Sorry this is long…

I have had 8 dogs in my lifetime (I’m 32), born and raised with dogs. Trained 6 out of 8 from 2 months until their passing or (current dog) old age. I have tons of experience. I’ve dealt with it all and all it took was TLC to raise beautiful/healthy fur babies. All rescues: I’m now in a dilemma…

I have a gorgeous, (born trained) wonder dog, who is an absolute blessing. No leash required, great listening skills and just the love of my family’s life. She’s 10 years old now and starting to really slow down (rightfully so). Being on the couch and napping while snoring is her favorite past time. We can see age starting to grip her, from the ever growing white hair to the eye cloudiness. I also have a 3 soon to be 4 year old daughter who adores her and is incredibly respectful of her. My daughter even talked the other day about “climbing our distant mountains when she’s an adult and taking her dog with her too”, this broke my heart because it would only be in her heart.

We talked about getting another one for these reasons and more….the second one is always easier to potty train and our current dog would be a huge influence. My daughter and puppy would wear each other out. My current dog would have a friend again. One parent would always be home. Teach daughter some responsibility but it does not fall on her shoulders being that she is almost 4. Plus we would be rescuing. And training a well behaved pup would be a great project for me.

Uncertainty is we currently have a soon to be 4 year old, and a very affectionate 10 year old dog. Add a puppy and that puts 3 slightly needy living beings who need attention. And I just don’t know if I’m ready to have to loose another dog after our current dog. Loosing the fur babies just gets harder and harder.

So what would you do?

Leap of Faith (get a puppy)

Slow Down (wait longer)