Quote: Jennifer Lee

I would take him...he looks so soft and sweet.

Very nice looks!

He looks like a Bulgarian sheepdog (Karakachan), but with a shorter coat.

 Quote: Meredith Hamilton

Someone PLEASE tell me I'm crazy.

Meredith, are you insane? Absolutely frickin’ nuts. What would your mother say!! Oops, you already told us that. Do you have any idea what you are in for? Have you even thought about yourself in this equation? There you go, thinking with your heart, what about the practical realities? And Ripley, oh my, what about Ripley? Have you even asked his opinion on this utter nonsense? Can he not bark some sense into you?

You asked, I felt obligated . Phewww, glad to get that out of the way.

 Quote: Meredith Hamilton

Would those of you with a giant breed dog weigh in on what life is like with a dog that size, please?

Sure... so as in all dogs, their activity level determines their caloric intake. Echo, at a good 30 lb heavier than Vince, will often eat much less, he just doesn't have his intensity. And of course once you start on their raw diet, fixing two meals is really no more effort than fixing one. An extra dish to wash is pretty much all.

With two of the big guys in my house, snoring can be an issue. Geez, they give Bob a run for his money and he’s bad. Same with digestive tract issues. I swear he’s in competition with them. But you get used to the blue haze. Needless to say, open windows and swinging doors are your friends.

They do take up room for sure and as has been stated, indoor manners are a must. IME , easy enough, the big guys seem to catch on quickly. And yes, lots of hair, but you’re vacuuming anyway; just make sure you get the stuff off the ceiling.

And sure, they’re bigger so everything is larger but that triples when it comes to the size of their hearts and the affection they’re able to give. You just can’t beat it.

Looks like this guy might have a bit of a back leg skin issue going on there. But Meredith, he really is one seriously looking good boy. It would be interesting to know how he ended up in this position. Must be a little tough on the big guy right now.

Thank you so much, Friends, for your considered advice. I needed your opinions.

I got to experience 2 dogs in my place for the last 24 hours by dogsitting my cousin's boxer. It was good timing, as I realize I am just not ready to take on the work required for another dog. Having a big, rowdy dog on hand made me realize that I still have a way to go before I'm back to full power after this summer's heart attack. Life with Ripley is so easy that I was fooled into thinking I was better than I am. (I've taken 2 naps today after they picked him up. Kinda horrifying.)

Fortunately, someone called the rescue about the dog today, so I am certain he'll find a good home, just not with me.

Happy New Year, All. I'm happy to be amongst you.

At least you can be honest with yourself. It may not be what you wanted, but it's what's best for all.

Unfortunately, some people don't understand how much work there is involved in living with more than one dog. My friend sees my pack of 5 and thinks it's not that hard to do... like if I can do it, anyone can... She found out differently when she got a 2nd dog and couldn't housebreak it or keep it in the yard.. then it started taking the other dog on it's neighborhood romps... that's when she admitted defeat and that I was right when I told her she wasn't ready for a second dog. She found a home for the second dog and is quite happy with a one dog household.

I have no doubt that you will have a second dog someday, Meredith. You have the good sense to wait until you and Ripley are BOTH ready for it.

--Kel

 Quote: Kelly

Unfortunately, some people don't understand how much work there is involved in living with more than one dog.

--Kel

Even when you have more than one dog, adding a new one to an established pack can be daunting! I am in the midst of that and it is exhausting.

One dog = one dog's amount of work
Two dogs = three dogs' amount of work
Three dogs = ....

Well, you get the point lol :P

Meredith, I'm really glad to hear this. If and when the time is right, the right dog will come into your life. EVERYONE considering adopting another dog/cat should get to "babysit" first - it CAN be a real eye-opener and "heart-saver".

I dogsit for friend's 2 beagles quite often, but Rip and I live at their house when I do, and the beagles are frankly pattern trained. They have their routine down to a science and are happy boys. No work required, except to fill in the holes they dig once in awhile.

A dog that doesn't know (or care much) what your expectations are is an entirely different ballgame. By comparing the 2 dogs last night, I realized that Ripley knows what I'm thinking almost as I do, and acts to comply with my wishes as best he can even before I ask. I do not want to screw that up!!!

Knowing your limits is so important.
If you don't think you can do it, then don't for sure!
This is why we are liquidating the farm and going from 6 working dogs to one working dog and one pet....I just can't do things like I used to right now.
It's been painful, but it is something we need to do.
Good decision!!!!