Too many dogs?

[Aroura]

I always had this image in my head about more than a certain number of dogs being "too much", pretty much reguardless of circumstances I always thought that more than three or four tops was too many. I probably got this image from my friend who's mum, in all the best intentions, kept any stray she found yet couldn't afford to desex them. They had about twenty cats, 4 dogs, a constant supply of kittens plus horses, chooks ducks, a bird, you name it. Of course on their budget with so many animals many of them were sickly.
We've got 4 dogs now, a Kelpie/Pig dog cross, a poodle/chihuahua cross, a Boxer and a Labradore cross, all ranging from 5 months to 5 years. I've always thought that many dogs would be too many, but each dog is loved to death, they all do training and/or agility and they all have a "nothing but the best" diet. Two of them are mine, the other two are my dads and my sisters.
Now, I really want to get a Papillon. I want to wait until Claire takes Puddles, but at the moment Claire is living somewhere that she can't keep her dog, so Puddles is with us. But if I find a Papillon that needs a home through a rescue service now, I'll want to snatch it up but am wondering, do we have too many dogs?
Any oppinions will be appreciated, I know the decision is really up to me, but I could really do with some other oppinions...

[Aonir]

I really like the number 3 of any animal. 3 to me is perfect. However, I grew up with 4 dogs, 4 cats, 2 birds, 2 iguanas, and 1 rabbit. I kept bringing in kittens (evil me,) but most were given up because they were 'to much'. Even though they were outside cats!
I think that before you adopt another animal, you should consider

1. Cost (food, vet bills, etc)
2. Family (will your family love to have another pet? and have time for it?)
3. Space (all dogs need a lot of space, a lot of dogs isnt ideal for a trailer/apartment)
4. Other Animals (Will they like a new playmate??)

Hope that helps. Anyone add anything I forgot!

[Horsefeathers!]

Oh, let me, please! :lol:

We have eight dogs currently residing in our home and are considering one more (Standard Poodle) and have had as many as ten at one time when fostering. I have caught some grief from some of the diehard Dudley Doorights who believe, without knowing anything about how our household is run, we simply cannot care for the needs of so many critters. It is irresponsible, they declare, and you can not possibly be "in tune" with each individual animal.

I say pppppffffffffttttttt to them. I believe things should be considered on an individual basis. There are not many willing to care for so many animals, but I wish those folks wouldn't think it can't be done simply because they can't or won't do it. I believe people should only take on what they can handle, take on as much as they are willing to handle and the rest be danged. There is only my hubby and me in our home and we are both dedicated to the care of these animals. We are very "in tune" with each individual critter. All are spayed, neutered, fed a healthy diet, medical needs met as necessary. Last year, there was a major hip surgery on one dog, abdominal surgery on another, two cats with urinary tract problems, our fiasco with the little old dilapidated Yorkie who became really ill and finally died, all the exams and testing for our Pit Bull to be sure she wasn't ill when she became so aggressive and consequently the medicine to help keep her settled, and who knows what all else. In between all this, there are various fosters who come and go.

My point is that as long as you're willing and able to see to the longterm care of any potential new critters, go for it. This is certainly not the lifestyle for everyone, but I can't imagine living any other way. Each critter here is an integral part of our household and I love them all dearly. I share my bed, my couch, my heart, my life with them. We are a family. A huge family, but still...

The one thing I urge you to think about is the longterm stuff. I mean, you are in school now, but what about after that? That's the only thing I would worry about with someone so young. Your life is going to probably take on many changes before you are finally settled in. You will need to be sure you are able to care for each of YOUR dogs when you're on your own. I really don't know your circumstance at all, so I'm not knocking anything. Just offering food for thought. One other thought... isn't Tessa (I think it's her? :oops: ) dog aggressive? That will need to be a consideration. I would hate to see a little Pap injured or killed. I know with dog aggression, size doesn't always matter. My Penny will jump ANY other bitch (other than the ours), regardless of size, spayed or not, or anything else. Big dog, little dog, Penny doesn't care. Just keep that in mind if you are dealing with any dog aggression.

