[Macky]

My husband told me last night we are going to take our neighbor's dog, Dallas. LOL, he already knew I'd agree with him. He didn't even have to ask me. Apparently our neighbors are moving and they have a 4 year old dog and Dallas who is a 12 year old lab mix. Aside from some hearing loss Dallas is a healthy dog. They were going to put her to sleep instead of taking her...sigh. They are going to run a campsite and I don't know why they don't want to take Dallas too. They only want to take the 4 year old. I suppose I could get angry about their decision but it wouldn't do any good. My only concern is helping Dallas by giving her a good home to live out her life. We have an English Springer Spaniel, Benny, who is 2 and half years old. I've never had a situation where I had one dog and took another in. I think the best thing is to bring Dallas over a few times first to see how my dog gets along with her. Their other dog is Benny's daddy, another ESS. So I don't think there would be a problem with Dallas getting along with Benny but Benny hasn't been in contact with Dallas except through a fence out in our connecting yards. Any suggestions on how to get these two together with the least difficulty would be appreciated.

[beaglechaser]

I have a friend who has adopted several dogs in the past and works with rescues. What she does is take them for walks together so they can get used to each other that way. Then maybe supervised off leash play (or at least sniffing) in the backyard and see how they get along together.

[briteday]

Meet on neutral territory after both dogs have been tired out by a good play session or a walk.

We adopted a 1 year old last summer and have foster dogs around all the time. My only issues are when there are treats around (bones, special chewies, stuffed kongs). Then they all need to be separated or crated to enjoy their own treat. It seems they all play "I want the one they have" and circling and growling becomes more the activity than enjoying their treat.

Otherwise we have an occasional low growl if one gets too close or does not want to play with a younger one. They are not all best of buddies. My own two tolerate each other, not best buds, even after a year together. But we can take them out together and they eat side by side without issue.

[Shalva]

Good for you ........ I just hate people most of the time...... thank goodness Dallas has people who care about her....

You have been given good advice about making it work.... I just wanted to tell you that you are doing a good thing.... and it makes me smile to know that there are still kind people....

S

[Macky]

Thanks all. Good advice about meeting on neutral territory. Benny knows Dallas but has never played with her. I'll keep them in the yard first then have her come up to our house after they've played a while. Now the owners are now reconsidering taking her with them. I suppose the sudden change for them is overwhelming. It will be a month before they actually move so we have some time. My husband told them if things don't work out we still want her!

[Dieselsmama]

Poor Dallas..I want her, now I don't want her, wait wait maybe i do want her. I sure hope they decide they don't want her and leave her with people who won't ever abandon her again, good for you guys and I feel so bad for poor Dallas

[Jen D]

I am so happy that you are willing to take her and if the people decide to get rid of her after taking her maybe you can stay in touch with them so Dallas can come back to you.
As far as the meeting the dogs for the first time I have done it many times and have gone against most peoples beliefs, they meet here in my fenced off yard loose or you just go through it twice. This isn't with all some I will have my husband walk by with one and I with the other. We will just keep on turning and passing each other. You can usually read what the out come will be by doing that, I always use people that have dog experience to do this but from what I have read from your post it sounds like it will work.

I forgot to add when I let new to each other dogs lose in the back I leave their leashes on and watch with another person that can grab a leash if needed. If you have them meet nose to nose that may encourage a fight because they are also making direct eye contact with each other and if you ever watch a dog fight it is often a stare then attack. They like to meet butt to butt and I think Dallas will let Benny know in a good way if he is pushing it to much. Don't be surprised if Benny does try to mount Dallas even if he is neutered.

[Macky]

Thanks everyone. I'm pretty sure my neighbors have decided to take Dallas with them. But they absolutely know we will take her if need be. They will only be 45 minutes away. Thanks for the suggestions in case I need them.

[Jen D]

Thats great and I hope Dallas will be happy where ever she goes.