Considering a second dog...
You've probably seen my post about bringing a beagle named Pepper into our home earlier this year. He and our heeler mix Jackson didn't get along right away, and after much consideration, I took him back to the rescue organization. He was adopted before long into a home where he would be the only pet, which I believe was the best choice for him.
We think that Jackson would get along better with a girl rather than another boy, and would prefer one that is younger and will remain somewhat smaller, though that's not absolutely necessary (it all depends on how well they get along). :) With this criteria in mind, I have applied and inquired on several dogs through various other rescue organizations and shelters.
We were very interested in two in particular through two different rescues, and for whatever reason, seem to have been shut down by both. The first was going to set up a meet and greet, but we already had plans to be out of town that weekend. She then expressed concern about Jackson's leash reactivity (which she only knew because I was open and honest with her), and had another family with a friendly and outgoing dog that "could be a great fit for her". I basically told her to go ahead with that possibility but "to keep us in mind" if that didn't work out or for other dogs in the future. She didn't reply to that message; I haven't heard anything more from her at all. I also haven't reached out but the communication kind of put a bad taste in my mouth, you know?
The second rescue also sounded very promising over the phone and said they would call "in the next day or so" to schedule a meet and greet. They never did, and also have not responded to email. :confused:
So now I'm once again checking on Petfinder and the various shelter websites nearby. There were two younger girls at one of the shelters; when we got there only one was still available. She was found as a stray, pregnant. She stayed in a foster home, had the pups and was "a great mom" to them, kept things clean though they can't guarantee she is housetrained. She's very timid around strangers... could be her breed (American blue heeler)
Re: Considering a second dog...
Oops! I submitted the post accidentally. I could edit but let's just make this reply about "Sasha".
... as I was saying, she is very timid around strangers. She didn't approach the front of the kennel unless I turned my back. The shelter worker brought her out of the kennel and walked her past all the other barking dogs... Sasha trying to make herself as small as possible. She walked nicely on the leash for me for a quick potty break.
Her initial meeting with Jackson (both on leash - Sasha with shelter employee) went well, we think. Briefly: circling sniffs, one nose-to-nose, more circling sniffs then basically ignored each other while exploring the front yard of the shelter. Leashes dropped in a fenced area was more exploring, mostly ignored, though Jackson tried to mount her twice. Both times, she told him off immediately and he complied. We didn't keep them together for too long, maybe 10-15 minutes? It was after shelter hours already so we had to get going. The only option at that point was to put her on hold, which I did. Now, we need to decide if we are going to bring her home.
In addition to her timidity around strangers (which I expect a little of the breed anyway), as well as the unknown of how Jackson will behave when she's at his home, I have one other BIG concern. Her paperwork says she screamed when separated from the person to whom she had bonded (I assume at the foster home).
Separation Anxiety.
I just don't know about that. I know YOU can't tell me if she'll do that at our home, how Jackson might react if she does, etc. But, any ... I don't know... suggestions? Thoughts?
I'm thinking about going to hang out with her a bit, alone, today or tomorrow. And maybe see if I can get more information about her from the foster.
Oh, one more thing. My husband is now unemployed - by choice. So we are NOT going to be leaving anyone home alone for 9 hours a day, 4-5 days a week. He'll be there most of the time. I'm the only one gone all day. :p
Re: Considering a second dog...
Our Cooper (a Puggle) suffered from separation anxiety when my son first got him. Nothing helped...meds, training, crate, etc.
When he came to stay with us and got stuck here, during Superstorm Sandy, until Thanksgiving, he was so happy because we had three other dogs who kept him company. So we wound up keeping him...he's got a lot of other problems, which we have just learned to live with.
Jackson being with Sasha will surely help, as will your husband being home.
Good luck!
Re: Considering a second dog...
Well thoughts. Hmm..... Lets see. Daddy is now home. Yay, on the doggy front! As far as adding a new four-legged family member....
It'll happen when the time is right without much effort. It will fall into place because it is meant to be. Then you'll know.
Kathy
Re: Considering a second dog...
Thank you for sharing your experience Joan. Kathy.... I agree.
Re: Considering a second dog...
If Dad is gonna be home from now on then it might be worth a shot. However, if he plans on going back to work at any time which would leave the dogs home alone, I would rethink this. She may bond to him and settle while he is home then fall apart when he returned to work. That wouldn't be good for anyone, especially her. ;)
I just learned that I am apparently living with a dog who has this condition so if you decide to get her we can share ideas, tips, tricks, etc. yay, huh? :p
Re: Considering a second dog...
He has no plans to ever go back to work and basically says "just go get her already". LOL!
We have family visiting (my parents) from Minnesota. We spent the day with them yesterday, and they're headed over here today.
So. Tomorrow.................
Re: Considering a second dog...
We did it. She is home!
I met with her for a while today. She is much more social and outgoing than on Friday. I think the spay surgery did her in.
Brought her home and my husband Ron came out to say hello again, before meeting Jackson. I went and got him, and met her in the yard. Then we walked them both around the block. Inside, to the back yard.... all good. Jackson has better social skills I think. She growls and he turns his head or backs off. He growls and she just keeps coming. Should be interesting....
She whined a bit on the way home, then when I left after for an errand. But she is totally relaxed, laying on the floor in the kitchen or TV room. Even on the couch a bit.
She has already given all three of us kisses! Jackson wasn't quite so happy about it as Ron and I... but he is doing great with her.
I love my cattle dogs!!
There is a new album for Kira with a couple pictures.
Re: Considering a second dog...
Awwwwwwwwwwww...:) :) :) :) :)
Welcome to the family, little Kira! ;) ;) ;)
Re: Considering a second dog...
Whooo Hoooo congratulations on the newest addition to the family.
I hope jackson just decides he loves her and that is it. It's going to be interesting I'm sure, because these things Always are. There will be bumps, maybe not the kind of expected even, but how wonderful of you to give it another go and give this little lady a home. I hate the thought of any dog being on the streets, a stray. :( Just too sad. So I'm really really hoping this works out for all of you, including Jackson and it's a happily ever after. :)
Don't forget to update us!!!