Is it crazy to think about getting a second (adult) dog right now?

pblge

As you may recall we had to put our sweet kitty to sleep a few weeks ago, and our big house feels so empty with just us and one dog. I actually requested the Toxoplasmosis antibody test from my OB this week, and it came back negative, meaning I've never been exposed. This means that we won't risk getting another cat while I'm still pregnant, even though the chances of a new cat having Toxoplasmosis are very low. However, there's no medical reason (to my knowledge) we can't get another dog, which is something we've been considering for ages. Our greyhound, Duke, really is a lot happier when there's a second dog around; greyhounds spend their years on the track constantly surrounded by many dogs, and some of them have a lot of anxiety when left alone. Duke has never seemed anxious, but he loves when other dogs come to visit, and we actually think it might be easier for him to have a buddy once the baby is here, as I'm sure he won't be getting as much attention as usual.

We'd be carefully selecting a calm, adult dog with a proven record of being safe around other dogs, kids, and cats. I don't feel like this is all that crazy an idea, but I wanted to see what other people think before we get carried away. Thoughts??

Neesey

I'd be much more likely to take on another adult dog but definitely not a puppy. We may not have a choice if DH takes a new position at work and they won't let him work with our 11month old lab. How are you doing otherwise? Stress level ok? I know that things have been so crazy for me that if given a choice if say no. Two months ago, no problem.

1220winterbride

I am a biased, dog person and not an expert, but it sounds like a vetted, adult dog would be good for you and your family. 

My two cents, After the baby it will be harder to add more to your plate but now might be a better transition time?

AMShark

I don't think its crazy if you get an adult dog.  With your EDD in April, it feels like enough time to get both dogs adjusted to each other.

Of course, due dates are never a certainty - and I know you are still doing some major work on your nursery.  If you're past dry wall and flooring, then now might be the time for a new dog.  If you think a new dog on top of the construction will be a major stressor, maybe wait.

You work for a university, right?  Will you be getting a break soon for the semester?  Maybe hold off a week or two until the break, and take advantage of that time to get a new dog.

Older rescues seem to get passed over during the holidays.  Think about the wonderful second chance you could be giving some lucky pup. 

gsancho

I think it would work out.  With an adult dog, you'll already have an idea about their personality, and you still have time to adjust.

pblge

@Neesey - What the heck kind of job has stipulations about your household pets? :-/

@1220winterbride - Exactly our thinking!

@AMShark - The break begins as soon as I'm done with the grading...which will probably be tomorrow (600 freaking pages of final papers this semester!!!). I have a course release in the spring, so I'll just have the one class (with a doctoral student helping, as she'll take over once I give birth) starting the last week in January. We're going out of town on Monday, but would be looking to get a second dog once we're back. As for the construction, it's actually pretty well contained and has made good progress. Floors will be done today, then it's just a matter of finish work like trim and painting. And I'm super excited to take an adult dog home from the shelter! Anyone up for a cry?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vAdCvq1Hj-k

Saintelizabeth

I'm a sucker for adult rescue dogs! Now is a good time because it will give you the dog time to adjust. If you do get a dog I want to see pics

jessimi06

I'd totally do it if we didn't already have two dogs. I'd still probably do it if we weren't having twins, but I'm a crazy dog lady. I think you'll have plenty of time to adjust before baby gets here. I want to see pics of said dog if you get one!

southernyankeegirl

I keep finding myself browsing the rescue websites to get a second dog, but it's definitely NOT the time for us with only a few weeks from our due date. But given that you've got time still and have a reasonable expectation of the responsibilities of taking on a new dog, I think it's not a bad idea.

I kinda wish we had gotten a second dog six months ago so my dog would have a companion.

Alicia_R1

I know for us having 2 was a lot harder than when we just had 1.  Our older dog kept herself company just fine but we also have 2 very high energy breeds and one is just over a year old, so still has a lot of puppy energy.  

