One dog, Two Dogs, Three Dogs?

Ok Katie blue, I'll bite......we have three dogs. The first two we rescued from the pound when my kids were very little, the poor dogs were 24 hours away from being put down. When my kids heard that, well of course we ended up with both of them!!! They sleep in the house (laundry room) but are outside all day. When we go on vacation we have a neighbor take care of the dogs for a fee.
This past July we bought duke our baby chihuahua. Now, we did lots and lots of research on this type of dog before we decided to get him. He is our little lap dog, sleeps with us , has all of our hearts!!! The two big dogs do get along well with Duke, they can all be outside together will no problems. He will be going on vacation with us in the summer simply because he is so tiny and none of us want to leave him in a doggie hotel!!! so there you have it in a nutshell...KTSCHRIS likes to tease me and call Duke "the chosen one" the truth is I love all of my doggies, but Duke is a whole new experience for us :wub:

Katie, I had one for 2 years before I rescued my little Jack Russell from my rotten neighbors. I was worried at first, but to tell you the truth they love each other. They have from the beginning. I work all day, and was always sad to leave Angel at home by herself. Now she and Buddy play all day. They stay outside during the day, but sleep in the house at night. Angel right beside me, and Buddy right beside my son. I have to tell you, I am glad I have two, because they do keep each other company and are great companions to each other!!!!

I wish you well in whatever decision you make!

And wanted to add. When I have to board them, they always keep them together, which helps. Perhaps you could find a dog sitter while you travel Katie?

I have two and I like it. They do keep each other company although they don't always get along so well. When I travel to a place they can't come with me, I like to board them so I know they are well taken care of. An experience with a friend keeping them didn't turn out too well for me once. The boarding is a little more expensive now, but they share a room so it's not too bad, just an accepted part of my travel expenses.

i have thought over the years about getting another oes, but my parents are getting too old to take care of 2 dogs for us, they really had a hard time when dory was a rambunctious puppy/adolescent. i don't think i will get another after her, it will make it easier to travel, and do things like that.

Well, I'm a big believer in having 2 dogs. (Even tho I was originally a "cat" person most of my life.) We had John 1st for 5 years (rescued), then I decided he was lonely and BORED! He was just too needy so much of the time. We adopted Rudy as a pup. John hated, despised Rudy for a few days. Now they are brothers... the best friends ever. Rudy watches over John, heards him away from the fence, etc. They play hard, and sleep beside one another. Now, I know it was the best thing we ever did. My husband at first, was apalled and in shock for 2 weeks, now he loves Rudy. I would advise, however, getting a 2nd dog similar in size. Rudy has "rough-housed" John and he's just too delicate, but thinks he's as big as Rudy.

Hope this helps. (I couldn't handle 3 dogs tho.)

P.S. Yes, it is double the cost and double the work, poop pick-up, vet. bills, etc. (And there still is jealousy, who's getting more rubs and stuff!)

I highly recommend two dogs (haven't tried three YET!). They are such great company for each other. There's about a 6-7 year difference between our two rescue dogs and although the older dog, Maggie, didn't seemed too thrilled about Cassie's arrival at first, they now get along great and play wonderfully together and I think all the playing-time helps keep Maggie young.

The people on this board are great. Katie, have had up to 3 at once and they loved each other, were inseparable - but when you get to 3 they become a pack of dogs and way too much to handle. Two seems perfect for me because they aren't so demanding on their people and they seem to be less lonely when you can't give them attention. Right now I have a cat (gizmo) which I've had for many years and the new dog (sunshine). Gizmo, used to scream when he didn't know where I was or wanted something and though he is still rather indifferent to Sunshine, he's stopped that darn screaming and waits his turn without being so demanding and needy. guess he figures he better not push his luck :funn:

Also, I travel lots and two pets isnt any more of a problem in my case. I don't have a need for people taking care of them cause so far I've been traveling by car and take them with me. I will now need someone for Sunshine if I travel abroad but have had a couple offers. Good luck with your decision, It's a lifetime committment and thanks for caring, there's really some great animals out there waiting for new homes.

My husband just instant messaged me. He's already head over heels. There may be no turning back from here. We can't stop looking at her pix. My oh my. I almost want to cancel my ski trip, we want her right now. 😀

Cork, you have my utmost respect for all you've been doing. Thanks to you for jumpstarting this whole thing.

My husband just instant messaged me. He's already head over heels. There may be no turning back from here. We can't stop looking at her pix. My oh my. I almost want to cancel my ski trip, we want her right now. 😀

Cork, you have my utmost respect for all you've been doing. Thanks to you for jumpstarting this whole thing.

Please show us her pic. What kind of dog?

Yes, let's see her. You have made me so happy and you must feel so wonderful for what youve done. thanks, guys

Our puppy, Butter loves having a playmate, but we can't have two dogs while we have an older cat in the household, too. There is also the challenge of airplane travel, because Butter goes under the seat in a travel carrier and two would be very difficult to manage. Most airlines only allow two dogs in the entire cabin. Our solution is play dates with the other Havanese puppy that lives across the road. They wear each other out at least every other day. Plus, if someone escapes their fence, we both know that the dog is at the front door of their pal.

I agree about dogs being comparable in size, especially if you're an angel who has given a home to a rescue dog. A South Walton friend of ours, and fellow dog lover, rescued a Yorkie and was keeping him along with two very large wolf hounds (also rescue). Everyone got along fine until one night she set the Yorkie on the bed, startling one of the wolf hounds. It snapped at the Yorkie and severed its spine instantly. At least it was a quick death, but she felt awful about it. Not her fault, but the little dog hadn't a chance. :(

Photos of the pup are in [ame=http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=3498]this thread[/ame] , or click here:

Here's another.

We have 2 dogs and most of the time it is really good. Pitfalls for us....traveling by myself.. Hard to get to dogs to potty. The older was jealous for a while, but that was because I did not let them meet on neutral ground...just brought the pup home. IT would have been easier if they treeted each other on neutral territory as the older, Maggie, stayed in her house for a month. Good stuff.. the older trains the younger one which in our case was nice. Maggie is very calm and gentle unlike Sophie who is perpetual energy. Vet bills are a little more...well double. Mine have to be groomed so that is another expense. The best is there is a dog for each of us at home...no jealousy. You will do great....send photos🙂

And another. She's quite interested in the camera. 🙂

My husband just instant messaged me. He's already head over heels. There may be no turning back from here. We can't stop looking at her pix. My oh my. I almost want to cancel my ski trip, we want her right now. 😀

Cork, you have my utmost respect for all you've been doing. Thanks to you for jumpstarting this whole thing.

What a great mom and dad you are going to make, KB and hubby. This is one "LUCKY" DoG. :clap_1:

OMG Katie Blue!!! that is the sweetest little doggie :wub: you must go get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clap_1:

OMG! You know you just have to have her!! You really didn't need us at all!! (It's little Rudy all over again!)

OMG Katie Blue!!! that is the sweetest little doggie :wub: you must go get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clap_1:

How now...wait a minute....there's no rush! 😀 Go ahead and go skiing KB! We're having lots of fun here. Maybe I can get Kali to give her a few Frisbee tips while she's here. ;-)