Adopting Two or More Pets
Why Dogs and Cats are Better in Pairs
Jul 25, 2009 Leigh A. Peterson
The decision to adopt a pet is one that shouldn't be taken lightly. However, the decision to adopt two or more pets at a time is one that perhaps could be taken more lightly. For many pet lovers, having two pets does not necessarily mean more work.
Going Out for One Pet, Coming Home with Two
“I was a single gal and went to the shelter just to get one dog,” said Brenda Christensen, a Public Relations professional. Brenda came upon two females in a cage, but one was clearly the alpha and was being rough with the other. She felt bad for the submissive pup and adopted her. “I was glad to have them apart,” said Brenda.
But that didn't last long. Later that night, Brenda had an uneasy feeling. She followed her heart, returned to the shelter the very next day, and adopted her dog's litter mate. “Even though at the time I thought I was crazy for having two dogs, it was actually easier - they kept each other company while I was at work and looked out for one another.”
Dogs are pack animals. Brenda found out that even though siblings don't always get along, they were still glad to have each other.
Laurie Hrydziuszko went from never having a cat before to one day adopting two. She had been petless for a while and missed the love, affection and joy that having a pet can offer. But Laurie was living in an apartment, so she decided to get her first cat.
“I did the research and read several sources that recommended getting two cats for their own emotional well-being. I still wasn't sure if I was ready for that level of responsibility yet (and not sure if my apartment could handle it), but I headed to the local humane society just to see what my options were.”
Laurie met two beautiful litter mates that day, and brought them home. “Although they look virtually identical, Stoli and Luk each have their own unique personality. Stoli is the strong leader, and Luk is the quiet lover. They provide companionship to me as well as each other, and I can't imagine what it would be like to have one without the other.”
One magical aspect of having more than one pet is getting to know just how different and unique animals can be. With every new experience, pet owners get to know each animal on a new level as their personalities shine though.
Adding a New Puppy
Some pet owners have so much love to give, one pet just isn't enough.
Tara Moser, a family counselor, started out with one dog, Abbey, when another dog named Bode came into her life. “Training Abbey was not hard, but adding the second dog allowed Abbey to train Bode for us,” said Tara. “House training was simple, as he followed her. Teething was even easier as he preferred to chew on her or play with toys with her!”
Many pet owners find the same kind of relief that Tara found. They want to get a puppy for their family dog, but dread another round of puppy training only to find that the puppy will look up to and take after the older dog.
Some dogs come to life in ways we never expected when they suddenly find a new purpose in the form of a friend in need.
“We started out with one dog...her name is Checkers,” said Public Relations Director Anamaria Suescun-Fast. “She was a happy dog but alone for a long time before Lucky came along.” Lucky was only ten weeks old and in bad shape. Anamaria knew she had to keep him. Little did she know how the new puppy would change Checkers--who was gracefully growing into a beautiful senior dog--for the better.
“Her motherly instincts kicked in immediately and she nurtured that puppy, played with that puppy, was patient with the puppy. With Lucky, she seems happier and more energetic." Eventually, Anamaria's household became a four dog home.
“Overall, it’s been a wonderful experience. I never wanted to have four dogs but it was a whole lot easier than I thought," said Anamaria, who now feels strongly on the subject of multiple pet enjoyment. “I strongly advocate a pet owner have at least have two. Dogs need to have a friend to play with and socialize. If I knew this sooner, I would haven’t left Checkers alone for so long.”
Continued in Part Two: Separation Anxiety, Lonely Pets and Precautions
Laurie Hrydziuszko's identical but unique cats
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