We're getting a new dog ... are am I nuts?

Am I nuts or what?

We lost our old dog this past November. A month later we found out our middle-aged dog has bone cancer. He’s been treated and is doing well, for now, but naturally tires more easily than he did before he got sick.

We weren’t going to get another dog for a long while, both due to the emotional trauma of all the health problems and the vet expenses, but we just found out that the great nephew of my most beloved dog of all (who died back in 1998) is now available. All my dogs have been ex-racing greyhounds that can no longer compete on the racetrack. If homes aren’t found for them, they are killed. And they are lovely, lovely, dogs. So I know if I adopt this dog, not only will I get a terrific dog, but that will be one more dog that goes into a home.

But I can’t stop worrying about everything, mostly about having a younger, more rambunctious dog coming in to the household at a time when the current one is ill. There are all kinds of decisions to make - should we leave them alone loose together, or separate them when we can’t watch them? Enclose more of the yard so the new dog has more space to run, or leave our current fence, which encloses less area and is safer for the older one? I know my current hound will most likely be very happy to have a friend, and will want to play and run around with him, but we have to be very careful to make sure he doesn’t get hurt.

Should we take the new dog in, or wait for another time? Any thoughts?

Roman - I have worked at an animal shelter for several years and come from a long line of vets in my family so I’ll take a shot at your question.

No one should ever feel guilty about bringing a new animal into the house when beloved pet has passed. I’m especially encouraged by the choice of greyhounds. Greyhounds tend to be gentle, submissive and accepting of new dogs. I would watch the two carefully together for a couple weeks, but I wouldn’t worry too much about their interaction together if left alone for brief periods.

I always hear people worry about how a new pet will be accepted by existing animals in the household. Almost never though do I find that the introduction didn’t work itself out in rather short order. Bless you for saving them they are among the best breeds to have as a household pet. Best of luck!

Thanks for the input, riley -

We have been involved with greyhound adoption as volunteers ever since we adopted our first hound in 1993. I’ve never worried much about interactions between existing and new hounds until now. Our current hound seems to think he can do everything he did before he got sick, which has led to some rather hair-raising moments for us! Gotta watch that boy …

And I should add that we are actually the ones who are blessed - greyhounds are wonderful pets!