12 Most Woof Reasons to have TWO Dogs
I’m sure the title of this article got your attention. Isn’t one dog enough? Yes, of course one dog is better than none. But, two is better. We had three dogs but recently lost our beloved Tache, who had a beautiful and long 15-year life with us.
The virtues of having a dog companion have been enumerated here and everywhere, but the reasons for having two (or more) are often ignored. This article will rectify that omission.
The only reason this post is not the 12 Most Sexy Reasons to Have Two Women (in your life) is because I’m not European and Margie would kill me. Seriously, there are no good reasons for that, but here are truly 12 for having two dogs:
1. Dogs enjoy other dogs
While dogs are very often people animals, they enjoy their own kind just as much. Especially when they are left alone.
2. It’s the kind thing to do
So many dogs are in our shelters. Most are ultimately killed. What a blessing to save another dog and what a great lesson to model for your children!
3. Now, you can rescue two dogs or more
We hung out at the local shelters. Over time, we got to know the dogs there. And, over time, we adopted several of them. Every time I actually felt that we’d saved a life and I actually felt each dog knew it.
4. The vet may give you a second dog discount
Okay, dogs can be expensive. But, most vets will give you a second dog discount. Plus, vets are usually cool peeps so now you’ll be able to visit them more often.
5. You can buy dog food in greater bulk and fill up your pantry even more
Hello Costco, my favorite store!
6. If one dog is under the weather, the other is available
This is called unconditional love insurance. Dogs are unbelievable in their love towards their owners. Even sick, rarely will you not see a wagging tail.
7. No more fights over which side of your bed the dog sleeps
Now, one dog sleeps on my side of the bed and the other on my wife’s side. When I was divorced, the dogs slept in bed with me. Loved that. My wife put a stop to that.
8. Enjoy different breeds or mutts and different personalities
Every dog and every breed, just like people, are individual. The more dogs you have, the more fun you’ll enjoy with their varied personalities.
9. All that (dog) food might come in handy in an emergency
Dog food is nutritious. If that emergency tornado, earthquake, or power outage occurs, you’ve got food for the family.
10. More reasons to watch The Dog Whisperer
Don’t you just love Cesar Millan? Now, you’ll have double the reason to watch his show.
11. More responsibility for the children
Every kid wants a dog. Every parent tends to sternly inform the kid that they will have to do their share of dog duties. It’s up to you to actually enforce that.
12. Double the fun
Dogs are fun. Dogs are great company. Dogs are even entertainment when they play with each other. Why not double the fun?
To get some great ideas for what kind of dog(s) you may want to adopt (please save them from a local shelter), please read Lewis Poretz’s excellent post, The 12 Most Family Friendly Dogs.
Featured image courtesy of Chevysmom via Creative Commons. Photo in post is Tache, courtesy of the Sallan family.
Bruce Sallan
Bruce gave up a quarter century career in showbiz to become a stay-at-home-dad. Those experiences fueled his desire to advocate on behalf of dads, the last remaining group it seemed everyone could disparage with impunity. He began writing a column, “A Dad’s Point-of-View” which is now carried in over 100 newspapers and web sites. Bruce’s first book, A Dad’s Point-of-View: We ARE Half the Equation is available at Amazon, iTunes, BN.com, and the store at BruceSallan.com. “The Bruce Sallan Show - A Dad’s Point-of-View,” Bruce’s one-hour radio show, is available anytime, via live stream, or to download for free on the Radio Show Page at BruceSallan.com. Find Bruce on Facebook by joining his A Dad’s Point-of-View Page. You can also follow Bruce at Twitter. Bruce hosts a TweetChat called #DadChat each Thursday from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., PST.
20 comments
1 Like
@BruceSallan Since I tend to humanize my dogs, I thought my older poodle, Simba, needed a companion when I'd leave the house for extended periods of time. He was not, however, pleased at first when I brought Cinnabun, another poodle and also his niece, home. She thought herself the queen and poor Simba became a King de-throned. It took about a year or so, and now he's her favorite uncle. And I of course enjoy a 2-dog night!
1 Like
I'd add in there that having dogs keeps us physically fit as well. Dogs need exercise and so do we humans! Having dogs (which you don't get with cats) gives you that extra incentive to get off the couch and spend some time with our canine companions while releasing some endorphins. Like Cesar Millan says, "EXERCISE · Discipline · Affection". Notice which is #1...
1 Like
I agree with having a 2nd dog. I'm planning to get a younger one to perk up my old furry baby a bit. She needs to liven up a little. One I'd add to the list is that dogs are infinitely more fun than cats. Cats are just way too snobby.
