Heart or Head

Penny Less

Penny Less

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10 March 2009
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Am missing my Gordon so much that I am thinking about another dog already. Too soon I know but only thinking for a future time.
In my heart I would have another one,( Rescue people would like to keep me on their list ) in my head I tell myself I am too old and should take on something smaller and less active. Also have to take into account my 13 year old collie X who is v laid back but likes to be left alone. So when you choose another dog is it head or heart ?
 
I'm going to be a spoilsport and say head, sorry.

Now mine have retired from racing what I want is another pair of young Siberians. What I actually have time, space and money for is a small, more portable dog for agility to bridge that gap until I have resource for another set of big racing dogs in the house. I owe it to the bigguns to give them a rich, fulfilling retirement without being harassed (young sibes are *horrid* :p ) and without losing out on experiences and freedom just because there are too many of them to handle.

Going just from one to two is a bit different though - and an older rescue wouldn't necessarily be ruled out by your head objections?
 
As yes, depends how old though, been there done that just now with oldie Gordon, had 10 months ! In my head its a small, pick uppable dog, easy to get in the car, takes up less room at home.Must be a non yappy type! In my heart its a beautiful setter, weighing about 32 kg,and needing a couple of hours a day ! There needs to be a Setter Anonymous society to wean you off!
 
i am not going to ask how old you are but, at gone 70, I have three lurchers ranging from four to seven years old. I take them to an enclosed field with an agility course we can use (sedately) twice a week, have one day off a week courtesy of OH or dog walker and walk them for an hour the other days. They are settled, non destructive, playful and have no SA so I assume they are fairly contented. If you can still use your legs for an hour a day and are experienced enough to carry any necessary training why should you not have a dog? If you get a slightly more mature rescue, your old dog should not get harassed and the second hour of exercise needed can be swapped for mind games and training at home if it is too much for you physically. Unless your health is failing now or your finances are going to take a nose dive I do not think your head has any valid reason for objecting to a second dog. Just plan to have some help for days when age really makes exercise impossible and go for it. I have and my dogs keep me young (well, they get me out of bed anyway!)
 
Heart for sure with me - I’ve had 4 dogs for quite a while now and any less feels odd, so I don’t get the problem with having more than 1 or 2 :D seriously though, I would be looking for another one if I was in your position, probably an older one, you are no age at all so it should be fine. If you are really concerned, then perhaps you ensure that the right arrangements are in place ‘just in case’?
 
planete said:
i am not going to ask how old you are but, at gone 70, I have three lurchers ranging from four to seven years old. I take them to an enclosed field with an agility course we can use (sedately) twice a week, have one day off a week courtesy of OH or dog walker and walk them for an hour the other days. They are settled, non destructive, playful and have no SA so I assume they are fairly contented. If you can still use your legs for an hour a day and are experienced enough to carry any necessary training why should you not have a dog? If you get a slightly more mature rescue, your old dog should not get harassed and the second hour of exercise needed can be swapped for mind games and training at home if it is too much for you physically. Unless your health is failing now or your finances are going to take a nose dive I do not think your head has any valid reason for objecting to a second dog. Just plan to have some help for days when age really makes exercise impossible and go for it. I have and my dogs keep me young (well, they get me out of bed anyway!)
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I think this is an excellent post. My mum has a collie (she is 75) and my MIL two border terriers (she is 83). I wouldn't get a puppy but another adult one should be fine. So I vote heart, with a dash of head!
 
heart always....lost my lurcher and wasnt ready for another dog for 6 months, tried rescues(long story)as wanted an older small dog and ended up buying a puppy. i am in my 70's and perhaps should have listened to my head, but love my little boy and hope i will be around as long as he is.....not advising getting a puppy but it can work out ok....
 
I think a greyhound would be most suited to my lifestyle. However a friend has had them for years and had no end of trouble with their legs, bone cancer etc. Plus points, mostly laid back and lazy, small feet instead of great hairy muddy clogs, short hair. Not too much exercise needed, but do worry about them needing off the lead sprints, there are no enclosed areas locally, and I have a v small garden.
I have to say I prefer great hairy cuddly dogs with short chunky muzzles, not slim elegant pointy muzzled dogs, ( possibly because I most physically resemble the former :D) I think Ill best have a bit of a break and not panic acquire .
 
