Shoes and I.  An intervention, of sorts.  (Even though I'm not at all fond of that clinical model.)

We were talking about Rosie last night and I said (with my own mouth, and I don't think I was possessed), "Maybe we should get Rosie a friend."

We've talked about this before - getting a 2nd dog.  Shoes and I have jobs without flexibility; we're required to be away from home all day.  It's not lost on us that we have a big, slobbery Golden Retriever - the Lover of All Things Breathing.  We've never quite felt it's fair to this epitome of a pack animal to be home alone all day.

"But not a baby," I continued.  "I don't have any time to take off to coddle a baby (dog, people)."  (I do not have enough time.  I get 10 hours of PTO a month - that's vacation and sick altogether.  I've called in sick 2 times since I've been with the agency and have only managed to accrue 30 hours.  Self care?  Vacations?  Pffft.)

Shoes gets that.  Suggested maybe we look at the Shelter.  Go by ourselves, then take Rose, then see if we can foster a candidate for a bit before making a decision.

"You know," Shoes said, "That's great and I think it will be good for her, but I'll never love another dog like I do Rose."  He was kidding -- kind of.

But maybe he really wasn't.

Rosie got sick last night.  Big time puking.  Dietary indiscretion -- I guess that's what happens when  you consume 2 of your fabric toys in one day.  Still, it just broke our hearts to see her not feeling well.  She seemed under the weather for a few hours after that, which put us on edge.  She and I went to bed early and she kept curled up to me all night.  (Right.  She sleeps on the bed.  Right.  I know it was one of my cardinal rules to never let her do that.)  Even Shoes spoke very softly to her and gave her extra love.  We both turned in to big balls of mush ... even though not feeling well was *completely* her own doing.  (Shoes kept touching her nose to see if it was still dry.)

Rosie is a big pain in the tookus.  But she's learning.  And she's gentle.  And she's loving.  And I think that's what's endeared us to her the most:  she's never aggressive, never grumpy, and just gives and gives and gives and gives love.  There's an elderly couple who comes to our dog obedience class just to watch the dogs (it's really very sweet), and the man always says, "Oh Rosie, you're doing so much better sweetheart!"  And then the wife always tells us, "She always has such a huge smile on her face."  People stop us all the time when we're walking her to pet her and, even though her over abundant enthusiasm can be irritating, people always are so  pleased when she rushes them to love on them.    (I am always less than pleased.  Really, dog?  Show some decorum.)

We have a huge spot in our hearts for this animal that drives us nuts.  I don't know, maybe Shoes is right.  Maybe we might not be as fond of another dog as we are of Rosie.  Maybe it's nuts to want to get another dog just so she would have company during the day.

Any multiple dog owners out there have any advice?

We're listening.

2 comments

  1. Andrea on February 16, 2013 at 8:37 AM

    Hmmm... could be Double Trouble, then again I know of several families who have two dogs and it really works (carefully matching personalities etc)

     
  2. SUSAN on March 8, 2013 at 1:15 PM

    Very much in favor of giving your friend a friend to spend her days with. Definitely the kind thing to do, but only if you will be able to love the other as much as Rosie. Two dogs that are indoor/outdoor are not too hard to manage. It is best to look for one without her along at first, so you can give full attention to the new prospect and his/her personality. If you find one that may be a good fit (after spending some time with him/her) then bring Rosie along for a meet & greet to see how well they get along. If you can have an overnight/weekend stay to see how things go, even better. Shelters & rescues are excellent places to look. With the adoption fee you usually get a pet that is vetted/spayed and/or neutered already, so don't let a higher adoption fee deter you. Be prepared for a few bumps as they establish which of them will be dominant/submissive in their relationship...my guess is, Rosie will be dominant, and the new dog will have to be willing to yield to her ;). Other things to consider...you have a heavy shedder who requires some care/grooming. Unless you're up for a double dose of that, maybe consider a lower-maintenance breed?
    Good luck!

     


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