A friend for Bell?
Hey hey š Hope you had a great day! I loved hearing about your at-home workout options š
After I last *saw* you guys, I grabbed a water and a plum
[my favorite reusable bottle bit the dust yesterday, so Iām the market for a new one]
and went to spin.
Iād been avoiding class (even from my favorite teacher!) since LA Fitness made their music policy super lame. Instructors have to pick up CDs to use from the desk and can only use LA Fitness music. I was thinking about canceling my membership (especially since I can work out at work and on base), but decided to give it one more try, especially since I heard a rumor that some instructors still use their own music.
The verdict? Class was AWESOME, but the music was horrendous. My fave instructor is still using their CDs, so we got to rock out to todayās newest hits, including āIām Blue Da Ba Deeā and āBeepā by Pussycat Dolls. Except none of the songs were the original artists- instead, we got their whiny, techno wannabes. I die.
I may be canceling my membership anywayā¦
Some eats:
Brown rice toast, arugula, tomatoes, egg and nutritional yeast
and snacktime was eaten on the patio with Bella, watching her chase birds.
Protein fluff (peanut butter, Sun Warrior, almond milk and cinnamon)
+ organic fruit š
So Iāve been trying to spend extra time with Bella lately because we think she may be depressed.
Itās weird because sheās moved with us many times before, and is a pro at it, but sheās having a rough time getting used to the new casa. Sometimes when we leave, weāll come back and sheāll be sleeping by the door waiting for us. She kind of mopes around (when sheās usually so spunky and happy!) and I think sheās bored. Even though we walk her everyday and play with her, I think she misses her sissy and feels lonely.
[Even though her sissy not-so-secretly wanted to eat her. Vies is now queen of the castle with good friends of ours, and we still get to see her all the time, which we love]
Weāre thinking about getting a friend for Bella to keep her company while weāre out and about, but are trying to figure it all out. Ideally, weād like to adopt a dog who is a few years old and housetrained already āhousetraining a puppy in a new house would be no bueno- and have it be closer to Bellaās size, like other dogs and possibly the same breed (maltipoo). I also think it may help for when the baby arrives- Bell will have someone to play with while weāre extra busy getting into the swing of things with a new baby.
Have you ever been in a similar situation?
Hope you all have a great night and Iāll see ya in the morning <3
xoxo
Gina
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Music really can make or break a spin class. At my old gym, there were two instructors who played AWFUL music (and total opposites: one would play the old techno garbage like you’re describing, and the other would play 70s soft jams. Huh?) and I just couldn’t get into their classes. Glad you still had fun!
I think a friend for bella would awesome! I want to get a little friend for my yorkie too! I think dogs do so much better when they have someone to play with!
I love my LA Fitness and will keep my membership even after I move and it’s further away. I like that it’s good nationwide!
Yes! My miniature schnauzer Bernie is just not happy as an only dog. When his sister (a big, older hound named Gretchen) passed away, he was so mopey that my mom took care of him for a little while (she has 2 mini schnauzers of her own) and told me that she wouldn’t give him back if I didn’t get him another dog. So I adopted an adult schnauzer from a breed specific rescue (Louisiana Schnauzer Rescue) and it was the best decision ever. Bernie loved Hereaux (when Hereaux goes to the vet without Bernie, Bernie is depressed for days, even after Hereaux gets back) and Hereaux has been a fantastic dog (I’ve had him for 6 years now). It took me a week to potty train him (crate training is magic) since he just needed a little reminder not to go in the house.
Best of all- when you adopt an adult dog- you are saving a life, which is such a good feeling!
I second the doggie day care suggestion. As a full-time dog trainer I always remind people that the second dog is added expense, added work, and not a guaranteed playmate. You should always get the second dog for you in case they end up not being the beat of friends with your current dog. A new dog with a baby on the way will only add to your work, not lessen it. Maybe a dog walker for Bell or honestly maybe some fun trick training. I have yet to meet someone with a “depressed dog” who didn’t fix it with some fun training. They like the attention, the treats, and the mental stimulation. I’d look for a clicker training class for tricks, freestyle, agility, or something. Tricks is just the easiest to practice at home. Hope that helps! She’s had a lot of changes recently and maybe she is just a little tired or not completely settled in yet.
