I want another oes! :(
I just notice that this December Garún and Guy are having puppy's  ! (they are now the only OES in iceland) And I can't think about anything else than they'r puppies! Garun and Guy are both wall-eyed. (they are a member here on the forum but have only posted once) So the pups are wall-eyed to! ((I think))  And I LOVE wall-eyed dogs! And they are show dogs and they are just PERFECT ! BUT  ...mom doesn't want another sheepie  ! Everybody that I know that have 2 dogs says it's any difference having 1 or a 2 dogs ! Just more to love!  Mom says that Aska is more than enough ! I know a lot of you have 2 dogs and MORE ! And you just love them 1000%  And it would be so fun having 2 sheepies ! So, when you got your 2nd dog, was it harder ? Please give some advise so I can convince my mom ! Thank you if can ! |
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| I got my first OES when I was 16 and lived with my parents. And they weren't thrilled about it. That made it extremely difficult. Having two OES at that time would have been impossible. We didn't have tons of money so there was no groomer or money to do many of the things I do with my dogs now. Even after I graduated from college and got another OES it wasn't easy because there was even less time due to my job. I'm sure it's difficult for you to see people here with two or more dogs and being successful with it. Most forum members are out of school and have jobs, probably a bit older and not living with parents. It's twice as expensive to feed and provide vet care for two dogs. You have to pay double for boarding or depend on others if you can even bear to leave them alone. Or never go places that don't allow dogs. Most importantly, can you provide two with enough time and attention? Good training and grooming takes a lot of time and effort. Is that really fair to you or the dogs? I'm certainly not against multiple dogs. I have two and generally have one foster but know that's my limit. I'm probably more than twice you age, retired and have time for my dogs and can afford any care they need. It's so easy to give in to the temptation of another puppy because they are so cute. Puppies can be destructive little demons until they get through that stage and having two isn't any easier. I fostered two 10-week olds this spring so I know. So for these reasons I voted that it was very difficult having two. Do a great job with your Aska and then consider another dog when she is a bit older. Ask your breeder for guidance. They may be the best judge. Since you live with your parents, please don't put the added burden on them, especially since your mother is against it. There will be other litters in the future. |
| Yes I have two.. One as pup and one rescue I got the rescue after Beatrice was 2 years old and Rolf(Rescue) was 4. In my case 2 is not any more work than 1 but the expenses go up, food, vet bills.... |
| I just finished 45 minutes of grooming Mady, and she's gorgeous now, and I'm grooming her every day for at least 15 minutes. So I'm thinking a big consideration for having 2+ OES is how you'd like to keep the coat. If you want both of them full-coated, that's a big job! Since Mady is my first dog and first OES, I definitely just want to be focused on her right now and would want a lot more experience before I'd consider a 2nd one. |
| I have two, and its harder. Definitely harder. But would I do it any other way? NEVER. Here's the thing you need to ask yourself. YOU might want another dog, but does Aska? People just assume that pets want pet-friends. Sometimes they like being an "only child". If you get a second dog, especially a second OES, the amount of time you spend on Aska will now be shared between two dogs. Aska may get less attention from you. There are only so many hours in a day. We've talked about getting a third dog, and every time we come to the same decision; Tonks and Luna would not appreciate us spending less time with them to spend some time on a third dog. I know one day there will be a third. We talk about it too often. But the timing isn't right. Tonks and Luna still demand a lot of attention. Grooming takes hours, and so does training. And we can't afford to spend less time with them on either activity. |
| I agree with the considerations already listed; time for each dog, grooming time, food/vet bills, and space. OES are high maintenance breeds if you choose to keep the coat long. Doubly so if it is a puppy coat! I will admit, I was reluctant to deal with another puppy coat so soon. Asterisk is just over 2 and finally has a wonderful, lush, guard hair infested coat. Her coat is so much easier to groom now that she's transitioned. But, I am happy that Levi is apart of our family! Asterisk and Levi play constantly. Wendel is pretty indifferent to the other dogs. He probably would be happy with them or being the only dog, since he's more focused on me than playing. Luckily for my house hold, I don't have any children of my own at this point. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to handle the demands of the dogs. I also encourage you to either wait till Aska is older or if your family agrees, adopt an older dog. I'm grateful for the age differences. This means you won't have two seniors at the same time, which can be very difficult to handle and go through. |
