Need input on adopting a second dog

18 years ago

I posted before on this but now would need some advice or input on something else. I had 3 dogs, 2 of which died of old age within a year of each other, leaving one male of about 5-6 years old (was a stray we rescued). Since he's alone he's insecure and has developed the habit of licking his paws. I walk him several times a day and I am retired so I bring him everywhere with me but I think he misses the company of another dog because when he has the chance to play or walk with one he's very happy.

My house is for sale right now so I was waiting to adopt another one but the market being slow I can be here another year like I can get lucky and move in 3 months.

My question is:

Should I go to the shelter and adopt one now or wait until I have moved. I was thinking that the move will be stressful on him so if he is with another dog it would also reassure him but I was thinking it would be stressful for the new dog another change.

If I would live in the moment....I would go and adopt one and hope for the best.

Thank you!

AnicÃ©e

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Comments (4)

User
18 years ago
Moving is generally more stressful on humans than animals. We just moved and had to work on the house for a month before occupying it. That changed our daily routine---allowing us much less time with the dog--- and caused some issues with our dog. Within a week of moving in---all those issues disappeared and he was fine.

We have been in the new house for about 2 months and just finished the last of the flooring---unfinished hardwood so we boarded the dog for the 5 days it takes for the finish to be dog safe. Now we can get our second dog---and the pack wikll be complete again.
mazer415
18 years ago
Question, where will you be moving to? Are dogs allowed? Make certain you dont make things harder for yourself or your dogs by making certain your new quarters accepts dogs. That said, your dogs licking his paws could be one of two things, it could be stress - and he is comforting himself or it could be a food allergy...like to wheat.
If you do decide to get a dog, spend some time picking out an appropriate one, so you dont get overwhelmed. Not too small (trip hazard) and not too big to handle. Take the new prospect for a couple of leash walks alone and then with your dog to establish that you are the boss of things. Good luck with your decision.
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anicee
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you for your input. I am presently living in the country. I have my own house and I am buying another one on 5 acres so it's great I do not have to ask permission to anyone :-).

Thanks again for your help,

AnicÃ©e
weed30 St. Louis
18 years ago
Unless your dog and the adoptee already have severe issues, the move will not be a problem. I was very worried when I moved my two older dogs, (11 and 13 at the time), but they didn't miss a beat. The "younger" one is fairly skittish too, so I was especially worried about her.

One thing I did was not wash the bedding for a week before I moved, and for a week after. (I did wash the sheets, just nothing else). I think this might have helped since the bed as well as the other furniture smelled the same, they were just in a new place.

All in all, as long as they are with their pack, (you and your family), your dogs will be happy!