-
Looking at getting a doggie :)
My wife has been wanting a doggie for ages. We've had our Pixie Bob cat for 10 years. He's always been a social cat and a pretty chill dude but he's the been an 'only child' so to speak and definitely the king of the house. I've been reading about this scenario and the consensus seems to be to find an older dog that's just as chill and is familiar with cats.
So... we've been in contact with a few shelters, have applications in and are cleared to adopt. One of them contacted us with a dog they think would suit the bill. He's a senior, 11 year old terrier named Diesel. Cute little guy and only 14 pounds (Socrates is bigger than that at 17+ pounds). Turns out the owners had a baby and the dog was very jealous so they gave him up. He's fully trained, housebroken etc. and in excellent health. He's at a veterinary clinic about an hour from us and they said he's been pretty chill with the resident cats so that's a plus. We're just waiting to hear back to set up a time to meet him.
We think it would be awesome if things work out as both the doggie and our cat are seniors and would have a quiet loving home to spend the remainder of their lives which realistically is around 5-7 years. The key is going to be how Socrates reacts. It would be good for all involved and help get me off my rear to take him for walks and play etc. Keeping our fingers crossed.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Retired greyhounds make great pets, just make sure they no longer have their prey drive. Most don’t.
Edit: Sorry, read that wrong. I see terrier now!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Yay for new fur-family members!! I hope it all works out for you. You’ll have to share pictures once he comes home!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Will do if we get him. He's going into foster this week and we'll be meeting him Feb. 13th and we're the first to meet him. Yeah, he's a terrier, Rat Terrier I believe. We wanted something small as our place isn't that big he should suit the bill. We'll see.....
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
I have two rescues and one that we bought from a breeder. Honestly my two rescues are better behaved than the one with “stellar” bloodlines lol. I love them all, but my rescues have a special place in my heart for sure.
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
I've always had rescue dogs. I figure that they and I have a lot in common when it comes to emotional damage. I think it's a case that we 'rescue' each other..
I do hope we will get pics Fishmanpa?
My dream is to have one of those daft old wolfhounds but our house isn't very big and these things are bloody massive! :ohmy:
Maybe if I win the lottery? :yesyes:
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
glassgirlw
I have two rescues and one that we bought from a breeder. Honestly my two rescues are better behaved than the one with “stellar” bloodlines lol. I love them all, but my rescues have a special place in my heart for sure.
Many of my friends have dogs, and I've noticed the same thing. The mixed breeds and mutts are a lot more stable! The pure breeds were bought for their behavioral breed characteristics, but they seem the most neurotic to me! LOL
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
NoraB
I've always had rescue dogs. I figure that they and I have a lot in common when it comes to emotional damage. I think it's a case that we 'rescue' each other..
I do hope we will get pics Fishmanpa?
My dream is to have one of those daft old wolfhounds but our house isn't very big and these things are bloody massive! :ohmy:
Maybe if I win the lottery? :yesyes:
OMG, someone in Michigan last night won the lottery here with a payout of some $700 million!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AntsyVee
OMG, someone in Michigan last night won the lottery here with a payout of some $700 million!
Jammy sods.
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
I think it's a wonderful idea FMP.
Two things to remember...
The dog you are meant to have will choose you.
And time to adjust to the new household and pixie bobcat, especially the bobcat.
Let us know how you get on. :yesyes:
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AntsyVee
Many of my friends have dogs, and I've noticed the same thing. The mixed breeds and mutts are a lot more stable! The pure breeds were bought for their behavioral breed characteristics, but they seem the most neurotic to me! LOL
Definitely agree with this Vee. Lexie our black lab is a rescue dog but I'm sure she's got something else in her other than lab. Not wanting to tempt fate but she's never ill, can eat basically anything and has a lovely nature. OK she has some psychological damage from whatever was done to her, she's terrified of fireworks and football on TV sends her hiding upstairs. But she remains a gentle dog.
Good luck FMP, he sounds a lovely little chap and yes photos if you do get him. :)
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
We were scheduled to meet the doggie today but sadly and much to my wife's extreme disappointment, a winter storm hit the area, the roads are very icy and a mess and it's much too unsafe to drive the 65 miles to meet him :(
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Definitely go for it with a dog , we had an older cat when we got our first pup a Staffordshire bull terrier , the cat taught the dog to go through the cat flap for his business until he got too big to fit , then he’d rattle the flap if he needed to go out , the heartbreak at the end is well worth it for the loyalty and unconditional love they give you .