| I have two, and it is more work, but I don't mind it one bit so I didn't vote for it being harder. There are trade offs. My two play with each other a lot, which is great. They get more exercise in the house than one would (and they can do it without me) and keep each other company. There is NOTHING in this world that compares to a pack nap. (For those with only one sheepie, a pack nap is when you are sandwiched between two snuggling sheepies for an afternoon nap on the bed.) My one warning, and it's not like I listened to it, is the following: Two sheepies at the same time is bliss. Two sheepies who are puppies at the same time is extreme bliss. Two sheepies who are close in age in your life, can also be bliss. But...two sheepies in their golden years at the same time is a heart wrenching hell, especially as you approach those difficult decisions about failing health. We had littermates, and the first nine and a half years were amazing, but then they both started having age related issues and our lives were so affected by it. Over the next two and a half years we dealt with some serious issues for both, and lost them within a year and a half of each other. I vowed never again. It was the darkest period, and it was so stressful. And then, when Hudson was about to turn two we adopted Rudy who was somewhere between a year and a year and a half at the time, so the cycle has now started over again. It will be an absolute joy for many years I'm sure, but they'll both enter their senior years around the same time, and then things will be tough. So, if you are thinking about adding another sheepie to your life, I strongly advise you do as I say not as I do. Space them so they are three or better yet four years apart in age. That way you'll be dealing with one senior at a time. Of course, that's just my humble opinion, and it's not like I took my own advice anyway... And, for the record, I'm itching for a THIRD sheepie...little Emerson Newton perhaps... |
Maggie McGee IV wrote: I got my first OES when I was 16 and lived with my parents. And they weren't thrilled about it. That made it extremely difficult. Having two OES at that time would have been impossible. We didn't have tons of money so there was no groomer or money to do many of the things I do with my dogs now. Even after I graduated from college and got another OES it wasn't easy because there was even less time due to my job. I'm sure it's difficult for you to see people here with two or more dogs and being successful with it. Most forum members are out of school and have jobs, probably a bit older and not living with parents. It's twice as expensive to feed and provide vet care for two dogs. You have to pay double for boarding or depend on others if you can even bear to leave them alone. Or never go places that don't allow dogs. Most importantly, can you provide two with enough time and attention? Good training and grooming takes a lot of time and effort. Is that really fair to you or the dogs? I'm certainly not against multiple dogs. I have two and generally have one foster but know that's my limit. I'm probably more than twice you age, retired and have time for my dogs and can afford any care they need. It's so easy to give in to the temptation of another puppy because they are so cute. Puppies can be destructive little demons until they get through that stage and having two isn't any easier. I fostered two 10-week olds this spring so I know. So for these reasons I voted that it was very difficult having two. Do a great job with your Aska and then consider another dog when she is a bit older. Ask your breeder for guidance. They may be the best judge. Since you live with your parents, please don't put the added burden on them, especially since your mother is against it. There will be other litters in the future. You're right  But mom LOVES Aska ! And she doesn't work so she's just home with Aska. But she's going to start in school to learn to photograph And then Aska is alone home for about 8 hours So it would be great for her. And she love's other dogs and I think she would love to have a new sis or bro ! And mom is not thinking about the money. We can afford more dogs! That's not it . And the space is more then enough for a 2nd dog . So we have : Enough space Enough time The breeder is good! Deffenatly enough love Enough everything! Maggie McGee IV wrote: Ask your breeder for guidance My breeder is a BAD breeder She doesn't want to talk to the owners of her pups ! I have often tried to call her and e-mail her and more. She just doesn't wan't to answer. And mom said that she would allow me to see the puppies. I think that when she sees them, she'll just fall in love And my sister is 20 and she want's another one. It's hard to have such a big hobby that not all of the family mebers have Thank you for the advises ! Baba wrote: I just finished 45 minutes of grooming Mady, and she's gorgeous now, and I'm grooming her every day for at least 15 minutes. So I'm thinking a big consideration for having 2+ OES is how you'd like to keep the coat. If you want both of them full-coated, that's a big job! Since Mady is my first dog and first OES, I definitely just want to be focused on her right now and would want a lot more experience before I'd consider a 2nd one. That's what I LOVE ! I LOVE Groomming ! And I would show the other pup but have Aska just shaved or just short coated. Good luck with your baby. and thanks for the advice ! Darth Snuggle wrote: I have two, and its harder. Definitely harder. But would I do it any other way? NEVER. exacly ! I think that is is a bit harder but just fun ! Thanks And thanks Capt. Obvious Danger and Darth Snuggle What are your names ? Sorry, I'm new |
