Do We Get Another Dog?

[Legz]

Hey all, just after some advice/experiences.

We had to have my little maltese girl put to sleep tues night, we knew she was sick but it was a sudden turn on the same day including seizures that was very distressing for both her and us that lead to the decision. Very very hard to loose her, we lost her mum the year before. Now we just have her brother left, a 15yr male (de-sexed) maltese. He is quite healthy and active and showing really no signs of slowing down. He has always been with other dogs (we had 3 for 15yrs then 2 for the last year) and had never been on his own.

We were expecting him to realise she was gone but he seems quite down and pining for company. We have a rabbit that lives loose in the garden that when all the dogs were alive he never really bothered with, but now when we come home (tonight we were out at wedding) instead of waiting at the door we have found him outside in the dark (doggy door) lying beside the rabbit or just following her around. It is really heart-breaking to see this and very upsetting. He then goes nuts when he sees us, running around and barking at us basically telling us off for leaving him. hes a lot quieter and more subdued (he loved playing with our girl)

Now the thing is he was never well socialised with other dogs (our fault but i was a child and didn't know any better) as we always had 3 they were their own little pack and did everything together. He is generally well behaved, we raised a duck from tiny and he loved it and basically adopted it, the rabbit we brought home as an adult and he did the same. But we are a bit worried about getting another dog, that it would threaten his security, that its too soon and we don't want to replace our beloved sooty that we just lost, or that he may feel like we are shoving him out etc etc. We basically want him happy in his last couple of years with us.

Do we get another friend (would be very very well loved) if so do we get a puppy? Or an adult? It would be breeders or rescue, but we have to do something soon as its killing us watching him change. Someone said he would get used to it and it would take time.... but it doesn't seem fair when he was always in a pack to be by himself when we are at work. Sorry its a rant, just want any advice really that can help us out. Thanks

[MsBex]

So sorry for your loss! Run free Sooty!

What a sad scenario ... Poor boy

hope you get some good advice on here.

[Jed]

Sorry to hear about your dog.

Dogs do pine and fret when their friends pass. If you want another dog, I'd get one. He will be really pleased to have a friend. It's difficult to advise you without knowing your dog, but if he likes the rabbit, and wants it's company, I would think about a pup. A pup is not threatening to an adult dog, and he would not be worried about it either attacking him, or taking over from him - he would probably see it as a non threatening friend.

I would also consider a girl. I also think an older pup - a few months old would be quite good. If you can't find a pup, and it can be difficult, perhaps an older GIRL with a friendly manner, who would be happy to be 2nd dog. A girl would be less likely to challenge him, and being a boy, he is more likely to get on with a girl. He and she will form a pack. However, if you get an older dog, ask if you can return it if he is not happy with the new addition. I think he will be though. He is missing company.

I very rarely home my dogs, but some friends lost their 16 year old dog, and the 14 year old was fretting. The 14 year old was a lot smaller than the 16 year old, and had been bossed around quite badly, and her owners thought she'd be pleased to be the boss at last, but she wasn't. One of my girls, 5 years old, went to join this family. She is very gentle, and would not boss the older dog around. My girl has settled in well, she and the older dog love each other, and the older dog is as happy as can be with her new friend. Luckily, my girl, with lots of love and attention, settled in well, and everyone is happy.

[Bluefairy]

I agree, when a partnered friend passes its so hard on the one left.

My pup passed away earlier this month, she got on famously with our cat and they always played together, and slept together. Now the dog has gone, my cat is wondering around lost, she has become more affectionate with us but I see it as a sign she is missing the pup.

We will be getting another pup later this year, so she can have another playmate. I too would go with a female pup, I'd aim for one 6mths and under, young enough not to cause dominance issues and old enough to pick up on the pack rule.

Good Luck and I am sorry for your losses.

[Legz]

Thanks guys thats very nice of you, we appreciate it.

Well that makes us rest easier, i think we were all feeling very guilty and upset at the thought of 'replacing' our girl so soon.

We are looking at puppies from breeders at the moment (thankyou dogz online breeders pages) so hopefully we can find a lovely little girl cairns or westie to become part of the family soon.

We will continue to try to make it as easy as possible on dougal (the boy) in the mean time . Thanks again everyone

[RallyValley]

My dog was 6 and my old girl 11 when he died in an accident. She never pined and seemed to enjoy beng on her own, however when we finally got another dog he bonded to her instantly

Now she is getting unwell so adding another one to the brood has been great, if she passes the two will have each other

[harley]

We lost our 11 year old staffy x in april last year. Our 8 year old lab seemed fine at the beginning, it is only now that I am noticing small changes in his behaviour to suggest he is lonely. We have been actively trying to find him a new friend for about a month now. I hope he likes the one we choose.

Sorry to hear about your loss and all the best in finding a new fury friend.