to get a new dog or not?

[fankino04]

So having lost my amazing dog of a lifetime just before Christmas I am faced with the dilemma of whether to get another dog. We rescued a boy back in june so in the time we have had him he always had her as company and as my partner and I both work I worry he gets lonely now. He moped for a week and was clearly lost without her but has started to come out of his shell now, he is quite a shy guy and although she definitely gave him confidence in some situations I am sure that her dominance was keeping his personality in check a bit too much too. I would love to give another rescue a home but dont want to ruin my boys fragile confidence by introducing a dog that may have issues over the coming months. I am happy as a 1 dog family again for the moment as part of me right now would almost feel disloyal to my girl if I got and loved another one but I think Ash misses company as sometimes when we get home we hear him howl before we get to the door and he was never a vocal moot before.

 

[Dizzle]

Why not speak to local rescue centres and see what dogs they have, you can spend time getting to know other dogs and take your time introducing the two. There must be a quiet sane dog that likes company somewhere that needs a home.

You don't sound like you are in a huge rush for another so it might be worth starting to look so you can take your time to find the perfect companion?

 

[LovesCobs]

i lost my dog in december, suddenly and she was only 2, it broke my heart. i had 2 cockers and my remaining one has always been a pair (she was rehomed to me from a breeder). I had my name on a list for a puppy for the spring (may time) but neither me nor my dog are doing well without my other girl. so a puppy will be coming home on sunday. nothing will replace my lost girl but we will be a much happier house once he's here (I've gone for the same breed which i love but a boy and a different colour).
you are not replacing your lost dog but you do have room in your heart and your house for another.

 

[fankino04]

Am struggling between getting a puppy that I think would be better for ash and I can pick colour and sex etc but other part of me thinks I should rescue again as there's so many needy ones out there.

 

[LovesCobs]

thats a hard decision. i don't rescue as i don't have an enclosed garden (4 acres with the horses) so although I'm outside with the dogs i wouldn't pass the checks. My current girl I got as a rehome from a breeder as an adult, but am having a pup this time. in terms of your dog you cannot make them get on I do feel the chance is higher with a pup. i'm going for a boy as 2 girls together I had a few niggles between them. I'm told a boy and girl this is less likely (no guarantees though).
It's a hard decision either way, but when you make it don't feel guilty, its up to you at the end of the day.

 

[Luci07]

You have such a huge choice of dogs in rescue you could really find a dog to suit you perfectly, and of course as mentioned previously, taking a rescue means the opportunity to really see how the rescue gets on with your boy. Puppies are lovely, but you don't really know the character for a bit..whereas if you chose a rescue you would here time to really make sure everyone is happy.