Oh gourd...what to do?

[WillParkinson]

Today one of my neighbors (who also works at the hotel) came to me and said that the neighbor between us has a puppy that she's going to get rid of. He's a cute one, lab and husky mix. Energetic and playful. But we already have 4 cats and 3 dogs.

The only reason we'd consider it is because Heidi is sick and we don't know how long she'll be with us. I considered getting a dog before she passed away so that everyone would be used to the new one and there wouldn't be any weirdness (when Misty died Bailey was morose for a long time) if a new one came to live with us.

As I said, the dog is very cute. I don't like the idea of her just giving it to someone else, especially someone she doesn't know. She's only had the dog a short time, but already she's saying she needs to get rid of it because she doesn't have time for it.

To get a new housemate or not. That is the question for today.

[femmocrat]

1. Can you keep the puppy away from Heidi?

She would not welcome a rambunctious puppy, especially if she is ill. I think it would be too much for her, really.

We recently added a puppy, and our older male cannot stand her, even after 2 months. The older female finally tolerates her, but continually puts the puppy "in her place".

A new puppy is a full-time job. I forgot how much time and effort they take!

[WillParkinson]

2. Heidi is ok with others. She has a nice quiet spot where she sleeps.

I can always put a fence up to divide them until she's more comfortable with him, assuming that happens. Our other dogs have seen it through the fence and they seem eager to get to know him.

[femmocrat]

3. It depends on your circumstances, of course.

Sounds like you have decided to go for it?

What breeds are your other two dogs?

[WillParkinson]

4. Bailey is beagle/lab and Sadie is something very furry...

Unfortunately Sadie was a shelter rescue and they could not give us much information on her as she came from another state.



This is a picture of them a two years or so ago. Bailey is the one with his head over Sadie's back. Heidi is the one laying at the edge of the bed.



This is Bailey (back when he was at the shelter and named Basil.)



And this is Sadie when we got her home from the shelter (and her name was Sandy.)

[femmocrat]

5. Awww, what beautiful dogs. Thanks for the photos.

They all look very sweet. Good luck with your decision.

Keep us posted! :hug: