Should I adopt this dog?

[RevolutionStartsNow]

http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A005739&searchtype=ADOPT&bgcolor=ffffff&text=006600&link=0000ff&vlink=6600cc&col_hdr_bg=ffffff&col_hdr_fg=006600&col_bg=ffffff&col_fg=006600&SBG=ffffff&rows=10&imght=120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal_short&fontface=arial&shelterlist='WTSV'&where=type_dog&LOCATION=WTSV

We have a dog already, a wonderful 2+ year old border collie/cattle dog mix. He's the best dog you could ever imagine, sweet and smart and adorable.

But of course he would love to have a friend to play with. We used to have 2 dogs; both died in the past couple of years, so we're not averse to having 2. The kids really want a second dog (I think they just love the idea of a puppy), but I am torn. We got through puppyhood with our other dog about a year ago, and I was glad to have the chewing phase over.

We love dogs, and can give a new puppy a good home. There's almost always someone home to care for them, and we live right by the beach. We live in a very dog-friendly neighborhood.

What do you think?

[madmax]

1. We've always had 2 dogs

and like you we lost both within months. We now have Max who is 3 and I'm desperately thinking about another.

I say YES! He looks like a real beauty. I'm going to start looking for another one myself - right after November 2. I think his or her name will be Kerry ;) :hi:

[Modem Butterfly]

2. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

It can be difficult to train a new puppy, but once they grow up, it is so worth it. You've a great home for a dog and the little guy sure needs a forever home. Please bring him home!

[Alleycat]

3. Ahhh

So cute. How do you think your current dog will handle a puppy? If you don't think their will be any problems go for it. Their just like kids once you have one you might as well have another. :]

[RevolutionStartsNow]

11. When I got found out I was pregnant with my 2nd...

I remember being terrified and even a little disappointed. I was so happy with our little family, our daughter was 3 and wonderful and I didn't want anything to upset the balance.

But of course now my son is just the best thing that ever happened to me.

I imagine it would be similar with the dog; I'm totally happy now but I know I would love this new dog immensely.

[dweller]

4. Go for it

she's a beauty, and looks a sweetie.

'Course your 2yr male will enjoy the company.

dp

[roguevalley]

5. go and get a rescue dog, one that is the same age as you collie. you will

be saving a life and find an older dog to be wonderfully loving and minus the puppy stuff. Also, your older dog won't have the puppy jealousy thing going.

[faithnotgreed]

16. exactly! rescuing an older dog would be a beautiful thing for all

[RevolutionStartsNow]

21. Do you mean a dog through a rescue program, or just an older dog

from the shelter? Ideally it would have to be no older than 2 years old, and actually I don't want to do that because I would hate to have both dogs die around the same time, that was too hard with the last 2 dogs we had (they died within a year of each other).

[faithnotgreed]

27. adopting a dog through the shelter is rescuing an animal so

its all basically the same...

i sure understand about not wanting to go through thepain of a dog dying. an older dog doesnt have to be near dying age of course but just one that is well past being a puppy. like children, the older the age, the harder to adopt out, so thats where this idea comes from, esp when someone like you and your family are so loving and could give a wonderful home

but again, i understand your concern here. and clearly whatever you think best...

[radfringe]

50. we have a rescued greyhound

you should consider it -- great pets, not hyper, mostly couch-potatoes
we also have 4 cats and an airdale -- there was little to no problem intergrating them all into one big happy family

we are also fostering another greyhound until a forever home can be found

here's a pic and a link of Mint -- the one we are fostering



http://www.geocities.com/greys4me/Available.html

[MuseRider]

6. Ahhhhhh, how could you not?

Look at that face. I just want to crawl through the screen and smooch it! Seriously, you sound like the ideal family for him. They seem to chew less when they are busy with a pal. We have 3 and that seems to have been the case for us anyway. Go for it.

[hippiechick]

7. Wow - border collie/cattle dog mix ??

I bet it can do the New York Times Sunday Crossword !!!

My ACD/Beagle Mix is an evil genius !! :)



:hippie:

[RevolutionStartsNow]

12. Yep, he's smarter than the average bear

[Cerridwen]

28. Wow, he is absolutely beautiful. That is one great picture, too.

Thanks. I love dog pictures.

