Pupdate: Diane, Bella, Tess and Beckett
Owning one dog can be a handful, but having more than one requires even more responsibility! When introducing a new dog to your family, including your existing pets, it is so important to do this responsibly. As much as you may want a second pet, your existing pooch may not. Diane tells us about her three dogs and how she came to rehome them.
Diane, Bella, Tess and Beckett
I have three dogs, two German Shepherds (Bella and Tess) and one Japanese Akita (Beckett). Bella, Tess and Beckett vary in age - 9 years old, 4 years old and just 12 weeks! All three of them are bubbly and boisterous, but each so loving and loyal.
The most challenging part I have found by giving them a home is that I have had to be very strict with their training, especially Bella who is still very boisterous, even at 4 years old. When we got Bella she was 12 weeks old and had been in a home with a lady that had a toddler and another baby on the way, so just couldn't cope with her. Bella has grown into a lovable softy but does bark quite a bit as we never managed to get her out of that habit. She is a very head strong dog - I think people need to realise that sometimes,dogs will try and beat you! In my house, even Beckett at 12 weeks old, knows who the boss is and it isn't them!
Tess was older when we got her. A lady advertised on Preloved and had said that Tess did not like being on her own whilst she was at work. As I worked from home, I thought it was a great time to introduce Bella to the concept of living with another dog. Tess came round one day so we could see how they got on and they hit it off straight away! Tess' owner was very upset at having to let her go, so I kept in touch with her to give her updates and send photos, which she loves.
We saw Beckett in a photo and fell in love with her. She was even cuter in the flesh, very small for her age and a totally different colour to the rest of the litter. I picked her up and she licked my nose and snuggled into my neck and I knew she was for us. We love the programme Castle & Beckett, so that was the first name of choice! Bella and Tess did not know what to make of her at first, but they all run and play in the garden together and get on great. Bella has got her puppy years back as they wrestle together it is lovely to watch and see how they all get on.
It is hard work caring for a puppy, and you do need to let them know who is boss straight away otherwise they will run all over you. We love them all to pieces and can't imagine life without them. They all have their own personalities and ways they interact - they are just so special.
My advice to anyone looking to give a dog a home is to make sure you have the time to look after them, train them and love them. They are just like children and need a lot of attention. Also make sure you choose the right breed for your family. Puppies grow up and don't stay small and cute forever - I hate to see some owners struggling to cope with the size of their dog once they are adult. Always research before buying. Also, resist getting a puppy if you have small children, because they are just as much of a handful to look after as children are.
