To adopt, or not to adopt?

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

We have been going back and forth recently over whether or not we're ready to add another doodley member to our family. We know we eventually want another doodle, but how will we know?? I guess this goes to all the multi-doodle families out there - how did you know when you were ready???

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Sue, after fostering other dogs it really gives you insight of your dogs personality.  Clover was my first foster and the first doodle I had ever saw or met for that matter.  Apollo our lab was lonely after we lost Weiner over a year ago, I just didn't realize how much.  Clover brought the playful side of Apollo out again.  Seeing them play, sleep and just hang out together was heartwarming.  I just knew it was the right time.  If you ever have the chance to doodle sit or foster it will sure give you an indication of what life will be like.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

I wanted to add from experience already having an older dog and getting a puppy doesn't always make a good match.  IMO sometimes it's better adopting an older dog.  Plus some dogs just prefer being the only dog.  I personally have always had multiple dogs.  Even now, one of them prefers people over playing with another dog.  So take into consideration if your dog really likes playing with other dogs.  Even if they don't, most learn to tolerate each other.

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

I knew I was ready when my breeder sent me a picture of Bella and said she felt she would be a great addition to our family. One look at Bella and I think we were hooked. We had been talking about it for awhile though and our breeder knew we would probably be ready by the next litter or two. This one just seemed a good fit.

 I must say, we probably did get her more for Murphy to have company than that we really WANTED another dog. Having her has eased our guilt over leaving Murphy especially now as we both are working long days for the first time in his life.  He had horrible seperation anxiety and we felt it would ease that considerably, WHich it has. If that were not the case we may not have gotten another, as we were very happy with just the one. But it really is so fun watching them together and they are such buddies. Also, DH and I each have our own doodle to love on when we're home.

It is double the work, but when Bella calms down and stops her antics, it will be minimal. And ofcourse it is double the expense of Vet and Food bills. Not to mention grooming, if you have it done professionally. I do it myself though.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

You are brave! So young??

[Betsi]

I'm interested in the answer to this, too!  Kirby just turned a year old, and my hubby thinks we need another one, lol!  I can't stop looking at the doods that need adopted :)

 

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

me too!!! We actually have one a few hours away from us that needs to be adopted that seems to be exactly what we're looking for!! We just can't decide!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sue, I think it would be worth joining the multiple doodles group just to get a clear perspective of what having two is like. There is a LOT to consider. Having said that, I don't know if I would go back to having one dog.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

What a good question!  Is it better to wait one year or two?  I am already on the list for a sibling for Bexter (same mom & dad) for next summer.  I probably should wait & skip a summer I know, but then I'm afraid I'll miss the opportunity of having the same mom & dad.  We'll see.  I look forward to reading all the responses to this post!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I was dying for a second one too, still am at heart, but the bills for SophieBear and Penelope (the kitty) just keep adding up. I won't do it until I am comfortable enough financially (and maybe if I ever get out of my dowtown apartment lifestyle and get a house with a backyard).

 

I agree with the suggestion to doggie sit for a week-end. That will give you a really good sense of what it would be like. You could also foster, that way you benefit from having another dog around, plus you are helping doodles in need, which is never a bad thing.

[Frances Pendrous (Horan)]

Frankie girl turned about fifteen months and as we are empty nesters, with a quiet household, all of sudden, she seemed to be old...and had lost her puppy ways. A wonderful good dog, never chewed, could be left in the house and not get in any mischief, perfectly potty trained but OLD. It seemed the only time her puppyness came into play was when I took her either to Doggie daycare, or the dog park. She was so perfect and the thought of doing the 10 week old puppy-get up in the night, rush home for lunch etc. etc. left us both cold. Somehow, whilst perusing DRC one evening, THERE HE WAS....A young black doodle in need of a home and living with a foster mum close to our home. The application process was extensive but I received a call the next day and to cut the story short, within one week, Frankie Girl had a brother, Johnny. It was "immediate" love from her and us. Once again, my girl was a young dog. It has been five months now and Frankie and Johnny are inseparable. He adores her and she him. My hubby and I used to sit and admire our perfect lawn...it is not so perfect anymore, but we do sit for hours and admire our two large doodles romping and playing in the garden. Have multiples is certainly extra money and work, but would I change it????Not in this lifetime. Go for it Sue. You wont regret a thing....It is time...:)

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

Thanks Frances!! I know Lola would love a companion...and reading all these responses is making me think we're ready....

[Adina P]

When I got Rosco my then-boyfriend-now-hubby had a border collie and a labradoodle so we sort of combined families and got two doodles (3 dogs) without trying.  But after we lost Thule and had to put Cass down last year and were down to one dog, it was a fairly easy decision to add a second so Rosco would have some doggy companionship.  The hard part was deciding whether *I* could handle a puppy when my first child was only about 7 months old.  I thought and pondered and wrestled with the idea and when Boca, the rescue, was brought to my attention again...she seemed like the right dog to add so we took the plunge. 

 

Otherwise my criteria would have to do with the following:

--can I afford the time and energy and money for another dog?

--do I really want another dog?

--is my current dog trained 'well enough' so that at least he will be controllable and manageable or will I have to deal with two unruly untrained dogs?