anodyne, I'm glad your brother found more dogs to love!
Shalimar, this all got started when my Dad called about a potential new dog for me. My step-sister's daughter moved from MN to CA, and couldn't find a place that would let her keep her dog (Samantha). My step-sister and her husband agreed to take the dog back to MN, and keep her for a year. If the daughter doesn't get Samantha back, then she might go to a new home.
My Dad hadn't checked all the details before he raised the subject with me. Samantha will stay with my step-sister in her home, at least till April of 2017. Her husband said he already had another potential home for Samantha. So my chances of "inheriting" Samantha are pretty slim. Of course, I'd love it if Nikki is reunited with Samantha. I know what it's like to treasure one's dog!
Since I was already excited about the idea of getting a new dog, I arrived at the "Spring Time Plan." I will get a new dog in the Spring of 2017. "Inheriting" Samantha sounds like a chancy proposition at best. I don't like depending on someone else for a new dog. I did tell them that I'd never let Samantha go if I got her. I reminded them of my 17 years with Bandit. I'm not even sure they met Bandit. We gave a complicated family...
I like the idea that I'd easily be able to come up with a $300 damage deposit for the dog. I'll most likely start building up a "dog fund" to cover getting started, and vet emergencies, etc. I already know a local veterinarian's office is within walking distance. We live in a wonderful building in a great area. There is plenty of room for dogs to walk their owners. We also have a great group of dogs, and some owners who appear willing to know me better. That could translate into a support network in case I need someone to watch the new dog if I was temporarily sick. I need to cultivate that network soon. They've already indicated their interest in me!
It's easy to decide on getting an adult or even "mature" dog. Older dogs are more settled down, and often they are passed over by potential owners. I've always been sold on getting a dog from an Animal Shelter. I got Bandit from the local ASPCA shelter, in Penacook, NH. My friends actually chose him. But I couldn't resist him once we met! You know there are real gems sitting in a shelter, perhaps one step from euthanasia. Bandit was one of those gems. He was a continued blessing.
When I got Bandit in 1971, I was feeling hopeless, drifting between hope and despair. Bandit brought such light and joy into my life. Bandit followed me into a journey of hope and beyond. I eventually went back to college, then moved from NH to MN. Bandit followed me along. Bandit never lost his courage & sensitivity. He never stopped giving unconditional love and joy. I was always amazed at how Bandit could face some serious illnesses in his life, and never give up. I just needed to help Bandit know I was there for him.
Not to throw water on your chance of having Samantha share your home, but........ This sounds to me like something that could go sideways. Samantha comes to live with you. A few months later, the step-sister's daughter finds a place where she can have a dog and wants Samantha back. Or, Samantha comes to your home. A few weeks later, whoever the step-sister's husband promised the dog to now wants her. Sounds like too many feelings/fingers in the pot that could only mean a "cat fight" over a dog. In those situations, the dog loses.
If I were in your shoes, I'd probably find another companion before the April date. Then, it would be easy to say, "Thanks, but no thanks". To adopt a pet would make that dog yours and ONLY yours.
We adopted a beautiful dog last January. Had been without a dog in our home for about two years... the longest without in our 50 years of marriage. Wife wanted a "lap dog". We have a lot of steps from the backyard up to our deck and back door. When we had our Poms, as they aged it was difficult for them to navigate the steps. So, I wanted a little larger dog. Well... we ended up with a 70 pound "lap dog"!!!!! This Black Lab just wants to cuddle, not realizing how big/heavy/clumsy she is. In retrospect, we probably should have gone with a more mid-sized dog, but Abby has stolen our hearts.
Abby is about 2 years old. So, she still has some "puppy" in her. To adopt a little older dog would probably find a little less energy. However, Abby goes to sleep about 9 p.m. and sleeps all night... good for us seniors. Abby can go almost all day without needing to go outside... good for us seniors. Abby has not chewed, destroyed, scratched, torn up anything.... good for us seniors. Abby was really quick to train to a leash for walks... good for us seniors. Abby likes to play 'tug-of-war".... and can pull my 200 pounds across the room.... questionable for us seniors.
Our son and his family adopted an Irish Terrier about a year ago. Toby is a mid-sized dog and has been a God-send for their family. He is well behaved, cuddles, does tricks, tolerates the grandsons, and has turned our daughter-in-law into a dog lover. We were just visiting them this past couple of days. He lets himself in and out of the back door to go relieve himself. Amazing how he has learned to stand on his hind feet and open/close the door.
Go on the site petfinder.com. Enter your zip code, your choice of pet, age, gender, size, etc. I believe you will be amazed at the rescue opportunities. Most rescue organizations will give all the pertinent info as to house broken, whether should be adopted by a family with other pets, etc. Also, most rescue organizations will have open houses at local pet stores on a regular basis where you can go and observe a number of their adoptable pets. Some have a 30 day "trial" so if there is an issue that makes the pet just unable to adapt to your home, you can choose another.
Sorry for the long post. We have become believers in adoption to give a dog a good home rather than see them put down. At the age that we seniors are, we deserve a good pet that becomes dependent on us and we on them... without having a chance to be party to a family "disorganizational" conflict. Just my 2 cents.........