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Very exciting news. Rescue dogs are the very best. I hope little Diesel gets to come and live with you and that, maybe, you can post some pictures?xxx
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jojo2316
Very exciting news. Rescue dogs are the very best. I hope little Diesel gets to come and live with you and that, maybe, you can post some pictures?xxx
As I posted... we were supposed to meet him today at noon. Then they delayed it three hours due to a winter storm and by the time we were supposed to leave, the weather was just too dangerous to drive in :( So... we're back to looking and put in a few more applications. We'll see. My wife really wants to do this NOW but I'm fine with waiting until the right one comes along.
We're looking for a small dog, preferably older or a senior that's chill and good with cats as the main thing is that our boy get along with him/her. We won't know until we try but he's pretty chill and social so we'll see.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Aw that stinks!!! I know the disappointment of getting hopes up for a meet and greet and having it fall through for whatever reason. Maybe it means you’re meant to find one closer to home that will be a better fit with your current pets. Still disappointing though!! Looking forward to good news hopefully very soon!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Fishmanpa
As I posted... we were supposed to meet him today at noon. Then they delayed it three hours due to a winter storm and by the time we were supposed to leave, the weather was just too dangerous to drive in :( So... we're back to looking and put in a few more applications. We'll see. My wife really wants to do this NOW but I'm fine with waiting until the right one comes along.
We're looking for a small dog, preferably older or a senior that's chill and good with cats as the main thing is that our boy get along with him/her. We won't know until we try but he's pretty chill and social so we'll see.
Positive thoughts
Oh no! Did you only have one chance to visit Diesel? Can’t you go when the storm has passed? X
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jojo2316
Oh no! Did you only have one chance to visit Diesel? Can’t you go when the storm has passed? X
Actually, they called last night after we went to bed and left a message. They stayed overnight due to the weather and we can get to meet him today! So.... I'm going to call her in a bit and we'll take a ride up (about an hour or so) and we'll see. We're bringing a blanket that Socrates sleeps on to see his reaction. I'm in the mindset that animals choose us as much as we choose them so we'll see how he is. We gad gone to meet another dog a month ago and he was a total basket case so you never know but from what the adoption place said and the woman fostering him, he's supposedly pretty sweet.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Oh yay!! Good news after all!! I hope it works out today!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
We'll see... I have to call her. Right now, it's still very icy out and they extended the Winter Weather advisory so.... :unsure:
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
So..... The roads weren't that bad and WE GOT HIM! :) He's a cute little thing. Smaller than our cat. You can definitely see the Terrier and Chihuahua in him. He's very sweet and friendly. In fact, he asked me to pick him up and I carried him around the Petco when we were buying food and such. We brought a blanket our cat lays on and he sniffed it and rolled around marking it with his scent. That's a good sign as he wasn't put off. We have him in the spare room for now, doors closed. They'll be able to smell each other through the door. We'll keep them separated for a couple days and then introduce them through the child gate on the door. Keeping our fingers crossed as that's the deal breaker if they can't get along. I'll post some pics once things settle down.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
How lovely Fishmanpa. Very exciting for you to have a bundle of fun and new member of the family!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Ooooooooohhhh. This is the best valentines news! I hope he settles and that he and your little cat can reach an understanding. Can’t wait to see pics!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jojo2316
little cat
Socrates is a big boy. A solid 17 pounds! Diesel is maybe 12-14 pounds and visibly smaller. The rescue told me that Diesel likes to be the boss but I can tell you right now that I'm the alpha, followed by Socrates ~lol~ If push comes to shove, Socrates won't take no guff nor will I :winks:
Socrates is not happy at the moment. He's been outside the bedroom door meowing. He smelled me and was put off a bit but he just came downstairs to get pets and butt pats and is cuddled up with me so....
I'll tell you though... Diesel really is a sweet little guy. When we got home, my wife took him for a walk and he did his business and I brought everything in. I went up to see him a few minutes ago and he was so affectionate! His breath is rotten though! ~lol~ Like fish... and man... his farts rival mine! :roflmao:
Positive thoughts
-
2 Attachment(s)
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Here you go... Diesel...
Attachment 5299
Attachment 5300
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
What a sweetie. He looks totally at home already. Yeah dogs can be stinky things and there will probably be moments over the coming weeks when you wonder why you did it..... but I’ve always had dogs AND cats and wouldn’t be without either :-)
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Diesel looks like he’s making himself right at home!!! Congratulations on your new family member!!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
He's gorgeous FMP :yesyes:
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Awww, good to hear, FMP! He looks like he's part Jack Russel terrier.
Where are the pics of Socrates?
