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Monday, June 23, 2008
Adding a third pet is risky business
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After close to five months as a two-dog household we’re thinking of adding another to the mix
We lost Molly Christmas Eve to cancer and it’s been just Jake and Sydney ever since. We haven’t really obsessed over adding another to the mix but of late it’s been on our minds.
At this writing we have a dog from foster care in our home for a day or two to see how everyone gets along. My wife found him at a rescue Web site. He was not the first dog we brought home.
The initial foray into this canine test-drive was a pup name Marmaduke (not his real name for reasons that will become apparent). Marmaduke was an okay dog with lots of energy but three puddles left around the house and he was allowed to explore other options.
So now we have Woodrow (also not his real name). So far so good. He gets along with Jake and Sydney and so far the house is as dry as it was when he arrived for his visit.
Adding a third dog is tricky business. Jake and Sydney - with very rare exceptions - take care of their personal digestive housekeeping outside. At night they have the run of the house where Sydney prefers the living room rug while Jake snoozes outside the bedroom door. When we leave town they share the same accommodations at the kennel.
They don’t have to be watched every minute to make sure they don’t chew on the rugs or jump on the sofa. They are reasonably low maintenance. Any dog that joins this crew doesn’t exactly have a hard act to follow, but we do enjoy waking to the house the way we left it the night before.
But there is also this. Our dogs are family. We are accustomed to their quirks and moods. We know their routine and they know ours. This doesn’t mean a new dog can’t find their place but this isn’t a choice we make lightly.
And a new dog would not replace Molly. A new dog cannot be Molly and shouldn¿ ¿t have to be. The ache in my heart where Molly’s absence resides is more than any dog should be expected to fill.
But Woodrow is making a strong case to stay, though right now he’s snoozing in the other room while the NBA Finals play out on TV. By the this appears we will have made our decision.
To be Continued….
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