Labradoodle & Goldendoodle Forum
A Sister For Guinness????
This morning I was looking at PetFinder and I saw this "Poodle Mix" just rescued from a high kill shelter. She is two years old and sounds wonderful. She's 15 pounds, so just Guinness's size. She was badly neglected and had to be totally shaved. I fell in love with her already. So, I'm thinking Guinness might want a "big sister". He loves other dogs, so I don't think it would be a big transition for him. Before I go any further with this what are the objective things I should be considering? Right now I know I'm thinking with my heart...not my head. Please DK friends, help me to think this through objectively. Here's her picture....is she a doodle? Her name is Isabelle, but I'd call her Izzy.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by 1xar0x2rcx0li on
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She does look very cute! I always recommend to have the two dogs meet and see how they interact. We "interviewed" a few duds before we found a doodle rehome that hit it off with Hershey. She was indifferent to the first few, and one didnt like her at all. And then we found a perfect match. Also, think about why she is there. Was she dumped because of looser owners and she is totally fine, or does she have a health issue. I dont know if you have the option of taking her to see your vet before a final decision, but I would ask. Make sure you see her run for a while and see if there are any signs of lameness (signs of HD or elbow issues). You dont want to be on the hook for expensive therapy unless you are prepared ahead of time.
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Permalink Reply by Jane, Guinness and Murphy on
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Great points. She was dropped in a high kill shelter by a neglectful mother and daughter who did not want to spend the money to keep her groomed. It doesn't appear there are health issues, but we should definitely check that out.
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Permalink Reply by Frannie & Callie on
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I love Izzy and think she'd make a great big sister! I don't know her mix (duh) but she has a beautiful black doodle nose! Here are the things to consider. 1) Time - do you have enough time in your day to make sure both of your dogs are well loved and get the standard of care that you already give Guinness. 2) Money - two dogs means lots more expenses...extra food fees, dog walker fees, boarding fees, vet fees etc. Those are the things I would consider anyway :)
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Permalink Reply by Adrianne Matzkin on
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I agree with Todd. Let them meet on neutral ground. Don't expect a perfect match at first. 'Izzy' must be scared and so sad to just be dumped by her humans. You really won't know her until she is with you a least a week or more. She must be given time to adjust to new surroundings, new rules and a new family.
Do you know if her humans left vet records? You need to make sure she is HW negative and she is UTD on her vaccines.
Is she living with a foster family?
I will be here if you want to ask me questions from the resuce side of adoption!
Frannie is right - 2 dogs are a juggling act like having a second child. Enough attention for each, play time, expense, etc. Yes, it is extra work but I get so much more that I would never have just 1 ever again.
Adrianne
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Permalink Reply by Allyson, Peri & Taquito on
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I will never have only 1 dog again....really, never! Agree 100%. It is definitely harder, but soooo worth it.
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Thanks, Adrianne. I'm not sure if she's with a foster family right now. I couldn't tell from the posting. I responded via the email option on the posting. I don't know how long it usually takes for them to reply. We haven't completed any paperwork yet, so I don't know how that whole process goes. The posting says she's great with other dogs, cats, and kids. It does say that she seems to be a little shy, but that's certainly understandable with her background. It just breaks my heart. She is current on the vaccinations. Guinness is very used to my undivided attention, but he loves other dogs, so I think he'd be happy to have a buddy.
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Adrianne - I stopped reading after you said "Frannie is right" :)
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Why, is that something rare in your life??????
You and I agree on most everything!
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Aside from the additional time requirement (which I don't think you are really concerned with based on your post and past discussions), I would think your biggest concern besides her health is the relationship between Izzy and Guinness. How is Guinness when you show lots of attention to other dogs? If he is pretty laid back and carefree, I would think he would be fine with a sister. It also depends on her personality, which is more questionable due to an unclear past - you don't know how she was raised. I was worried about Taquito (then 5 year chihuahua) when I got Peri - would he be jealous? Would he hate me? I finally decided getting a second dog as a puppy was a good solution. When Peri came home, she annoyed him to death. He pooped in our bedroom once/day to show his anger - for the first week. Then, overnight, his smile came back and the rest is history. He is depressed when Peri is not around. He loves his "little" sister. But I wonder how he would be with an adult rescue. Just don't know. That is just something for you to think of. I guess I might be being a devil's advocate??? Also not trying at all to compare Taquito to Guinness. He is obviously a totally different dog - breed and agewise!
Agree with neutral ground for meeting as stated above!
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Permalink Reply by Camilla and Darwin on
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She is adorable! I hope everything works out and you can bring her home. I'm sure Guinness would love a sister to play with!
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Permalink Reply by GBK on
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My guess would be cockapoo... I also would never have only one dog again, two has been an absolute joy ;) However, double the grooming time and/or money for getting it done, food, training, vet care, insurance. With no kids around now, they are what I spend my time on. I love it, but not everyone wants to spend that kind of time. We never go on vacation without them, and if we did, the cost would be enormous for us as we have no relatives near by to watch them. I agree with everyone elses suggestion regarding letting them meet on nuetral ground and see how they do. Good luck, I can't wait to see if Guinness get's a new girl to play with! Gina
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