Penny Less said:
I have to say I prefer great hairy cuddly dogs with short chunky muzzles
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I wonder if a show type black and tan cocker spaniel could be your mini gordon? :)

1z1hem1.jpg
 
Penny Less said:
Am missing my Gordon so much that I am thinking about another dog already. Too soon I know but only thinking for a future time.
In my heart I would have another one,( Rescue people would like to keep me on their list ) in my head I tell myself I am too old and should take on something smaller and less active. Also have to take into account my 13 year old collie X who is v laid back but likes to be left alone. So when you choose another dog is it head or heart ?
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it's not too soon everyone is different, some wait to grieve alone others need to grieve with another dog. Go with your heart on this one as if you are thinking of another then you need one to help you move one.
 
blackcob said:
I wonder if a show type black and tan cocker spaniel could be your mini gordon? :)

1z1hem1.jpg
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This ^^ :-)

Seriously .. head or heart .. i'd say a bit of both. Leave your heart open to options ... but let your head add some sense. Give yourself time & see what comes along ... the dog you need will find you when you're ready.
 
Penny Less said:
...
I have to say I prefer great hairy cuddly dogs with short chunky muzzles, not slim elegant pointy muzzled dogs...
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Your description made me think of a Finnish Lapphund! I met Beata and Blomma's brother Boris some days ago, and took a photo of him. The gray on the muzzle is because he's soon 10 years old, he used to be only black and brown.

https://flic.kr/p/24Ahiyd by Ylva, on Flickr
 
He's not that cute now - just shy of a year old, still bum high, hanging on to masses of scraggy puppy coat and is an absolute ratbag. Good job I love him. :p He fulfills the hairy, cuddly, short chunky muzzle criteria. The black and tan is growing on me also, his eyebrows are like two postage stamps!
 
blackcob said:
He's not that cute now - just shy of a year old, still bum high, hanging on to masses of scraggy puppy coat and is an absolute ratbag. Good job I love him. :p He fulfills the hairy, cuddly, short chunky muzzle criteria. The black and tan is growing on me also, his eyebrows are like two postage stamps!
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You are so mean, he is just adorable :D
 
Off topic, but you may remember the Husky that attacked my Gordon, and has since attacked a few other dogs. Today he attacked my other dog, who was on a lead.. Owner still turning up to the dog walking "club". He has been kept on a lead for some time, but when off plays nicely with a couple of other dogs, then suddenly seems to turn for no reason,. This time it was because my dog had been offered a bowl of water and he was standing next to the husky. I had to leave the group in a hurry before I said something I really regretted, Im surprised none of the other owners haven't told the owner to stop joining us. I am now seriously considering reporting the dog to the dog warden, as at some point I believe it will kill someones dog. Life with animals is quite draining sometimes isn't it
 
Penny Less said:
Off topic, but you may remember the Husky that attacked my Gordon, and has since attacked a few other dogs. Today he attacked my other dog, who was on a lead.. Owner still turning up to the dog walking "club". He has been kept on a lead for some time, but when off plays nicely with a couple of other dogs, then suddenly seems to turn for no reason,. This time it was because my dog had been offered a bowl of water and he was standing next to the husky. I had to leave the group in a hurry before I said something I really regretted, Im surprised none of the other owners haven't told the owner to stop joining us. I am now seriously considering reporting the dog to the dog warden, as at some point I believe it will kill someones dog. Life with animals is quite draining sometimes isn't it
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Do it! The Akita x that attacked my old lad apparently attacked the owner of a dog the Akita x was having a go at back in February. The poor guy ended up in A&E with a nasty wound on his arm. Plus, I think that person should no longer be allowed to associate with a friendly walking group.
 
