Please advise on opp to add a second adult doodle to family

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

Molly (Australian labradoodle) is now 2 years old and I think she'd love a playmate. I didn't want to go through the puppy phase again. We are very happy -- she and I do reading therapy at the elementary every Monday, etc. I do have 3 children, but we are an active family (fetch, frisbee, etc) and I am home most of the time (not often left alone for more than 2 hours). I was not actively looking and told myself I'd consider an opportunity if it popped up.

Well, an adult mini "F1b" Goldendoodle of a similar size (28 lbs) is available in my city. The breeder posted the info for the family. They are too busy and want her to have a happier life. Of course, there is a price tag attached. But, more than that, will it rock the boat too much at home? This dog has had formal training, is well-behaved, raised with children at home, etc. My husband has issue with the expenditure, but we also love our Molly so much and want her to have a playmate (she has friends in the neighborhood and does well with everyone!). But we've owned two dogs together before and we have had single dogs (easier, but lonelier for the dog?).

Please help. What do I do? Should I just say we are happy as is, or take a chance on a great dog?

((Posting from my phone - apologies for any jumbled text))

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Linda - I agree! Those of us with multiple kids seem to be the ones with multiple dogs. Hmmm - something in our personality that loves the chaos of big families? I have a couple of friends / relatives that have an only child, or no children and an only dog. Their house is always so neat and clean. I swear, I start to get hives from the total order!! My house is clean - but rarely could be accused of being neat and orderly!

[UggaMugga]

I would love 2 dogs. My reasons are purely selfish though. I hate being a dogless person. I personally would prefer to stagger them. One pup with an adult. Hopefully, avoiding the cost of 2 aging dogs. Molly is so young. You've got a long road ahead to add another doodle. When I walked away from the lab I desperately wanted (allergy related) I reminded myself it would be easier to get another dog in the future versus making a mistake in the present. Everyone in your home has to be on board with with a new dog. I would tread cautiously with your dh having reservations.

[Lynda Kamrath]

I would just tell the breeder that you are amenable to a rehome, but are not willing to pay for that service.  She has already been paid once for the dog and rehoming because the family wants her to have a better home is not something you should pay for.  Yes, a second adult dog would be a good idea but remember two is more than twice as much as one.  You could offer to foster also to see if the new dog fits in well with your family.  Just an idea.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I've been following this discussion closely. I haven't really weighed in to this point as my situation is completely different than yours. You have one doodle and 3 kids (I'm honestly exhausted thinking about that). Although just in my late 50's I'm retired. Although we had no children we had a small poodle for 16 years when we were first married. That was a completely different experience than it has been having our two doodles after we were retired. We started with two doodles as puppies so I didn't know it any other way until we lost one of them. At that point we had to decide did we want to add another. There really was a lot to think about. Most has been mentioned here already. I think the two main things to consider are the time involved and the expense. With 3 kids you have to think about your life not only now, but for the next 15 - 20 years. Do you, realistically, have time to do all the things required of 3 kids and two doodles. If they are young now, you need to think about the years ahead when they are in soccer, basketball, football, dance, gymnastics, 4H, etc. The expense is a big thing too. I obviously worry more about the expense than I do the time. I have lots of time, but my expenses I worry more about. My Lucy has food and environmental allergies. This is a big expense monthly. Therefore it is important that I continue her Pet Insurance. She is now 8 years old and that goes up yearly. So, I think you are doing the smart thing to take the time to consider all of this up front. Look forward to your decision.

[Texas Doodle Mom and Molly Rose]

Thank you all so much for your advice and stories of your experiences! We decided not to take in this adult doodle; as sad as that makes me, it is definitely the best decision. The family let me know she has found a home now (much further away, but still in TX).

Now, I still want to look forward to adding a puppy one day...but no rush! I really do not enjoy all the potty-training and chewing, though it passes quickly compared to a human baby's timeline, lol. But it sounds like adding a puppy is more successful than adding an adult. I am not sure how our reading therapy work would change - if I trained a new puppy, she/he would have to go at a different time to the school. So, I'd double my volunteer time. Maybe it would just be Molly's gig alone.

You should see how mopey Molly is after returning from her "camp" (staying with our friends while we were gone - she plays with a dog and cat there!). She slept at first, as she was tired out from all the fun. Now she just mopes. A good walk cheered her up, and she's barked at the dogs next door as usual. Time to borrow some more more of her friends for a play date :). I would have fostered the adult doodle if I had the chance, but I am glad she is going to a loving home.

Thank you again for sharing - truly helpful!

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

Personally, I would invest what little extra time, and with 3 kids, I will assume, extra money you now have into Molly. Classes, Training, Agility work, more toys to keep her busy and tired out. I really feel she is not "moping" but just tired from her playdates. But just my opinion.  And she might still mope around if another dog comes into the picture, so then what? THen no extra time or money to devote to both as far as training and classes...... Just thinking out loud.