I agree with Debbie on this one, I have read many articles, books sites on this as I was looking for a playmate for my dog as well, because I thought she was bored when I was at work and that would be the solution. Every article said the same thing, the theory of them playing together and leaving you alone per say, is not true. It is the opposite. You will have 2 dogs vying for your attention, not 1. And the added work load….I don’t know, I think this will be an awful lot for you to handle with the baby coming and everything – what if things go wrong, or it doesn’t work out, or the dog turns out to not be what you expect? You don’t want that extra stress/concern/time/concentration when you have a baby around!!!! Just saying š
I tend to agree. I did get a second dog, but I wanted one for all of us. My original dog now just guards his food all day, for the most part. They play about 1 minute per day and the rest of the time it’s just one more (large) sleeping body to step over and more hair and poop to clean up. But it’s ok because my daughter loves the second dog and vice versa.
I don’t think I’d want two dogs to have to worry about not liking a tail-pulling baby. Little dogs can feel physically threatened by small kids.
Maybe baby goats? Heh. Bella could play goatherd. I’ve read bored, depressed dogs need a ‘job’.
the original plan was to get goats, but our homeowner’s association doesn’t allow it :/
That is so lame of LA Fitness to make instructors use those type of CDs. Whenever I go to a spin class with an unknown instructor.. if they start playing that techno music I immediately lose my will to workout. It just doesn’t pump me up at all. I hope other gyms don’t start following that rule.
I have been “this close” to getting a pal for our canine so many times – but then I always think of the fact that he doesn’t have to compete with anyone else for our love and he likes being an only child. I wish he could talk so I could ask him what he would like! We used to have another dog, back when Angus was a puppy – but he’s been solo for so long, I don’t want to disrupt his environment. I think since you’re not far removed from having two, bringing a pal in for Bella would be an easy transition. And even if it was a puppy – they learn so much faster with an older dog to model after. Good luck with your search! Bella is so lucky to have such good parents. Take care.
I’ve always had dogs growing up and when one passed away it was so sad to see how upset the other dogs were…there was always one that was especially attached to the one that passed. My mom would always feel bad and we’d end up getting another dog.
I think it’s a good idea to get a friend for Bella…and def agree on getting one a few years old. My bf and I want a dog and are looking for one that same age because we wouldn’t be home enough to housetrain a puppy. And make sure they get to meet before you officially make a decision to know that Bella likes her new friend š
Good luck!
This is exactly why we got a female Border Terrier after we’d had Wicket about a year. We wanted him to get used to the idea of sharing us before we had a baby and we wanted a girl because we didn’t want to deal with same sex dominance issues…She’s 2 years older than he is, so she was already trained and had pretty good manners. From the beginning, they have been 2 peas in a pod…Wicket is the picture of an annoying little brother and Opal is the BEST big sister in the world.
When I had my son, I was very worries about my shih tzu feeling jealous. I made sure that she was always in one of our laps when the other was holding the baby. She looked at my son funny, like what is this crying little thing. Then she started to realize that he was staying. She got used to him quickly. I would say that they co-habitate (a real word?) now. My dog will however, always be mother’s baby. Even at age 5, my son will tell you that Phoebe is mommy’s dog.
We thought Princess was lonely after my grandma passed away. We got Buffy. Buffy loved Princess but tortured her. Princess would look at us like, “why do you hate me?” Buffy was really depressed for months after princess passed away. My parents didn’t want to get another dog though. I think they miss Princess too much. Buffy seems better now. I try and take her for walks every time I go home.
If you do get another pup, definitely get a male dog. Female dogs never stop fighting.
I think it probably depends on the dog and the breed. I have two female dogs who are best friends. Sure they wrestle and play around but they have never fought before.
I hate to be Debbie Downer here, but I think the majority of people, no matter how much of a princess your pet is to you, feel little differently towards their animals after having a baby. They are no longer your #1 focus of attention and that is okay, its how it should be. The dog will either accept and settle into their new protector role, or sometimes will act out due to lack of attention, but you need to be the alpha dog and let the animal know that they are not #1 and that is okay.
Its happened to me with my rottweilers and I’ve seen it happen to countless friends, no matter how much you love and attend to your fur-babies, you will love & attend to your human baby more.
That is such a bizarre rule- I’ve never heard about that. Besides its sweattasticness (I just made up that word), it’s the music that makes me a spinning fan.
I think another dog would be great for her. My dog would be too jealous but Bella already knows what it’s like to have a sister.
We’re going through the same thing with our dog, Nutmeg. She came to us from my parents in Florida (fully-trained and four years old) and in her previous home she had two siblings. Although I think she loves being the only dog most of the time, especially when we are home to play with her, we have been noticing that she seems a bit down lately, too. We don’t have time to devote to puppy training so if we did get a dog, it would most likely have to be a dog thats a couple years older. Can’t wait to hear what you decide to do!
