Do you think Ralph will let me take her?

[ramanth]

SHE'S SO CUTE!!!

I hope you get to keep her.

[Cookiebaker]

What a cute baby! He looks so happy, and so full of love!! Where did you find him?? Are you going to take him??

[Logan]

She looks like the boys I transported over the weekend. What a wonderful girl. I hope Ralph says YES!!!!

[Cincy'sMom]

I don't know...I do this all the time. (I'm waiting for you guys to tell me either get another dog or forget it). Anyway, I find an adorable pup and think I have to have it and then start to think. That is the problem...the thinkin'
Yeah, three dogs would be great now, but what about when we go on vacation? have kids? Is the time really right? Etc, etc, etc. I guess when the right one comes along I won't be able to refuse. Is she the one...don't know. haven't met her yet. She just went up on Planned Pethood yerterday morning and they don't even have a foster for her yet. All I know is that she is 3-4 mos old and was rescued from a shelter and they have named her Pooche. ( I think she needs a new name)

What does Ralph think? Well, when I first told him, he asked if there was a way he could block the planned pethood website When he saw her pciture he said "awww" Then he started scrolling through the others dogs and before he got done with the whole page said he had to quit before we had 30 dogs he has told me before I could get another dog, but I have not been brave enough to test it and just bring one home.

So for now? Still thinking

[Logan]

Complete sympathy here........

And I haven't had a "Ralph" to contend with in 10 years.....everything I have done has been on my own....now I have someone else to consider as well......and he promises that once we are settled into our new home, we can consider fostering again. Thank goodness!! What a guy....he came in at the exact right time. First Weston, then Splash.....I broke him in right. That's for sure!!!

So, maybe after Jan. 1, I can at least foster another one....maybe you could do this with this one. I would surely give you a good indication as to whether you want an additional dog. And you would be doing a good deed as well. Good luck. As long as you make the decision together, all will be well, I'm sure.

Logan

[Uabassoon]

I feel the same way when it comes to cats. I have two now and I know that I can have one more but I see so many cats that I want. And I worry what happens if I move three cats will be hard to handle and things like that. But everytime I see a kitten I want it and I have to force myself to walk away.

[Pam]

Oh Amy I know exactly what you are going through. I do the amazingly stupid thing of searching Petfinder, etc. and always wind up asking myself "is this what I really want to do?" On the one hand I know I would love another dog, as would Bella, but on the other hand I have the kitties to consider. They haven't exactly forgiven me for bringing Bella home yet! LOL! ...only kidding...

Then I say "am I ready?" "Do I want an older dog, already trained, or do I want a puppy and go through the housebreaking all over again! What breed?" (still have my pug cravings!) Then I ask "will I be able to give individual attention to another dog like I do now with Bella?" So much to consider! That said, I could see this little cutie fitting in and being perfectly at home in your house, and oh those little white paws!!!! She looks like she just walked through tin of white paint! Whatever you decide, you know us Pet Talkers are 100% behind you!

[shais_mom]

[b]I agree. I totally fell in love with golden mix at the Humane Soc booth last week at the fair. But number 1 I honestly don't have a big enough house for 2 dogs and a cat. And she was smaller than Keegan, but that is twice the medical bills, medications, hair, etc. Plus sometimes you can have trouble having more than 2 dogs of the same sex, Remember Angel (doggiemom) and her 3 little ladies were always getting in fights.. And me being on a single income, and with Kylie's medical bills with her rodent's ulcer, I simply can't financially afford it. And I am extrememly fortunate that my parents allow me to bring Keegan over to their house and that they watch her while I am away, but they would never ever allow me to bring 2 dogs or keep 2 dogs. And Keegan wouldn't like to share her mommy with another dog, she doesn't even like to share her with Kylie! And Kylie was here first!!
But those that have 2 or more dogs to love I envy you!! And Amy, you and Ralph would give any dog a wonderful home. Maybe fostering is in your future?? Pooche and the boys that Logan fostered over the weekend would do good to be in your house for a little while, just so they can get a gorgeous glossy coat like your girls have.

[DoggiesAreTheBest]

Amy,

Only you are able to tell if you are ready for another addition. I applaude you for your responsible thinking: what to do when on vacation, have kids, financial matters. Perhaps fostering is a good idea. I wish I could foster again. Roxey was so much joy. But I can't have Drake and another dog at the same time. It breaks my heart, but it is a fact that I have learned to live with. He is fine with other dogs as long as they don't come into HIS house.

[ramanth]

Amy, I so understand your plight. I know my heart is big enough for another dog, but my apartment and pocket book is not. It's heartbreaking, but I know in the future when I have my own house and a nice yard, then I'll go crazy!

[Sudilar]

If Killian weren't so sick, I'd have a third in a heartbeat.... or maybe volunteer for GSD fostering (no action on Leonberger Rescue, yet )!

[robinh]

My Richard said "NO" to another dog for a long time (we had 3). When he asked me what I wanted for our 20th anniversary, I being the sneak I am said; "I'd like a Yorkie puppy!" He kept trying to say no, then we went and looked. While I was holding the puppy, he looked at my face and asked the lady (somewhat resignedly) "When will she be ready to leave?" Bless his heart, he knows I'm a softy for furbabies.

Got Molly on 7/3/02 and she has been a handful. But I just love her. She's been such a great addition to the family. I'm not sure the other dogs think so. Their reaction has been mixed at best!

When we travel, which doesn't happen often, my son (another puppy lover) comes to our house and babysits. Sometimes he brings his dog - sometimes he leaves her at home with his girlfriend. My babies love him - I think he's worse at spoiling them than we are.

[Cincy'sMom]

Thanks for sharing all your thoughts and similar stories. I think i would like to trying fostering but I am afraid it would be hard on all of us to let the pups go. I'm hoping that when we decide to start a family I will be able to at least cut back on work hours and maybe that we will a better time to foster (or get a third dog) so I can really work with the dogs and make sure when they find their forever homes, they have some training.

Financially, I think we could handle another dog, but we have to cut back. I usually take the girls to day school 2-4 times per month and that frequency wuld have to drop. Of course, with more entertainment at home, they may not need to out of house play time.

And the vacation thing is a big deal to me. With the studio we are gone for 8 days every year, last week of July. I know this. We have been lucky enough not to have to board the girls yet. This year my parents took them, but they have 3 dogs of there own. 5 dogs for a week is a lot of work. Could they handle 6?

Anyway, no decision yet. Still mulling it over...

[Logan]

I'm glad you're being cautious and thinking about it in real terms.

I will tell you that fostering Splash was wonderful, and tough, at the same time, especially when I had to tell her goodbye. But it got easier after that first day (I cried for most of that day ). And I know she is happy and healthy in her new home. That's the main thing!!!

You know we'll support your decision, regardless. So do what your heart and Ralph tell you to do.

[Cookiebaker]

I think that ANYBODY that takes on fostering is so brave and strong!!! I don't think i would EVER be able to give up a critter after being with it for any length of time. I would just get way too attached. But I truly admire those who can & do!!!!