So we have decided to get dog # 2.....UPDATE ON BOTTOM!!!

We have been talking , talking , talking about doggy number two since we had to put my Copper(Pit Mix) to sleep in December.., but we have finally decided that we want either a saint bernard or mastiff. Why we both love giant breeds...I have no idea...a smaller one would obviously be easier to fit into life, but...what can ya do.

So I sent in an application to the Saint Bernard Rescue. We do not have the time a little guy needs , so looking for a dog 1-3 years old.

I keep checking out petfinders, and I know NSAL has one right now (we might go see him saturday) but he is a REALLY REALLY big one. A Smaller one would be better, but it all depends on the personality of the dog.

So if anyone has recommendations, or advice, I am all ears.

WAHOO...CAN;T wait to get lil Barney a friend!

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....we are nuts!

Congrats and good luck with your search. My friend had St. Barnards - they are so sweet and gentle, but very messy. Her mom walked around the house after the dogs wipping up their drool. She has both male and females, they were both great, but the males were huge!!! I adopted my older pup from NSALA and they are great there and my pup is the best. I also do not think you are crazy. As soon as my fiance and I buy a house, I will rescue another dog. My dog loves to be around other animals, right now his BF is my 1 yr old kitten :)

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....we are nuts!

---

Posted by Mrs.B7607

Congrats and good luck with your search. My friend had St. Barnards - they are so sweet and gentle, but very messy. Her mom walked around the house after the dogs wipping up their drool. She has both male and females, they were both great, but the males were huge!!! I adopted my older pup from NSALA and they are great there and my pup is the best. I also do not think you are crazy. As soon as my fiance and I buy a house, I will rescue another dog. My dog loves to be around other animals, right now his BF is my 1 yr old kitten :)

---

How was the adjustment with an older dog. I have always had my dogs from puppies, but really wanted to help out an older one this time. I am just afraid we won't have the same bond? What was your experience?

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....we are nuts!

OMG !! I can't tell you what an amazing experience it is. I swear I have more of a bond with my dog, because he was older when I rescued him. He was 6/8 yrs old and was due to be put down at the pound before NSALA rescued him. I have had him for 2 1/2 yrs and I swear that he is positively the best dog. I never even considered adopting a puppy, I always wantd to rescue older dogs that no one wanted. My mom, who has adoted older dogs before told me 'that when you adopt an older dog, they (the dog) will never let you foget how thankful they are'. She was absolutely right. My dog knows where he came from and knows I saved him. Dogs are not dumb, they are very aware of how they are treated and where they are. I also work for a dog rescue group and we have some pretty amazing dogs right now. One dog (who came from the pound) is a sheperd mix, tan w/ wht markings, med size and the SWEETEST dog ever. She is not up for adoption yet b/c she is getting over a kennel cough. If you are interstead, please FM me. I know that is not what you are looking for, but it is another option. Whatever dog you choose - good luck. Trust me it will be a very rewarding experience!!!!

Also, My dog came fully trained - he knew every command. That is always a nice extra. However be prepared that your dog might have some old issues that you will need to help him through. It is very stressful for a dog going from a family - to the pound - and then to another home (if they are lucky). You need to be patient with your new dog and help him work on his trust issues. My dog struggles with seperation aniexty and in the beginning It was hard. But it gets so much easier, you just need to give your new dog time to adjust. Try and understand his situation and work with him. Your dog might not have any adjustment problems, but if he does, I don't want you to think that it was a mistake to adopt him. As long as the new dog and your currect dog get along you should have no problems. Just give him alittle time..... pls FM me if you have any questions, I am always happy to help someone when they are rescusing a dog in need:)

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....we are nuts!

I'm glad I checked this board tonight...FH wants to adopt a companion for our dog and we're looking a hound named Crosby who is currently living upstate. How was the adjustment???

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....we are nuts!

Can't wait to see pics. You are doing a great job by adopting adog.

Also try the CACC. THey have lots of large dogs up for adoption.

here is a link for a mastiff mix that is up for adoption.

bonnie

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....we are nuts!

It wasn't bad for me. I would just try to be home the first couple of days, to help your new dog adjust. Also, give him time. He probably won't feel 100% comfortable for a few weeks. Don' get upset if he has some problems, you will work it out. For example, my dog had bad seperation aniexty and at night I would not let him sleep in my bed (according to a training method, this would help him). One night, I let him sleep in my bed and he was like a new dog the next day. I soon realized that my dog is a lover and all he wants is to be snuggled and loved. So, thats all I mean when I say an adjustment period. You found out what your dogs true personality is. I think adopting an older dog is amazing. I will keep on adopting older dogs. My dog is so grateful to me, it borders on obession. You will also be doing a great thing and you should feel good about that. 10 millions dogs and cats (this includes puppies and kittens) are put to sleep each year in shelters. It is really sad!!!

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....we are nuts!

They you all so much for responding to me. Regi, thanks for sending me a couple of ideas, after much debate, I do think we are pretty stuck on a smaller saint bernard. Last week, I put in an application to the saint bernard rescue, and I got a call this sunday. They do not have a match for me in New York, the woman that runs New York is retired, so the Massachesettes section called me. They have a dog that is younger then what I was origially thinking(10 months), but housebroken, and in need of a home. They felt she would be a good match for me. They had another 6month old, but that might just be TOO young.

Well, there is a lot to be done before we can adopt her, Home visit. Vet, and reference checks. A Meeting with her of course. There are also probobly other applicants, so who knows. She is recovering from three surgeries, so I can't see her for another two weeks. But here she is...keep your fingers crossed all goes well.

• 

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....UPDATE ON BOTTOM!!!

OMG she is sooooo cute. I hope everything works out. You will give her a chance to be puppy again and teach how it feels to be loved. I hope all goes well, I will keep my fingers crossed.

Re: So we have decided to get dog # 2.....UPDATE ON BOTTOM!!!

ten months is a great age. Def go for it.

keep us posted. SHe is beautiful!!