:hi:



edit to add: posts=666 yeeeeeehawwwwww.

[auburngrad82]

54. Border Collie/Cattle Dog mix

Both these breeds are known for being absolute psychos. We have two cattle dogs and they are not for the faint of heart. Very intelligent. They have to have something to do or they will drive you crazy. Frisbees, balls, anything. They're definitely not made to be couch potatoes. The same goes for border collies.

[Liberal Veteran]

8. Ohmigod! He's so adorable!!!!! He needs your love!!!!

Get him.

[blue sky at night]

9. go for it

Every dog needs another dog for various and sundry reasons. Besides they can chew on each other instead of the tv remote.

[Cerridwen]

10. Add me to the "yes" column

What a gorgeous face that baby has.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

13. LOL! I knew what you guys would say!

Especially when I added the picture.

I didn't expect anyone to say "Nah, not cute enough, don't bother."
:)

I think this is one of those situations where I know what I want to do, I just need a little affirmation.

[susanna]

14. It's definitely up to you...

That puppyhood phase is difficult. I'm looking at my rescued 10-yr old Akita mix as we speak. 20 shoes (all one of a pair, not both) later, I still love her. ;-)

If your current dog is other-dog-friendly, and you have the determination to live through puppyhood2, I say go for it! They are great companions for us and for each other.

[ofrfxsk]

15. After looking at that sweet face, I say yes.

Undoubtedly, problems will arise but think 3 years down the line. She'll be a happy dog in a good home and it'll have been worth the trouble. JMO

[NightTrain]

17. If you don't, I will!

:loveya:

[Coyote_Bandit]

18. Thought about calling her wolfie?

Seriously, she looks like she would be a real sweetie.

My two doggies complement each other very well. Having another doggie companion really seems to have enriched their lives. Mine too.

:bounce:

[RevolutionStartsNow]

22. Wolfie! That's cute

but maybe too much like Wolfowicz. Ugh.

My other dog is Zuma, so I'm thinking either another beach name (Malibu?) or another Neil Young album name. :)

[babylonsister]

19. No Brainer!

You, your kids, your other dog, responsive neighbors, you live BY THE BEACH? Go for it!! What's a bit of poop between friends? Ask your kids to help train the new puppy. And I haven't gone to your site yet! I'm thinking retriever?

[RevolutionStartsNow]

20. Nope, take a peek

you won't regret it

[kodi]

23. yeap, dogs need doggie friends

as i type i have all 6 of my four legged buddies sprawled around the house. they need other dogs around them to play with and socialize with when humans are not around.

there is less of a change in homes with each additional dog, but watch out for intial agressions from the older dog as the new one invades the older dog's turf.

i have just rescued and found homes for 2 stray puppies someone dumped off near my home. that makes over a dozen i have rescued and found homes for over the last 4 years. of the 6 dogs i have, 4 are rescues that were left in my neighborhood.

i need to marry a vet.

[SheilaT]

24. It's not as though the only option is

to adopt a puppy. Get an older dog, after first learning what will work best with your particular dog. But dogs are pack animals, and they really do well with other dogs around.

Plus, if you adopt an older dog, you're possibly giving life to one who might otherwise not have a life.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

25. I know, but this is about this particular puppy

rather than about wanting another dog and deciding which one to get.

A couple of hours ago I was perfectly happy with my one dog, then I saw this puppy. :)

[Flaxbee]

26. I vote for an older dog, too, though the pup is adorable...

That puppy is pure sugar, and I bet you get him/her, but also consider an older dog... the older, full grown animals really don't get adopted nearly as much and they're often wonderful creatures. Maybe you should get two new dogs -- hey, if 2 are OK, 3 are better!

[RevolutionStartsNow]

30. LOL, are you my daughter?

This is her theory. On everything really.

Seriously, I know what you mean about older dogs and how they have a harder time being adopted. I always feel terrible for the older dogs; I have to stay away from the animal shelter because of this.

But I am also concerned that Zuma would feel more like we brought an intruder into the house if it was a grown dog. I want him to know he's the dominant dog.

Fortunately, our local shelter adopts out almost every dog they get in; this is a very dog-friendly area.

The sad thing is that this particular puppy looks to be from a litter; there are 3 or 4 border collie mixes all the same age. Why don't people spay or neuter their pets, if they can't take care of the puppies?