| You also should think about the future. What will happen if you finish high school and decide to move away for college or university? Who would take care of two dogs? I really understand your desire to get a second. David and I talk about it nearly every day. But now we know that Mady's half brother will be coming to Ottawa in a few months, so we might be able to get our puppy fix that way! |
Mady wrote: You also should think about the future. What will happen if you finish high school and decide to move away for college or university? Who would take care of two dogs? I really understand your desire to get a second. David and I talk about it nearly every day. But now we know that Mady's half brother will be coming to Ottawa in a few months, so we might be able to get our puppy fix that way! you're right about the collage. But my mom is going to be alone then with dog(s) So they're going to keepher company ! |
| If your mom wanted two dogs, that would be great. But I don't think this is something you should try and convince her to do. It is more work, more money, more time, and more complicated. One dog can easily fit into someone's life. Two dogs and you are fitting your life around them. For some people, this is great. But it is definitely not for everyone. I encourage you to trust her to know what's right for her and just look forward to the day when you have your own household. I waited until my 30s before I was able to swing it. |
OldieAska wrote: And mom said that she would allow me to see the puppies. Then its a very good possibility you'll get your second dog. Very few of us can manage to "window shop" for puppies and not actually get one. Thats how we got TWO; and my boyfriend at the time was very against getting a dog at all! At the end of that first visit, somehow he was holding two puppies. But be careful and think out your decision. It will mean big changes in everyone's lives, at least for a little while. |
| Currently, I have 3 OES and no other pets. We started with one and as he entered his middle years, we thought adding a second OES would be a big benefit to Merlin. I am not sure Merlin felt that it was a particular benefit to him, at least not in the beginning. But I do know that having Merlin was a definite benefit to Archie, who adored him. Merlin was obviously fond of Archie and I know they kept each other company, but Merlin certainly felt entitled to the lions share of attention. We still had kids at home during this time. We lost Merlin after a difficult year, just after the new year in 2006. It had been a very hard year for all of us for many different reasons but mostly, my parents both passed away in the summer of 2005 and Merlin's health declined tremendously at the same time. Puppies seemed both like a wonderful dream and something impossible to ever have again, but the spring after Merlin died, we began to talk about it more and more. For Archie's sake, we said. Kids were off in college and Archie would be home more during the day as my job had long and inflexible hours. Hubby's job is more flexible, but still: Archie had never really been alone until Merlin left us. We didn't want him to be lonely. I had had the notion that the next time I got a puppy, I should do two so that's what we did: Sherman and Sophie came into our family. It has been LOT of work, much of it because I am not home nearly as much as I would like so puppy training fell to hubby. The first few months were rough. The next few, less so. After a year, it was pretty good and is easier every day. I adore all 3 dogs but I would not do 3 dogs again unless my life were a lot different (i.e. i was working at most half time). My husband is wonderful with walking the dogs and making sure they get to the vet. One of our sons lives very nearby and still comes by almost every day to walk the dogs at least once. Keeping up on grooming is very hard and that chore falls entirely on me and always has. Now, in my fantasy life, we live on a nice hobby farm and raise and foster OES, along with a few chickens and perhaps a couple of small goats or sheep. None of this will really happen, but it would be very nice if it did. But my current resolution: no new dogs until I work half time or less. |
| Re-reading the posts in the thread, and your responses Marín, I would actually recommend just keeping the one, Aska for now. Mady is our first sheepdog, and I am 37 years old. Aska is your first and you are still very young, so you have a whole lifetime ahead of you! I would at least spend several years learning and making sure you know aska and OES 100%. You can be an OES expert before you're 18! You have your whole life ahead of you and can and hopefully will have many sheepdogs! |
