Mountain Views News          Saturday, October 26, 2013

A10

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

 Mountain Views News Saturday, October 26, 2013 


PET OF THE WEEK

“TWO FUR TWO”

A Second Dog in the Household

LOLLIPOP: ANIMAL ID #A4644365

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc


There are various reasons why people choose to find a 
companion for their existing furry, four-footed friend. 
Among the most common reasons are companionship 
for their canine, and another is hoping the new dog 
will act as a help-meet in buffering the blow of saying 
goodbye to the older dog, when his time comes. These 
are reasons why people choose to adopt a second dog, but the fact is, such a scenario can play out for 
reasons other than intention or choice. As of 8 weeks ago, I have had a second dog in my home, due 
to the unexpected passing of a very dear friend, and I have learned some amazing lessons through 
the experience.

 When my next door neighbor called saying he felt sick and asked me to come over, so I did. At the 
time, I had no idea he would be rushed to the hospital, never to return home, leaving his 3-year-old 
dog “Molly” in my care. I never gave it a second thought as to whether or not I would take care of 
Molly, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit overwhelmed by the sudden loss of my friend and 
the addition of a second dog to my home. You see, I already have a 10-year-old bloodhound named 
“Tatertotts”. I adopted her 8 ½ years ago. Tater was adoptable because she was too aggressive for the 
show ring. Her unpredictable behavior is apparently the result of in-breeding, or at least that’s what 
I think caused her social short-comings. For this reason, Tater has always been a challenge when it 
comes to social interaction. She is fine at home with me and my husband, but as soon as she is forced 
to share her space with others, trouble ensues.

 For the first two weeks, Tater and Molly got along fine and I was so happy for Tater, as I had thought 
she would live out the rest of her life lonely with no social interaction other than me and my husband. 
Unfortunately, the fun-loving ended about halfway through the third week of having Molly in our 
home. I guess Tater got tired of sharing her space, and decided it was time to put her foot down! (And, 
in case you haven’t met Tater, I’ll tell you now, she’s got a big foot to put down!). Well, that’s when 
the “fun” started for me. I soon found myself rotating 2 dogs in my home to avoid confrontation and 
potential blood-shed. Finally, I called my vet and asked her what I should do to help facilitate the new 
relationship, and her first bit of advice was that I continue giving Tater lots of positive reinforcement, 
and allow her to be the “top-dog” in her own home.

 My vet gave me some very specific tips on how to go about dealing with Tater and Molly to ensure 
the best outcome. First of all, she said that if a fight should break out, I should not yell or get excited 
(easy for her to say), rather I should keep an even tone and talk to Tater calmly, saying such things 
as “it’s ok, girl, I know you are just protecting your territory, and we know you are number one, now 
come on and let Molly have a little space too, just be yourself and she‘ll know you‘re the boss”. It may 
sound silly to talk to your dog like a person, but they pick up on the vibes you are sending out, so it 
really does help to tell them what they need to hear.

 The bottom line is I must confirm Tater’s position of hierarchy over Molly, and not reprimand 
her for protecting her territory. Well, I’ll tell you right now, that is a challenge when my 108-pound 
bloodhound is standing over Molly, who weighs about 40 pounds! Still, I get the logic behind my 
vet’s advice and I trust her opinion, so I am doing my best to carry it out. I still keep Molly and Tater 
separate most of the time, but I am working toward allowing short, closely monitored visits together 
in the back yard. I’m just not confident enough to allow a potential confrontation between them yet, 
although I am told it is necessary in order to let them work things out and establish their respective 
roles. My situation is one in which I did not choose to adopt a new dog, but I love Molly and I made a 
promise to Fred that I would always be there for her if she needed me, so I am committed to making 
it work.

 Many pet owners are making the choice to adopt a second dog, and with so many in shelters these 
days, I think that is wonderful! In this case, it is important to find the best match for your existing 
pet. Although each dog is an individual, some handle change better than others. There are some basic 
considerations to be made before adopting dog # 2. Age, gender, size and energy level are among the 
most important variables to be considered. It is also important to recognize the fact that, unless the 
existing dog allows otherwise, the new dog will most likely have to play ‘second fiddle’. If your dog has 
lived in your home for quite a long time, unless he happens to be very passive and allows the new one 
to dominate, he will assume the position of “top dog” when you bring another one home.

