Cathi,

You are to be commended for taking the time to really think this through. In addition to my experience of things not going so well when my husband has not been on board with something but did so to make me happy, I want to suggest that just because you are willing (and will try to be able) to provide this dog with a good home, etc... this does not rule out someone else being able to do so - without risking rocking a currently steady boat. Since she is such a nice dog, the chances are very much in her favor of being placed in another great home.

That is almost verbatim what the foster home just told me.

I can't help wanting to be the one to provide the great home.

I think the thing is, you can't save them all.

And it doesn't sound like she is in dire need. Not saying it's not an commendable urge, but I don't think it is sufficient reason to bring a new animal into your situation (or really, actually, do I personally think it's a good reason to do so in any situation, but JMO, and take that from someone with a rescue background (ran a rescue, volunteered for several).

Cathi: Got at a good look at Greta, what a dream boat!
I have gone from 2 dogs to 3 about a year ago, also rescued terrior mixes.
The first thing that really hit me when I adopted my third dog was what Ed had said, it dramatically changed the dynamics of the dogs interaction. Indeed they became a pack! And they had to gosstle for their rank.
I can't stress enough how important and valuable I found the pack structure video, it really helped me to understand what was going on.
Things are not the same as they were with the two dogs, and they will never be again.
I would really want to know dog behavior and be ready to see things change with your dogs mood.
Sometimes I regret having three dogs, of course my latest addition was 1 year old, and she had a lot to unlearn. Your little girl is alot younger.
I love each of my pups, and am committed to train them properly and give them a dogs life, not a humans life.
One thing to keep in mind is you will need someone to help you out walking them. I have to do it all myself.
I pray you will take time and really think it through, but if you do get your little addition ....enjoy and have a blast with them!
Please let me know what you do and how it is going. I don't know anyone in my group of friends but one who has more than one dog.
Love to see what you do to solve situations that come up.
Sharon

What angela said about challenging is true. NOt many problems happened right away. My new dog has no dog manners and the other day overstepped her bounds with the older dog Bindi. She tried to push her out of the way of seeing out the window as I came up the steps. They had a scuffle. I stepped in immediately, but my third dog cody was pretty shaken up. Obviously Terra my new dog is thinking she can challenge my older dogs place.
That had never happened before, you can never tell what may happen as the dogs body language can change quickly.
sharon

Ugh, I'm so sad and deflated. I'm used to finding a way to get what I want. I feel like a child who wants that toy so bad but mommy and daddy won't let me have it. I'm just short of throwing a temper tantrum.

 Quote: Cathi Kemp

Ugh, I'm so sad and deflated. I'm used to finding a way to get what I want. I feel like a child who wants that toy so bad but mommy and daddy won't let me have it. I'm just short of throwing a temper tantrum.

Cathi, I think you've made the right decision (not that you may feel good about it for awhile)for you, your dogs and very importantly, your family.

Sending a hug your way!

I started looking at my last rescue "Bolt"(boxer/bully mix) in January. He'd been fostered for 8 months after being rescued from the Gary pound, Gary doesn't adopt out their pickups they just euthanize. He's got lot's of issues. Hubby wasn't on board as I'd just rescued a Pitty mix in Oct from the same rescue group (CPR fund). I'm a teacher so I've had all summer to work with him (he went after hubby as he has aggression issues). I knew I couldn't get a bitch as my female(Pittyx) is dog aggressive. My dogs and I actually met the foster mom and Bolt first at Petsmart (1/2 way point) . Pitty mix was aggressive with him but no hair raised. The foster mom was like "no way! she's going to kill him." She was actually freaking out. So we walked around the store with them. Later we all went back to my house and he took to my pack like a fish to water. My point is when the dog's being fostered you can meet it and have a lot more freedom to find out if it's the right fit before you bring it home. I found my rescue group on Petfinder.com. If you really want to add to your pack I would "shop around". I believe there is a rescue out there that's a perfect fit for anyone who's willing to search.

 Quote: michelle pociask

My point is when the dog's being fostered you can meet it and have a lot more freedom to find out if it's the right fit before you bring it home.

You may have overlooked this but my original post was that I HAD been to meet her and in a later post I stated that "she seems like a PERFECT fit but I realize that could all change once she becomes permanent and enters their domain."

 Quote: michelle pociask

I believe there is a rescue out there that's a perfect fit for anyone who's willing to search.

Experts: Correct me if I haven't heard a word you've said, but I think the point of contention about me adopting Greta is that I admitted that I do not want to make the committment of keeping them separate, walking them separate, etc... if it doesn't work out once I get her home. AND, because my husband is not on board.

I will seriously reconsider my committment level though if I get home and my husband has done a 180 because he IS a big help and pretty much does the walking.

Oh sorry I saw that you'd met her but I didn't know if your dogs had met her. I can't even imagine walking them separate. Mine got along because I walk them together and I'm in front so as to show who's the pack leader. I've walked for weeks with them. But her(the terrier) being so far away you probably wouldn't be able to have her just visit with her foster mom like I was able to do. That way you could get a better idea of the "fit".