| Remember the more dogs you have, the more food costs, the more for vaccinations, medicine.......especially when they get older. You'd gag at how much I spend per month in meds for the 4 older dogs.....none is less than 8 years old. Unless you are paying for the food, vet bills, house cleaning, grooming and inconvenience, etc you don't have the final vote. When you are on your own, you can have as many as you can properly care for. |
SheepieBoss wrote: Remember the more dogs you have, the more food costs, the more for vaccinations, medicine.......especially when they get older. You'd gag at how much I spend per month in meds for the 4 older dogs.....none is less than 8 years old. Unless you are paying for the food, vet bills, house cleaning, grooming and inconvenience, etc you don't have the final vote. When you are on your own, you can have as many as you can properly care for. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What she said!!! |
Simon's Mom wrote: SheepieBoss wrote: Remember the more dogs you have, the more food costs, the more for vaccinations, medicine.......especially when they get older. You'd gag at how much I spend per month in meds for the 4 older dogs.....none is less than 8 years old. Unless you are paying for the food, vet bills, house cleaning, grooming and inconvenience, etc you don't have the final vote. When you are on your own, you can have as many as you can properly care for. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ What she said!!! You're right Maybe I should wait.... And just have my Aska for now. You all helped me to understand this. So I think for now, I'll just love my Aska !!   (unless mom changes her mind and is ready for another one ) Baba wrote: Re-reading the posts in the thread, and your responses Marín, I would actually recommend just keeping the one, Aska for now. Mady is our first sheepdog, and I am 37 years old. Aska is your first and you are still very young, so you have a whole lifetime ahead of you! I would at least spend several years learning and making sure you know aska and OES 100%. You can be an OES expert before you're 18! You have your whole life ahead of you and can and hopefully will have many sheepdogs! You're right And I know it will be hard for me to leave her when I go to High School, and even harder if there's 2 to say good bye to. And I'm going to be a Animal Doctor That means that for 7 years I'll be learning ! I didn't think about the future So, for now it's just me and Aska Thank you for the help everyone ! |
| You are a very smart girl and will go far in life! Not only did you take the time to ask others for advice, you read the advice, thought about it, and made a very mature decision. Your mother must be very proud to be raising such a wonderful young lady!! And you get to raise Aska to be a furry wonderful young lady. |
i am a bit suprised to see the votes 2 are a bit harder.. for me it is easier.. when i lost my 3 others it was just duffy and i and i felt like i had to keep him company be his everything.. when getting dreamer it all changed they even let me take a shower lol.. seriously i agree with all the comments .. some dogs do not want another one to come in and share i had this with daytona and my rescue derby.. funny i had a my first oes at 15 and for 25 yrs only had one at a time,, now i would take 20 if i could afford it  |
| There can of course be times when it's difficult but most often it's pretty darn good. I still say this despite having 3 that came down with Salmonella last month.  We also carry some form of insurance on all of them. |
Mady wrote: You are a very smart girl and will go far in life! Not only did you take the time to ask others for advice, you read the advice, thought about it, and made a very mature decision. Your mother must be very proud to be raising such a wonderful young lady!! And you get to raise Aska to be a furry wonderful young lady. Thank you for your kind words Kim You are very kind |
| Hi Marin, it seems you've thought through your decision but I'd also add that you can never tell what your dog will think of a new house mate. My dalmo LOVED playing with other dogs at the park and was so friendly that I was sure he'd love another dog to keep him company while I was at work. WRONG!!! He liked to visit with other dogs but he hated having Tiggy live with us. At first he was very jealous and very grumpy. It took lots of work before he would be friendly with Tiggy and even now he still likes my siamese cat more than Tiggy. Tiggy barks at him and jumps on him and makes him wrestle when he cant be bothered. |
Mim wrote: Hi Marin, it seems you've thought through your decision but I'd also add that you can never tell what your dog will think of a new house mate. My dalmo LOVED playing with other dogs at the park and was so friendly that I was sure he'd love another dog to keep him company while I was at work. WRONG!!! He liked to visit with other dogs but he hated having Tiggy live with us. At first he was very jealous and very grumpy. It took lots of work before he would be friendly with Tiggy and even now he still likes my siamese cat more than Tiggy. Tiggy barks at him and jumps on him and makes him wrestle when he cant be bothered.   HOW WIERD ! |
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