I am considering (obsessing about) adopting another dog. So much so, that I filled out an application at Saving Grace and am waiting for them to contact me with an approval so I can make an appointment to meet some dogs. In the past, anytime I did this, I came home with one.
Except, this time is different. I miss Snickers still. My mind is swimming with sweet memories from our years together. When Snickers was young and it was just her, me and my wife, she was the perfect dog for us. After my wife died, Snickers became my connection to life. Without having her to care for, I might not be here today.
She’s gone and I miss her terribly.
Now that it’s just me and Wiggles, our bond has grown closer. Wiggles seems more relaxed than she was when Snickers was alive. She rolls onto her back for belly rubs all the time and she never used to do that before. Walks are easier because Wiggles doesn’t have the dog aggression/fear/anxiety that Snicker had her entire life.
I also play with Wiggles more now. I created games to play with food and puzzles for her to solve. I take her in the car to the park nearly every night for a relaxing end of the day stroll on the trails. She’s learned to enjoy slow, meandering car rides with her nose hanging out of the window to catch the scents.
We spend nearly 24 hours a day together. We have fun. We know how to read each other. We often predict each other’s behavior and thoughts.
Life is easier with 1 dog. As I reflect on 25 years of dog ownership, some of my most relaxing times were the years when we had 1 dog instead of two.
So my hesitation is why should I get another dog? What if it messes up the good life Wiggles and I have right now? Our live are stress free.
Will another dog make Wiggles happier? Will it make me happier? I don’t know.
Will it make things more difficult? Yes, based on my experience.
Caring for one dog is much easier in every way imaginable.
So I called a friend who knows me well. He said I should absolutely adopt a dog for the dog’s sake. He aid I would be saving it from euthanasia or a terrible life.
That may be true. But I’m not looking to be a hero at the expense of what’s best for Wiggles and me.
So I slept on it – or, more accurately, I tossed and turned all night as the thoughts of what getting a second dog would do to our lives. I thought about house training. I thought about weeks or months of getting the dogs acclimated to each other. I wondered if Wiggles would become more aloof or if she’d stop rolling over for belly rubs. I thought about 2x vet bills, walking two dogs when a bike goes past and Wiggles is going apeshit. I thought about dealing with the dogs when repairman come over or if I ever go on a road trip.
I woke up exhausted but with a clear head. I’m not adopting another dog. At least not right now.
I want Snickers back. Adopting another dog won’t change that.
I adopted Wiggles 4 years ago because Snickers was old. She was no longer physically able to walk more than a few minutes a day. I wanted a companion to walk with and needed some more life in my home.
For me and Wiggles it was a good decision. She brought youthful energy and life and joy into my home.
But, if I am being honest, it was hard on Snickers. Wiggles was rambunctious and noisy. Snickers preferred a more sedate and peaceful home. While Wiggles seemed to enjoy having Snickers around, Snickers only tolerated Wiggles.
As I thought about the other two times I added a second dog, I think that although I liked having two dogs, neither of my first dogs seemed thrilled with an additional family member. They did fine and accepted the second dog. But, they also seemed perfectly content being a solo dog having all of the attention without any competition.
So this time it is different. I’m sticking with one until I have a compelling reason to get another. That reason can’t just be missing Snickers.
2 days later: I am still ambivalent about this. I want another dog despite all my reasons listed above for not needing one. Maybe wanting to have two dogs is a sufficient compelling reason. I know I can handle two dogs – I’ve done it for half of my life. So I made an appointment at Saving Grace for next week to check out some dogs and sent an application to another local rescue about a Chi Mix. Instead of making myself crazy, I’ll go see the dogs and make a decision at that time. Or, if in the meantime I firmly decide not get a second dog, I’ll cancel my appointments.