Good luck with whatever you decide. For me, the more, the hairier. 8)

[Aroura]

I agree with you 100% Horsefeathers about things being considered on an individual basis. I don't know your exact circumastances, but I do know that you love and provide the best care for each individual pooch in your palace :wink:
I personally beleive I could care for another dog, Papillons are small enough that they are easy to travell with and food bills are small, if I was looking into getting a Neopolitan Mastiff that would be a different matter because I KNOW I wouldn't be able to care for it adequetly, nor would the house have space for it.
I'm at uni and have also put thought into that, which is why I wont be buying one to breed, but in the meantime I think that another small dog wouldn't be any hassle to my future plans. We all make decisions and, like you, I have chosen a life of dogs over a life of wealth and travelling! I already have my two, so moving into a small apartment or travelling are already ruled out anyway.
It is Lily who has the aggression problems, but she is good with little dogs. I'm positive that if I did get a Pap that there would be no fights, as she NEVER gets into fights when I'm not around and when she does I can read her body language now. She has never attacked Puddles and I'm sure she could quite easily get along with another little dog (again, if I was speaking of a Neo that would be a different matter!).
Puddles would actually be my main worry, she hates little dogs! We've never had a little dog here for more than a day or two, but I'm sure if we were to get a little new family member it would be a great play mate for Puddles once she got used to it.
Tessa's fine, as is Donna. Tessa just ignores other dogs, even if they be chewing her ear she just acts like they aren't there. Donna is actually very mature for a puppy and knows very quickly if a dog doesn't want to play with her and just ignores it also. Lily, Donna and Tessa are mostly out door dogs anyway, they have far too much energy to be cooped in the house all day!!! If I got a Pap it would be inside with Puddles.
Aonir, to answer the considerations you posted...

1. Cost (food, vet bills, etc)
Food will be an easy one, they are so small and I've estimated it will cost $5 a fortnight max to feed a widdle Pap :) I've put some thought into vet bills, as especially by getting an older rescue Pap they could add up. I'm good with paying back money, I'm actually pretty good with prioritys and the dogs ALWAYS come first, so if there WAS and emergancy and I didn't have enough money stored away my parents could lend it to me. Though it has been shown that by feeding a BARF diet vet bills are reduced by as much as 80%! (Though Horsefeathers may disagree with me here... :wink: - each to their own :) )

2. Family (will your family love to have another pet? and have time for it?)
Well I know I'll have time for it! I basically live with just dad, my brother lives here but doesn't associate with the dogs much, but he does love them. For anyone who remembers my problems with Willem and Lily, don't worry, they have stopped, she gets nothing but cuddles from him now :) I havn't yet sat down and had a good chat to dad about the matter, I've talked about it alot and he hasn't said anything negative on the topic, he has actually fallen in love with this little one at dog training, thinks it is the sweetest thing ever, but of course if I were to find one I would talk it over with him seriously first.

3. Space (all dogs need a lot of space, a lot of dogs isnt ideal for a trailer/apartment)
Well we have a 4 bedroom house and a large back yard if that answers the question. The big dogs run around outside all day while any little dogs (visitors or pets) sleep inside on the lounge most of the day and get their sunshine outside for a few hours, plus a 4km daily walk off lead through the paddocks nearby.

4. Other Animals (Will they like a new playmate??)
Hmm, like I said, its up to Puddles. The big dogs wont really be an issue, but Puddles thinks she is Queen. I think she could learn to love a new play mate though, as long as they met on nuteral grounds. She does get rather playful at times :wink:

[Aonir]

Sounds good enough to me! Here's a little advice about Puddles - let her help you pick the new dog! Bring her with you and see if she likes any of them from the selections. I suggest going to a Pap rescue that will widen your choice. Or if you want a puppy, go to multiple breeders.

[Aroura]

Take Puddles with us, I like that idea :lol: :D
I don't think there is a Pap rescue in Aus, they are so rare here, I have only ever seen two in real life and despite searching the net I could only come up with about 6 breeders in the whole of Australia!
If I do happen to find a rescue Pap though I think I would have to travell to get it. I have emailed a breeder in Melbourne asking if she knows of Papillon rescues, if not she might be able to help me find a Pap in need of a home, maybe if one of her Paps was returned or she knows of some one who can't keep theirs any more. If she can't help I'll email a few more breeders and shelters. LOL, I don't even know if I'll get one yet!!! I guess for now I just want to check out my options, after all, a dog is for life and its not something you go rushing in to :wink:

[Aroura]

