Sophie... One an Only or Add Another?

[Jackie Haines]

So I'm beginning to think I may be going through "empty nest" syndrome!

We have had Sophie now for 10 months and I love her to pieces! She has brought such happiness and joy to the everyday, that I can't seem to remember what it was like without her in the house. She is smart, inquisitive, sensitive and social like no other animal I have met.

My current problem right now is I "think" I would like to add another Australian Labradoodle to our household. With the kids all gone now, I think that Sophie needs to have a playmate for when we are working. I wonder if anyone else has gone through this? Am I crazy to want to add another AL to the family?

These are the questions that I am grappling with and need to make a decision on. I worry that Sophie may feel replaced if I bring another pup into the house. I would never want her to think that and it saddens me to think she might feel that way!

UGH... the dilemma I face...

 

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

I used to feel that way too, that they would think I was replacing them. But I don't think dogs see it that way. Those are human emotions. While I do think that they enjoy each other, I know that mine don't play when Im away. We have a video camera and have watched them. They are pretty boring! But, I do think that they enjoy having a pack. They lie pretty close to each other while they wait for me, usually right near the front door. I think that must be nicer than having to be there alone and waiting. They do play together when Im home and i just love to see it! Pippa is the youngest and can even get 6 year old Lucy to play with her. If you can afford two, I think you will enjoy it.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

My two are very devoted to one another. We brought Maci home when Yogi was 10 months old. They are great buddies. They do play a LOT. Maybe because they are close in age. When we are gone, they lay together on our bed most of the time I think. It's probably a comfort to have each other when we are gone.
I've loved having the both of them and I think we probably do take both of them to places as much as we did one. They are mini's. I wonder if that makes it easier. Good luck with your decision.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

There is a good post in the forum right now regarding adding another. There are several opinions on there you might find some insight in.

[Jackie Haines]

I do want another one! But I worry that Sophie will feel slighted with the addition of another, and that is what prevents me from making that final decision! 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I agree that they will not play while you are gone.  Ours pretty much sleep all day except if we say wanna go ... walk, ride, play, whatever.  AnnaBelle has a little activity zoomie in the evenings, but other than that, they are sleeping or just laying beside me where ever I am.  If you get another, get it because you want it not because Sophie wants a play mate.  She may hate it at first, Lucy did.  

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I would love another in some ways, some not.  We deal with keeping Quincy happy by using our local groomers daycare about once a week.  He loves it and sleeps even sounder the next day! 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I have two and I know for a fact they do not play when we are out of the house.  They both go in our bedroom and lay on our bed until we return.  It does not seem to matter how long we are gone, they will sleep most of the time.  I agree with Nancy in the fact it is double everything.  One thing I really did not think about was general daily grooming which is times two.  Plus, I take them to a groomer every 8 weeks for major grooming so $200, instead of $100.  Crazy stuff like that!  I always brush heads, ears and tails on a daily basis.  I also find I do not take them as often as I used to take Charlie when he was the only one.  We are retired now and there is usually always someone here, so just easier to let them stay home with DH or myself.  I do walk with both of them at one time, and often will take them one on one, for some training time.  I had never had two at one time until we decided to bring Beau onboard.  My DH wanted us to be a one dog family, but I talked him into two!  I love them both to pieces, but this will probably be the only time we are a two-dog family! Instead of one heart dog, I now have two! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I wouldn't worry about Sophie feeling replaced.  It sounds like you had more than one child, right?  Deal with it the same way.  Costs do double and it is harder to take two than one, but I think the dogs do provide companionship for each other.