Son wants a dog but we have 2 other very old dogs. What should I say?

Question

My 15 year old son wants a dog (English Setter or Collie) but we already have a 23 year old Blue Heeler and a 18 year old Aussie Shepherd. My other two dogs are (obviously) very old and I'm very scared that if they get sick, if I buy Jason the other dog, I won't be able to afford the care for Tess or Maggie.

What would you suggest I do?
Jason is very responsible, has a Monday-Thursday job and has offered to pay for the dog. He takes a lot of responsibility to care for Mag and Tess and he makes sure they are groomed, fed and cared for well.

Jason also volunteers at the local SPCA. We are otherwise ready for another dog and I have said that I will think about it when either Mag or Tess pass. We live on a farm and Mag and Tess are well cared for and are VERY healthy. Tess is fine but Mag is deaf in her left ear. Would a puppy make them happy or anger them? My sister has a farm with a Border Collie and Lab so Mag and Tess see them often and love other dogs.

Oh and 5 months ago we adopted a 12 year old Golden Retriever x Border Collie x Samoyed male. We had him for 2 months but he passed away due to kidney failure. Maggie and Tess got along with him fine but took a while to get used to him as they haven't lived with another dog in years! I'm not sure if my daughter (12 years old) is ready for another dog as she was the one who asked to adopt him. She seems fine but doesn't like to talk about him much.

Some fantastic points.
Oh don't worry, my sisters' 7 month old Lab can hardly keep up with Maggie (Aussie Shep) and her 5 year old Border Collie is at the exact same speed as Tess is as at so they are still EXTREMELY fit and active.

I regularly drive down and visit my friends who ALSO own a farm and Tess and Maggie get along with their 11 year old Boxer but Maggie doesn't really like their 7 year old Rottie mix.

Answer 1

If anyone should have a dog, your son sounds like that person. I can understand your concerns, but I know from one of my own old dogs, that a new puppy can give an old dog a new lease on life. Provided, and this is important, that the older dog can always get away from the puppy when they need the peace and quiet. They need their space where the puppy's not allowed to go. When they want to play with the new puppy, they can go to him.

You say your older girls enjoy the company of other dogs, your son sounds so very resopnsible and if you believe, that he'll care for the new puppy, my opinion is to let him have one. My experience with my own 2 boys when they were teenagers is that a close relationship with a dog can be very important - someone they can trust and talk to.

Answer 2

Wow-I hope my little boy is so responsible at that age! It sounds like he is ready for a dog and really wants a dog that can be more active to keep up with him. I can see his point of view. Byt the same token-having just lost a pup to illness, I see your side to that $$ can effect the process. And you daughter may not be ready.

Sadly, your dogs are very old and the next major medical issue is likely not going to be very expensive. I think given the ages, most vets would not do major surgery or the like as that would give as much problems as the ailment. It is never easy to face that reality, but I think you have to. I have a 17 yr old cat-my vet has said that he would avoid any major medical procedures now as the risk of going under and recovery issues would not be worth adding a short amount of time to his life. Not fun to hear-but I also know he is right.

I think that it would be good to set the kids down and talk a bit about how everyone feels after the loss of the puppy. Ask you daughter about her views on another dog. Ask your son if he would consider co-owning the dog with his sis. The truth is at his age, college or leaving home will occur in the next few years. When he goes-can he be sure he will live in a place that will allow a dog or that he will have the time needed for a dog? It would be good to let his sis help pick the dog and assist him in caring for it and then when he leaves she could take on being the primary caretaker. If he vols' with the SPCA he is familiar with dogs being turned in for various reasons and may like the idea of having a plan that will keep his dog in a good home for it's entire life. Part of this too is if you are ready for a new dog. It sounds like you may equate this to ushering your current dogs out and that you have a little concern still from the death of the puppy.

