Should I Adopt A Second Dog?

I’ve discovered that if you find yourself deeply troubled, there are belongings you get from the silent devoted companionship of a canine you could get from no different supply. ~ Doris Day

A reader writes: I really like canines, and since my husband died, solely my stunning little Cockapoo saves me from residing alone. I could not survive with out her. I understand how many canines in shelters want houses, and one nice no‑kill shelter close to me might must shut down for lack of funds. So I have been pondering rather a lot about adopting a second canine. However I do not know if it is a good time to carry a brand new pet into my life. I nonetheless harm a lot from shedding my husband that the considered opening up my coronary heart once more, even to a canine, is horrifying. And I have been a human companion to many canines, so I do know what to anticipate: Bringing a brand new one dwelling would in all probability imply some unhealthy conduct, an “accident” or two, perhaps some chewing and (I hope not) combating. If these had been regular instances, no drawback. However with the restricted management of feelings I’ve now, I fear that each the canine and I is perhaps too careworn.

My response: As a fellow animal lover, I can actually perceive why you are contemplating whether or not to carry one other canine into your life proper now. I additionally suppose you might be smart to be elevating no matter questions and doubts you’ll have now, forward of time, as you consider and weigh all sides of this necessary determination.

It is actually true that there are some nice advantages in having an animal companion. As I am positive you already know from your individual expertise along with your darling Cockapoo, loving and caring for a canine lets you really feel productive, helpful and wanted; to have somebody to speak to and talk with; to really feel companionship and closeness with one other, thereby feeling safe, protected, supported and never alone; to really feel touched, each bodily and emotionally; to have interaction extra actively in life, as your canine depends upon you for meals, water, train and medical care; and to be motivated towards higher care of your self, out of a way of accountability in your animal buddy. These are very actual advantages for anybody, and most particularly for one who’s mourning the demise of her partner!

Choose fastidiously. For those who do resolve to carry a brand new canine into your life, you will wish to do all you’ll be able to to make sure that the canine you choose will likely be a loving, effectively adjusted companion, and that she or he will get alongside along with your different canine. Happily there are a lot of books, articles and web sites to information you on this course of. See, for instance,

The Final Information to Pet Adoption