Raising More Than One Dog or Cat
When One Pet Dies
Jul 26, 2009 Leigh A. Peterson
In Adopting Two or More Pets and Adopting Two Pets were wonderful stories of dog and cat owners who adopted littermates or unexpectedly added a second dog to their home. They enjoyed watching their pets romp and care for each other for years. But one day, we will have to say good bye to our beloved pets, as do the pets that remain.
Lorrell Walter had two Labrador Retrievers until one, Remi, was taken by lymphoma. Because of the heartbreak her passing caused, Lorrell did not plan to get another dog. But his remaining dog, Frankie, didn't take well to that plan. The first day Frankie was left alone following Remi's death, he jumped his gate, rummaged through the garbage, ate food off the counter and jumped on the couch. His behavior continued to worsen to the point where his veterinarian prescribed drugs, but that didn't help.
“About seven weeks ago we brought another dog into our home,” said Lorell. ”Mya, a black lab that is almost a year old, has had a calming affect on Frankie. No longer is he on medication and no longer is he destroying our home.”
Sometimes, when a pet loses his best friend he is never the same. While some pets bask in being the only pet, showered with love and affection, some prefer to have a friend that speaks their language. Pet owners in such a situation may find themselves in a continuous cycle of pet replacement, either happily or reluctantly.
Double the Love
Although double pets does mean double food and vet bills, many pet lovers feel that overall, the joy outweighs the cost.
Isabel Fernandez was a one-dog-woman for 14 years, until she lost her furry companion to a stroke. She was so sad, she initially didn't want another dog. But one day, in her volunteer work for an animal advocacy group, she met two littermates that the group wanted to adopt out as a pair since one was deaf.
“I still was hesitant to get another dog, let alone two,” said Isabel.
A few days later, she had a dream about her previous dog that convinced her to open her heart to the two dogs she had just met. Isabel gave them a forever home where they could stay together.
“I love having two dogs now! They give me double the love, without double the work," she said. "They have individual personalities and I'm constantly in awe of how I could have so much love for these two little creatures."
Isabel's vet summed up her experience beautifully. “When I introduced them to my vet, he said they were sent to me because it would take two dogs to replace the love of my one dog that had passed.”
Two pets make great companions to you & each other
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