Question:
My wife and I are in our late 70s and currently own our third schnauzer. She is 14 years old and in fair health, suffering from internal tumors and not very active. She is not expected to live much longer. We expect to take in another schnauzer, but are unsure how to go about it. Should we get a puppy as a companion to our dying dog? Will they be compatible? Now that we are getting up in age, we fear we may find it more difficult to train a puppy. What are your thoughts about this?
D. & G.B., Bowie, Md May 17, 2010
Answer:
Your dog is quite old, and a puppy may be more of a pest than a playmate and companion -- as well as a possible source of jealousy. Regardless of the difficulties in training, getting a pup who might outlive you would certainly not be my choice.
I would wait until schnauzer No. 3 passes and then adopt a middle-aged schnauzer in need of a good home. Your local animal shelter or humane society should be able to help you with this, and you may be surprised how many dogs are out there waiting to be adopted because their owners died before them or went into housing where pets are not allowed.
Subscribe