Feeling sad / slightly guilty

[Spudlet]

Not much anyone can do about it, just *sigh*

I feel bad about not being able to have a second dog, to provide Henry with another dog to play with. He hardly ever gets the chance to play with other dogs, unfortunately. Where I live is full of retired people, so if we walk before or after work, they are generally either still in bed or eating their tea! And although the walking at work is lovely, there are very few other dogs that he can play with - most of them have issues with other dogs, or their owners walk at different times to me. I have one colleague I can walk with, but she doesn't have her dog every day and we can't always get out at the same time. And of course, none of this helps his recall around dogs, as when he sees one it's a mega-exciting big deal, woohooo someone to play with meeee! And goodbye, all concept of recall

I saw a dog on the web who looks ideally suited to my life - a lab, 5-7 years old, likes other dogs, housetrained, likes meeting new people. But I can't have him, because my car is too small for two dogs and I can't afford to replace it. There are a couple of other issues as well, but that's the main one.

I don't think Henry is unhappy, but I do think he'd love to have a playmate, and I can't provide one **sighs again**

 

[MurphysMinder]

I know plenty of "only" dogs, and they are all absolutely fine, I really don't think you need to feel guilty. Although I have 2 they never play together because Buff is too infirm, Evie doesn't seem too bothered. You do so much with Henry, plus he has the added bonus of coming to work with you , he really does have a great life.

 

[Tinkerbee]

But he has you... http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...=33TyTZ_KAZOXhQe6nczGBg&sqi=2&ved=0CFUQ8wIwAA No?

 

[CorvusCorax]

**my mate used to put three GSDs in a Saxo**


**cough cough**

 

[Spudlet]

But he has you... http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...=33TyTZ_KAZOXhQe6nczGBg&sqi=2&ved=0CFUQ8wIwAA No?

The neighbours already think I'm crazy, that would NOT help matters!

 

[MurphysMinder]

**my mate used to put three GSDs in a Saxo**


**cough cough**

I used to have 3 of us and 2 GSDs in one, Saxos are obviously the tardis of the car world.

 

[Dobiegirl]

Any family or friends who have dogs that can come to stay? At the mo I have Lulu my friends greyhound for 2wks whilst friends are on holiday. She loves it here lots of walks and bunniesn and my 2 just love her.

A few years ago when I had Leo and Fred I always thought Fred didnt have much personality as Leo was top dog. Sadly Leo got old with mobility problems and had to be put down. Fred changed and stepped up to the plate and became my dog of a lifetime butsadly I lost him last year. I treasure the lone time I had with fred and we had lots of fun together and he didnt have only child syndrome

Now with Diesel & Darcy because they were together before I had them they are more reliant on each other and I think they could manage without me.

I think your dog is quiten happy being an only dog and I know you give him a good life.

 

[Spudlet]

Sadly no DG, I am the only dog owner in the family. However hopefully one of my colleagues will be bringing her little dogs into the office again soon, so that will be nice to have them about Henry loves them (well, he is a bit scared of the girl but only in the way the male of the species should be wary of the female) so he will be very happy to see them again I had forgotten about that

 

[Dobiegirl]

Once Henry getsn used to this little girl perhaps you could have her over one weekend for a sleepover. Then when friend goes on holiday she can stay and perhaps Henry could go over and stay with her. That way when you go on holiday he will never need to go in kennels and its a win win situation.

Apologies for rearranging Henrys life.

 

[paisley]

Ah, I feel the 'only child' guilt too, can't get him a dog friend just yet! Theres also not many other dogs when we go walking, so this also doesent help recall.

Its a bit pathetic, but there are 2 parks 15 mins drive away, so 2-3 times a week he gets loaded up and taken there. I thought that so many dogs would make him lose his tiny brain, but it seems because there were loads, the novelty wore off, and hello, Mr Recall!

We have to work very hard mind, on Not-Ninja-ing-toddlers/old ladies

 

[lexiedhb]

Pah you Must be able to get 2 dogs in pretty much any car... one in the boot, one in the back seat, or if both Henry sized both in the boot!

Im gutted I can not get Dex a bossy woman to sort him out- but mine is due to "you are allowed to keep one dog on the property" clause.

This probably isnt helping his HUGE over reaction to toher doggies....

 

[blackcob]

I'm planning on having two adult huskies harnessed on the back seat of a Nissan Micra, but I am a bit mad like that.

In all seriousness, I have finally given in and decided to get Dax a friend but she has hardly missed out up until this point - we were out for almost three hours today with the wolfydog mafia, a pack of five husky crosses, a regular playdate plus weekly training with other dogs.

The only reason I felt it was important is the lingering separation anxiety but as Henry comes to work with you it's much less of an issue in that sense.