need thoughts/opinions: am i crazy to want a third dog?

so 2 weeks ago dh and i came across a stray dog in a park as we were driving. we tried to rescue the dog but she ran away and we haven't been able to find her since

ever since then i've been wanting a third dog. i'm thinking that our dog owen needs a friend, as he is VERY social and our other dog sophie wants NOTHING to do with him.

my concerns are - we do have an 10.5 month old son... and we have reasonably busy jobs (although we'd still be able to spend plenty of time with the dog).

so we'd get an older dog because a puppy would be way too much work right now. and we'd have to limit our search to a "gold star dog" at our local shelter (great with kids, can be placed without restrictions).

but do you think i am underestimating the commitment of having 3 dogs? or is it not too much more work than having 2?

thoughts?

Re: need thoughts/opinions: am i crazy to want a third dog?

I can't get myself to committ to a second dog either.. But this is what I try to do.. Dog sit for my friends.. If you can dog sit for another dog you would get the feeling of that 3rd dog without a commitment.. Everytime I do it I see Lola a little relieved its back to the two of us when the dogs leave.. If my dog wasn't so attached to me I would do it in a heartbeat,, I would feel guilty holding another dog while I am walking around the house or on the computer.. And I would want to have the same affection for the new dog.. There is my dilema!

Re: need thoughts/opinions: am i crazy to want a third dog?

I have to be honest- once DD started walking, life was a WHOLE different ballgame around here. She is all over the house now. My once timid dog became TERRIFIED of this new irradically mobile creature. She even snapped at Maddie once when she fell on her (no contact was made, but it scared the crap out of me nonetheless). We are VERY cautious and watch both like a hawk when they are in the same room, but things happen regardless.

I don't think you are crazy, however, I have to say that life around the house DOES change dramatically once the baby starts walking. The added work of dealing with that, plus 3 dogs might be too much.

Re: need thoughts/opinions: am i crazy to want a third dog?

Re: need thoughts/opinions: am i crazy to want a third dog?

Posted by alexlynn7

Posted by Porrruss

I have to be honest- once DD started walking, life was a WHOLE different ballgame around here. She is all over the house now. My once timid dog became TERRIFIED of this new irradically mobile creature. She even snapped at Maddie once when she fell on her (no contact was made, but it scared the crap out of me nonetheless). We are VERY cautious and watch both like a hawk when they are in the same room, but things happen regardless.

I don't think you are crazy, however, I have to say that life around the house DOES change dramatically once the baby starts walking. The added work of dealing with that, plus 3 dogs might be too much.

good point - jonah is not walking yet, and from what i've been told i clearly have NO concept of how radically different life will be! maybe i should wait and experience life with a walker first

thanks for sharing

Re: need thoughts/opinions: am i crazy to want a third dog?

Posted by Porrruss

Posted by alexlynn7

Posted by Porrruss

I have to be honest- once DD started walking, life was a WHOLE different ballgame around here. She is all over the house now. My once timid dog became TERRIFIED of this new irradically mobile creature. She even snapped at Maddie once when she fell on her (no contact was made, but it scared the crap out of me nonetheless). We are VERY cautious and watch both like a hawk when they are in the same room, but things happen regardless.

I don't think you are crazy, however, I have to say that life around the house DOES change dramatically once the baby starts walking. The added work of dealing with that, plus 3 dogs might be too much.

good point - jonah is not walking yet, and from what i've been told i clearly have NO concept of how radically different life will be! maybe i should wait and experience life with a walker first

thanks for sharing

Also- in addition to the added work of a toddler- your 2 dogs will ALSO be going through an adjustment period. It *might* be too stressful for them to deal with a toddler and a third dog at the same time.

GL in whatever you decide!

Re: need thoughts/opinions: am i crazy to want a third dog?

we just got a third dog for the same reasons you decided to...we have Pug who loves to play and a Peke who would rather not be bothered. We adopted another Pug for our new Puig and let me tell you it has been the best decision so far!! The two Pugs are inseperable and leave the Peke by herself which she prefers. Not to mention, I can go to the bathroom alone as the Pugs are to occupied to sit at my feet whic was not the case before.

Just to add, people thought we were crazy b/cwe have a baby on the way, but to us...adding the second dog was work...this one was a breeze!!!

Message edited 8/30/2008 11:58:12 AM.