Hello, Its been a while since I have been on this forum. We still have our Lab mix Copper who will be 11 in January. He has started slowing down a bit and stands with his hind legs bent. He sometimes will slip when he gets up as well. We have started him on a joint supplement bought from the vet. My question is should we get another dog while Copper is still with us or wait? I don't want to put stress on him but wonder if a younger dog would perk him up a bit. We have been really thinking on this and I would love to get some advice from those who have more experience than I do. Thank you for any advice and insight. We truly want what is best for Copper so please let me know what you honestly think.
Really depends on the dog. When my dog got old she didn't really want to be bothered by other dogs, she used to like playing and being with the other dogs. How does he act around other dogs of he interact with any outside the home? Is he still happy or playful with them?
Oooh. Good question! My parents have 2 dogs he is around a lot. One is an 11 yr old Miniature Pinscher/Maltese mix and the other is a 7 month old German Shepherd/Husky mix. The Min Pin mix does not want to play much any more so Copper does not bother with her. The German Shepherd mix is all over him and while he won't bite her, I get the feeling he'd rather not play. He still loves to play ball with us though. Its like he has forgotten how to play with other dogs. Thanks for the question and making me think!
He's probably finding playing with the more boisterous GSD/Husky mix is putting too much strain on his joint so would really prefer not to play. It sound like he has arthritis and it's a painful condition even though dogs stoically don't complain too much. Personally, I would enjoy Copper and let him have his peace in his golden years
I am thinking at this point letting him live the rest of his life in peace is the best decision. Thank you for your insight and advice.
Agree with Chris. Unless you have the opportunity of rehoming a gentle, middle aged companion, I would let Copper live his life as a single pet. I think the biggest age difference I have had was with the two Lurchers. I think Mia was about nine when I rehomed Tweed, who was then around a year old. They had their walks together, and Mia would encourage Tweed to behave badly, but they were never a team, and I don't remember them playing together.
Just ask yourself one thing Jessica - and I think others have probably answered this. Would getting another dog be for Copper or for you. Because I started looking for another puppy when I realised that Lexi was not getting any younger and I could not bear the thought of not having a little one to share my life. And yes, when I brought Pereg home Lexi was really happy to have a baby companion but as Pereg grew Lexi sort of withdrew, even though I was not aware of it at the time. I know now that Tikva will be the last wubble to share my life. And I treasure every second with her.
Yes. Just love Copper while he is with you. Love him Jessica. Love him with all your heart. Love him with all the love you have.
I cannot find it at the moment - maybe I do not want to? But I remember posting and saying that I thought Pereg was not well. And everyone here on Breedia were with me. And she is still the picture in my avatar, sitting looking out of the doorway as she always did. Tikva also stares out of the doorway - funny little girl is Tikva but I love her.
