Should I get a second dog?

[ifl]

Thanks so much to all of you!

I've attempted to insert a picture of Smudge here:

[hmmm, didn't work - technically challenged]

My biggest concern is that I want to do this for Smudge, and I hope that he will be happy to have a buddy. I've heard that an "only dog" who has lived with a family for a while actually is happier on his own and may not like a companion. That's my biggest fear.

Is it a fact that in general, a dog (with the appropriate temprament, etc.) who has lived alone for a while will generally like a companion? Or is it true that most dogs after being alone for a while, prefer to stay alone?

I care about Smudge so much that I'd rather not get a second dog if it would upset him, but I hope that he would welcome the companionship during the day.