Multi-Dog Households: Getting Ready for a New Dog

It's been two months since we lost Sumner and we keep asking ourselves, "Is it time for a second dog?" 

My husband Tom said it feels like we're dancing on Sum's grave if I even suggest a potential pup. He's been mourning quietly for his big boxer friend. I would like a second dog in theory, particularly as a buddy for Millie, but I'm nervous about what a new dog will do to our equilibrium. Our home life is easy and predictable, and Millie's behavior at the store during the day, though trying at times, is pretty close to perfect. 

A new dog would certainly make Millie happy. She adores playing with other pups at the store - she's not a loner type of dog (like Sumner was). Millie has adjusted to being our only dog in the past months, but there is one aspect of solo-dogdom that she's hating: being home alone. Before, when I had to run errands, she'd curl up next to Sum in bed and be asleep before my key was out of the lock. Now, she follows me to the door, thinking that perhaps she can come with me. When I arrive home, whether it's 20 minutes or four hours later, she's at the door, frantic and barking. "Where were you?! I'm so happy that you're home, but I'm upset too!" It breaks my heart.

The timing for bringing home a second dog is off for the next few months. There's the colder weather to consider (no fun for potty training), busier days at the store (not enough time to adequately train a shop dog), and the general craziness and travel that the holidays bring. I need to be able to focus all of my attention on our new dog so that he or she can learn to "hang" in our retail environment as politely as Millie does. It's a skill that's equal parts good genes and good socialization, and the thought of finding that magic mix again is keeping me up at night. I'm not ready to risk our predictable little world!

That said, I will admit to sending an e-mail a few hours ago, inquiring about a batch of pups at a local rescue group. 

Just asking, mind you. Nothing serious. 

We came close to bringing home a second dog a few weeks ago--a sweet Brussels Griffon mix. (I created a 9-page tongue-in-cheek Powerpoint presentation for my husband to help sell him on this particular guy.) He got excited about the dog--Walter--but then he was adopted out before Tom even had a chance to meet him. He wasn't our dog, and it wasn't our time. Tom wants our next dog to "fall into our laps" in much the same way Millie did, but I'm not content to leave it to fate. I'm ready, but I'm not ready. Our next dog is out there somewhere.

In the meantime, keep me away from Petfinder.com.