Contemplating another adoption: Are we nuts?

[mickey]

This past New Years Eve I was given Mickey, a 3 year old Cairn, and he has been a perfect fit with our family. He is a better dog than I could imagine in my wildest dreams. Our neighbor's relative is a Cairn breeder who is getting out of breeding and has two 8 week old puppies, a male an a female, that she is looking to adopt out. She will give us either one. Mickey is great with other dogs so I have no concerns about the two dogs getting along. What concerns me is that I am in the process of trying to transfer from Oregon to Phoenix. This would mean that I would be gone while while my wife stayed behind until the kids complete the school year and then we would complete the move. It is an exciting time in our home, but I know that there will be unexpected stresses and complications between now and the time that we all land in Arizona. On the one hand, I would be crazy to pass up another free Cairn, but on the other hand, I worry that this might be a less than ideal time to adopt another dog. Having said that, my family is always up for a challenge and we always manage to struggle through challenges and things usually work out well. Do we go for it or pass on the opportunity? My heart says yes, go for it. Given the age of the puppies this wouldn't happen for a few weeks.

[pindrop]

Hi I'm certainly not the person to ask this question of. I would love to have another Cairn - if only for companionship for my current puppy. Has this question been voted on by the family? What is their response? Another factor is - can you afford the potential vet fees of two dogs? I know these are very personal questions and I would hope that these questions would all be part of the family decision. I'm not trying to dissuade you otherwise just curious as to whether this is the group speaking or just you. I know it's a difficult decision what with the eventual move, but cairns I don't think care where they are just so long as they are with their family (be whatever that may be) and are loved. I would think that you would also have another choice - the potential sex of the new puppy. Would you consider the male or female? Have you thought about which sex would be more compatible with Mickey? Lots of question and things to consider. Would love to know what the eventual outcome is. Please keep us posted. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Dempsy's Mom]

Like you say - it will be a challenge - but they always work out. I think you will find Micky to be a great help. Go for it!

[hheldorfer]

A Cairn puppy is very tempting, indeed, but I think this decision probably revolves around your wife. If she's going to be the primary caregiver/trainer for an extended period while you're away, she needs to be a big part of this decision. You really need to talk this through and make sure everyone is on board. If everyone gives the thumbs up, go for it. Good luck!

[cairnfan]

What a wonderful opportunity! It sounds like you've already made a decision. Pindrop made some great points about family agreement and extra vet fees. If these are not an issue then I think the puppy would be fine with all the transitions. Time for a family meeting...

[mickey]

Discussed it with the family more last night. The biggest priority right now is getting the job and housing situation lined up. Those are the two biggest variables that we are facing right now. We have about a month before the adoption would take place so we will see what happens over the next few weeks. My biggest concern is leaving my wife to deal with issues like house-braking and kennel training. She loves Mickey, but isn't so fond of the janitorial requirements of dog ownership.

[jimnconnie]

My biggest concern is leaving my wife to deal with issues like house-braking and kennel training. She loves Mickey, but isn't so fond of the janitorial requirements of dog ownership.

Your wife is going to have a whole lot on her plate with managing the kids & house, plus getting ready for the big move in your absence. If she's not able to take on the additional challenges of a 12 week old puppy, maybe now isn't the right time. You will always have the opportunity to find another Cairn after the move, even though it probably won't be without a price. I hope you can work out things for this puppy but if not, waiting won't be the end of the world. Best of luck with your new job & your move!

Jim

[TazTalk]

Moving, new job, you leaving before the rest of your family – that is a lot going on. Puppies take a lot of time and attention, and can undoubtedly be stressful (but it’s a good stress!)

Thinking through the decision and waiting to see how the next few weeks play out is a great way to approach this.

I always believe if something is meant to happen … it will.

I live in Phoenix (been here 20 years). If you have any questions at all about your move, I’d be more than happy to help you out!! We have 2 Cairns and live in the Ahwatukee area (near Chandler).

Good luck to you!

[Idaho Cairns]

"Having said that, my family is always up for a challenge and we always manage to struggle through challenges and things usually work out well. Do we go for it or pass on the opportunity? My heart says yes, go for it."

Your family is always up for a challenge and you always prevail in those challenges? Follow your heart--an opportunity like this one is rare, there is a reason it has been presented to you and that reason is most probably a good one. Serendipity happens--it is real thing.

The only thing better than one Cairn is two Cairns, or more.

You have an older dog to "train" the puppies, which they do and if you like the personality of your older Cairn then be aware that with the modeling that goes on, you will have a puppy very like the dog you say is "a perfect fit" for your family.

Of course you have to consult with your spouse and follow her lead but if she agrees with your assessment of Mickey then you have your answer.

The "problems" associated with puppies and with moves are temporary, they pass quickly and are past--a little wind, a little dust, some bumps in the road, and then it is business as usual. The joy of having Cairn Terriers in a home is a long term pleasure--years worth of pleasure.

I can't tell you what to do but I sure know what I would do given the opportunity you have been presented--without hesitation.

Welcome to the forum--opinion is always freely given here. Now, you have to make sure to let us know what you decide.

P.S. In my 69 years I have learned one universal lesson about things like this--it is the things I haven't done that have caused me most regret. You can take that for what it is worth from someone that has lead a pretty good, if imperfect, life.