an exciting dilemma?!

[Mittens]

Many of you know we have a 5 month old (Eddie) who has filled (and more) a huge gap left by the loss of our Oscar in January to liver cancer at just seven - well we've been sounded out today about looking after our best friend's girlfriend's blue roan bitch - who is about 20 months - as they sadly have to move to a rented house that will not allow pets (previous divorce, credit crunch, new situation, rubbish landlord etc)... Well of course we will step in to help but I have so many questions having only ever had one dog at a time! We don't want to neuter Eddie but she isn't spayed - how long till this is an issue? Eddie's doing real good at training but she's never been - will she learn from him or might he regress? If they eventually find a place they can have her back how will that be for Eddie if he's lived with her for a while?

Sorry for long post - hoping someone with two or more dogs or used to fostering might have advice? 

Eddie loves other doggie company so much I don't anticipate living together will be an issue BTW

[Nicola]

Her coming into season could be an issue fairly soon, most male dogs can use their equipment from around 6 months old. I would also not bet on her learning anything from Eddie training wise, with him being so young it's far more likely that he'll follow and imitate her. Caoimhe is 6 months and is doing really well in her training but I hardly ever take her out with the other two as it's a losing battle to keep her focus on me if they're there, running around and playing with them is just too much temptation. I'm not saying don't do it but these are things that I would think about carefully beforehand. Also what about the impact on you and your family if you have her for an extended period and get really attached and then they want her back, it could be quite upsetting.

[KatieJean]

It may also be upsetting for your dog when she goes back. When we have had more than one and then lost one the one left pines for the company and I would assume it would be the same for both dogs if they become friend and are then seperated

[bluegirl]

If they have approached you about the arrangement maybe you could bring up the subject about them having her spayed before she comes. This would protect her against mammary cancer and stop any problems you may have with the 2 living together and believe me you'll need your wits about you for that little episode each and every time.
I'd also wonder if you would be better getting some sort of contract drawn up between yourselves so you know exactly where you all stand and what everyone wants.
Think you'd have to view the situation as a long term foster as at some point in the future she will be moving on, unless it's plain for all to see that she has settled so well with you that for the best she should remain with you, but again that needs to be fully explored.

[Mittens]

Thanks for your thoughts - we have no kids so no worries about little ones becoming too attached (just us and Eds) - I guess more than anything I really dont want unplanned puppies (we are way too sensible for that) so I will see what they think about having her spayed - i think they might have been planning it for her anyway. I am viewing it as a long term foster if she does come - it's my OH's best friend and they've been friends for over 35 years so i'm not sure about a 'contract' - but i could get the details of what's expected in an email just for protection if the need arises - I'll let you know how we get on 

[waggytails]

Just one thing i can think of is to discuss vet vees, who pays for insurance and who pays the excess. 

[bajoleth]

Hi, no advice really as I have never had more than one dog at a time, would love too though I think the main thing that would bother me is if she had to stay for a fairly long time and then left how upset you would be or if it turned out that it would become permenant would you be happy with that? I think waggytails has come up with a valid point too about ins and vets bills. I am sure you will come to the best decision for you
p.s I don't know how I am going to tell Belle that Eddie may have a Lady dog moving in with him maybe best to wait and see what you decide

[sharonmansfield]

Hi, I have 2 dogs and its great fun however they are both bitches, the sensible thing would be as previously advised for them to get her spayed. Otherwise you are just letting yourself in for a lot of extra stress. My younger dog learned off my older dog which was great in the training and house training but not in the cat chasing so you will get the good with the bad. I almost fostered a puppy for a friend when she got sick, I had it in my head that the pup would just be with me on holiday and would go back when my friend was over her chemo. However, in reality I am sure I would have gotten very emotionally attached. It will be hard for you to let go when the time comes and hard on your dog, maybe you could foster her to see how it goes with a view to keeping her. Good luck with this

[Mittens]

Hi again - after much discussion we have agreed that the dogs' welfare comes first, with as little upheaval as possible, and in light of my friends' economic and domestic situation for the forseable future Ruby comes to stay next week, with a view to this being permanent if the two dogs get on well and can live together without problems (ie, they won't ask for her back once she comes to us, but if we find Eddie cannot cope with another dog in the house they will take her back at our request). Ruby will be spayed and she is insured, which we will take over payments for once we know all is well. Fingers crossed it seems to be a solution everyone is happy with.

I am a little nervous about having two so close in age, but on the other hand excited as Eddie loves playing with other dogs so much I think he will relish having a doggie companion - and I love cockers so much another blue roan is hardly a hardship! Wish me luck and I'm sure I will be posting some pics and pleas for advice imminently! 

Ps - Jo, please break it to Belle gently!! Eddie says he still has room in his life for his cyber girl 

[Linz13]

Good Luck with your new housemate!  I hope everything goes as brilliantly as possible 

[Lily Freya]

Ah...hope it all goes well for you.......you deserve it to.  It is so nice that you have stepped in to help, I imagine they are really relieved.  It can't be an easy decision to let your dog go....whatever the reasons are.   

[mary w]

I'm sure you will do just fine we have always had 2/3 dogs at any one time, they are a joy to see.

[Maria n Dennis]

Good Luck with your new house guest. I hope things work out well for you 

Cant wait to see some pictures when she arrives

[hollyd443]

Ah...hope it all goes well for you.......you deserve it to.  It is so nice that you have stepped in to help, I imagine they are really relieved.  It can't be an easy decision to let your dog go....whatever the reasons are.   

I agree

All the best with the newbie, hope it all works out! I'm sure Eddie won't believe his luck!  

[waggytails]

Good luck and i hope everything works out well for you and your dogs.  Looking forward to seeing photos.