getting a 2nd dog

[angeleyes]

Belle lost her big brother (our Lab) about 3 weeks ago. He was pretty much her everything. She hasn't been the same since. I would like to get another female puppy so she's not so lonely. We haven't left her alone since TJ passed. It's partly my issue as I can't bear to leave her alone. When we have left in the past (when TJ was still with us) she stayed in her crate. That way we knew she was safe and there would be no accidents if play got too rough. I am just wondering if Belle will feel jealous of a new puppy? Belle is just turning 2 yrs. My husband doesn't really want 2 dogs again but he knows that I usually get my way. I think a sister for Belle would be good for both of us. I feel guilty some days when I have things to get done but she wants to play or be held. I know several MT members have multiple dogs and just would like to hear their thoughts.

[bellaratamalt]

It really depends on the temperament of the puppy you get as to how 'well' things will click with Bella. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your lab!

[JesBred]

It really depends on the temperament of the puppy you get as to how 'well' things will click with Bella. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your lab!

I'm so sorry about TJ :( Its hard losing a loved one

I agree!! You don't want to get a puppy and have her and Belle not get along. I would start by trying to leave Belle by herself and see how she does. I think over time she will be fine!! If not then you can look into getting another puppy/adoptee for Belle.

[Zo zo's mom]

I always knew I wanted more than one dog and even when Zoe was pup, I would tell Marco that we need to think about getting another one. We picked out Abbie the summer Zoe turned one. I worried how things would go, would Zoe feel less special, but I am so glad I got Abbie. They are great company to each other. It was rough in the beginning because Abbie really loved Zoe more than Zoe loved Abbie, but they worked it out. And I love my girls. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Morkie4]

Well, having four fluffs, I have to say that Toby is the least accepting of all of them but then he is a "yorkie." LOL

But everytime I added a new fluff, it always worked out except for one time. But fortunately I was able to find the fifth fluff a really good home with dear friends.

Are you thinking of adding a puppy or a fluff around the same age as Belle??? I have never added a puppy to my pack, they were all over the age of two when we adopted them. And it took a bit for them to accept each other but then "I" set the rules and while they have their moments, I think they get along great considering they all had baggage when they came to us.

I think it would be great if you added another fluff........I know that with Kallie, she had horrible separation anxiety until we added a second fluff, and she was totally fine after that!!! I will always have a minimum of two fluffs.

How does Belle react with other dogs, like if you are at a dog park or at a store??? If she gets along fine with them, I think she is pretty socialized and accepting and would be fine adding another fluff.

I am soooooo sorry about TJ.......it is never easy.:(:(

[JiJi's Mom]

JiJi hates other dogs. She will bark her head off when another dog comes in sight. But I alway's got her to like all my dogs. And she was my first baby. Now she sleeps next to them with no problem.

[angeleyes]

Belle is a Morkie but much more Maltese than Yorkie. When we got her it was mainly because we had lost of precious Miniature Schnauzer (2 years ago today) TJ our Lab was grieving so bad. He would sit on the couch and stare at the wall for hours. He would lay on the floor and put his head in Abby's bed. When we brought Belle home and let him check her out, it was one of the funniest moments I remember. Here was TJ at 85 pounds and Belle at 2, nose to nose. TJ looked at my hubby and me just as if to say "really???". I have pictures of Belle peeking over TJ's back and all you can see are her eyes. It took about 2 weeks before Belle made it clear to TJ that she was in charge! Poor guy, but he ended up loving her and cuddling with her all the time. Belle never had much contact with other dogs as TJ would never allow another dog around her. I did take her out alone sometimes when our neighbor was out with their puppy. Belle would get really excited until I put her down, then she came to me and wanted up. So not sure how she'd be. I've been trying to get her out for a walk when the man down the street is out with his little Yorkie so they can meet. Guess we'll see how that goes. I couldn't stand it if Belle felt that she wasn't my special baby anymore.

[JiJi's Mom]

Belle is a Morkie but much more Maltese than Yorkie. When we got her it was mainly because we had lost of precious Miniature Schnauzer (2 years ago today) TJ our Lab was grieving so bad. He would sit on the couch and stare at the wall for hours. He would lay on the floor and put his head in Abby's bed. When we brought Belle home and let him check her out, it was one of the funniest moments I remember. Here was TJ at 85 pounds and Belle at 2, nose to nose. TJ looked at my hubby and me just as if to say "really???". I have pictures of Belle peeking over TJ's back and all you can see are her eyes. It took about 2 weeks before Belle made it clear to TJ that she was in charge! Poor guy, but he ended up loving her and cuddling with her all the time. Belle never had much contact with other dogs as TJ would never allow another dog around her. I did take her out alone sometimes when our neighbor was out with their puppy. Belle would get really excited until I put her down, then she came to me and wanted up. So not sure how she'd be. I've been trying to get her out for a walk when the man down the street is out with his little Yorkie so they can meet. Guess we'll see how that goes. I couldn't stand it if Belle felt that she wasn't my special baby anymore.

They alway's know they are special. You never love one more than the other, but love them in their own unique way.

[2morkies]

Again, I'm soooo sorry for your loss :( I know how that feels.

I think, if your going to get one, a puppy or a dog younger than Belle would be best. I've heard that the other dog teaches the younger one "the rules" of the family and the older one would always be the leader.
I lost my Cocker Spaniel last year at this time...:( I got my other two right away...less than a month later. It was the best thing I did...it really helped heal the loss. I didn't have another dog, but I would think a new addition sooner than later is better.... At least before Belle becomes too comfortable being the only dog....that's just my idea though.

[Tracy & Tessa]

Sorry about your loss!!

Someone told me that it is better to wait for awhile to introduce another dog if you just lost one as it could be really stressful to our fluffs. This is why I got Tessa when I did. Jack our Jack Russell chihuahua mix has been sick for awhile and we are not sure how long we have him with us so I thought that it would be better to introduce Tessa to Pixie now rather than latter. Jack didn't enjoy Pixie jumping around and trying to play with him anymore so he is loving that Tessa has joined the family so that Pixie can finally leave him alone. I love having more than one fluff as they can keep each other company when I'm not around.

[doggylover]

After getting my little guy Kiwi I hated to leave him alone all day so I got Daisy (she was 9 months old) I was on vacation when she came home so I could keep an eye on them because she was only 4 lbs and Kiwi was 8.5 lbs. He welcomed his sister with open paws and they played together instantly. Kiwi still has much more energy than Daisy so I got him another sister but this time a puppy. He has really met his match this time. They play so much together. Was the best thing I could every do....no regrets.

I truly beleive that these little fluffs do much better with a brother or sister.

[Eklectic]

I have never ever had only one dog! I do not know what that is like.
I know that dogs are pack animals and they usually need companionship. And Maltese even more. They love to play together, to run around their people and to cuddle up together to go to sleep! And I love it as well!:D
I would say, get another one asap. It will be good for you and hubby and for your princess! And I would go with a puppy.:D

[ZoZo]

I think they're happier if they have a doggie companion - perhaps it reminds them of when they were puppies? That has been my experience.