-
3 Attachment(s)
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AntsyVee
Where are the pics of Socrates?
The boy....
Attachment 5303
So... day three with Diesel. We've done visual introductions and while Socrates was curious and chilled, Diesel was definitely more on alert. We been doing visual introductions (through the child gate) and tonight we added giving them both treats to make it a positive experience. Definitely better. AND... using treats, we were able to get Diesel to 'sit' on command! He's definitely treat motivated :) We'll take our time and slowly get Diesel acclimated and hopefully in the next few weeks we'll see what happens.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
LOL Socrates does not look happy that you were taking his picture!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
So day 4... we've been allowing Diesel and Socrates to see each other through the gate for short periods of time. We're giving them both treats to try to make it a positive thing. Socrates is actually curious and has attempted to get close but Diesel is acting aggressive. I also found out Diesel does not like to be told "NO!". I had to tell him no last night, pointed my finger and sternly told him "NO!" and to go lay down and he snarled and went to nip at me :lac: The rescue told us that he basically ran the previous owner's house so this will definitely be different as my wife and I are the alpha's followed by Socrates. He starts obedience training next week so I hope he will learn to get along and listen to commands. The bottom line is that he has no choice. We'll work hard with him but getting along with Socrates is a must.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Diesel is so sweet! And Socrates is a lovely giant ball of fluff.
How old is Diesel? I’m interested in how you are going to establish your dominance, I hope he learns fairly quickly so that you can all be happy together.
I have lived with 4 rescue dogs growing up, but due to my allergies I don’t own my own. I do miss having a pet though. Our tropical fish just aren’t very snuggly!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Scass
How old is Diesel? I’m interested in how you are going to establish your dominance
Diesel is 10 (as is Socrates). We're signed up for obedience classes and start next weekend. I hope it's a learning experience for all of us. He really is a sweet dog but he definitely has Chihuahua personality in him.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Sounds like poor Diesel is going to have to learn all about being bottom of the heap after a lifetime of being top dog!
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Well.... Sadly, I have to report that things are not going to work out. We've been following the recommendations for introducing a dog to a cat. The first two days were no visuals, just smelling under the door and having blankets with each others scent. We started short visual intros last Tuesday and while Socrates was curious and chill, Diesel was too attentive and borderline aggressive.
This morning we were doing a short visual (supervised of course). Pretty much the same. Socrates wanted to come up to the gate but Diesel was having none of it and yipped at him. Socrates backed off and went toward our bedroom. At that moment Diesel literally exploded against the gate knocking it down and chasing after Socrates. I was able to grab him in our bedroom and he was very aggressive trying to bite me. Socrates was freaked out as you might expect and spent the next two hours hiding under our bed. I tried to console him but he hissed and retreated further. He finally came out a little while ago but it's obvious he's a bit traumatized. Nope.... it's not going to work. Diesel needs a home without a cat!
We called the rescue and will be returning him within the next two weeks. In the mean time, we have to keep him isolated in the 2nd bedroom. It's a shame as otherwise, he's really a sweet doggie :(
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
I'm sorry to hear this, FMP. For some older pets, it's really hard for them to adapt to having new species or even any new animal in the house. You might want to ask the rescue if any of the dogs available used to live with cats. Otherwise, consider getting a puppy. Puppies are more work, but Socrates can help raise the puppy to his satisfaction.
I used to foster cats, but I can't anymore because the last cat I adopted is too territorial (even though he's neutered). He wants to fight any new cats that come into "his" house, even if they are injured or are babies.
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AntsyVee
I'm sorry to hear this, FMP. For some older pets, it's really hard for them to adapt to having new species or even any new animal in the house. You might want to ask the rescue if any of the dogs available used to live with cats. Otherwise, consider getting a puppy. Puppies are more work, but Socrates can help raise the puppy to his satisfaction.
I used to foster cats, but I can't anymore because the last cat I adopted is too territorial (even though he's neutered). He wants to fight any new cats that come into "his" house, even if they are injured or are babies.
The rescue knew we had a cat and we were looking for cat friendly. They told us he was Ok with cats and ignored the kittens they had in foster at their home. We experienced the complete opposite. It happened so darn fast too! It was like BAM and he was off after Socrates. But like I said, other than that, he really is a sweet little doggie. It's just not going to work.
Positive thoughts
-
Re: Looking at getting a doggie :)
Yeah, unfortunately most animals ignore kittens because they're just too young to trigger. It's never a full indicator of whether an animal is going to do well with cats. Kitten have not developed the body language and territorial instincts of full-grown cats.