 Another important thing to be considered is that the new dog should not be too energetic or hyper-
active, compared to the energy level of the existing dog. For example, bringing a rambunctious puppy 
into the home of an elderly, perhaps even deaf or blind dog could create a disaster for all involved. If 
the purpose is to find a friend for an older dog, do your best to find a younger dog that will show full 
respect to the elder. In fact, regardless of age, energy level is a very important issue to be aware of in 
general. Also, dogs are very territorial, so if a dog has lived in it’s home for many years, naturally he 
will defend his territory against a potential predator, even another dog. Be aware of your dog’s level 
of territorial tendencies, do not punish him for such behavior, and try to find another dog who will 
respect those boundaries.

 There is much more to know and prepare for before adopting a second dog, so take the time to 
research the issues and ask questions. The more you know and understand about the nature of dogs 
and how they interact, the better your chances of maintaining an harmonious home with more than 
one pup on the premises! So far, in spite of the challenges, I think we are making progress here at the 
Leclerc home. I love Tatertotts with all of my heart, and I love Molly, too. They both bring so much joy 
to my life that I refuse to give up on helping them get along. They are teaching me so much through 
the process, I feel like I’m back in school! I guess you could say I am 2 for 2 as a dog lover and pet 
owner at this point. I wish the best to those of you who wish to add a second dog to your home. Try to 
understand the reasons behind their behavior, stay positive and above all, don’t give up!

Puppies do not come any cuter than Lollipop (A4644365)! 
Lollipop is a kissy three month old brown and white spayed 
female Pit Bull mix puppy who was brought to the Baldwin 
Park shelter on October 19th. The family who found her 
kept her for two months and tried to find her owner, but 
had to give her up because of their landlord. Weighing 
twenty-two pounds, this puppy is utterly perfect and a 
volunteer favorite! She is great with kids and other dogs, 
exceptionally affectionate and outgoing, and has never met 
a person she didn’t like. Lollipop is the perfect indoor pet 
for an active individual or family living in a private home 
or large apartment/condo. To watch a video of Lollipop 
please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxHa5KCNZvE

To meet Lollipop in person, please see her at the Baldwin Park Shelter, located at 4275 N. 
Elton, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 (Phone: 626-430-2378 or 626-962-3577). She is currently 
available now. For any inquiries about Lollipop, please reference her animal ID number: 
A4644365. The shelter is open seven days a week, 12 pm-7 pm Monday-Thursday and 
10am-5pm Friday-Sunday. This is a high-intake shelter with a great need for adoptions. 
For more information about Lollipop or the adoption process, contact United Hope for 
Animals Volunteer Adoption Coordinator Samantha at Samantha@hope4animals.org. To 
learn more about United Hope for Animals’ partnership with the Baldwin Park Shelter 
through its Shelter Support Program, as well as the many dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes 
available for adoption in local shelters, visit http://www.unitedhope4animals.org/about-us/
shelter-support-program/.


LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND??

So is Mac Donald! He is approximately 5-6 
years old and weighs 9 pounds. He's a sweet, friendly 
boy and a good steady walker on leash who loves to 
sniff and explore. He enjoys petting and loves a good 
back rub, but he is not overly needy. He gets along with 
his kennel mates, but especially likes being with female 
dogs. He perks up and a big/playful smile appears on 
his face when he meets them. Mac has big brown eyes 
that seem to say take me home. He is neutered, up to 
date with all routine shots and ready to move in. Please 
stop in and consider making Mac part of your family!

He currently resides at the San Gabriel Valley Humane 
Society located at 851 E. Grand Avenue in San Gabriel 
with his roomie. We are located off San Gabriel Blvd., 
north of Mission and south of Las Tunas. 

To arrange a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Mac Donald, please 
stop by any time from 10:00am to 4:30pm Tuesday thru 
Sunday. 

His adoption fee is $120 which includes his neuter surgery, 
a microchip, first vaccinations and a free wellness 
check-up at a participating veterinarian. Feel free to 
call us at (626) 286-1159 for more information on Mac 
Donald. 

See our website at www.sgvhumane.org for information and photos of all our available pets.