Getting another dog

1458 Views 14 Replies 13 Participants Last post by LARHAGE, Jul 21, 2008

kasbn

Discussion Starter · Jul 19, 2008

As some on you know, I put my baby to rest on July 3. He was a 12 year old GSD. I had him his entire life. He was my velcro dog. Couldn't even go to the bathroom without him coming with me. Or sitting outside the door whining. Silly dog.

I do believe I want another dog. My hubby drives an 18wheeler and is gone most of the time. Besides Bear being my dog, he was also a comfort of security for me. He could snarl and show teeth and you would think twice about coming into my house. Whether he would have bit or not, thank goodness, we never had to find out. But he was enough of a deterent to let me sleep peacefully.

I always told myself that when I lost Bear, that I would rescue a pound puppy. I look at the local dogs available for adoption, but honestly, nothing catches my attention. Haven't seen anything that says, I want that one.

Part of me wants a puppy, part of me wants an older dog. I just can't seem to want a little dog. I have always said, if you get a dog, then get a dog. Meaning a big dog.

I thought maybe a rescue GSD. Then it tugs at me, of all the dogs at the pound that want/need a home. But would/could I love a pound puppy/dog. When I know in my heart, I want another GSD.

I was wondering what suggestions anyone might have for my dilemma. Or maybe what questions I need to ask myself.

Thanks,
kathy

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Halen

· #2 · Jul 19, 2008

I think that, after having a GSD, you won't be happy until you have another. It's a tough decision, knowing how many dogs are in shelters. Wish I could help you more. There are GSD's in shelters that need homes.

Amaruq

· #3 · Jul 19, 2008

Why not rescue a German Shepherd?

I just picked Macon GA as I saw you were in GA but here is a link to Petfinder.com Pet Finder

Halen

· #4 · Jul 19, 2008

Check this out:

http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=744675

JakodaCD OA

· #5 · Jul 19, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss..I just lost my 12 yr old in March, I have always had multiple dogs and tho I miss her terribly,,it has helped having my other 3...

I was also wanting another female shepherd, (I have one male, and 2 aussies),,and tho I would have loved to rescue,,I was limited in what I could bring in with my male aussie who has "attitude"..

I to, feel terrible seeing just how many rescues are out there and in need, but in the end I bought a puppy because something about her just grabbed me..

Go with your gut,,it sounds like you definately need another shepherd in your life,,and with that said,,have you seen this?
http://www.germanshepherds.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=744685&page=0&fpart=1

Good luck with your search.
Diane

Spiritsmam

· #6 · Jul 19, 2008

When you least expect it, the right dog for you will turn up, be it a GSD, a mutt, or some other breed, and you'll know it was "meant to be".

You'd be amazed at how many GSD's are in shelters. I was talking to someone linked to York County in SC and she says they have had a sudden influx of GSD's. The SGD list also regularly posts about GSD's in need (as does this group).

Wishing you the best

JakesDogs

· #7 · Jul 20, 2008

A question to consider might be do you believe that you can bond with an rescued GSD (1 year or older) as well as you might with a puppy? How do you bond with your pets? For some, puppy mode is where they find they bond best, kind of like a blank slate. Most of my bonding has come by way of helping a rescue dog (including purebred, AKC registered, thrown-away like trash GSDs) find his way back to health and confidence. If you choose to go the rescue route, I have no doubt there is a dog out there for you, especially since you have experience with the breed and are in a position to look for the right dog. You mentioned your partner is on the road a lot - your new addition will have to be a match with him too which will make the decision process a little harder if you go rescue. Perhaps the decision actually lies with how much patience you will have - a purchased puppy is instant gratification while a rescue puppy will take more time and work. Oh, and by the way, there are PB GSD puppies out there for rescue from time to time too! Good luck - please let us know how the decision making goes. ITD

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Karin

· #8 · Jul 20, 2008

And his name is "Baby Bear"!!!

3K9Mom

· #9 · Jul 20, 2008

Originally Posted By: IntuitDog A question to consider might be do you believe that you can bond with an rescued GSD (1 year or older) as well as you might with a puppy? How do you bond with your pets? For some, puppy mode is where they find they bond best, kind of like a blank slate. Most of my bonding has come by way of helping a rescue dog (including purebred, AKC registered, thrown-away like trash GSDs) find his way back to health and confidence. If you choose to go the rescue route, I have no doubt there is a dog out there for you, especially since you have experience with the breed and are in a position to look for the right dog. You mentioned your partner is on the road a lot - your new addition will have to be a match with him too which will make the decision process a little harder if you go rescue. Perhaps the decision actually lies with how much patience you will have - a purchased puppy is instant gratification while a rescue puppy will take more time and work. Oh, and by the way, there are PB GSD puppies out there for rescue from time to time too! Good luck - please let us know how the decision making goes. ITD

Then again, I can offer another way to look at it. A puppy is a pain in the neck. Truly a pain. Even the really calm mellow ones. They don't appreciate what you do for them. They're demanding. The world revolves around them. They're really selfish. I'm living with a young puppy right now. I always forget this, til I get a new demanding roommate that refuses to do anything herself, won't listen to me, wakes me up all hours of the night, and tends to get snippy. Or is that 'snappy"?

Yeah. That's it!

You lost a senior dog. It's been quite a while since you've had a pup. It's going to be an abrupt transition. Bear was your soul mate and the two of you were a team. If you get a puppy too soon, you might grow resentful of that selfish little creature that only cares about himself. Bear understood you. This little guy doesn't understand. He's too young to. Of course, you'll bond. Of course, you'll have wonderful moments. But having a puppy is stressful. I think we all forget how stressful until we're sleep deprived and whining to our friends "WHY did I do this to myself AGAIN?"

Be sure you're ready. I mean, we're never ready to get a puppy. But losing Bear was hard on you. Be gentle with yourself. A pre-screened rescue just might be the way to go this time. There is always a pup out there for another day.

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kasbn

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jul 20, 2008

You guys are a great help.

Honestly though, you are. So much to think about.

I first thought, give it to the end of the year. Let me grieve and see how it goes. But as it is turning out, I am fine. I miss him terribly. But I also now come home to an empty house.

It's true, I did have an senior dog. We knew each others routine. Didn't really step on each others toes. Over 12 years, we had worked out the kinks. Life was good for all of us.

A puppy might be more than I really want. Although, there is only me at home. Kids are grown and gone. I have the time. But just not sure about a puppy. But like someone said it is a clean slate.

But I do think of the older dogs that are less likely to be taken. But then I also might take on more issues. But once again, I have the time.

I do believe my gut and heart wants a GSD. Most things about a GSD can be said about other breeds. But we all have our favorite breeds. My sister has labs. Just can't seem to admire them as much as the GSD.

So, as I search further and do my research, I am leaning heavily in the way of getting another male GSD and an older one. Good idea, on getting the rescue. Maybe they will know more about personality and help me with getting the one that is for me.

Thanks,
kathy

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Timber1

· #11 · Jul 20, 2008

Only you at home, the kids are gone. So I doubt a puppy is more then you really want. Nor are they selfish or self-centered as an earlier poster said.

I guess the person just doesn't like pups.

I have three German Shepherds, one bought as a pup from a good breeder. The other two, I took in as rescues and adopted one. All are wonderful dogs, but there is a difference. The older rescue Shepherds, never a problem as a rescue guy, although most I have taken in have been females. They do have a few quirks, but have been very nice dogs and are adoptable.

My pup, now 2 1/2 years old. I will never forget bringing this eight week old ball of fur home, and how quickly the dog was house broken, and learned basic commands.

Now, a 90 pound plus male of European bloodlines. Training no big deal. It has been a joy to watch the dog mature, and he is loyal and protective, and well socialized.

In your situation, I would go for a German Shepherd Pup from a
good breeder.

There is a difference.

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GSDLVR76

· #12 · Jul 20, 2008

Not sure in Georgia you are but I found this rescue based in Atlanta

http://www.gashepherd.org/available2.html

And this one in Lawerenceville

http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearc...sort=&preview=1

onyx'girl

· #13 · Jul 20, 2008

Originally Posted By: kasbn
I do believe my gut and heart wants a GSD. Most things about a GSD can be said about other breeds. But we all have our favorite breeds. My sister has labs. Just can't seem to admire them as much as the GSD.

I have a 14 yr golden/border x and I have to say that a GSD is much more fulfilling, I can't imagine ever again living with another breed. I did try with Clover, thought a golden x would be a great family dog, but I just love the shepherds soo much(I had an 11 yr old GSDx when clover was a pup). I think an older adoptee that gets overlooked would be so grateful to be in a forever home, you wouldn't be disappointed!!

Good luck with whatever you do, and grieve as long as you have to. The empty place will easily fill up as there are sooo many waiting for a forever home.

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Kuklasmom

· #14 · Jul 21, 2008

Quote:...I think an older adoptee that gets overlooked would be so grateful to be in a forever home, you wouldn't be disappointed!!

Good luck with whatever you do, and grieve as long as you have to. The empty place will easily fill up as there are sooo many waiting for a forever home.

Please accept my condolences in the death of your dear dog.

I join with so many others, who have already posted, to encourage you to adopt an older (adult or senior) GSD from a rescue.

LARHAGE

· #15 · Jul 21, 2008

I personally would go for a puppy, having been there it seems to me the innocence and just adorable puppy antics can heal your heart so quickly, I truly believe babies are so adorable so as to make the bond immediate and almost a maternal feeling, there is nothing like experiencing all the firsts a puppy encounters, they grow up to be molded into your lifestyle, they just "fit" so easily.

The problem I would have with a senior or older dog is the health issue, you are trying to get over the loss of your beloved Bear, a senior dog can have health issues and your once again mourning far too early, a rescue can have issues that surface later, I don't know, I love the excitement and immediate bonding of a new puppy, the softness of their coat, the puppy breath.... ah, there's nothing like it to me.

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