I think a good family talk and game plan are in order. Then maybe a search for a puppy that both kids can agree on. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Well, I would think that Jason will be good enough to handle another dog, plus you live on a farm and you need the protection. I think that the two other dogs will get used to the puppy around once in a while. And it seems that you take very good care of your dogs. I'm surprised that the blue heeler is still living! I suggest that you get the puppy and hopefully Mag and Tess will live a long, happy life!

Answer 4

Its really tough to say. Older dogs are like older people. They aren't out there playing, running, romping and wrestling as a puppy would and wants to do. They sleep more, and are rather set in their ways, habits, and behaviors. Introducing a puppy or an older dog may disrupt their way of life. The dog could be dominant and end up pushing the other around and taking over their "territory".

However, you may luck out and get a puppy or dog that will respect the others and learn from them eventually picking up on their habits (good and/or bad).

I know from watching dogs and the experience that I have as a trainer and pet nutrition vocalist most older dog will put the younger 'newbie' in its place. The newbie must be submissive however, because if it's not you may end up w/ a dog fight on your hands.

If you're looking to get another, your son's choices are very good. They show a lot of attributes towards the positive side. Great personality, very smart, high trainability. And since you live on a farm they will receive the exercise they need as working dogs.

I'd recommend waiting till the dogs pass. The younger the dog the more attached it will be. You may see signs of depression or anxiety because of the attachment it had to the other dog. So when the other dogs pass you may see some behavioral changes in the young.

Its ultimately your decision, these were just some points to consider.

Good Luck

Answer 5

Wow. And I thought my 15 year old border collie was an older lady. You truly have some senior citizens

This is certainly a family affair as you well know. BUT - since Jason is truly a responsible young man, and your dogs get along well with others, it might be possible for them to do well enough with a third dog.

A puppy, however, may be a bit much for them. He'll want to play and your seniors will most certainly not be able to keep up with him.

Perhaps another adult dog (perhaps a couple of years old) would be a compromise. And since Son already volunteers at the shelter, it's possible he can come across a perfect dog for your family.

But the decision has to be made on the family level.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Sounds like you have really thought about this and are actually on here hoping for someone to talk you into this! It will be very tough for the new guy to come into a house with such established dogs. That can be tough on all involved. It really is up to you though. I am curious as to why you said "buy" him a dog - if he's volunteering at the SPCA you really should encourage him to not buy, but adopt. This can all work well if you are all willing to put in the committment. I say go with what your heart says and adopt another dog!

Answer 7

WalkingLady has given you some really wonderful points to consider. Also I think that perhaps a family meeting may be helpful too. This way your daughter can have her voice heard too. Sometimes the quitest family member needs to have her opinion heard too. Your son sounds really responsible but the dog will be around every member of the family. All should have a say in this and then go and get the new dog.
Good Luck!

Answer 8

I say, good things come in threes! You sound like a great pet owner, and any dog would be lucky to be in your home. If your son is willing to foot the cost, let him. There is no way to predict how your dogs will react to a new puppy, and that will probably depend on the personality of the pup, but having a little ball of energy in the mix will probably energize everyone once they have adjusted.

Answer 9

I would go ahead and get the dog for him, esp. since he's so responsible. plus he'll have many many good memories from this, still in his childhood~picking out a dog he wants. the other 2 are getting old and it's nice to develop a bond w/a newbie pet, as it'll be somewhat less hard when the other 2 pass on. I know, no animal can ever replace another, I'm just saying you all will have a nice loving bond w/many yrs. ahead of a great new family member just as u've had w/the two great dogs you now have.
I say, yes! go for it! let him take financial responsibility for the new dog as well since it looks like your concerned about this

Answer 10

I am a big lover of dogs i have 2 dogs on my property a border collie and a chawoowa.the older dog seems to teach the younger dog all the good and bad things that they get up too,a young puppy needs alot of attension for a long while until they get reasonably grown,the dog lisence fees have just gone up may be it would be better to take a ride to the dog shelter centre and adopt a grown dog and it has also had its needles and spayed.