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! 🙂
