We currently have a 4yo Jack Russel Parson who was brought up with our other dog (gorgeous collie x golden retriever), they loved each other to bits and got on brilliantly. Sadly, our older dog was put down in January due to old age and arthritis.
Since we lost our older dog, our JRP was given us conflicting thoughts - sometimes he seems lonely as he was always around another dog from 8 weeks old, and sometimes he seems to love being the only dog with all the attention. He has never liked other dogs apart from our older one (who we rescued a few months before we rescued him as a pup). However, since losing our other dog he is much more eager to play and interact with other dogs when he take him out for walks.
After we lost our older dog, we pretty much decided to get another dog but after we'd had a few months to grieve for him - I couldn't bear the thought of 'replacing' him. A family members dog (JR) has just had a litter for 6 pups (now 4 weeks old). I'm so tempted to take one after being offered one but don't know if it'd be right by our JRP. We will be spending a lot of time with the puppies next week when they're on holiday (sharing house sitting with their daughter) which will probably make it more difficult to resist.
It was so easy to introduce a puppy to our collie because he was such a gentle chap who had lived with lots of dogs and cats before. We thought maybe a bitch would be easier for our JRP to handle if we do go ahead? (he has had snip, btw).
Can anybody give me any advice about the possibility of getting another dog, and one of these pups? And if you've ever been in a similar situation, how did you get your dog used to the idea? Would a boy/girl be better, or doesn't it matter? (would definitely be getting snipped/spayed either way).
Sorry it's such a long post!