We are seriously considering getting a second dog. Yes. I must confess that I have been influenced by those around me. Everyone I know is getting puppies these days. (my sister, a girl friend, lady down the street, Julia at Home on 129 Acres). Earlier this week we had an adorable little three-month old West Highland Terrier cross poodle visit us for two days. Molly was perfect: gentle, not jealous. It got me thinking that perhaps this was a good time to expand our family. I’m getting older. Potentially, this would be my last dog. If they live for 15 years, I should act now. I do want to increase my activity level.  Lately Molly doesn’t want to walk that far anymore. The fall is favourable for training a dog. It’s quieter around here. We have no big plans or commitments. Yesterday I made a list of pros and cons for getting a second dog.
Reasons in favour of getting another dog now:
• Get a 2nd dog while we still have Molly. She can set an example and help train
• I’m 60.    Too young not to have a dog to exercise yet too old to wait much longer. This will probably be my last dog.
• I need an exercise companion. Molly increasingly likes shorter walks which is not enough exercise for me.
• We have the space and wonderful property on the water / lots of parks around us. I would enjoy getting out more.
• I don’t care if we don’t travel – I’m a home body anyway
• Lots of dog sitters available, if required
• Stimulation for Molly
Reasons why we shouldn’t get another dog now
• Warren really doesn’t like dogs that much and would have to be convinced
. We would have to put in a fence
. Not really in our budget right now
Then I made another list of dog breeds I admire and that fit our lifestyle. I went on-line, did a few quizzes to confirm what breeds are suitable and I did more research.     In the end I settled on the Brittany.
Reasons for Getting a Brittany:
• Beautiful appearance – pretty coat
• Long legs
• Floppy ears
• Clean looking
• Wonderful warm eyes
• Nice size .. not too big, will fit in a car, but not too small
• Generally a healthy breed
• A family dog – gentle and sweet disposition – eager to please
• Doesn’t require a lot of grooming.
• Short haired – ie clean – no burrs, mats
• A smart breed – trainable
• Likes exercise
• Not a big barker or watch dog
Finally I went looking. As fate would have it, I found a breeder with puppies available in a few weeks  What cuties AWWWWWWWWWWWW   . Hmmmmmm.
Warren and I will discuss this tonight.  Stay tuned…….
westlakemusings 
Yes!!!! For all the reasons you mention and for the ones you haven’t thought of yet ! I went a year without a dog (I’ve haven’t not had a dog in over 30 years) and almost always had two. Big dogs at that.
With a change in my life, ive had to go the route if a smaller dog, but once again, I can’t imagine my life withiut one
The biggest pro and a totally selfish one at that, is the unspoken bond that exists and the unabashed adoration they give us.
Just remember these reasons when the gardens take a hit and your eyes are bleary at the 5am potty trips 😉
Good luck with the decision. We’ve almost always have had two dogs at once. Right now we are down to one, but I have been warned that we will be getting another in the coming year.
Oh my goodness, how cute is that face. I think a buddy for Molly would be wonderful. My daughter recently adopted a 4 year old cat from the SPCA and when she had to leave Lucky alone through the day bothered her, so now they have a kitty only 10 weeks old called Puddles. Lucky is a female and loves Puddles and is very happy to play Mommy.
John had a Brittany as well as other family members. Tasha was a wonderful dog, and if we were to have a dog, John would have another Brittany. Warren will love the puppy. Look forward to hearing your decision.
I’m already thinking we need another one… 🙂
What are the demensions of your dog run? I think I need to build one rather than fence the whole property.
There is no way I can answer this question rationally after looking at those pictures. Cuuuuute!