Well kinda good news on the dad front, still havn't sat down with him to have a serious chat but I think he likes the idea of a Pap in the house :angel:
I keep down loading all these pics and setting them as desk top backgrounds so he has to look at cute little puppies all day, well he's even getting into it and changing the puppies around, putting up the ones he likes the most! :lol:
Last night he was even suggesting names, and he asked Puddles "do you want a friend?", and I know, when he starts asking the animals how they feel on a matter it means "ok, but it wasn't my idea!!!" :lol: That way he can't get in trouble by mum for being weak, because he can blame the dog!!! :lol:
If it wasn't for that little puppy at training I don't think he'd be so easilly swayed, he thinks its just the cutest thing with the biggest personality!!! And because they are so small is another bonus, they eat less, poop less and take up less space!!! I once had a "handbag dog" which I took every where, just carried it under my arm. It was so cute, but it was some body elses dog and I just kept it until we found her owner :(
I'm so excited at even the idea of getting a Pap, but they are so hard to get your hands on! Even to buy a puppy from a breeder, to find a pet quality pup is near on impossible, I think most Pap breeders have very high standards which is good, but makes finding a rescue hard :-?

[shaye]

this very question!
I too am seriously thinking about adopting another dog into my already 4 dog household!!
I must be certifiably insane, right??
I keep going back and forth about whether or not bringing another dog here is ridiculous or normal :D

I currently am furmom to 4 dogs, all mutts, all rescued.
They range in age from 8 years to 18 months.
A woman I have become friends with from a rescue notified me about a b/t coonhound they had adopted out who ended up coming back into their foster program because "he wouldn't stop jumping on the kids" :x
This pup is 7 months old and had lived his life tied to a chain outside. No wonder the poor thing has no manners!!!!!!
Anywhoooooo, I have an opportunity to adopt him. He is mine if I want him. He is sweet and gentle and submissive to other dogs. He is a bit needy due to lack of attention in his first home (easily solved)
I'm a stay at home mom. I also have 2 boys (10 and 11). 3 if you count hubby!! I live in a large 4 bedroom home with 1/2 acre fenced in backyard. I have the time, the luxury of having the financial means, the space and room in my heart for another critter.
So why can't I make up my mind??
Because people already think I'm the crazy dog lady. No one but a few people (these include my boys and my husband) understand my love of dogs.
If I have the time, money and room, why not??? Why can't I give a needy animal a home? Like someone said previously "The more the merrier"
I just can't seem to make up my mind about this guy.

*sigh*

Just wanted you to know that you are not alone in wanting another animal!

BTW, nice to meet all of you :P

[abker17]

Welcome Shaye! :D Please come to the Introduction forum and intoduce yourself, if u haven't already. As for u're indecision on adding another to your gang, if u've got the money, space, time, and commitment, I say go for it! Who cares what other people think? U rescued 4 dogs, hopefully soon to be 5, now that's something u deserve bragging rights on! U're saving a life, I mean how many of those friends that think your crazy have RESCUED 5 dogs?!?!?

And Aroura, u go for it girl!!!!! Goodluck to u on your search!!!! :D :D :D And remeber to update us often!! :D :D :D

[abker17]

BTW, just out of curiousity, what ear type are u looking for in a Pap? The butterfly ears or the phalene(sp?) Phalene ears are very rare, but just as cute! :D

[Horsefeathers!]

shaye napisał(a):

So why can't I make up my mind??
Because people already think I'm the crazy dog lady.

Pshaw! After about the fifth or sixth one, they get over it. My neighbors all roll their eyes in disgust when they see eight sets of paws heading up the steps and into my house. No, I'd much rather be keeping company with the drunks and crackheads I see in and out of THEIR houses. *snicker* :evilbat:

Welcome! :)

[courtnek]

The proper scenario for animal ownership is the abilty to CARE for the animals. If you can afford to feed, spay, neuter, and pay medical bills for them, then the number doesnt matter. Onlythe CARE matters....

If you can love them all and give them a good home. ALL OF THEM, then the number doesnt matter. Foster homes often have 8=9 dogs onsite,
but they can afford whatever is needed to be done.

