| BustersMommy |
 Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 10:21 am
Post subject: Will he learn to like a new sister? |
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Buster is our baby, a beagle we got Memorial Day 2004. We started to consider getting a friend for him recently, and found a beautiful little girl at a local shelter.
We went to see her yesterday, and she's the sweetest little thing, and stole our hearts on the spot. We came back home, picked up Buster, and brought him to the shelter to see how the two would get along.
When Buster was a baby, he was attacked and bitten by a larger dog. Physically, he's perfectly fine, but ever since it happened, he's been very submissive around other dogs. We've tried to make him more comfortable, but it just takes time, I guess.
Well, when we got him to the shelter, at first he was excited to see her (he always is at first), but when she got excited to see him, he backed away. We took them to a small gated off area so we could let them off leash to see how they interact. Buster did not want to have anything to do with her, and when she went to play with him, Buster rolled over on his back.
He seemed so frightened by her energy and spirit, and he looked at us like we were traitors, bringing him to play with this stranger. The people at the shelter told us that he'd eventually get adjusted, since all dogs are pack animals, they enjoy having company. We also spoke to our vet, and she agrees there is a degree of truth to it, and thought maybe he was just too overcome with all the different variables: strange dog, strange place, lots of background barking. She suggested we ask if there was a "test-run" option, where we could take her home for 24-48 hours and see if Buster feels more comfortable since he's in his comfort zone. We asked the shelter about it, and they said they would never refuse to take her back, but for us to leave with her, we'd have to complete the adoption.
It breaks my heart that I can't just take her home without any worries. But I also have to remember that I am already responsible for one dog. Just like I can't bring home an aggressive dog, I can't put my dog into a situation where he's constantly afraid of her. I don't want to leave her there, but I also don't want to bring her home just to have to find another place for her, or to have to keep them apart.
So the question is, will he truly learn to be comfortable with her? Do any of you have similar experiences? Any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Buster's Mommy |
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| Dirk's Mom |
Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 12:42 pm
Post subject: |
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It is very possible that what the shelter and your vet said are true.
I was nervous at first about having a second permanent dog too (I had fostered in the past).
But I've since realized it works out with time. Yes, there are times when my first dog is not in the mood to play with the new dog, but for the most part I can tell they have bonded and they do play almost every morning now.
I would think it is worth a shot-do they have a foster program? If so, you could try fostering her. Foster parents usually have first rights to keep the dog, but if it isn't working, you can let them place her while you keep her in your care, and you will still be helping her and them out!
I am a foster parent from time to time. That's how I ended up with both my dogs (don't worry I didn't keep them all : ) But it is a good way to help and also find a dog that truly works for your situation and that you bond too. |
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