P.S. I'd really hate to have to eat dog food for any reason, but I'm sure the survival instinct would negate any reservations I had about it.
@amberrisme I added the dog-food thing for humor and to get a rise...guess it worked! Shhh, I feel the same about cats!
1 Like
We just lost our baby dog Callie at only 5. We still have 3 cats and oh yeah 3 kids but our tiny house feels cramped. My hubs had previously been talking TWO dogs and is now thinking on it again...but WHO PICKS UP THE POOP!!! I love dogs and loved poor Callie...just wish we had a bigger house!
1 Like
Argh, Our kids always wanted dogs, but we were lousy at enforcing #11! Guess who gets to take the dogs out every morning, every night, inclement weather, etc -> My wife of course ;) OK, I get night duty and split the inclement weather duty.
I agree two dogs are better than one, so they can keep themselves company.
This comment has been deleted
@deleted_2698155_BruceSallan1 One daughter is 18 and the other is 16 - not certain about that try again thing. The dogs are both cute (black lab and jack russell), but I like "quiet". I also like having my more personal areas stay, errr, unsniffed ;)?
Also have the issue where I'm the obvious alpha, but then it gets a little cloudy on the hierarchy in the dogs' minds. Here's an anecdote. I was working in the home office one day, and I hear my wife and daughters repeatedly saying "Drop, Sabrina". After hearing this to the point of climbing the wall, I whip open my office door. The dog literally blows the sock out of her mouth and looks at me like "what, me...I wasn't doing anything".
1 Like
With a dog and 3 cats, human sized pillow, and a pregnant wife.. there is no room for a second dog on the bed yet!! Hell I'm falling off the side nightly already as it is. I'm all for a second dog though since our hound Scoobie would probably like a friend but they would need a meet and greet first as she is picky in who she likes from the doggie world.
Dog and cat food are great end of the world food supplies, but my food hoarder neighbors will be a much easier target to conquer.
Latest blog post: New friend into the mix.. Welcoming Bandit!
1 Like
I love my dog madly. We've thought about a second but we're afraid to upset our perfect pet. Maybe when he gets a little older...
2 Like
At first glance, I thought you might be barking up the wrong tree with this post, Bruce. It was getting me hot under the collar and I was going to get ruff on you. Thankfully, I was able to retriever myself and prevent the shih tzu from hitting the fan. Now, on second read, I'm finding that your words have taken on a new leash of life. Particularly #9, which I think will certainly setter good example for the children.So paws for thought if you're reading this and feeling it's just a tall tail. Time will heel all.
Latest blog post: Censor SOPA / PIPA
This comment has been deleted
@Steve Birkett@deleted_2698155_BruceSallan1@PegFitzpatrick Can't wait to hear/read about the new addition! Best wishes, Steve!
1 Like
@deleted_2698155_BruceSallan1@PegFitzpatrick I'm red faced. Thanks muchly!
On the real point of the post, I'm a sucker for all the needy, abandoned pit bull mixes that get posted to Facebook on groups I follow. Were it not for the fact that we already have the most wonderful cat and dog combination, as well as our first human addition due in March, in our 'cosy' 1 bedroom Brooklyn flat, I would gladly have a pooch zoo!
For now, our two little mischief makers have plenty of fun in their own little friendship, despite what Tom & Jerry taught me all those years ago.
Latest blog post: The Paradox of Choice: Prioritize Your Web Platforms
1 Like
Great post Bruce!
We had two golden retrievers and now just have Oliver. I know he misses our other dog a lot but we just don't want to make the time commitment for another dog. Oliver does think he is one of the kids, not sure he realizes he is a pet not a person.
Pets add a lot to family life!
1 Like
@PegFitzpatrick We are facing, soon, the same decision as both our dogs are quite old. When one goes, we are not sure if we want to take on the new commitment of another dog either. Yet, I so love dogs and so want to save as many as we can!
Hope you can make #DadChat tonight, Peg...for our first Gender WAR...OTOH, maybe @MimiBakerMN has too many women lined up already? hmmmmm
2 Like
Bruce, we've always had dogs, and I agree: one is life-altering, but two is that much better! We had two dogs for a long time, but now we're down to just Wheezie. My birthday is a week from Friday, and Jane knows what I want more than anything in the world: a shelter mutt to keep Wheezie company during the day, and for us all to have double the pleasure all the time.
I'm going to send her a link so she can read this post - and my comments - now. Thanks for the help! (JANE, READ THIS!!! :)
Let’s be social!
Categories
12 Most Recommends