Penny Less said:
Off topic, but you may remember the Husky that attacked my Gordon, and has since attacked a few other dogs. Today he attacked my other dog, who was on a lead.. Owner still turning up to the dog walking "club". He has been kept on a lead for some time, but when off plays nicely with a couple of other dogs, then suddenly seems to turn for no reason,. This time it was because my dog had been offered a bowl of water and he was standing next to the husky. I had to leave the group in a hurry before I said something I really regretted, Im surprised none of the other owners haven't told the owner to stop joining us. I am now seriously considering reporting the dog to the dog warden, as at some point I believe it will kill someones dog. Life with animals is quite draining sometimes isn't it
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Have you reported this to the club organiser? And if so, why on Earth has nothing been done? I am not ashamed to say that I would not allow behaviour like that towards my dogs, my response would have been short, sharp and effective towards the attacking dog regardless of whether the owner stood by or not - and unfortunately for the dog concerned with the ignorant/stupid owner involved that might potentially have involved a quick soft-shoe tap on the ribs to explain that ‘no’ really does mean ‘no’ for the dog in question!
 
Penny Less said:
Off topic, but you may remember the Husky that attacked my Gordon, and has since attacked a few other dogs. Today he attacked my other dog, who was on a lead.. Owner still turning up to the dog walking "club". He has been kept on a lead for some time, but when off plays nicely with a couple of other dogs, then suddenly seems to turn for no reason,. This time it was because my dog had been offered a bowl of water and he was standing next to the husky. I had to leave the group in a hurry before I said something I really regretted, Im surprised none of the other owners haven't told the owner to stop joining us. I am now seriously considering reporting the dog to the dog warden, as at some point I believe it will kill someones dog. Life with animals is quite draining sometimes isn't it
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I'm not really a puppy person but I don't see why you couldn't give a nice home to an older dog. I posted about my old shep on your husky post. The problem is, the signals dogs give each other can be imperceptible to us. A bowl on the ground is bound to create interest for other dogs. Older dogs will still send a warning even though, sadly they can no longer back up the threat. They need protection and yes, it can be very draining. It's all swings and roundabouts though ime. I have a bitch here now and frankly I'm relieved when we meet a husky because she's a total thug and they are the only dogs willing to play with her! Hope you find a nice dog when you're ready.
 
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have had a result re the Husky. The owner called round last night to apologise with some flowers and said that the dog will be muzzled when off lead in future ! They are first time dog owners and why the ******* they got a husky as a first dog makes my head hurt. Obviously don't do the research I do when looking at dog breeds.
 
Penny Less said:
have had a result re the Husky. The owner called round last night to apologise with some flowers and said that the dog will be muzzled when off lead in future ! They are first time dog owners and why the ******* they got a husky as a first dog makes my head hurt. Obviously don't do the research I do when looking at dog breeds.
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That is no help though, a muzzled dog can still cause damage and absolutely terrify other dogs. She has to stop bringing it out. What will you do?
 
I will wait and see, my dog will be kept on a lead when its about, although he was on a lead the last time . at least the owners have now faced up to the fact that the dog is a problem, whereas before it was "he's only a youngster, hopefully he will grow out of it ". I can always stop meeting with the other dogs although it will be a shame.
 
Clodagh said:
That is no help though, a muzzled dog can still cause damage and absolutely terrify other dogs. She has to stop bringing it out. What will you do?
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Agreed. Zak was muzzled yet still managed to go for another dog. This won’t solve the problem. It’s a shame you didn’t take the opportunity to tell her you’ll be reporting her dog next time and that she’s spoiling the group dynamic.
 
It's dangerous and out of control. Nothing could induce me to walk my dog in the company of one like that.

As an aside, if it's muzzled it should also remain on a lead.

Penny, you're far too nice. I'd have gone nuclear on them! Not walked away biting my tongue......!!!!
 
As for the husky it needs to be muzzled and kept on a short lead during pack walks!

As to the other dilemma, how about looking at various setter rescues and see if they can match you to an older dog who wants a quiet, retirement home. Win win situation for you both and with a good rescue they would take the dog back were anything to happen.

My plan when I am too old to consider getting another pup would be to rehome older working GSDs who are looking for a quieter home and lifestyle.
 
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