But is it silly, stupid or crazy to get a new puppy a week before surgery? My boyfriend and I, who live together, already have a 6 year old dog. Would it be something to keep my active, and focused on something other than myself? Or just too stressful, crazy, silly/stupid?

Help!

Personally I think it would add extra stress to your recovery that you don't need. If you want a new puppy, wait until you're a month or two out from surgery & are feeling better & can keep up with a puppy.

Not to frighten you but when I was released from the hospital I had a drain and a pain pump attached to me. I had my two dogs in the kennel for a week but immediately extended that for an additional two weeks until I got the drain/pump removed. I didn't want one of the dogs jumping on me and possibly catching on the tubing. However I didn't have someone else to help take care of the dogs which also affected my decision not to have them at home.

whoa! Don't but another animal to keep an animal occupied, especially one that is 6 years difference...that would be like handing a 35-ish person a toddler and go "enjoy".

We have an organic farm at home and Hubby's mom is an exceptional handler for dogs (and horses) I actually just called her and she totaly encourages you to adopt a second animal, but be aware of the age, situation, and breed vs. breed you are introducing and get it from a shelter that will let them interact a few times before you commit.

She's the dog whisperer, lol - but I am 6 months out on the sleeve - and I suggest you hold off till after the sleeve.

Off my soapbox.

Thanks you guys! We kind of want our older dog to have a sibling. And I fully understand sibling rivalry and things. It's funny how things are dropped in your lap, huh? My boyfriend is here to help me, and my parents, who are both doctors, live 10 mins from me. We are still thinking about it!

If you have people you can count on to help if your recovery isn't as smooth as you like, then do it. I'm sorry but I can't imagine having two dogs in the house is more difficult than those of us that get sleeved with young children! I had two and a half year old twins to chase after surgery and managed just fine.

That said, go into this choice knowing that your recovery might be rougher than you expect because of the added demand. I always say dogs are a bit like toddlers that never grow up. Obviously I'm a cat person.

Best of luck either way!

~Cheri

If you have people you can count on to help if your recovery isn't as smooth as you like, then do it. I'm sorry but I can't imagine having two dogs in the house is more difficult than those of us that get sleeved with young children! I had two and a half year old twins to chase after surgery and managed just fine.

That said, go into this choice knowing that your recovery might be rougher than you expect because of the added demand. I always say dogs are a bit like toddlers that never grow up. Obviously I'm a cat person.

Best of luck either way!

~Cheri

Ive just been sleeved June 26, 2 year old toddler twins. If I hadn't had the hernia repairs done at the same time, I would be ok to chase them, I think!

BUt I wouldn't buy a puppy to test the theory! I do agree also that a 6 yr old dog may well enjoy a 2-3 year old mate, puppies are like toddlers! Although I realise you didn't ask for an opinion on that! LOL