[SheilaT]

32. Why don't people spay or neuter?

Because they're idiots and they have truly dumb ideas.

I did volunteer work at one of my animal shelters a while back, and you'd hear the most amazing things from people. Probably the most ignorant was a man who's female cat had just had her third or fourth litter in about two years (he brought in mom and all the babies to us) who said he'd TOLD her not to go outside and get pregnant again. Like she was a human who might listen to reason.

And I wasn't paying attention to the fact you were looking at a specific puppy, so I will switch my recommendation and encourage you to go for it.

I don't know enough about dogs to know that if you bring in a puppy, dog #1 will remain top dog. I think the personalities matter. Could a new puppy grow up to become the leader of the pack? I don't know enough about dogs and their pack behavior to know.

[flvegan]

59. 3 reasons

1. Lack of knowledge;
2. Selfishness;
3. Cost

Trying really hard to not be hateful. What I wanted to say was:
1. Stupidity;
2. Too fucking selfish to give a shit about the 5 million animals we'll euthanize in this country this year;
3. Greedy ass vets. (This certainly isn't meant to be a stereotype. Most vets are wonderful, but the costs for this simple surgery are rediculous.)

[Lorien]

29. YES!!

and please look into www.clickertraining.com. I know, I post the address all the time...but it really is a miraculous and simple way to train pets!

[OneBlueSky]

31. if you don't, you're nuts . . . look at that face! . . .

this sweetie will make a great pet and a great companion for your dog . . . grab her up before someone else does! . . . :)

[Carolina]

33. absolutely

I had one dog for 4 years and then fell in love with an injured beagle abandoned at my vet's front door. I spoke with the vet and vet techs about how to introduce the new young dog into a settled situation where my basset-mix adoptee had been a happy camper and canine king.* Best thing I ever did. The two hounds are like peas in a pod and they are happy together when the humans are at work/school, or otherwise away.

Go for it.

* Among their suggestions, let the two meet in neutral territory, i.e. take the older dog for a walk, have a family member or friend walk the new pup and meet up, so to speak, near your property. Then come onto the property and let the dogs romp. When feeding time comes, although you may have both bowls prepared, place the one for the older dog before him first, then give the pup his food, etc. Very quickly the dogs themselves will develop a routine and adapt.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

34. UPDATE: We adopted a dog!

We packed up the kids and the dog (so he could meet any new puppies) into the car this morning and got to the Animal Shelter just before they opened.

There were actually 3 Border Collie puppies, and they were all in a cage together, cuddled up and cute and puppy-licious. Adorable, with their tiny little puppy teeth and clamoring over each other for attention.

As the kids ooohed and awwwwed over the pups, I took a look at the other dogs. I knew who I would see, from the pictures on the website. But 3 cages down was another dog, an adult, listed as a Border Collie but looking much more like a Black Lab, sitting quietly in her cage. She looked up at me when I stopped, and that was it. She chose me. She nuzzled my hand and wagged her tail.

I approached the kids and my husband about this, and insisted that they meet this older dog. They loved her, too, but of course the kids wanted a puppy. We talked it through, and while we talked several more people came in to look at the puppies. It became clear to us that the puppies would be snapped up quickly, but what about this older dog? She'd already been there for a month.

In the end it was a very easy decision. As my daughter told me later, if we'd chosen the puppy, there would've been a lot of sadness (the left-behind dog, the other people who wanted one of those puppies) but this way everyone was happy.

I just wanted to say thanks to the people in this thread who encouraged me to get an older dog, I definitely had those thoughts in mind when we were making the decision. She's a wonderful, loving dog, and we are lucky to have her. We named her Joey.

Plus, no puppy mess!

Here are some photos of her, including with our other dog (the white one) and with my daughter on the beach tonight.

[tcfrogs]

37. Congrats on the decision!

Have fun with the new member of the household!

[slinkerwink]

39. those photos are GREAT!

[Maddy McCall]

41. She's beautiful.

I see you have already bought her a clever collar. I love her white paws. What did you name her?

[RevolutionStartsNow]

42. Thank you!

That's actually the collar she came with. She was found along with another older dog (who has already been adopted), and brought to the shelter. They had matching collars, so we thought we'd keep it.

