Thank you so very much. I have printed your response as it makes so much sense to me and I will use it.
Best regards, Debbie.
Dec 08, 2009 Rating
Getting a New PuppyNEW by: Golden Retriever Magic
Hello Debra, I would recommend that you go ahead and get the new puppy. Please keep in mind all of the points we have already discussed. I think your need for a helping Golden is quite significant (as you mentioned, without the dog you will fall) and that likely supercedes some of the possible negatives of bringing the new puppy home.
If possible it may be nice to have your current Golden meet the new puppy multiple times (at the breeder's) prior to getting the puppy home. Bring home a playtoy that the puppy has used at the breeder's so your Golden can get used to the new puppy's smell even before she comes home.
Also, at home you may wish to use a designated soft toy puppy as a place-holder. By that I mean that you should start treating that toy as if it is the new puppy--give it affection, care and attention--and start taking it everywhere with you. Your current dog will note this with interest and curiosity and may not be as threatened when the real puppy arrives.
These are some things that may mitigate the arrival of the new pup as it relates to your 10-year-old. Also, as you mentioned, the impact on your current Golden may not be all bad--he may in fact take pride in helping the new puppy along.
Remember to shower your Golden with praise even as you are busy training the new puppy. Hope these thoughts help. And please remember that we are not experts or veterinarians--only huge fans of Golden Retrievers. So, please take this advice as it is meant to be . . . an opinion that a caring friend would give. Take care Debra, and good luck.
Dec 08, 2009 Rating
Thank youNEW by: Debra
Thank you for you input. These are exactly my worries. I do need my dog for help because without the dog I fall. Max is 10 now. First the burden on him may become too great, second, although I do not want to think about it, realistically in two years I don't know what shape he'll be in.
My hope is that he and I will train the puppy together so that he will feel connected to the new dog and that he will feel pride in his work.
May I ask that you write me once more. Thanks for reinforcing my thoughts on getting a female because that is what my intuition is telling me. Have you any more advice?
Debbie
Dec 08, 2009 Rating
New PuppyNEW by: Golden Retriever Magic
Hello Debra,
First of all, let me say that I am so happy you have found such a wonderful companion in your current Golden. I can tell that he truly helps you and you two have a lovely bond.
In regard to your question, I think you must keep many things in mind. Firstly, as you have experienced, Goldens are exceptional helper dogs and getting/training a puppy to help you will likely be very beneficial for you. A Golden can be trained to do multiple basic tasks, and that can be very important depending on your level of independence given the diagnosis of MS.
However, it is important to realize that getting a new puppy could have a negative emotional impact on your current Golden. The energy level of a puppy would likely be significantly higher than your current 10 year old.
Also, your Golden is not used to sharing you. He may feel jealous of the new arrival and may even feel aggressive towards the puppy. A lot depends on the nature of your particular Golden. Although many Goldens may feel sad, isolated or jealous vis a vis a new arrival, many may readily accept a new puppy and treat the puppy as a playmate.
It would be useful to consider how much you need the Golden for daily living. In other words, is the MS progressed such that your Golden does many of the necessary basic tasks for you. If that is the case, then (despite the negatives sited above) it may be important for you to get the puppy.
I am happy to see that you are considering a puppy from a breeder you know and trust. That is a great foundation for getting a puppy who has been bred and raised correctly. I think a female would be a better choice as that may lead to less territorial issues.
Good luck with your decision. I hope the points above have been somewhat helpful and at least given you some food for thought.
