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Re: 2 1/2 yr old vs puppy

Posted by:  Linda
Posted on:  March 28, 2001 at 19:03:46

In Reply to: 2 1/2 yr old vs puppy
Posted by:  Bev Lochridge
Posted on:  March 28, 2001 at 16:52:20

Question:

: We recently lost the most wonderful female 6 yr old jrt to a coyote attack in our yard. She was protecting her sister a little blind maltese and altho she had the heart of a lion and thought she was the size of one unfortunately for our family she wasn't. We are all grieving for her and the incredible joy she brought us. We got her as a pup when our maltese was 3 years old and quite ill with thrombocytopenia (blood disorder) We believe she saved Muffy's life and enhanced it. She is now 9 years old and is 98% blind. She is sleeping all the time now that Scout is gone. We want to get another jrt and planned on getting a new puppy, but have been given the opportunity to buy a 2 1/2 year old jrt that we met at a breeder's last week. She is a champion, house broken, invisible fence trained, obedience trained and is first of all a dog with tons of personality and love to give. Since Muffy is now an old 9 and not always well, we are wondering if a grown dog would be better as her companion or should we get a new pup? My teenagers want a puppy, but in reality the dog is my companion. Scout and I did everything together and so will this new addition to our family. I am losing sleep over this and need help!! I am worried about how Muffy will react and also want the best for the new dog-(pup or grown). We are getting the yarda fenced, but with a pup I had more time to schedule this event so I am a little worried. We have invisible fence which is great but it did not keep the coyote out. We are planning on a 4' chain link. Any suggestions or advice about the fence? Thanks for your help.

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I hate to hear about your dog, that is so very sad. I am glad that you are getting a new fence, but I don't think the 4' fencing will keep a coyote out either, those are some mean buggers and recently in the county next to mine, a coyote jumped a 4' fence and almost killed a Jack Russell, if they want in, they are going to go over that 4' fence. I have HotWire around the top of mine, and I also have a Remmington 22/250 and am a crack shot. I woudn't hesitate to plug one of those worthless coyotes, if they were harming one of my dogs.

I really wish I could be of more help to you but I really don't think that a puppy would be a good idea at this time, it may be too much for your blind dog to tolerate, I am really not sure how a younger dog would react, that would depend on the dog, but this does sound better than a puppy and who knows it may be just what your little girl needs. I really don't envy you in this situation, but I honestly don't know what to tell you about this. Please let us know what you decide, and how it goes. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regards
Linda