Dog owners - I need a bit of advise pls

Morrigan_Lady

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Im a little unsure what to do here and just wondered what other dog owners would do.

My beautiful Scottie dog Buster has cancer in his bladder and although the vet only gave him a few months, 7 months on hes still going strong and seems happy although does get a bit puffed out and more tired.
Beacuse I dont beleive in 'replacing' animals, I was thinking of getting another dog now while Buster is still here, not only to make things easier for us when Bust is not longer here (I know thats a little selfish) but I also thought he may like a bit of K9 company also. We do have a cat, but Bust really isnt too keen on her!! He always enjoys socialising with other dogs when we're out walking (more so with the girlies!!) and Ive always thought he might like a friend at home.
What are other people thoughts? A few friends Ive spoken to can understand having an 'overlap' but Id like some other views please.
Theres also my 18 months old son, who has started showing a keen interest in Buster and Buster really isnt happy about that and Ive got the opportunity to have a beagle (3 yrs old and very well trained) that gets on really well with children and Ive read up that they are great family pets.
ETS; I dont want to upset Buster by bringing a new dog in to his home, so I was going to take him to meet the new dog first and see how they get on and also the new one is crate trained, so that may help the induction process.
Any advise greatly recieived.

Thank you.
 
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EmzT

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I lost one of my boxer girls a while back and my other one was lost without her. I happened to come across a male boxer in the dog pound the following week (didn't intend to get another so soon but I believe everything happens for a reason). I was worried about how they would get along but all is good. Another dog will help you get through the loss of Buster when the time comes. There is nothing worse than an empty house when you are used to a happy four-legged friend always being around, although if you think Buster is happier on his own it may be best not to cause him any unnecessary stress at this stage of his life.

I think crates are a marvellous tool for introducing new dogs as you can leave them to get to know each other without worrying about fights starting.

A dog of the opposite sex is also likely to be more popular with Buster although there are exceptions! My two boxers girls got on fabulously together. You know your own dog.

Also be aware that beagles are not the dog for everyone. They require a lot of exercise and stimulation. They are a hunting dog at the end of the day.

Good luck with whatever you decide and best wishes to Buster.
 

PolarSkye

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Honestly? I wouldn't be potentially stressing an older, sick dog out by introducing a new dog to the home. I totally understand your wish to have a companion for your little boy . . . and some doggy company for dear Buster . . . but Buster deserves for his last days/weeks/months to be as stress-free as possible . . . and beagles are high maintenance dogs.

I'm sorry if that's not the answer you were hoping for.

P
 

KJJ

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Agree with PolarSkye I'm afraid.

I lost my dog to Cancer earlier this year at just 5.5yrs. He was given 6-9months to live and only survived a short 6weeks with Chemo which helped him so much and he wouldn't have had the quality of life in the last 6 weeks without it, in fairness he wouldn't have even lasted 6 weeks without :(

I would suggest you focus your attention on Buster and if the Beagle is meant to be then he will still be available when Buster crosses the bridge to the Rainbow. You however know your dog and can only second guess his reaction, but I'm sure you would be heartbroken if he does not accept the new pet as you imagine and it could cause more stress for all.

You can never replace an animal... like my Finn he was a legend and simply couldn't be replaced.. but I was advised that when you feel it is right to get a new dog the reason is simple "You are getting a new dog/animal because your loved the past one so much and they left a huge hole that needs filling"

Hugs to Busters and to you all.

K x
 

dressagedreamer

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what a difficult decision and I can see it from both sides, I dont really have an answer for you, if Buster has been on his own with you all this time, he may feel pushed out if another dog came into the house demanding your attention. Of course he enjoys going out to meet friends, like we all do but I would not want any of them to come and live with me!!

I had a very sick dog, he had bone cancer and I spent as much time with him as possible, why not concentrate on Buster, and when the time comes and you have grieved for him then go and choose your new family member.

I agree with Polarsky, beagles are high maintenance and in my experience dont really make a family dog for everyone. I think the best family dog ever is either a boxer or a stuffy. I have owned a box with two small boys so know they are ok, I have never owned a stuffy but I have friends who have got staffs with young children.. If you are stuck on what dog to get, if you are near London there is Discover Dogs held at Earls Court, full of every breed you can think of, you can get loads of info and make an informed decision there.

Good Luck
 

CorvusCorax

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It's up to you and how you think Buster (sorry to hear about his illness) and your family will cope.

While the beagle sounds lovely, they are not the easiest, they are a hunting hound, a pack animal and she may need canine company when Buster passes away.

I have had a long break between dogs, plus an overlap, and they each have advantages and disadvantages. My mother found it very difficult with the overlap and the dogs being so different, she very much resented the younger dog when the older one passed away suddenly as she was perfect and the young one was a bit of a hooligan.
For me the break was too long, several years, but equally I found it hard to even look at another dog after my old girl past.

Judge what you think is best x
 

CAYLA

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I really think it depends on the dog/s and your set up (how much time) you have for him and settling a new dog in.
I recently rehomed a dalmation to a lovely couple who's english bull terrier has lymphoma and has been given a limited period to live, they wanted another dog for 2 reason A, themselves as they had always had 2 dogs together and B, for their bitch as she has always had company and was seeming a little down in the dumps, they took bobby the dally (a very well behaved/trained, super natured boy) and the bitch immediately picked up and started to eat once again in a more healthy manor.
If you have time to introduce her in and walks and the baby and your little scotti then go for it, but maybe ask if you can take her on a trail basis and maybe look at it as if you are looking after her whilst they are away on their hols and see how you cope. If you boy is not keen then inform the owners its not going to work and if she is still available at a late stage you will contact them.
 

liveryblues

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Does buster like other dogs? if so try it... nothing ventured nothing gained. My older dog was diagnosed with bone cancer, My other dog had never known life without his pal. We were offered the chance to rehome a pup and we jumped at it. My older dog loves others but more importantly if we lost him I knew my other dog would be lost without him. We rehomed the pup so they could all have quality time and when we do lose our old boy the other two will have eachover :)
It was great to see our older dog get a new lease of life, he loves playing with the younger dog :) luckily so far he has beat the odds but the pup was a blessing also :)
 

Cinnamontoast

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I'd be worried about having a lone beagle when Buster goes.

I managed two weeks before 'replacing' and it was a terrible decision which I thoroughly regretted although of course I adore my boys now. I'd be tempted to give Buster all the attention for the moment.
 
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