Re: replacing my jrt's buddy dying of cancer

In Reply to: replacing my jrt's buddy dying of cancer
Category:   Behavior Problems
Posted by:  cranston
Posted on:  May 30, 2002 at 15:05:30

: 8yo w/shep dying of cancer. 6yo f/jrt has been with the shep all it's life. They get along ok but jrt runs things. Both are very socialized w/other dogs. Years at dog parks. Getting another dog a good idea?

Response:

Hi Cranston,

Sorry to hear about your pal's illness. Getting another dog may be a good thing but I would certainly wait until the shepherd passes on.

To bring another dog into the house now would not be fair to the shepherd. Seeing that dog's don't think like we humans do, many dogs sense illness and vunerability in an old or even ill/injured dog and may seize the opportunity to make a play for higher status in the pack hierarchy at the expense of the ill/old dog. It is not all that uncommon for other dogs in the household to gang up on the dog with the health problems. As mortifying as that sounds it's perfectly natural in the dog world.

Wait. Then give some time to the situation and see how your JRT reacts. She may respond in way that getting another dog is the right thing to do, or she may find out she enjoys being an only dog with her being the center of attention. The only way to find this out is to hold off a bit after your shepherd passes on.

Your JRT will let you know what the right decision is.