We named her Joey.

[Maddy McCall]

46. Love it!

She looks like a Joey. You have given her a new lease on life. The photo of her romping on the beach is so wonderful--if it weren't for you and your family, she might not have ever had that experience.

She's a beaut, and she's lucky to be a part of your family. :hug:

[faithnotgreed]

43. hi joey! you fit right into one beautiful family - thank you

so very much for this. what a happy ending and what a decision of love..

heres to many healthy and happy years together

[miss_kitty]

44. they look like they've been together for years...

:D

[rockydem]

47. awesome

great story!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

55. That picture there at the bottom is professional worthy...

You could totally sell that. What a great picture!!
Duckie

[Rhiannon12866]

56. But don't you think that she should adopt this puppy?!

I would think about it and I already have two of my own! BTW, I love your sig line. It's perfect!

Rhiannon:hi:

[wicket]

60. You made an AWESOME choice :)

So happy for you and your family, good luck with the new pet (and a saved life).

[auburngrad82]

62. She's beautiful!

We have 5 dogs and 3 of them are rescues of one sort or another. A fourth rescue now lives with my parents and is well loved there. Just out of curiosity, what is the other dog a mix of? Looks like maybe husky but in any event they are both beautiful.

Put them on Dogster and then my buddies can be pup pals with your buddies!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

35. Yes!

I know, it's a pain to puppyproof your home; but it'll be SO worth it. Besides, I'll bet your other pup will help keep him in line!

[pres2032]

36. sure, go for it!

certianly wish i could be in the position of considering buying a dog, but both the college and my parents are against it. :-(




woo hoo, my 50th post in 24 hours!!!! i'll have 1,000 in no time at this rate!

[henslee]

38. He looks like he has a mean streak.

[Robeson]

40. Its a she

[donheld]

45. How can you say no

to that sweet little face

[Hello_Kitty]

48. Yes. Dogs are pack animals, happiest w/others. n/t

[Rhiannon12866]

49. What a little angel! If you can manage it, and they'd get along, then yes

I have had two dogs for a long time. They support each other and keep each other company. I would recommend it. As long as they get along, it's a win-win situation. Just make sure that they're happy together. All of my guys are rescue, but I've been able to make it work.

I currently have two terriers, one who was separated from his biological sister at age nine, when their owner died, and another who was found as a stray in Ohio, who came to me, in NY, as a part of a rescue mission. They were both in dire straits, and now both sleep on my bed, together. I know how it is. I had two cocker spaniels that I loved dearly and lost one, and then adopted my little guy to keep my girl company. He bonded immediately with her and I believed that she replaced the sister that he lost. When it looked like I was going to lose her, I begged my vet that this just couldn't happen. My little guy had already lost one sister. I didn't think either one of us could take it, and it has been very hard. I adopted my Sara a year ago. My little guy was used to having a sister. They get along, but it's not quite the same, though he looks to her for leadership, as he did his biological sister and my Sheena.:shrug:

This little one is adorable. I think you've already made your decision. Please take him and let us know how it goes, and post more pictures often. What a sweet dog!
:loveya:

Meneken


Sara


Meneken misses his sister, Sheena

[Rhiannon12866]

51. I just took a second look at the photo and felt weak in the knees

What an adorable baby and what are you waiting for?! I know that puppies can be tough, which is why I adopt older dogs, who need care, but this one is so adorable, I will, if you won't. LOL!:D

[Rhiannon12866]

52. Yes, adopt this adorable dog.

I have two of my own and recommend it. Let us know what you decide and please post pix!
:loveya:

[Rhiannon12866]

53. Kick!

Please let us know...:kick:

[Rhiannon12866]

57. Yes. Please adopt this dog. You have room in your home and in your heart

My two dogs said that you must. I asked them and that's what they said. :hi:

[flvegan]

58. Do it.

Shelter dog. Check.
(Likely) very active adult dog in home. Check.
You've done puppyhood before. Check.
Given long, hard thought. Check.

Though I'd opt for an adult dog, you probably have a good match. Bring your dog in to meet this little pup to make sure they get along. Rather, bring little pup outside the shelter walls to be sure. Your dog is vaccinated, right?

[onebigbadwulf]

61. Absolutely not

If you have to ask then you shouldn't do it.