Adopting a Miniature Schnauzer - HELP are we doing the right thing?

by VALERIE
(UK)

hi I'mm Val and I'm adopting a mini schnauzer, but i have a 17 yr old cat and a visiting labrador.
THE NEW DOG IS 2 .
i lost my fab mixed breed dog last July and was devastated STILL AM.
DO YOU THINK WE ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING?
I'mm so worried about Dennis our cat as he's old. Please help me as since todd passed away dennis has gone more at ease at home .It's such a hard decision.I'd love this new dog as he is house trained and comes with papers so I suppose he's from a reptable breeder.
We are in our 60's so everything seems easy, apart from worrying and sleepless nights about whether we are doing the right thing.
THEY ARE BRINGING OSCAR TO MEET US ON SUNDAY
Please help
THANKYOU VERY MUCH FOR READING MY LETTER

Comments for Adopting a Miniature Schnauzer - HELP are we doing the right thing?

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Feb 13, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		introduce the two SLOWLY
by: amy

well.well.well...a fellow dog-lover.please allow me to share my advice...you shold try to introduce the schnauzer slowly.if they fight,and hate eachother,thats natural...dont worry.at least you tried.your cat IS very old and (sorry for saying this)may not live the whole time the puppy is there.just ask a friend to take care of him and explain that he IS housetrained.if they say no,you shouldnt adopt him.very severe acccidents can happen when two pets hate eachother.
Feb 10, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		you must observe before adopting
by: Betsy, alpharetta, ga

I would certainly remove the lab from the home during the visit. You want to observe the interactions of the schnauzer with your cat with no outside or temporary influences.

If the 2 animals seem to get along, then I would certainly ask to be allowed to keep the dog in you home for a week or more. This would give both dog and cat time to get used to the situation and would make sure that your cat does not become hostile or aggressive toward the dog. It this is the case, I would not adopt the dog. I have heard of some very tragic situations when 2 animals are homed together and one hates the other.
Hopefully all will be fine. But, if you do sense problems, I don't think it would be right to bring a dog into the home where it would be unhappy or scared.

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