When we moved, Piper was having a hard time adjusting here due to the openness of the country. Dogs don't know property lines and this place wasn't fenced for a dog. Once we got fence up, he just began digging out. We took him to my mothers house for a few weeks while we made the fences so that he couldn't escape. He has been there for about a month now.
This weekend, we went to bring Piper home and walked into a Kings harem. My mother has made him a full time inside dog, complete with his own oversized living room chair (nearly a love seat) in the living room where he sleeps.
We have visisted him of course, but when it came to bring him home we had to reconsider. He had adapted very well there and my mother was completely in love with him......even letting him sleep in her bed.
Our biggest decision maker was that she has no kids at her house. We have 4 & 11 year olds. Sudden movements always made Piper become startled and kids are full of sudden movements. We made the decision to leave Piper with my mother, as her pet and guardian now. He just seems happier there and who are we to take that away? We do not feel guilty or bad about this decision at all, in fact we feel happy about it.
We truly love Piper and just want whats best for him. Even though he was fine with us, he is better in an environment without sudden movements which cause him to be firghtened. My mother has 2 Australian Shepherds which took up with Piper immediately. She also has 6 cats and a bird - so no lack of company there for him. All the animals have got along great, ironically.
Are we sad? Sure we are, but our happiness for Piper's new home is more important than our feeling sad. It would be selfish of us to keep him here. The good part is that we can still visit Piper whenever we want. He still gets excited when he sees us.
I do believe in the powers that be, and I think we were only meant to be a catalyst for Piper who was to see him to his permanent destination......and I am content with that.
Our concern now is not about Piper, but Ivan, who has had Piper as a playmate ever since he has been with us. Ivan has shown signs of agression since we moved Piper. We are working with that, but I'm wondering if another dog would help. We are interested in getting another dog, a herding dog for the goats, but herding dogs may not show an interest in playing with Ivan because they are bred for a certain thing - herding....and generally like to stay in the fields.
We have kind of reached a road block with Ivan and are not sure what to do. Maybe just a regular old dog would be the best choice for him. If anyone here has any experience with the mixing of herding dogs and regualr dogs, I'd appreciate hearing it. We want Ivan to have a playmate more than we want a dog for the goats. If a herding dog isn't a good choice, we'll just adopt.
-- Edited by Barnabbus The True at 04:15, 2005-08-01
i think that as long as you get a puppy or young dog, they will get along fine, regardless of the breed. border collies are a fun and happy breed and adapt well to other dogs . they are also excellent herders. so are aussies, collies and shetland sheepdogs. maybe ivan will even pick up a little herding tips from the other dog too. lol
it sounds like piper is happy and in good hands. your mother obviously loves the dog and the dog sounds happy there. at least you can still visit too . i think we all do whats best for our pets. being at your mothers seems to be whats best. and it sounds like he made himself at home there and even gets bed privilages. lol !
well i think you made a fantastic decision..it seems like pipers living his own fairy tale with your mother.
Im a firm believer that dogs have feelings just like humans so no doubt the change and the loss of his doggy companion has upset Ivan (as dogs cant talk like us, hes showing his emotions through aggresion) I'm sure Ivan would feel alot happier with a playmate ..as to it being a herding dog or a regular dog im not sure.. good luck with your choice
Piper is a Labrador? Labradors are high maintenance dogs. I suggest you lower your maintenance needs for a year or so, and do not add to your dog population.
I think the ending to Piper's story is a happy one. I remember the beginning when Ansy told of getting Piper and how troubled he was. His fear of doors and not wanting to come in out of a cold rain.
I agree that I would let Ivan adjust to the move and get his bearings. Let him explore, mark his territory, and make the new place "his" home. Then you can get a pup or a younger dog that will accept Ivan as the "elder" and may not be so apt to want to dominate. Maybe a female. In the past I've found Border Collies to be very good as herding, family,and loyal protection dogs. Also they are loyal and receptive to other pets brought into the fold. Not to mention they're incredibly smart and very easy to train.
I had one for thirteen years. I hope my fate and destiny permits me again one day to have another one.
