need advice

[pennyrain]

A couple of months ago we lost a very dear dog. She was 13.5 years old and just wore out her body. That left us with, after 20 years ,just one dog her son, who is now 12.5 years. If his longevity is similar to his parents he will live about 1 more year. Except for being somewhat deaf and at times lonely now that he is an only dog he is doing well.
There are 2 concerns: (1) He is happier when my daughter's dog comes to stay or we leave him at my daughter's home while we are away. He likes having a doggie friend and always had a dog family as well as a human family until June. and (2) I had a tough time losing any of my dogs but realise it would have been devastating if I didn't have this one.
The question is should I get another dog while my old fellow is still with me and if I did get another dog should I get a puppy? What do you think?

[Val]

Puppies are hard on older dogs....What about getting a older dog from the pound? You could give your old dog companionship and save a life....Just a thought

[pennyrain]

I forgot to say that my daughter's dog is a young, very high energy hunting dog. She has a large fenced back yard with a fenced kennel area. When they go to work they put their dog in the kennel ( he can be destructive when he gets bored) but let my old dog have the run of the yard. He will go over and nap by their dog's kennel. When they are home both dogs are in the yard and run around and sleep together. Both are nuetered males.

[RenosGirl]

Well I would get another dog, just cause A) dogs like to have a friend always around and B) it keeps him active and happy, and happy dogs live longer. So yes I would go get another dog, as for a puppy, thats up to you.

[Thoroughbred Lady]

Getting a puppy(or kitten or a young horse) when you have a senior animal is a great idea. I have always done it. Youngsters keep the older beasties on their toes. And I truly believe keep them more active. Last year buying a 2 year old filly was the best thing I could have done for my 24 yr old mare. My other 2 mares (10 &14) have also been more spunky since we got her too.

[tallyho]

Yup. I always have the older/ younger combo. Not a puppy, but a young dog, has always been my choice. Of course, from the pound, and they have always been terriffic.

[gbarmranch]

We recently introduced a new rescue puppy into our pack - B'alana - our older dog - is 11.5 and not energetic anymore at all.. Sparky, our almost 3 year old, really needed a buddy.. Now it took about 2 weeks for everyone to start enjoying each other's company, but it has worked out very well.. Isabella is quite respectful toward our older dog.. she has no choice.. B'alana is very kind but has no problem teaching a puppy manners... and she and Sparky get to run and play to their heart's content..

Miss Molly doesn't count in all this as she is a hothouse dog, and only has to deal with the "pack" a few hours each evening.. but the four of them get along beautifully - and it has put a spring back in B'alana's step...

For us, it was also a way to ensure that when that dreaded time comes for B'alana to cross over, Sparky will have a buddy to help him in his grieving process...

If you can find the right one, I think it is a wonderful idea...

[horselady]

I think it is a great idea for him to have a buddy. They do get lonely especially when they are used to having other dogs around them than, they are alone.
good luck on your search for a special friend for your dog.