Sheepie #2??
We've been thinking of adopting another sheepdog...any advice for or against?? We've had Gracie for 7 mths now and can't imagine life w/o her! She's great at home by herself, but we feel like she needs a buddy. She gets along well with other dogs so I know we don't have to worry about that. I know we can handle it financially, we just don't want to adopt another one w/o some input form other owners ~ Any advice would be greatly appreciated 
Brent, Cindy, & Gracie |
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| Adopting another Sheepie definitely needs some consideration. I've had two before and they gave me a headache or the first 3 mths. After the "storm's" over, they'll make you love them like no other and they'll grow up really bonded to each other!
If you know you can handle the maintenance part as well, then I say: GO OR IT!
Cheers!  |
| Brent, Cindy, & Gracie,
Hi folks. Right now I have two sheepies and I've had two concurrently in the past. Brie is a rescued deaf female sheepie who came to live with us this year. She is 3 and Colby (rescued 5 years ago) is 7. I think it may be easier adding a sheepie to the family when they are younger -- it's a little more difficult if one of the sheepies has been an "only dog" for several years. Don't be alarmed if Gracie isn't thrilled with the idea of sharing her humans -- usually the dogs work it out on their own. If you are considering a rescue for your second OES, work closely with the rescue folks to ensure you find a compatible dog. The gender of the second dog might be an issue to discuss. I enjoy life with 2 sheepies. There are some logistical issues: huge dog beds x 2, huge dog crates x 2, huge dog toys x 1000; transportation (I take the sheepies with for car about 90% of the time when I do errands). Colby and Brie like to run and play and wrestle together (Colby likes it better than Brie, she tries to hide between my legs) but they do give each other fairly good exercize. They do get each other more "wound up" than just one dog. Since sheepies are "velcro dogs" who like to be close and supervise all activities, multiple sheepies leave you feeling like you are surrounded by dogs at all times. It's almost impossible to run to catch a ringing phone without tripping over at least one dog. Forget any privacy in the bathroom. Two sheepies can have very different personalities and needs (mine are quite different in their personalities, likes and dislikes so they have two separate sets of routines, not one extended routine). They each need quality time for individual training and attention. Adding Brie has had a behavioral impact on Colby. He never had a very "alpha" personality and Brie has left him a little confused. She takes his favorite toys away, tries to be the closest to me; he still leads the pack walking, exploring, eating, etc. He takes every opportunity to start a physical tussle with her. Their dynamic may be a little wierd because Brie is deaf. On leash, he has become very assertive with other dogs. I wouldn't say they are bonded together, but they do tolerate each other fairly well. Good luck! |
| We're looking for a home for an OES. We've had him since he was a puppy and he grew up with another puppy, so he gets along with other dogs. It's just my daughter is in college and we can't keep the dog without her help. He's absolutely darling, but we've tried giving him to two friends and he was returned both times because they didn't understand his breed. Any sheepdog lovers who wants a darling neutered male? |
| Hi there.
I am also posting this to you personally in case you don't check back on the forum. We have wonderful OES rescue groups throughout the country. Wonderful people do need to find new homes for their beloved sheepies due to a variety of circumstances. The OES rescue groups screen prospective families VERY carefully, and conduct home visits of the adopting home. They want to ensure that an adopting family knows what they are getting into (it IS a sheepdog after all) and have some practical and realistic sense of the personality, upkeep and activity level of the breed. If you want to send me an email with your geographic region and country, I can find out who your closest OES Rescue contact is, and can give you the contact information. fbatchelor@earthlink.net Fritzi Batchelor Storrs, CT. |
THanks guys! I really appreciate all of your input! We realize there will be some "adjusting" time bringing home a new sheepie. I've slowly started checking the rescue sites as well as petfinder (where we found Gracie). We'll see what happens 
Brent, Cindy, & Gracie |
cotterrealestate@msn.com wrote: We're looking for a home for an OES. We've had him since he was a puppy and he grew up with another puppy, so he gets along with other dogs. It's just my daughter is in college and we can't keep the dog without her help. He's absolutely darling, but we've tried giving him to two friends and he was returned both times because they didn't understand his breed. Any sheepdog lo vers who wants a darling neutered male? contact me please, would love to talk to you about this oes. been wanting another one since i lost mine to old age. thanks karen kj_benn@yahoo.com |
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