We’re Adopting a Brother for Sophie!
Our Sophie
My husband and I have been thinking and talking about this for a long time. If I had my druthers, I’d live on a farm with lots of animals. But, living in an apartment in New York City creates certain limitations I can’t deny. With Sophie, Isabel and Lola, adding one more to the mix is probably going to be it. I’ve been reading up on what to consider when adding a second dog to your household, and Dogster.com published one I liked, in addition to another article about how to introduce your current dog to the new one, both written by trainers. I hadn’t really thought about everything mentioned here, but I’ve bookmarked them and they will serve as our guidelines when adopting a brother for Sophie.
What made us decide to do this? We certainly (read that as I, certainly) have our hands full taking care of our brood. I cook for Sophie, because after trying many different and great foods, this is what she’ll consistently eat and I’m a doting mom (read that as nutsy mom). Our kitties, Isabel and Lola, are both seniors and a bit of a handful. Lord knows how they’ll feel about adding a dog to the house. I think going slowly, being patient with everyone and giving it time are three big things, about which I’ll have to keep reminding myself.
Me, Isabel & Lola
So, when is the big day? We are going to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals‘ Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days in NYC on May 31 and June 1, in Union Square Park. There will be more than 25 rescue organizations there, with adoptable cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies at both events. Rock & Rawhide also will attend both days, collecting donations of clean towels, blankets, toys, and more for shelter animals. They will also be doing great things like teaching pet owners how to include their pets in disaster planning through the NYC Office of Emergency Management, and dog owners can purchase a NYC dog license while there, from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Internet star, Susie, of Susie’s Senior Dogs will be there, as will Maddie’s® Fund mascot, Maddie and skateboarding sensation, Tillman, busting some moves. And there’s free stuff! Blue Buffalo, K-10+, Natural Balance, Nerf Dog, and Nutro will give away free product samples.
We’ll be bringing Sophie to pick out her new brother. I’m a bit concerned it will be too crazy for her to be comfortable. She is a bit skittish. If that ends up being the case, I’m going to see if they’ll let me take them for a little walk for a few minutes together, to see if that helps. It’s tricky and we want to get it right in choosing a dog as her playmate and house mate. I have to admit, I’m nervous. But I’m going to be sharing the journey with you, each step of the way, with pictures and video of the pups we’re considering. For me, the hardest thing will be resisting the temptation to take them all home. It breaks my heart seeing those little faces without families to love them everyday. I’m sure you guys feel the same way.
So, stay tuned next weekend for our adventures in pet adoption!
Have you gone through this? Would you please share with me how it went for you, things you’d recommend doing or would do differently? I would soooo appreciate it. Wish us luck! 🙂
Can’t wait to hear more about your adoption story!
Hi Christina! Its exciting and nerve-wracking. I look forward to sharing the journey and hearing any stories about other people’s experiences. Have a great holiday weekend!
When I wanted a friend for my Emily Rose she was three years old. I found a small dog from a puppy mill that was also three and was in desperate need of a home. She was in a cage all her life, yet she was a happy and grateful little girl.
I introduced them and Emily Rose must have known that Juli was special and needed lots of love. Emily is a Yorkie and can be very terrier-like but she took to Juli and they have been inseparable for the past 9 years. Juli is the sweetest, most gentle dog you ever want to meet. Everyone loves her.
It was so easy to bring the two of them together that I decided to bring a third dog into the family. Another rescue, of course. I saw a little black and white dog in the shelter who was shaking and panting. As soon as I took her out for a walk she was a different dog, prancing and feeling the wind on her face, she was free and loving it.
I brought Emily and Juli to meet the new dog and they all walked together and seemed great together. I adopted her and called her Hannah. Emily hated her! She was jealous and wasn’t afraid to show it. Although half Hannah’s size, she refused to let her on the bed, she peed in Hannah’s doggie bed and didn’t want any part of her. Hannah was afraid of Emily and it was quite funny to see this half pint bossing a dog twice her size! I think the best thing I did was not allow Emily to get away with her nasty behavior. Hannah was part of our family and was deserving of all the love and attention that Emily and Juli enjoyed. Once Emily understood that I was not happy with her behavior she started to change.
Now, five years later Emily and Juli are 12, and Hannah is around 7. I just brought a 14 year old cat home and the girls welcomed Mikie into our crazy family with opened “paws.”
It can be done with patience and, in time, you will have a happy and loving family. I certainly do!
Hi Janet-what an inspiring story! Thank you so much for sharing it. Sophie is very territorial and tries to horn in on any attention my two 13 year old cats want. I dont let her get away with it but she continues to do. That part concerns me re a new dog. Sophie has been doted on and really spoiled. We love her so much. I want to share that love with the new baby, too. I know its going to take time. But I’m determined. 🙂 i’ll keep you posted on how it goes at the adoption event and if we find a little boy to bring home.