[shaye]

You have NO idea how good your replies make me feel!!
Courtnek, I agree with you 100%. If you cant afford to care for them, then don't have them. Simple as that.
I'm extremely fortunate that we are able to care for 5 dogs or even more if that would ever be the case. :wink:

BTW, I posted pics of my crew in the Introduction forum (sorry about not putting them in the picture forum) along with a pic of the b/t boy...
It's not the greatest pic of him. He's a bit thin and his hair is a bit dull due to cheap food and neglect. Problems easily taken care of.
His picture is at the bottom and his name is Duncan.

[ellieangel]

Shaye if I was you I would you for it !!!!
We struggle financially and live in a small 2 bed terrace with three boys !!
But I wouldn't be without my 2 I love my dogs to pieces !
My 2 don't like to be left alone,they are fine during the day for an hour or 2 while I go shopping etc but if we go out for an evening we have to get a doggy sitter !
People think I'm mad too but to be honest I'm past caring :roll:
To me they are worth it and if I had the money and the space and time I would have a big ole pack 'o hounds too,you go for it girl I would love to be able to do what you are doing :wink:

[Aroura]

Haha, Shaye, I can emphasise with you so much!!! Every one thinks I'm mad!!!! I was talking to my friend at uni today, telling him how I was thinking about getting another dog and he just shook his head and said "Well Jeanne, you havn't got my approval"... I just looked at him and said "I wasn't asking for your approval!!!" :lol:
People think I'm mad "throwing my life away" with the dogs, but how am I throwing it away if they make me so happy??? :wink:
Abker, I'm after a prick eared Pap, the Phalenes are cute but it was those big fluffy ears of the typical Pap that drew me to them in the first place all those years ago :D I'll make sure to keep you updated, of course. Havn't got an email back from the breeder but I got an email from the shelter I emailed saying they were very rare indeed and I'd be lucky to pick one up. So I guess if I do find one its fate isn't it? Huh? :wink:
Horsefeathers, I laughed so hard when you said they get over it after about the 5th or 6th one!!! You're so right about the drunks and crack heads though, most of the people who really think you're crazy for loving so many drugs are those people who spend all their money on useless things like drugs, it makes me mad that they can think we're wasting our money on eternal love when they're quite happy to spend riddiculous amounts on a quick hit that only lasts a few hours :evil:
Courtneck, you are so right. I know people who only have one dog and can't even care for it properly, yet here we are with four, horsefeathers with 8 and K with 5, with every one of our dogs living a life many of these unfortunate single dogs could never even dream of. It really puts things in perspective when you look at it that way, how happy and healthy all of our dogs are compared to so many of those dogs you see in back yards every day, who ever said you can only care for a set number of dogs? It all depends on what the individual is prepared to put out, with me its all or nothing, if I couldn't give my dogs a great life I would simply find some one who could. If I was too lazy to take my dogs on their daily walk, and too poor to feed them anything but the best, or too up tight to let them sleep in front of the warm heater on a cold winters night, then I would find someone who could give them all that, and more.
And Shaye, I'm glad our replys make you feel good!!! Honestly, if you know in your heart you can give this dog the life it deserves, and YOU want to give it that life, then go for it!!! And don't ever let any body elses attitudes get you down :wink:

[courtnek]

If you can love them all and give them a good home. ALL OF THEM, then the number doesnt matter. Foster homes often have 8=9 dogs onsite,
but they can afford whatever is needed to be done

Of course, if you live in a trailer and all the dogs sleep under the porch, Jeff Foxworthy will call you a "redneck".... :lol: :lol:

For those unfamiliar, Jeff Foxworthy does songs and skits on "You might be a redneck IF...."and one of the definitions was people who lived in trailers and had 9 dogs sleeping under the porch. He is hilarious!!

He also does a skit on "here's your sign" - where he hands out stupid signs to people who do/say stupid things.

One of my favorites is this:

Guy in a trailer truck gets the truck stuck under a viaduct because it's taller than the viaduct is. (They are all labelled with the height of the bridge, and can be seen from quite a distance) A cop shows up and says
to the guy - "got stuck did you?" (fairly obvious) and the guy retorts with
"No, I was delivering this-here bridge and ran out of gas...." Here's your sign....

Another one:

and this happened to Foxworthy.....

Guy is poking a coat hanger into the window of his car to to try to force the
lock to open. Foxworthy stops and says "Locked your keys inside?" (again, fairly obvious) and the guy says "No, I just washed my car and wanted to
hang it out to dry...." Here's your sign.

:lol: :lol: :lol: