Oh my goodness, I just did it!

[Pam]

I brought a new puppy into a household with a 13 year old dog. The senior dog, Pumpkin, was a toy poodle and the puppy, Ashley, was a mini. I did find that the senior dog was not at all interested in playing with the puppy. They got along OK but there was no bonding as Pumpkin was just too old for any kind of play. In your case, a dog in pain might not feel well enough to interact. This is not a criticism but, rather, so that you don't feel that something is wrong if they don't strike up a friendship. My senior dog did live another 4 years after we adopted the puppy. He was never in pain but was deaf, blind from dense cataracts and was developing a serious incontinence problem. It was our choice to eventually help him to the bridge at the age of 17. Had he been in pain, with no remedy for the pain, he would have had to leave us earlier. Each case is different, but I wish you well. Out of the two pictures posted I fell quickly for Millie. Please give Nicki some extra hugs from all of us.

[dukedogsmom]

I totally understand how you feel. If I had different living conditions, I would have had another dog probably in early 2005. But, my living conditions, and the way I felt about Duke, wouldn't let me. In my case, I was wanting another dog for reasons for me. For making it easier when Duke did pass. That wouldn't have been fair to him. In your case, it's different. If Nicki need more companionship that might make her happier, that would be great. I would take the dogs being considered to the house to meet Nicki, if possible, before choosing one. I wish Nicki's pain could be relieved. Like I told you, it breaks my heart to hear that she's not doing well. Please hug her until you're tired of doing so. Those would be from me.

[bckrazy]

Good luck with the adoptions... I hope you find the perfect pup for you and Nicki... or not, depending on your decision.

No one can be a better judge of what's right for Nicki than you. You obviously love her a lot, and I'm positive your decision about adopting another dog will be in her/your best interest. I'm really sorry that Nicki isn't doing well.

[catnapper]

Folks... please remember Nicki is 13 years old. The vet understands that and is aware at her age a few things can't happen: 1) surgery. She wouldn't survive it. so why tests for things that would ultimately need surgery? 2) If she did have something serious, there's nothing we can do other than make her as comfortable as we can, which is what we're already doing.

Now, the reasons why I feel another dog is what she needs.... she "lights up" (if dogs can light up) when she sees Gracie. She wants to play. She wags her tail a mile a minute. She has been depressed since Cameron left and her arthritis has gotten worse since Cam left. Its as if she doesn't want to do anything so not moving has made her stiffer and more sore. She was very active when Cam was here (as active as a 13 year old girl can be) and since he left, all she does is sleep. I know that finding a buddy for her will mean a great deal to her and possible be what ultimately extends her life.

As for her pain. Its merely arthritis. Like my mom said "would you put me down because MY arthritis medicine wasn't cutting MY soreness?" And truth is, mom's meds AREN'T cutting her pain. She has tried several types and dosages and they're not working for her. Why should I put Nicki down if thats the worst of her problems? YES, she has mammoth size fatty tumors. The vet still isn't concerned about them because they aren't interfering with any major organs, bones, or muscle groups. YES she's been eating and drinking more lately.... like I already stated, my vet finds it fruitless to run a bunch of expensive tests that won't reveal anything that can be fixed.

Believe me, if she were even 8 years old, I'd be running the tests and not considering the expense. Look what I did for Pouncer. Most people would have just put him down rather than getting him the surgery. I will do whatever is necessary for my pets after I consider all facts. Tests on a dog halfway through her life... go do them all! Tests on a dog who is within months of her passing? Are you kidding? Why put her through it? You have no idea how stressed she gets going to the vet. Just the car ride freaks her out. Why put her through something that won't mean anything in the end? What would we do different if she did have diabetes? Shove yet another pill down her throat and extend her life by a week? And many of you are saying I'm being unfair letting her live in pain now?

Thank you to all of you who gave me wonderful words of support and encouragement. The above rant certainly does not apply to you. ((hugs))

[carole]

Kim i don't know if you believe in alternative medicine or not,I call it complimentary medicine lol, but have you tried any herbal remedies, i can't tell you of any specific one's as i have not tried any myself, but just wondered if any of those might help her pain, i have arthritis myself in my little fingers and it hurts like hell at times,anything might be worth a try eh?

This is a nz website, but i am sure you can get these herbs worldwide.

http://www.brookbyherbs.co.nz

[3muttsandaboston]

I don't look down on you at all for wanting another dog. I had my dog Zoe for a long time she died at the age of 9 from what we believe was congestive heart failure. When I brought home my puppy Lucy she was a whole other dog. She had never played with another dog before in her life and she played with Lucy. I don't think you are trying to replace her at all. I will always have multiple dogs in my life just because I don't think I could live without at least one dog for a day. Good luck in making your choice..

[Muddy4paws]

I dont agree with keeping a dog in pain and you are obviously dealing with your Nicky in the best way you can so I dont really see why that is a issue with others.

I agree with the above poster, We had a puppy around an older dog and its like 2 puppies again. It doesnt aways work out the way people expect it to. I also find its easier to have a loving face to snuggle into when the deaded does eventually happen. I find it helps, it doesn't make a death any easier but having another dog really makes a difference to me.

Both of the dogs are gorgeous, I hope you can give one a happy home