So We had two dogs. My JRT mix and adopted a young heeler mix. In march I lost my beloved JRT boy. I have talked about him some here. In April we adopted a 7 month old Chihuahua. She is a real angel. Her and our female heeler mix absolutely love each other. Both shelter dogs and are great. Love them both.
Here is the question. I really miss my boy. He was really special and we had a great bond and I expected to have him for a good long while. But it was not to be.
Our shelter had a JRT a few days ago and I have hinted to my wife we need to check him out. He could of been adopted by now. We have never had three dogs at once. Only two on several occasions.
We do not need another mouth to feed persae along with vet visits and bills. But I really miss my boy and feel like another to build a similar bond with is tugging at me. They are head strong and my wife is not super patient but she is great with dogs. Me have a lot of patience by nature. I really miss my buddy and like the JRT personality.

So while I know this is selfish to a degree. What do you guys think.

We will be in the neighborhood of the shelter tomorrow so might see if they still have him.

My wife would do it because she knows how much my boy meant to me. We know he would be a different dog and not a replacement for him. But am certain we could create the strong bond I miss.

Wouldn't hurt to take a look.

Pur the feelers out. Maybe work out a meet and greet with the others.

ARman

Just recognize that you may have to make sacrifices due to the extra costs you mentioned. If you're like me, those sacrifices would be worth it, both to fill the hole in my heart and to benefit the shelter rescue pup.

We added a third when my sons family said they couldn’t keep little lulu our chihuahua.
I couldn’t stand the thought of her going back to a shelter and we already loved her so we took her.
Best move I’ve ever made, she fit in perfectly and she is just a great girl.
Extra vet bills and food, but well worth it.
I say go for it, you’ll be giving the shelter pup a great life!

We added a third this year as well. For 5 years had 2 coonhound females about 60-70 pounds each. Then we had an option on a free puppy scotty dobie mix. He’s a very loving smart little dude. Digs like a terrier and patrols the fence line like a dobie. He’s a character. Imagine the long Doberman snout and beedie little eyes with the Scotty beard. He’s 8 months and I think he’s maxed out at about 35 pounds. Has stumpy Scotty legs. But like 2x the weight of a pure Scotty

I have four but they are similar personality types for the most part..I do have to watch one with the rest, because he can be a bit of a shit.
If it will significantly diminish your relationship with the other three, that’s something to consider as well.
Completely understand JRTs are something in their own category! Loved my jrt cross to pieces, she lived to at least 17 (rescue as well).

You will know when you meet the right one. And, if your heart is ready that is a wonderful thing. Any dog would be lucky to have you all. Adding a third to two existing pets can work just fine with the right introductions, etc. Ask if you can do a “dog to dog” at the shelter. That way you can see if the dogs get along initially outside the home territory. Let us know how it goes. Praying for the right pup to find you.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: P226RN,

Male dogs are different than female. I've always had a better bond with my male dogs even though the females were all great dogs.

I just got a 3rd boy 6 weeks ago.

We always wanted a black Pug and Willie was offered to us.

They are getting along well…

quote:

Originally posted by ElToro:
We added a third this year as well. For 5 years had 2 coonhound females about 60-70 pounds each. Then we had an option on a free puppy scotty dobie mix. He’s a very loving smart little dude. Digs like a terrier and patrols the fence line like a dobie. He’s a character. Imagine the long Doberman snout and beedie little eyes with the Scotty beard. He’s 8 months and I think he’s maxed out at about 35 pounds. Has stumpy Scotty legs. But like 2x the weight of a pure Scotty

We're going to need a picture of that one!

I appreciate the excellent feedback you bunch of enabler's

The wife wasn't ready to have a "real discussion" about it. A third pup is not something she wants to think about right now. So I did not try to push the issue. We have a bunch of things in the mix these days. Maybe down the road.

I will watch the shelter if he does not get adopted in a couple of weeks I will drop by and see him.

Again, I truly value your feedback. Thanks to all of you dog lovers .

Maybe my reading comprehension sucks, but having read multiple times I’m not sure what the question is. A few come to mind, but they’re probably not what you’re asking, “What color will your new Heeler be?”, “How soon will your new Heeler join the family?”, “What will you name your new Heeler?”

We’ve had three dogs for years (until we got a fourth). When we lost Jackson (an Anatolian Shepherd / Great Pyrenees mix that my wife spoiled as a pup then said, “If he doesn’t work out as a guardian dog he can be my pet.” When he and his siblings went out with the goats while they went to work he stood at the fence with his big brown eyes doing the “Why are you doing this to me?” look. That didn’t last a week before he became her pet.) to nerve sheath cancer, she soon found Scout a beautiful “cinnamon sugar” colored red merle Heeler. The rule of three lasted for a year or so until she said, “Scout is great, but I miss having a big dog around the house.” Through way too much time spent on the net she found a lady who was finding homes for pups whose Mom was an Anatolian Shepherd / Great Pyrenees and whose dad was “an International Man of Mystery”.

It seems to me like most all dogs are pretty much pure love. They all have different personalities. They may all need to be treated a little differently, but if you can afford the time, energy, and effort to welcome another dog into your home you are likely to find that (while there will likely be more work and expense) you’ve just added more love to your home.