Thinking about getting another Sheltie I have ?

K

KingKong

Forums Novice
First off I have a 12 yr old girl and a 1 yr old boy already
The girl is having heart problems but on meds for it
I was talking to the breeder I got the boy from and she is rehomeing some of her dogs and she has a bi-black for sale thats 2 years old. not reel sure I need a third dog but I just fell in love with this dog when we got are boy from her
whats everyones thoughts
 
Well lots to consider,and I know just how you feel~

I have 4 dogs. My lab is a senior,and is aging gracefully.I have a bilnd & def sheltie,that is healthy,and two other shelties. I needed to prioritize the canine population here,and made a promise that another pup would not come home until Earnhardt passed over.
Vet bills,food,income,harmony of the home,it all needs consideration.

I just yesterday had a bi-black offered to me,at a wonderful price.A puppy and from a respected breeder,and as hard as it was,I knew I just could not. Believe me,this pup was hard to resist. Folks know I will be looking at a later date for a bi-black,so they are tossing offers now. But I can't.

Reality check...its hard,but only you knows that answer~
Good luck
 
Your one year old and a two year old should be a good energy match. They should become best buds and play. They'll wear each other out....to me, that's a good thing.

We had an 11 year old when I got Lexi. Our old girl tolerated the puppy, but they weren't a good match energy wise. So one year after we got Lexi we added our shih-poo, Kenzie. When we lost Angel at 14, we added Pyper. Now, everyone is playful and energetic and all are great friends!

Good luck on your decision. Only you know your time, budget and energy limits....:hugs
 
:smile2: Much depends on how much time you have for them. We have four, but there are two adults in the home who are active and retired. I always want "just one more," but I kow that the balance now is perfect!
 
I would really consider how much time and energy you have for another dog, how another dog would fit into the equation at home. I have three - the youngest one is the toughest one to deal with. She is extremely headstrong and very very vocal.

If I had to do it again, I may not have more than one or two at the most. Right now, I work full time and am full time caregiver to my 85-year-old father with severe health problems.
 
I would say that having a 12 year old in her declining years, now would be a good time to consider adding another pup in the mix. Given what your girl's current health, it seems, sadly, that you might find yourself with one sometime soon.

If you have the resources, then I would say yes to this. But I would recommend that all the pups have a meet and greet first to ensure that the personalities mesh.

Hugs to you and good luck in your decision.
 
I guess the first question is, "can you afford it?" followed up with "can you afford the puppy and a senior that could have some health issues that could be costly?".

I only ask because I will probably have to have a puppy while my 14 yo is still around. He's got constant medical bills (I need to monitor his kidney health). So, I know a puppy will be another big expense. I'll know if I can afford it when it's time for the puppy.

Just wanted to be sure. Otherwise, I think a puppy will help balance out the 1 year old and maybe the 12 yo can rest a bit more. lol. Just make sure the puppy and 1 yo aren't bother her too much.
 
I had 3 for for about 9 months. I knew my oldest one was ill and that I would not have him all that much longer. I was in an unusually good situation at the time for the extra work of a puppy, but I did not know how long it would last. So I got a puppy when I could handle the extra work of a puppy.

Overall, it worked well. The two younger ones played together and left the older one alone. The older dog also seemed to really like the puppy and enjoyed watching the younger two play.

Some things were harder going from 2 to 3 ...

I usually take my dogs on vacation with me. A lot of places will take two dogs, but not three. Some places would take three, but a hotel room with three crates can be a bit crowded.

The barking increased a lot, they seemed to egg each other on.

My yard is fenced in, which helped a lot but, if/when I walked them, it had to be multiple walks. Trying to walk three of them, ranging from 12 years to a puppy was impossible. Same thing with going to the vets, groomers, whatever, handling 3 at once is hard, especially if one is a puppy who has not yet learned to walk nicely on a leash and one is elderly and moves slowly.

As the puppy grew, the back seat of the car was getting a little crowded if I had all three of them.

Other than that, it worked pretty easily.
 
Eagle said:
. Trying to walk three of them, ranging from 12 years to a puppy was impossible. Same thing with going to the vets, groomers, whatever, handling 3 at once is hard, especially if one is a puppy who has not yet learned to walk nicely on a leash and one is elderly and moves slowly.
Click to expand...

I had to chuckle when I read this. I have this issue now. Younger one pulls and barks and lunges (bad dog, bad owner, I know), and the older one is slow. I have two 6ft leashes, and with my arms being stretched out in either direction, let's just say I take up a lot of room on the sidewalk. LOL.
 
I was walking my three tonight. A neighbour suggested I needed a short lease to connect them all to one long leash. I don't know - I think I would then need a wagon for them to pull me in.

I should add - I do love all of mine dearly, but having the expenses related to the illnesses and surgeries for Natalie and Liam, it is something you really need to consider when adding another one.
 
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