Mutt the sequel - it's nearly time. Or is it?

elsien

Hi All.
My home circumstances have changed again, so the possibility of another dog is once again appearing across the horizon.
There's still things to sort before I decide and start looking so if the hunt does begin in earnest, it won't be for a couple of months yet.
I am getting quite excited though at the though of having another pooch in the house and it feeling less empty.
One thing is worrying me though. Mutt was and always will be uniquely irreplaceable - some might say that can only be a good thing! But I'm probably going to be looking at another from the same breed. I know I could look elsewhere and at heinz 57's but I do like my EBT's. Sounds daft, but what if I get him/her home, and can't accept them on their own terms because they're not mutt?

Anyone who's replaced a dog that meant more to them than previous ones got any experiences they'd like to share?

Fosterdog

My in laws lost their 14 year old dog over a year ago and were sure they could never replace their boy. They were heartbroken when he went.

They have a new dog, he is almost 1 and they've had him from 15 weeks. They love him to bits but he is not a replacement for their old dog. they still have photos of their old boy up, and they have kept his collar/tags, lead and fave ever toy.

The new dog is the complete opposite of their old boy, he was calm, laid back, easygoing, never a days trouble with him even when he was a pup. The new one is a nutter, he doesn't stop from the second he wakes up until way past bedtime. He is still a loveable, friendly dog but different to their old boy.

You never forget them after being so attached and getting another one isn't a replacement. You have an amazing home to offer and there is a dog out there that needs the home. Don't let yourself feel guilty and enjoy your time with your new dog when you get him/her.

Some people find going for a different breed or gender easier others like to stick to the same, there is no right or wrong, go with what feels right to you.

gettingready

Elsien - you are not "replacing" a dog....xxx

Any dog landing in your care witll be a happy dog - can not wait to see your new dog so.. hurry up

rising_from_the_ashes

Ohhhh Elsien (((hugs))) so pleased to hear that your circs have changed and you may be able to get a new dog soon .... I know how hard it is to have "empty house syndrome"

Ben was .... and still is and always will be ... my one - I miss him just as much today as the day I lost him and TBH I don't think that will ever go away ... and I really don't think I'd want it to:(

As you know, Maisie has arrived and she is adorable AND she makes me smile & laugh every day

BUT it was a difficult journey, especially at the start - don't know if I felt guilty inside about having another dog or if it's because we had a few issues to resolve but it took a long time for us to really bond (we plodded on but the "click" took a while).

We're doing great now and it's really funny as ... Ben hated being on his lead - when I took it off, he did this really funny all over body shake and "grumbled" and it made me laugh every time he did it (which was every day for years) ... well ... Maisie's started doing it too!:eek: Really odd as she didn't do it when I first got her but hey!:)

We've had 7 Labs now ... every single one has their own unique character and "foibles" ..... but they've all had the basic "Lab character" which you'd get with another EBT but still be very different from Mutt IYKWIM

Sorry that's a bit of a ramble & hope it makes some sort of sense:o

rising_from_the_ashes

Fosterdog wrote: »

The new dog is the complete opposite of their old boy, he was calm, laid back, easygoing, never a days trouble with him even when he was a pup. The new one is a nutter, he doesn't stop from the second he wakes up until way past bedtime.

OMG that's a perfect description of Ben & Maisie too!

elsien

Well my first bully was so laid back she was practically comatose, mutt was a hyperactive nervous wreck, perhaps I'll get third time lucky on the temperament front.
Well, as much as you can with EBT's anyway. :rotfl:
I'm just going all smiley at the thought of having a doggy again.

rising_from_the_ashes

Yay! That's good!

gettingready

and we are going on smiley waitng for the photos of the lucky mutt

Fosterdog

Just to make you suffer while you wait

http://www.dogsblog.com/category/english-bull-terrier/

I would also link to puppies but I have no clue who good or bad EBT breeders are so would hate to advertise for the wrong people. I'm sure you already have more experience than me on finding good breeders for your breed.

I can't wait for pics of your new addition, I love EBTs, a friend had them growing up, never had the chance to foster one though the rescue already has an EBT experienced home.

elsien

Now that's just mean!
I'll be back on here in due course looking for suggestions from rescues. No puppies though, and a strictish list of criteria, so it might take a while anyway to find the right one.
A friend spotted the ideal dog for me on many tears a while back, but unfortunately the timing was wrong.

Sally_A

In hindsight, whilst all my dogs have been unique and equally loved, I seem to have had a better bond with the ones I've rescued as adults, rather than the ones from a pup.

From a pup both owner and dog take things for granted.

Rescue dogs on the other hand, you get them home and look at each other, both with an element of cynicism, and think "Well, here we are then", big grins all round, and you have to work harder to fit in (again on both sides), which results in a far better relationship.

Every dog I've owned has plus points and minus points, but I miss them all, and my idea of heaven would be to be greeted by the waggy lot of them when I die.