Do you think its fair?

[CowGirlUp1833]

I put this in rescue/adoption, because I will try to find a dob pup from a shelter or rescue org. first.....

My Bella is coming up on 6 this year..... She is still in great health but beginning to show her age (She's Great Dane Mix) Do you think its fair for me to bring a puppy into our lives? (Or an older dog if that is the case?) She has had other pets in her life before and is fine with most other dogs....but I am worried about how SHE feels about having a puppy around. When I got Gracie she was a little annoyed with the bouncy shepard pup at first. As Grace neared 1 year Bella seemed to finally really bond with her.....of course as many of you know, I lost Gracie shortly before her 1st birthday to a car.

I guess my question is; Do you think Bella is happy on her own- just she and I? Do you think she will feel left out or threatened by a new member of our little family? Do you think its fair to her or am I being selfish??

[Dax]

Dax was 9 when I got Ariel. It takes them a while to get used to it but now I'm sure she loves having Ariel around. It has given her a second youth. I would have loved to get Ariel when Dax was 6 - it would have been a very good age difference.

[ChandraRae]

I think as long as you continue to do things with just Bella, you will be ok. Harley was three when we added Scooter and although there have been some "jealousy" issues, for the most part, its been fine.

[CowGirlUp1833]

Here is another issue I just thought of.... Bella had knee replacement surgery last summer. For the most part she is "clear" for normal activity...but do you think running and playing with a puppy would be too much for her?


Above all else, Bella's safetly and well being come first....

[Dax]

Originally Posted by CowGirlUp1833

Here is another issue I just thought of.... Bella had knee replacement surgery last summer. For the most part she is "clear" for normal activity...but do you think running and playing with a puppy would be too much for her?


Above all else, Bella's safetly and well being come first....

She should be fine. She will tell the other dog if it's too much.

[Trace]

Originally Posted by DaxAriel's Toy

Dax was 9 when I got Ariel. It takes them a while to get used to it but now I'm sure she loves having Ariel around. It has given her a second youth. I would have loved to get Ariel when Dax was 6 - it would have been a very good age difference.

I agree with Dax. She should be fine and it will give her a new lease of life. Plus when it her time - it will be easier for you to have one left.

[doglovin]

Yup i agrea with Dax and Trace! I am sure a puppy would do good to your Bella, and it might even make her feel alot younger!

[doglovin]

hey,when u are looking for your pup just give me a shout! I have good rescue contacts, that i could give you for finding one!

[CowGirlUp1833]

Originally Posted by doglovin

hey,when u are looking for your pup just give me a shout! I have good rescue contacts, that i could give you for finding one!

Excellent! Do they ever have pups? Actually, I'm not at all against getting an adult dog...I'd love to give one that needs a home a place to live. I'll probably be looking for a male, as I don't want to create any dominance issues with my older female dog.....

[weezyNollie]

Getting another dog is a difficult choice.. my first dog was such a special needs dog I was so concerned it would change our relationship in a bad way. Prior to me owning her she was EXTREMELY shy and afraid of human contact. She didn't trust anyone or anything.. and after the love and strict positive reinforcement she's blossomed and loves people, kids, and everyone. When her and I became so stable I was very worried that all her progression would go south with introducing another dog. I think the best way to figure out what is right is feel your dog out. Bring them around other dogs, puppies etc and find out how they react. Then especially with rescues/shelters they usually have a trial period.. so test it out and see! I tested out another border collie mix and her personality clashed with Louise, they got into a fight and I had to return her. Then I finally realized if I get another dog it should be a puppy because Louise was previously a mother and had always loved pups. I also thought this because she wouldn't have to compete for who is alpha or the dominant one and feel jealous. Then i randomly came home with a puppy and it's been great ever since! I know the stress of making this decision.. it took me months and months to figure it out. I think it also helps to find the right dog.. take your time and make sure it's one you really really want! I almost settled for something less because she fell in love with me so quickly.. then I realized I would have adopted her out of pity and that wasn't fair to her.

Don't rush into anything.. be positive it feels good and is the right choice! Good luck.