One really hard part for us is getting a pet sitter with 2 dogs.  Our neighbors still will watch them, but it was so much easier on them and the older dog when we just had her.  They would take her to their house and she and their dog got along, doesn't work so well now that we have 2.  Older dog has such serious issues that boarding her is such a bad option. 

They are also more hyper and crash around the house more because there are 2 of them, so it makes me more worried for when I am bigger and more clumsy that I already am and once the baby gets here. 

I think it's a personal preference too and what you can handle.  I can really just only handle cats.  

mdiblasi10

It's definitely a very personal decision. If it were me, I don't think it would be good timing. But I have already been through having a newborn, one dog and two cats, and it can be quite stressful on me. And I LOVE animals! There are just times when it's too much, like when all of them decide to poop or pee or vomit everywhere, or we want to travel and can't find a pet-sitter for everyone, or when they are demanding more of me than I have to give because I have a toddler and I'm pregnant too. I really do love them and have good times too, but I don't think we will have pets again (after they pass) until the kids are all older. I have also had two dogs at a time before having DS. I should note that all of my dogs have been Mastiffs, so they are very big and very messy. It may also be that my Apollo just recently had two of the biggest vomit messes I have ever seen in my life and many poop accidents because he is getting older. Sorry - just being real!

If you do decide to, thank you for looking at an adult dog! They are so often passed over at rescues and shelters, so that is wonderful Good luck!

hopeby2015

I agree that getting an adult dog at this stage of the pregnancy might not be so bad for you! But it really depends on you and your family. I know for us, we have 1 dog and I can already imagine just how much more difficult dealing with a newborn and a dog will be when lo arrives. So it would definitely not work for us but it might work for you! Good luck with your decision!

Neesey

pblge said:

@Neesey - What the heck kind of job has stipulations about your household pets?

Law enforcement.

MissEm15

We adopted a puppy almost 5 years ago. He's so well behaved & loving. A couple months ago we dog sat another adult dog for our aunt. He is such a well trained dog as well. Both are bigger lab size, both over 4 yo. I couldn't handle having the two. It was a constant fight for our attention with them & it was annoying & I love this other family dog.

Can you foster one first maybe? I would just hate to see you adopt an adult & realize it won't work out.

rella22

I'm such a dog person...especially a rescue so my opinion is slightly biased but I say absolutely go for it!

Neesey

@sunshinedaisies000‌ DH was offered a transfer to interdiction as a K9 officer. He's amazing when it comes to dogs but we don't want another. We have an 11 month old lab (they would consider training her) in addition to our 7 year old lab, shih tzu and cat. I think he's going to pass on it though as another opportunity came along that he is more excited about. If he took the spot and they got him another dog, he'd be locked in to the position for the working life of the dog. That would take him off the table for any promotions for 7-8 years and we aren't ok with that.

RunCC37

So what are you thinking @pblge‌ ?? Are you getting a doggie??

pblge

RunCC37 said:

So what are you thinking @pblge‌ ?? Are you getting a doggie??

I think the plan is to leave it somewhat to fate. When we get back home we'll look around and see if there is a pup that would fit well. if we haven't found one by early February we'll probably give up on the idea.

Here's a pic I just received this morning of Duke with his "cousin" Jet, with whom he's staying while we're out of town. See why we want to get him a friend?

pblge

And another.

RunCC37

Awwww, yeah, Duke needs a buddy! I hope you find the perfect friend for Duke in your travels

shood77

I wanted to chime in as I'm in a similar situation. We lost our male greyhound in September to cancer, and we decided to wait until the babies are born (twins will be arriving on Tues!) before we look at introducing another grey into the mix. Our female grey just turned 10 and has been much more clingy since our boy passed. Our bigger concern is once we are done with leave, back to work and the kids in daycare...she'll be going from a full house to an empty one. We are waiting though because DH travels for work and with me working full-time + twins, we want to be sure we can handle everything before adding another dog to the mix. We also wanted to be sure that we picked a grey that would be good with babies...it would be too difficult to adopt a dog to discover that he/she is not infant-friendly.