<p>I adopt again! Am looking at puppy schnauzers and am trying hard not to adopt another one! Talk some sense into me please! :)</p>
<p>And do not stroll by the pet store after a margharita.
DO NOT.
This is our sad story…happened two weeks ago and we now have a rambunctious Labradoodle pup. All I can say is that I don’t have the same patience or energy level I had 16 years ago. It’s a young person’s game.</p>
<p>Most of us now have kids living away from us. I want to be able to travel to see the kids. Pets have tied us down for years. </p>
<p>( Did that help 
)</p>
<p>Think of boarding and veterinarian costs. They multiply with multiple dogs.</p>
<p>But the one remaining dog is soooo lonely. At least thats the loop that keeps running through my mind… She’ll adjust right?</p>
<p>The remaining dog sleeps…a lot. I used to think my dog yearned for my companionship; then I started watching how much that dog sleeps.</p>
<p>Oops … asking the wrong person. I just decided to keep a stray kitten. All the reasons other posters listed are valid … but the kitty is so cute … and good homes are hard to find … and … as I said, asking the wrong person here.</p>
<p>Get the dog! The dog will bring you joy and companionship greater than the cost/opportunity cost of the dog. My neighbor got a puppy right before her last kid left the nest. We all thought she was nuts! The dog is a well loved, wonderful addition to the family. The mom has another life in the house who follows her around with love in her eyes. Sure, they are messy and expensive and they do curtail our freedom, but you know all that and still visited those pups. Let us know what you decide!</p>
<p>If you’re going to adopt one, I’ll plug for getting a shelter dog. All the love as a bred dog and you’ll be saving a life :).</p>
<p>If you have the time and money, go for it.</p>
<p>How many dogs do you currently have? We only had one for a long time, brought in a second 5-6 years ago, and I really do think two is a good number for dogs. (And puppies of course are sooooo cute, but we’ve tended to adopt young adults. Already house-trained and with some manners. Just way easier than puppies (and, unfortunately, puppies don’t stay that way).)</p>
<p>Thinking of the housebreaking is enough to make me not want a puppy, ha ha!</p>
<p>Where are the pups? If they’re at a pet store, AVOID! Pet store puppies come from puppy mills where they and their parents are kept in grotesque conditions. And are often plagued with health problems to boot.</p>
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<p>this is how we ended up with three dogs. First, the old guy was “lonely.” then, the new guy needed someone with more energy to play with. It’s a slippery slope. ;)</p>
<p>I have just one dog left. She has always been part of a pack, two others. She was the alpha. We lost both of the older boys this year. </p>
<p>The pups are 4-6 months old and part of a breed rescue organization. There are too many animals that need homes for me to consider buying from a breeder. IF (and thats a big IF) I adopt another, wonder if it would make a difference whether a male or female?</p>
<p>We adopted a shelter puppy (3 months old) about 3 weeks ago after our beloved 12 year old lab/golden was put down (developed a huge tumor in his abdomen). She’s wonderful and extremely smart. Housebreaking has been a breeze–not sure if it’s because the pup is female or because of her intelligence. I questioned whether or not we should commit to a new dog, but I’m so happy we did. She is a delight–happy, easy, loving, and a very quick learner.</p>
<p>If you are seriously considering a second dog, definitely discuss any concerns with the rescue adoption agency. Our local ARF will not adopt out unless you bring in your current pet to see how it reacts to the new pet. They also make it very clear that if the new pet doesn’t work out, they want you to bring the animal back to them.</p>
<p>Why don’t you foster a dog from the schnauzer rescue group? You’ll get your dog fix and can choose to place it out or possibly keep it, and have company for your older dog.</p>
<p>One suggestion besides possibly saying to yourself is that it will help the dog who had friends pass is getting an older dog. If you don’t want a commitment of 10 yrs, or having to potty train, getting a senior, or older adult dog would be perfect. They often get overshadowed by the pups, but I think they are just as well. </p>
<p>For the most part no potty training unless it a special needs dog, but you may need to work on other issues that the previous owners let them develop. For instance we just recently adopted a 12 yr old Maltese in honor of our first who we adopted at 10 (lived to be 16) he is horrible with food. He will jump up on you if you aren’t sitting at the table and try to eat off your plate. He whines at every meal even if his bowl is near the table. If vet costs aren’t a concern then even better.</p>
<p>Probably not what you wanted to hear to stop you, but I say if you are going to do it why not think of a senior if you don’t want the commitment, or at least an adult dog. Adoption is always great! I just got my neighbor to look at humane societies instead of breeders. I was shocked when she said that she never considered a humane society! Now her husband is more inclined to let her adopt because it cost less then a breeder. Plus their little daughter keeps asking where their previous dog went (he passed about 6 months ago) so she keeps visiting our dogs.</p>
<p>From a house with two dogs: My friend from out of town came to visit. She is going through a rough patch with several relatives facing grim health issues. One of our dogs selflessly allowed her to pet him…for 20 minutes. Yeah he just stood there while my friend rubbed him. She said her blood pressure went down (therapy dog) and then got a look to total devotion to her.</p>
<p>No they are not therapy dogs. The just make our lives better.</p>
<p>Elle, dogs are the best healers! And they never judge or ask uncomfortable questions.</p>
<p>Musica- your life will be happiest if you can make time to exercise the heck out of your puppy, we got a puppy last year after our old guy died and are very aware that it will take two or three years before he is mellow. He gets 1 to 3 seriously intense walks daily, it’s a huge time commitment, but it is also great for us physically and mentally, especially when he gets tired and sleeps for a while!</p>
<p>Somemom…Homehusband, H, has been taking the pup out for a serious walk first thing in the morning and I drag her out at the end of my work day. We missed Sundays walk…and BOY did we pay for it. She was like a little Tasmanian Devil all day.</p>