Shall I get another dog or is it better to just have the one?

[FioFio]

I had two border collies but I had to have my old girl put down last year a few months before Christmas :( We had her as a rescue dog at 2 and she had lived until she was 18. We were all devastated and I said we wouldn't have another if the other dog adapted well, which she has. She was also a rescue but we had her as a puppy (4mo) and she is 10 now.

I am not thinking of having one yet, but maybe in September when my youngest starts school full time. I work part time so the current dog is hardly left at home much at all. We live in glorious countryside, have chickens, I take her an hour and half walk a day come rain or shine. Is there any reason why i want another dog so much? Is it a foolish idea? Is one dog enough for anyone?

i would

We had one dog (smallish terrier x of some sort) for years and got a second dog last summer, a border collie who is about 12months old now.

My older dog has changed a lot since getting some company - much more lively and more 'doggy' in her behaviour. Didn't used to want to go for walks, now comes with us and bounces about like a mad thing, they play fight a lot but the old one still gets much more spoiled.

I think it's natural to want another, when you feel more ready. They leave quite a big gap when you lose one I remember DH had to take a week off work when his previous dog died, he was utterly devastated.

If the time is right, then it can be a brilliant idea. Dogs are very social animals, and enjoy having a doggy chum about the place. If you are walking anyway, you can do that v easily with two. Obviously the financial consideration is important, with insurance, food, vets bills etc. but if that is not a problem then it's worth thinking about.

Have you considered doing some fostering? I know a lot of rescues would kill for an experienced BC home - you could get used to having another dog about the place, but it wouldn't be a permanent arrangement. Could be ideal.

We lost one of our three dogs recently - we were all heartbroken. I know we will get another dog -as a rescue volunteer I know that will happen but we aren't quite ready yet. Please give yourself plenty of time to mourn for your lost friend.

Good luck when the time is right

oh you are all so lovely :) I am still very upset about my old girl, I feel emotional just typing about it and we all miss her - she was a very fabulous and characterful dog with many stories for us to tell, as you can imagine...as she was a border collie with a very high IQ:o

Maybe I could foster, I hadn't even thought about it. I thought about volunteering for dog walking at my closest rescue home but I didn't know whether they would be interested in that kind of thing (they are mainly a German shepherd rescue)

Fio, there are several national BC rescues - Wiccaweys is one of the best known and is very highly thought of. May be worth having a chat with them?

charlearose! 6?!

you sound nice - you can buy one of my puppies

joke btw

We got our second dog when my youngest started school. Now I can take them for really long walks and adventures and I've met so many nice doggy people. Our terrier was a bit grumpy at first but now they are best buddies and won't leave the house without one another. I've even mastered walking them both with one hand . It's lots and lots of work but incredibly fun. If you live in the countryside, even better. Go for it!

puppies? You have puppies . What are they?

I'd say absolutely go for it. We had our old golden retriever and he passed Dec 2010. 4 months before that we got a wee rescue girl lab, 5 months old. The pup gave our old boy a new lease of life for his last few months. Then 6 months after he died, we got a new golden puppy, a boy. I can honestly say I've never regretted it and only keep wondering why we didn't have 2 dogs all along! They're wonderful company for each other and we had no problems with Timber chewing anything as he had our lab to keep him occupied. In fact they get on so well that she is now expecting his puppies....
I think it would be strange now to just have the one dog. Good luck with your decision!

my pups are

I am going to run away now before I get another pasting

Still to be confirmed by the vet, but they'll be first cross golden retriever x yellow lab retriever (though she's more of a fox red). Will be absolutely stunning dogs

wow they sound great gingerstuff you must come back with photos.

Our pups are 13 days old now so if you want any tips get in touch !

noDogfightPlease, 13 days!! Adorable! Are they at the squeaking stage yet?? I might well PM you nearer the time (if, of course, the girl is up the duff but she's def showing signs at the moment) for tips, thanks...it's been a long time since I was present at the birth of a litter. OP, apologies for the threadjack!

oh yes really squeaky and some little barks just starting. They are peering through half open eyes and wobbling about on their little legs like drunks.

Utterly adorable

jeez! Am I am stressing about getting ONE puppy!!! Well done - you are a giant among dog owners