Should I get a new puppy??

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I don't even know if I'm ready to get a new puppy!!! I really want to, but I don't know how Sadie will take it. Sadie sometimes doesn't get along with other dogs that well... so I don't know how she will act toward the new puppy. Whenever I pet another dog, and she's with me, she just get's kinda jealous. I think she just doesn't want me to stop loving her! Of course, you all know, I will NEVER stop loving my beautiful Sadie May! She must just get annoyed by other dogs, because sometimes she growls at them. (And it's sort of embarrasing!)

So, I thought you could help me out here.. should I get another doggy?

Thanks!
Lablover & Sadie*

[tatsxxx11]

Hi LabLover! Wow...Did your parents give you the OK??? I know that you just adore Sadie May and are just beginning to get into agility and other fun games with her. That alone takes up a lot of time, attention and dedication. Puppy's do take up ALL of your attention and a lot of your time! Will you be responsible for the puppy's care or will it be a "group effort?" Considering that you say that Sadie has a few issues with jealousy, dominance, (?) and such, maybe you can take her to a class for some re-enforcement in socialization with other dogs? Or inviting other dogs over for play time, going to doggie parks, etc. I think it would be better, if you decide to get a puppy, to get her feeling more comfortable around other dogs, AND puppies, and especially seeing YOU talk to, pet and play with other dogs. A lot of dog classes will work with you on socializing etc. I have a friend with a 4 year old dog that she took to a puppy class, just to get her accustomed to enjoying being around puppies and children, before getting another puppy. Well, more info!!!! Whatever you decide, tell Sadie I think she's #1!!!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Thanks, Sandra! No, my parents haven't given me the OK, to get another dog! I just want to make sure I'm ready, when they do! And yes, I think I will be the one responsible for the puppy!

Thanks again, Sandra!

Lablover & Sadie*

[Dixieland Dancer]

LabLover, you may not like what I'm going to say but it comes from my experiences. I got my first Golden when I was still in high school. We were inseperable! I was going through some tough things and if it wasn't for my Taffy, I might not be here today to write this to you. Anyway... the point is how close we were! I did obedience with her (back in the 70's they didn't have agility) and took her swimming all the time. If you saw me, you saw Taffy.

Then I graduated high school and started working and going to college. It became more difficult to do the things with her that I wanted to. Responsibility of caring for her bacame my brother and father's job instead of just mine. Then I met my husband when I was 21. We didn't marry for a couple of years but when we did all we could afford was an apartment and we couldn't find one that would allow dogs. By this time though my Taffy was inseperable with my brother since he spent more time with her now than I did. Eventually we got a home and I took Taffy on the weekends and my brother had her during the week. Finally I realized how hard it was for her to bounce back and forth and decided to let her stay at my brother and dad's all the time. She was getting up in age by then and not the playful puppy any longer so it was easier on her.

She passed away at the age of 13 1/2 and is buried behind my husband's and my house.

The moral of this whole saga is you are still young and in school. I know your passion for dogs because you sound a lot like me when I was your age. But you need to think about not only your future, but the future of the dog you will get as a puppy. There is plenty of time in your future to have more than one dog but for now, I personally think you should love and cherish Sadie May and learn with her about the joys of owning a dog. And then in your future you will be the better for having loved, cared for, and cherishing a Black Lab named Sadie May!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Thank you soooo much, Dixie! Your story is sooo sweet! You're right- I should just love Sadie May for right now, and I'm sure I'll have a lot more dogs throughout my life!

Thanks again!
Lablover & Sadie May*

[AdoreMyDogs]

Dixieland, beautifully said. I, too, would LOVE to get a GSD pup, I have always wanted one but this precious dog of mine is dog dominant, and is not terribly fond of other dogs much. He is not the kind of dog who is happier with another dog in the household, he is happier as an only pet. I have discovered this about Graham and because he is so special to me, and he is my best friend, I owe it to him to let him live out his years as an only pet, unless I see that for some reason he starts to crave the attention of other dogs. I doubt that will happen. As much as I would love another dog, it is just not the right thing to do at this time.

Graham also sometimes grumbles at other dogs when they are too hyper, or if they try to mount him. He is far more tolerant of smaller dogs. It's nothing to be embarressed about, it's natural for some dogs. When I see that a dog is out of control, active, and tugging with all of it's might on its leash to come and meet Graham, I walk him the opposite way so the other dog will lose interest. That way I don't have to confront the dog, and the owner of the other dog does not have to find out that Graham will grumble at that dog if it gets too much in Grahams face.

Sadie Mae is such a genuine girl who loves you so much. It sounds like she might be similar to Graham with her personality and dominance. I know how much you want a puppy, they are so irrestistable. Just think about Sadie and try to decide if that would be the best thing for her. She is your faithful, loyal friend who would do just about anything for you, you in return should do whatever is best for her. If you don't think she'd like a pup, then you really shouldn't get a pup.

[RachelJ]

I agree very much with what the others have said. I don't know exactly how old you are but it sounds as if you might be a teenager. Chances are that in several years you might be going off to college or maybe setting up your first living situation on your own. Unless you find yourself in a unique set of circumstances, it may not be possible for you to have your dog or dogs with you. When I left for college, I had to find another home for my beloved Shetland Sheepdog as my mother was not willing to be obligated by the demands of caring for a dog. Although Treve settled into the perfect home for him, it really broke my heart when I went to visit him after a year or so and he didn't even remember me. Enjoy Sadie and your years together. Hopefully she will have a happy home with your parents should you not be able to take her with you when you leave the nest. Plan your future so you will have a living situation that you will be able to accommodate a dog in your life as soon as possible and maybe even more than one.

[TollSettFK]

I just got a new puppy, and trust me he takes ALL my time, and I mean all. I think you are wise if you wait till sadie may is at least a little calmer ( say two years) because didn't you say that that he waas one?

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Thank you all soo much!!! If I ever feel I need some advice, I'll always know to come to Pet Talk, were I know all of you wonderful people will help me! Thank you all so much, again!

LabLover & Sadie May*

[sabies]

Ditto what Dixieland said. My dog's name happens to be Sadie and I got her right after college. (My first priority was get a dog, then a job). Sadie has been my best friend since but a lot of the rough times were due to the fact that I had no money because I paid insane rent just to have a place that allowed dogs.

Ever see the movie My Dog Skip? It's so sad when the boy goes off to college and his dog, now elderly, just sits on his bed waiting.

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Sabies! That movie TRAUMATIZED me! Ok, tears comes easily to me....BUT, it took me days before I could push back the tears that would fall as I recalled the image of the senior, arthritic Skip struggling to jump upon his guardian's bed, longing for his return!

[*LabLoverKEB*]

I have that movie!!! It brought tears to my eyes, too! That's soo cool, that your dog's name is Sadie, too!

Thanks!
Sarah & Sadie*