[westiemaltese]

Hi, I would like opinions and advice please. I have a chance to get another maltese.This one is a boy and is 18 months old. I would love to have another one as I am mad on these dogs, as well as westies. At the moment I have 2 westies, 3 maltese and my daughter has a bichon. They all get on really well together. The maltese are 2 girls and 1 boy and they are aged 3 months and 5 months. The westies are 5 months and 7 months and the bichon is almost 6 months. They are all organised and get time one on one, lots of love and attention, are all healthy, get taken with us in the car and all get taken for walks. I feel that with this amount of furbabies, 1 more would be welcome and would fit in. He is socialised and gets on well with other dogs and is good with kids and people. As I no longer have bath time,but bath day, things like grooming, walking feeding etc would be no trouble. I am just not sure whether to take him on or not. Would it be fair to the ones I already have, and would it be fair to him. The people are getting rid of him as they have got a new baby and feel they are not being fair to him as he is constantly being told to get down off furniture, and the don't have time for him. I give all my dogs quality time. If he is still available on Thursday then I can go and get him. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[k/c mom]

Since you asked, I have to say that I don't recommend adding him to your family.

Thinking of you....All your babies are young puppies right now but as time goes by you will eventually have five aging dogs (6 including your daughter's), with the myriad health issues that getting older will likely bring. After all, it is the rare dog, I think, that can live 12-14 years totally healthy and vibrant the whole time. For your own benefit, it may not be the best thing to do. Dealing with six 12-year-olds could be a lot different than six puppies.

Thinking of the dog.... From the dog's point of view, I would think it would be extremely stressful on him to come in to a home of six dogs who already have their pack order established, etc.

Could you try to find a good home for him or get him in to rescue? I assume they have rescue groups in New Zealand ?? A rescue group has trained foster families who can give him just what he needs and make sure he gets placed in the "right" home.

I think it is wonderful that you want to help him but I truly think that a home with less dogs would be best for him....and in the long run... best for you! IMHO.

 

[westiemaltese]

Thank you for that, it is so hard to know what to do in situations like this, that is why I asked for opinions.I have thought ahead to the later years and know that just like people there are going to be problems along the way as each dog is an individual with different needs, and they will need care etc along the way. It is hard with no one to discuss these things with, so thanks for you opinion

 

[Sisses Momma]

I have to agree with Kallie and Catchers momma, you really need to think long term. Just one major illness could wipe out the "common man" and to have that many to get into trouble???? I would hate for you to have to decide to put one "down" because you could not afford to care for them. I would also wonder about the quality of attention all were getting. Not that you would not try your heart out, but you must have a life of your own too!! Maltese owners are SO involved with their pups, more so than many skin parents are!! They take tons of time as you well know!! Why don't you become this pups champion and find him a great home!!

 

[nataliecmu]

I agree with K/C, and SMama, it just sounds like you have such a houseful already.... Not saying you couldn't handle it, because it sounds like you can, but the stress for a new puppy coming in, and then the aging of all the dogs... I am leaning towards passing on the pupper!!

 

[westiemaltese]

Thanks everyone, I too am thinking of passing on the pup too. I have already been asking around and feel he would be better off in a place where he is an only 'child'. I think he has been through enough with the new baby taking his place at his original home. I will stick to the furbabies I have got as they are all thriving and doing so well I dont want to upset the apple cart.

 

[pico's parent]

Good decision and I agree with you!