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Will another dog help ease the transition?
We have a 7 yr old dog, Lucky that was just diagnosed with a mast cell tumor on his leg. We are hopeful but the chances of surviving a year are slim. We have a cat that he gets along with really well but they are separated during the day. They play and the cat is pretty mellow, has never hissed once at anyone. We wanted to get another dog for him as a companion when he feels bad and so he can teach the other dog how to fit into our family. Lucky is very smart and loving and we feel he could teach the new dog lots of great things. We both work full time so they would keep each other company during the day and we have a huge backyard they can play in when they want. We are a very loving family and I am currently 5 mos pregnant with our first baby. We thought maybe a companion would help ease the transition for Lucky and the baby as well as provide companionship for him as well. Thoughts?
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Guest 367138
on Apr 15th 2009
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in Other Adoption & Rescue
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So sorry to hear about Lucky. I wouldn't get another dog at this point, especially if your thinking of getting a puppy. Lucky needs rest, love and peace during this unfortunate time of his life.
Whatever you decide all the best.
♥ DEOGIE ♥
answered on 4/15/09.
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I'm so sorry to hear about Lucky's diagnosis.
I think though, that getting another dog is maybe not the best idea for Lucky.
Any change, especially a new dog, is going to be hugely stressful for even a healthy, young dog.
I know what you are going for with the idea of giving him somethign to think about and also easing him through his illness while having some companionship.
But, I'd be concerned that the stress of getting used to a new dog in the house might cause more harm than good.
Ultimately, you know your dog best so you can make the best choice, but it's somethign to keep in mind.
Dogs don't really think and adapt to new situations the way we would. So, sometimes newness isn't the best thing for a dog in Lucky's situation. Sometimes just a lot of love and extra reassurance from you guys is the best thing.
Best of luck to you.
Jack
answered on 4/15/09.
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I am sorry to hear that.
I would not get another dog til after you have dealt with a loss, and have mourned. Also having a pup is not good, as your dog is going to feel bad, he doesn't need the stress of another dog in the house to deal with. Sometimes like us they are not up for all the normal stuff anymore. So it would be better to wait, okay? sorry about your dog.
Dieta
answered on 4/15/09.
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I'm really sorry to hear about Lucky. :(
Ok well I know how you feel about this situation-except for being pregnant. :)
So I had 2 cocker spaniels, one was 16 and the other 14. Well the 16 year old, scooter, had died, and left the 14 year old dog, Mimosa (Mosa) all alone. Well My family and I all had broken hearts and we wanted to fill the gap and give mosa a new companion. So we set out to find a new dog.
We found the cutest cocker spaniel puppy with blue eyes and he was sooo cute! We ended up getting him. His name is DUKE :) anyway, at first since mosa was so old and Duke so young he would annoy mosa a lot by barking at her and nipping at her and she was so old there wasnt much to do, but before we got Duke she always moped around and after she seemed a bit more lively and friendly I actually think it helped getting a new dog, and when mosa died, having Duke made things a whole lot easier, you know to cope and everything. So I WOULD advisw you to get another dog :)
Duke
answered on 4/15/09.
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I'm sorry about Lucky. Cancer is a horrible thing to see a dog go through, especially because they stay so strong. I would advise against getting a new dog. 1st of all because the new dog will feel the weakness in Lucky and may try to become a pack leader and hurt Lucky, and 2nd of all because the transition period will put stress on Lucky and may increase the rate of growth in the tumor. Right now he needs your full and complete attention.
Charlie Long Dog Nevarez-Wood
answered on 5/4/09.
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bad idea for everybody.new baby and new puppy with dying much loved dog..another dog would stress out a dog that needs quiet rest and comfort, not puppy stimulation. take her to a dog park for socialization when she feels up to it, but dont stress out her remaining days with the thought that being sick will be getting her replaced by her family..there enough transition with accepting a new baby into the pack without changing her pack status with another dog.
Packer
answered on 5/18/09.
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