I feel the same way about LA Fitness! There is a location that is about six blocks away from me with super cheap dues. There is one spinning instructor there that is amazing, and you can tell everyone knows it because a truck load of people show up at 5:45 in the morning to take her class as if they are giving away free flat screen TVs or something. haha. But the only problem is she is forced to use the regulated Lame-o music. The other dancey/ step/ kickbox classes are so boring I nearly fall asleep and there are usually only 3 other people there. It super convienent on cold winter Minnesota mornings to just get up and drive 3 minutes to get a workout in before my work day.
Breed is big.
Our little jack russell (female) seemed so sad and lonely when we first moved back to the states.
We got a boy pointer from the humane society who had WAY too much energy and was so big he would hurt her just playing. She HATED him. We felt bad but returned him. He was too young, untrained and needed to be on a farm.
Then a few months later we tried again and got a little “quiet” and “laid back” dog that is small like her (looks like Toto), is a male and is older.
We still managed to house train him and he is so laid back that they are a perfect fit. She always move and wants attention and he just lays around. Keep trying. She really will be happier.
It took months but it’s worth it when we look out the window and they’re outside chasing each other and play biting. They’re super happy. (also when she’s in heat they are SUPER flirt and don’t even want to mess with us).
Awww…poor Bella baby! Is there any way to “borrow” someone’s small dog for a few days to see if it improves things? A tester š
I think that would be so great for Bella! One of my customers just adopted a 10yr old dog (same age as her little guy) from the shelter. They are similar breed, same size and she says they are best buddies and see’s a huge change in their first dog.
I’m in a kinda similar situation. I have a very elderly dog and a 3 to who is really attached. I also have a 3 mo baby, so if something happens to my dog, training a new one is gonna be tough. My hubs is a fed, so he is gone a lot. It will be me, the 3 yo, the 3mo and a puppy. Woosh. Good luck.
We’re getting a friend for my Leland because we are going through the same issues. Just bought a house and he’s having to be alone a little bit more. When we get back from our labor day trip we’re going to adopt another dog because I think he needs a girlfriend. Everyone that I’ve talked to has agreed with my assessment and has told me wonderful stories about adding a second dog. I’m really excited to add to our little furry family.
Music is super important to me as well! Sometimes it’s hard to focus when you’re distracted by annoying voices! Does Bella like wearing bows? Growing up, I always tried to put bows in my dogs hair but she would always scratch them out! Bella looks so cute and stylish!
she doesn’t seem to mind them
It’s too bad for members, but I’m glad LA Fitness started following the laws about music licensing. Body Pump pays for the rights to use all the songs they do. It’s not fair competitively when a company as large as LA Fitness just gets away with breaking the law.
Hey, i didn’t think of that but i have heard about the problem. So are they using their versions just to save money?
I was in a similar situation with our oldest cat. We weren’t really home enough, and he was definitely bored and started getting into things… he would turn into a little escape artist when we were home and try to dart out the door. We did end up getting a friend for him and it was the best thing we possibly could have done for him – no more boredom and both kitties are entirely content. Plus, now there’s one less fur buddy without a home!
I would try out doggie day care first and see how Bella reacts. I used to work at Petsmart and you can request for them to play in a group with other dogs or have them play in a one on one setting. Granted, I’d rather have them play in group, though sometimes the small dogs, like the mini Dachshunds would just huddle under me since they were terrified of the ‘bigger’ dogs like a maltipoo. Lol. I loved being with the dogs. The people. . . . sometimes. ^_^; Check out the local camps, you might be able to view in on a play session, and talk to some of the workers to see what place would be best for Bella.
A second dog only adds more work and an expectant mom doesn’t need more work. š
Oh and she doesn’t have to go every single day to camp. maybe twice a week day camps would boost her spirits.
I saw somewhere in here someone mentioned doggy daycare! That seems like a great idea to me! My first thought when you said getting another dog was “ARE YOU NUTZ?” Sorry! Bell just may not know this place is permanent yet! When you leave, she doesn’t know if you forgot to take her! When my daughter and son-in-law moved into their first house he said he read that dogs need to migrate…so he walked the dog to the new house…2 hours and 45 minutes… so that the dog knew that this was his new home…he migrated! And they have never had a problem with him! He knows he is home!
