Still A Popular Blog and Thoughts on Getting a New Dog

In spite of the passing of Aspen in August, something that I don't think I'll ever quite get over, though the pain isn't as acute as it used to be, this blog remains one of my most popular.  

As the new year came about, I reviewed each of my blogs, deciding which I am going to let go, and which I am going to keep.  Though tears may come to my eyes each time I see Aspen's face looking back at me in the header of the blog, this one will remain.

I have felt the pull to get a new dog, but am still struggling with the whole thing.  I guess until I "meet" the right dog and feel confident in the decision, the time is not right.  

Careful consideration should always be made when bringing a dog into the home, as you do not want to hurt the dog's feelings...and they do have feelings....by giving them up if things don't work out as you had hoped.  

So, I wish you a happy New Year, we will see what it brings, and I'll keep bringing you articles to help in the care of your pets.

Related Posts:

Grieving a Lost Pet
Saying Goodbye to Aspen  

Updated 2/27/17

Should We Get Another Yorkie?

Is it okay to get another dog when you have had a dog for as many years as I've lived with my family?  And for some of you, is it a good idea to bring a pet into the home at all?

My owner was looking at the animals that are in our local animal shelter, which she has "liked" on Facebook, and found that they have a little young Yorkie that needs a home.  We are such cute dogs, that we tend to get adopted easily, and she was tempted to consider adopting another dog, so she asked a few questions.

I'm not sure what it would be like to have another dog come into our home after being the "top dog" around here for almost 13 years.  It may be fun, it may not.  It is a nice thing to do for a homeless dog, but people have to take time to think about how they are going to add this new family member to their homes.  Some things to consider:

1. How does the dog you have act around other dogs or when other dogs are brought into the home to visit? Try it if you haven't.


2. Are you going to be home to help the new dog transition into the home, watching to see how the dogs respond to one another and react accordingly?


3. What kind of personality does the dog have that you are bringing into the home, and how well will it match with the dog that you already have?


4. What kind of background did the dog have...in it's previous home were there children or other pets?


5. How was the dog treated in it's former home?  Was it abused?


6. Has it had all of it's shots and what is it's health history?


7. How much time do you have to give to a dog?  They need companionship from you or another pet if you work all day.


8. What size dog would best suit where you are living?


9. Do you have time to train a dog?

All of the above applies to other types of animals as well.

Take your time when you are considering bringing a pet into your home.  Yes, do adopt a dog from a shelter if you can, but be wise in your decision...it would be very sad to have to return it to the shelter if things don't work out.

Consider all of the above when purchasing a dog as well, or the poor thing may end up in a shelter if you are not satisfied.  Pets should be considered part of the family, they should not be dispensable...please, please, please be careful when you are considering bringing a new pet into the home.  At the same time, do consider adopting one from a shelter if your home and lifestyle permit it...there are so many pets that need good LOVING homes.