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  how many is too many?
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clink
Picture of clink
Posted
I would like to get a puppy, but hubby says no. We have two cockers, a 15 y/o and a 7 y/o, already. My head knows 3 dogs is probably one too many, but my heart really really wants another. How many dogs do you have? I know my days with the older cocker are numbered, perhaps it's unfair to stress her out with a new puppy at this stage of her life? If a shelter cocker puppy comes available, should I pass?
 
Posts: 273 | Registered: Aug 03, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
SheltiesMom
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clink I am not exactly the right person to advise on this,. I run a rescue out of my home and have 9. Only you can really tell if you think it is to many. Do you have the time and money to take another one? Are you going to look for a puppy or rescue an older one from the shelter? These are all things to think about before deciding if you are able to handle another one




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"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." Ann Landers
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Come check out my "hairy"kids Smile and My Avatars

 
Posts: 6893 | Location: Beach Front Property minus the water | Registered: Jan 02, 2004Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
real estate lady
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we have a mom, dad, and five pups including 2 newly born.
 
Posts: 3507 | Registered: Aug 14, 2007Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
PJP
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We have 5 dogs 2 cats 1 kitten....


Kodak EasyShare LS 753
Digital Camera & Dock 5 MP
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Posts: 5071 | Location: OKC | Registered: May 25, 2004Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
Idaho Resident
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"clink," Before I post my thoughts, I want you to know that I really do understand where you are.

Just for now, could you hold off? The ages of your dogs says something to me and I think a new pup, right now, would not be a good idea.

Cherish your 15 year old, have fun with the 7 year old and, WHEN the time comes, adopt another to join the family.

BUT, I don't think that time has come. No, three is not too many, but bringing a new younger pup into the equation at this point of time isn't fair to any of you.

Just my personal opinion; best of luck to you whatever you decide. There can never be too many good homes for wonderful four-footed animals but you have to choose wisely as to the right time and place to adopt a new one...
 
Posts: 2246 | Registered: Jan 01, 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
clink
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Idaho, thank you for your kind words. I guess my biggest concern is how my 15 year old would be affected. She is a quiet, loving cocker spaniel who sleeps quite a bit these days.
Luckily, I have no shortage of time, love (or funds) to take on another puppy.
I have an application in for a shelter rescue, a 10 week old cocker spaniel puppy. If I would be approved, I'd probably take her. But if she finds a new home elsewhere, I am going to take it as a sign that I should wait.
Thanks for all your replies. It's obvious that we all share a love of our animal kids.
 
Posts: 273 | Registered: Aug 03, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
SheltiesMom
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I totally disagree with Idaho. She does not know you, or live with you. For her to tell you if it time is so totally wrong. Only you know if it is the right time. I think for a total stranger to tell you if you should get another, or if it is the right time is not anyones right and for you to offer limited info and then praise that person for offering this type of advice, seems sad




****************************
"Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." Ann Landers
****************************
Come check out my "hairy"kids Smile and My Avatars

 
Posts: 6893 | Location: Beach Front Property minus the water | Registered: Jan 02, 2004Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
JoW
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Check your local laws. The legal limit in Omaha is 3.
 
Posts: 2759 | Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA | Registered: Oct 13, 2002Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
CallMeMartha
Picture of CallMeMartha
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quote:
Originally posted by SheltieCollector:
I totally disagree with Idaho. She does not know you, or live with you. For her to tell you if it time is so totally wrong. Only you know if it is the right time. I think for a total stranger to tell you if you should get another, or if it is the right time is not anyones right and for you to offer limited info and then praise that person for offering this type of advice, seems sad


That is Idaho's opinion! She is just as entitled to it as you are yours.

The original poster ASKED for opinions...perhaps you should not criticize those who are different from yours. Frown
 
Posts: 1804 | Location: Texas | Registered: Jun 04, 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
tessa89
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quote:
my heart really really wants another.

How many pets can you (personally) adequately care for?
I'd like to save every dog, horse and other domestic critters; but I realize my WANT TO is not realistic
 
Posts: 2237 | Location: NE of S.F. | Registered: Apr 13, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
BoPeep
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My own situation is similar, or even worse: I have 3 house dogs over the age of 12 (plus 3 others in the house, and 6 outside), and would dearly love to have a puppy. But I know it is not the best thing for my old dogs - they need as much time as I can give them right now, and shouldn't have to share me with a puppy.

So my opinion is: wait.
 
Posts: 819 | Registered: Sep 18, 2002Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
clink
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Sheltie collector, I appreciate your opinion, as well as the others' on here. Yes, it is probably sad that I (and many, many others) come on this board and seek advice from complete strangers. But I find that it helps me sort out the many pros and cons by reading what others have to say. Ultimately, it is my decision to make.
No, Idaho and I don't know each other. But I've read 100s of her posts on many topics and I feel a kinship of sorts. I -- with rare exception -- find her answers to be from the heart and well thought out. She raised an issue about the age of my other dogs, the very issue I was struggling with.
I've already stated that time, love and funds were not an issue. I have plenty of each to give to a new member of our family.

Shortly after I posted my second post on the topic, I received an email from the shelter that my application had been approved. I forwarded it to by up-until-then reluctant-to-get-another-dog husband. He called from work to say that he'd take off early so we could drive the 4.5 hours one way to pick the puppy up.
Long story, short, "belle" is now at home in our household, and while the 7 year-old is pouting (no surprise), the 15-year-old took a nap with the puppy this afternoon. They're instant friends, probably because their demeanor is so much alike (both are sweet, gentle dogs).
I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know we'll make this work. Smile
 
Posts: 273 | Registered: Aug 03, 2003Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
karinfuller
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We have 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 rats and 1 turtle. And we've finally hit the limit FOR US. That's a decision no one but you can really make. This third dog has really upset the balance. She's a rescue - was just supposed to be a foster, but she's so screwed up that it wouldn't be fair to put her through rehoming. (She just kissed me as I typed that, like she knew.) But the cats don't like her at all and we've all had to adjust more than I ever expected would be required for a 15 lbs dog.

We've had 6 at a time before with no problem, but lived in the country then.
 
Posts: 61 | Location: South Charleston, WV | Registered: Jul 23, 2008Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
propertylady57
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quote:
Originally posted by clink:
...Shortly after I posted my second post on the topic, I received an email from the shelter that my application had been approved. I forwarded it to by up-until-then reluctant-to-get-another-dog husband. He called from work to say that he'd take off early so we could drive the 4.5 hours one way to pick the puppy up.
Long story, short, "belle" is now at home in our household, and while the 7 year-old is pouting (no surprise), the 15-year-old took a nap with the puppy this afternoon. They're instant friends, probably because their demeanor is so much alike (both are sweet, gentle dogs).
I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know we'll make this work. Smile


Clink, congratulations on the new pup.I hope all goes well in your home with all of your fur babies.
 
Posts: 1648 | Location: Southern Maryland | Registered: Dec 27, 2004Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
tessa89
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CLINK, I am soooo very happy your DH said "lets"/
It comes as no surprise that your elder Cocker quickly accepted Belle. Your 7 yr old may choose to dominate; let them work it out unless pecking order escallates.
Our established dogs play a big part in the education of subsequent family members
 
Posts: 2237 | Location: NE of S.F. | Registered: Apr 13, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
debicga
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Clink...congrats on your new furbaby. Please post a picture on the pix thread so we can all see!


*Debi*

~*Never trade the thrills of living for the security of existence*~
 
Posts: 2751 | Location: Marietta,GA | Registered: Apr 05, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
yeeehawterri
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Congrats on the new addition! Anxious to see the new pics.

I think it's nice to get opinions from others, that's one of the purposes of the boards, to chat, get opinions and share experiences. Helps sort out things and sometimes provide food for thought. I don't think anyone is right or wrong, unless, of course, they disagree with me! Big Grin
 
Posts: 1147 | Location: Middle TN | Registered: Jun 20, 2004Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete Message