I would definitely find something to help her, as my feeling is that it will only get worse after the baby comes home! Think of everything she has been through in the past year, and how many moves she has made! Poor Bell, I’m sure you will figure out what is best for your household!
Bad music can definitely kill a spin class for me. Last week I was at a class where they played “Numb” by Linkin Park… I wanted to walk out right then and there! š
Awww…poor Bella. She looks like such a sweetheart. I second the people who said to try doggie day care for some socialization outside of the home. Interactive toys are great too. My pup loves kongs stuffed with peanut butter and her Tug A Jug filled with small treats, cereal & some of her food. Maybe she’s sensing your gluten free bun in the oven??! Smart girl!
My husband and I both agree that we are a two dog family. I think companionship is really important with dogs and having a friend as a companion is essential. We also have a baby on the way (32 weeks now). Dogs regardless are a lot of work but to me having two is really no different than one. I like your idea of getting one that is older and a bit calmed down etc. That would help you a lot when your little one shows up! My in-laws have dogs that are all the same breed and they do extremely well together. We have a puggle and a German Shepherd and even though the shepherd is bigger, she is also younger and now has small dog complex. HA.
I agree that two isn’t really that different if they get along that is. Sure you have to buy a little more food and an extra set of shots every year but it’s worth it when you watch them play with each other. The worst is just an extra body in the bed but I guess everyone doesn’t let that fly lol
A lot of pounds and rescue associations love to list whether or not the dog needs other dogs to play with at home and you could always set up a meet to see if Bella gets along with the dog. That’s so neat you want goats as well, I can’t wait to rescue a couple of goats…they are kind of a pain (I’ve had them before) so don’t feel *too* bad you cant have any….yet. =)
Not sure if anyone mentioned this – maybe the puppy is just extra tired from enjoying all the extra time outdoors in the new backyard!!
Have you thought about fostering dogs for a shelter while the await adoption?
I just signed up to be a foster mom for a rescue that saves dogs from being euthanized from high-kill shelters. They basically save the pups the most in need (ie the closed to being put down) and leave to others who might still be adopted from shelters. They then give the dogs medical attention and love and adopt them out on their own…
I think my pup Apollo will enjoy having friends, and I really like the idea of showing some pooches who need a second chance some love without the commitment of getting another dog. It could be useful for you with your little baby on the way – if things are overwhelming at first with the little one, you could wait until you get in the swing of things before taking in another foster….
G-
I didn’t get a chance to read through all the comments, so someone may have already said this, but maybe Bella knows you’re pregnant and she’s a litte sad/depressed that she’s not going to be the star of the show anymore? I know you said you thought it was possible that she knew even before you did! I think dogs definitely have a sixth sense about these things. I have a friend who, when she was pregnant, her normally very well behaved and housetrained dog would go in the nursery and poop in the middle of the floor! Like, “here’s what I think of a BABY coming into MY house!” ha ha…funny, but kinda sad. When baby was born the dog was completely fine. I’m sure Bell will be fine with Fitnessista, Jr. (<—I wrote 'Pilot, Jr.' first because I forgot we are expecting a she-nugget now!!) just be sure to involve her in the process as well….she is the big sister, after all!
Xo, Laura
When I got home from the hospital with my son, my dog decided to shred every magazine he could get his…paws… on. I ended up getting another dog the same breed and size, but he actually bullied my dog. Not a good experience. :/
We recently got a puppy playmate for our dog. She was originally for us, I mean, we wanted a puppy but now that we’ve had her awhile it’s apparent that it was the best decision for the other dog. They CONSTANTLY play and I’ve never seen our other dog so happy! I’m not sure if it has to do with bringing in a puppy or if he’d be the same had we brought in an older dog (which we wanted to do but couldn’t find any to rescue that had cat experience) So i don’t know! Do a little more research and decide for yourself. A lot of times you can adopt a dog and return it if it just isn’t working out with your other pets.
I don’t think getting another dog is a good solution, IMO. :-/ Been there, done that. One dog ended up beating up on the other one. Also, Dogs (and cats) DO pick up pregnancy…my animals were ALL out of whack when I first got preggo. Each dog acted differently (and differently) with me…one dog was all over me all the time, one cat wanted NOTHING to do wiht me, another one rubbed my belly constantly. LOL Also, moving for a dog IS somewhat tramautic, even when they’ve moved before. I’d give Bella some time to adjust to the move…and then she will have another change when baby girl arrives…so I think throwing another doggie into the mix might end up being TOO much change for her. š