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[Justina rae]

My inclination would be to rescue an older, mellow dog. I would also not just bring one home but bring your dog to the shelter to see if she has an affinity for the particular dog you've decided upon.

[Mominohio]

I would say that this is only a good idea if someone is home all the time, and if they are willing to put in some real work to keep the puppy from being 'too much' for your older dog.

My mom had a Pug that was diabetic, had to have insulin shots twice a day, and was nearly blind as well. He was a full time job just in his own right. She lives next door to me, and we always had pets, so he was able to have companions his whole life (even though not in his own home), and he was accustomed to having other animals around as his health deteriorated. It was an entire life experience for him, having other pets around.

In your case, she has always been an 'only', and in my opinion, she might be too far along in the aging process for this to benefit her, and might only confuse, stress and frighten her. I think it might be more about you wanting to work another pet in now, before you have to deal with the agony of loosing her, and I do so understand that need. But I'd think very hard before doing this, as what is most important right now is her needs more so than your need to keep nurturing a pet, and help with the coping process, when she is gone.

[Lilysmom]

Hi AVG. I have been in your position with an elder somewhat infirm dog. I did add a puppy to the family before the older dog passed. I don't think I would do it again. A puppy knows no boundaries. Our puppy was bigger than our older dog at six months and it became a problem because all the puppy wanted to do was play, eat, chew on the older dog, etc. Good luck in your decision. I know it will be hard to lose your pet. LM

[blackhole99]

I agree with mominohio, I have never had a good experience introducing a young pet to an old one who is not in the best of health. It truly is a full time job for you and it will stress the older animal, just the nature of the beast.

[K9buddy]

What about adopting an older dog. Even 2-3 years old? Maybe you could foster a dog with the idea to adopt of it works out. Other people's experiences won't necessarily be yours. Who knows, your pug might enjoy the canine company. If you do adopt, get one with a low key personality.

[2blonde]

I currently have a cat who has been my only pet since she was a kitten, and she's now almost 15, and going downhill fast. She, like your pug, has always been the center of my attention. Even if she were 5 years younger and in good health, I would not have considered bringing in another pet because I knew she would have freaked.

I really think the time for you to introduce a new pet (of any age) has passed. This is usually more successful when the original pet is younger and healthier, especially if they've already had other pets in the house. I hate to be a downer because I know you really want the fun and vitality of a puppy, but it may be less stressful for all of you to let you pug's last couple of years be as peaceful as possible.

[NickNack]

I recently lost my nearly 14 year old dog. She had lived with other dogs in the past, but not as she got older. I didn't want to stress her out, so I did not get another dog while she was alive. I was able to find another dog after she died (much quicker than I thought), and it has really helped me. I really feel that you should wait until your dog dies and then start looking for a puppy.

When my dog got sick I mentioned to my Vet that I wanted to get another dog when she died. She told me not to do it at the time as it could stress my dog out too much. I wasn't going to anyway, but that was her advice.

[pupwhipped]

On 3/25/2015 baker said:

I agree with mominohio, I have never had a good experience introducing a young pet to an old one who is not in the best of health. It truly is a full time job for you and it will stress the older animal, just the nature of the beast.

ITA. Although a new puppy might bring you lots of joy, I do not think it would benefit your older dog in any way, especially given her vision and hearing problems. In fact, it could be a total disaster for both dogs! Think of what is best for your older dog. There will be a time in the future to find another love.....and when that time comes, you might even consider getting two young ones who can grow up (and get into all kinds of trouble) together.

My name is pupwhipped, and I speak from years of experience when it comes to these matters.

[Chrystaltree2]

Wow. I would never bring a young dog into a situation like that. Having a young, scrappy little thing in the house with a disabled elderly dog who has always been the only dog would be torture for the older dog. Sure, it might be great for the people. Not so great for the old dog....

[hoosieroriginal]

I think it would be difficult for your 11 year old dog. He's used to being the center of attention - my oldest dog is 16 1/2 - same thing, can't hear, lots of problems. But I have a 14 year old dog that is in excellent condition. The two of them have been together since pups. I want to get a greyhound, but will not do anything until I lose my oldest dog. It wouldn't be fair to be such a disruption intheir lives - this is your old dog's time, he doesn't need all that activity in his life.