time also.
Having tow will also provide you with double the joy that Poppy brings you alone.
Sounds like you've thought it through and have an honest mindset (that it won't be a ready made walk in the park) & have agreed on the commitment.
GO FOR IT!! And best of luck

[BabyElephant]

Thanks guys - I really do value your opinions! I don't what other issues she has and neither do the rescue and my "child" is Poppy - I don't have any human children to worry about. That is why the rescue say that they prefer to home these dogs in to a home without young children.

She is a golden retriever - hence my other thread about Goldens

I know that she will be hard work and my worry was if I was up to the job - I was begining to think that I'd failed Poppy in some way with her issues that she has with town but I'm starting to think differently now.

I will let you know what happens...

[BabyElephant]

OK - here is her picture - isn't she gorgeous? I am on tenderhooks waiting to find out... I forgot to say, we will have at least a 8 hour roundtrip drive to get her but I'm sure she will be worth it

[alimel]

Well, speaking from experience, I would adopt from a rescue than a breeder any day. We just adopted a 3 yr old Beagle from a rescue and boy did he need to be rescued. He is shy as his owner "treated him badly" not quite sure what that meant He has been with us a week and we have spend time with him showing him love and getting him healthy. He had a tick problem and worms. My Rott is happier with him around, although they do not play (my Rott is 9 - very Mello) they do enjoy eachother's company. After our older Beagle passed away last year, our Rott was very sad..they really do prefer a companion.

As far as caring for a dog that has issues, whatever they are, it will just take some time and lots of love on your end and you will receive so much more from your puppy. Our guys is starting to come around already after a week, he seems happy now and is approaching people on his own.

I really hope you adopt her, she is beautiful.

[Dignity]

She is cute!!!

When we decided to get another dog, we thought for about an hour about a puppy. We decided Denali might actually hurt a puppy and we didn't want to go through the whole house training again. We decided to go with somebody a little older. I think there are advantages to doing both. For Poppy, perhaps somebody a little older would be a good thing, and 4 isn't all that old. I'd say try to meet her and see what you think in person.