companion dog

I have a 3 1/2 year old male maltese and have returned to work. I would like to get a tiny female so he will have a companion while we are at work. Some people tell me the second dog is just for me that my maltese could care less if there is another dog, he just sleeps all day anyway. I feel another dog would give him someone to play with instead of being alone. Would a second dog be a good idea, for the good of my "Wittle" or is it just my love of the Maltese that makes me what another little playmat e for Wittle? If it is best for him to have a playmate then I definitely want another. Also, will he accept another dog into the household after 3 1/2 years? He is our spoiled little dog and may not like to share the attention. Thanks for your opinions.
Nancy Dienes

• Absolutely a second dog will make wittle happier. Almost like children if you were an only child you would probably sleep alot too. If you have the time, money, and extra love to give I see no reason why not too. I have four dogs and my latest is a shep mix. My oldest pugs are 9 and 7 and once they got over how HUGH she was they liked her almost immediately. Now my "pack" is found playing together, sleeping all in a pile to stay warm through winter. They are great company for one another and do sometimes fight over who get to see mommy first. But so long as each dog has his/her special time all to themselves they will adjust nicely. I don't think I will ever be down to less than 2 dogs. They are so much fun to watch play and can think of the darnest things to get into. Keep us posted on the new bundle of fur if you decide to.
  Pugish

• I think that getting a second dog would be beneficial. I did the same for Sophie when she was 8 months old. The one I purchased, was the same age. I would suggest that you introduce the second dog when you have time to be with them both; around a vacation or so. They will have their little disagreements in the beginning, but nothing that you should be overly concerned about. Sophie would have nothing to do with the second dog at first, but now they are like two peas in a pod. It is worth it!
  Teri

• I agree with both other responses, a second dog - whether it is intended to be a new playmate for you or your Oliver, is a wonderful idea. Many of the pups (at least half) we place into homes are the second (or even third) dog, and all cite wanting a playmate for their existing pet(s) as the reason. Without fail, if you take certain precautions, it works to the benefit of EVERYONE. DO plan to spend some extra time with your pets. You must make your original pet feel "part" of the welcoming process and not as though they are being supplanted by this new little "intruder". Encourage them to play together and sleep together - and do NOT tolerate any signs of aggression by either of them toward the other.

  We often find ourselves placing our Maltese into homes where the family has an ageing Maltese (or other breed) and they feel that by having a new pet "in place" it may help to ease the sense of "loss" of the older pet. Bringing a new pup into a home where the existing "king or queen" has dominated the household for twelve years or longer can indeed be a challenge but we've always seen it work out in the end - we credit the perseverence of the owners but, mostly we credit the charming and endearing qualities of the Maltese. Good luck and let us know of your decision AND the outcome.
  Larry Stanberry, Divine Maltese

• I have a seven year old Maltese, and when she was about four or five, I had an adult cat adopt me. He and my Maltese took a little adjustment period, but now they run through the house and play like crazy. They really enjoy eachother. I work a lot myself, so I thought it would be a good idea to get my Maltese a companion. It just so happened the cat must have had the same idea. Good idea - keep us posted.
  SD