What workarounds did people try for "How do I know if getting another pet is a mistake?"?

Community members documented 82 workarounds: 1. Saying no and sticking to it 2. Having the child do practice walks around the block for 20 minutes every 4 hours to test commitment 3. Waiting until the current dog passes away before deciding 4. Getting an adult rescue instead of a puppy 5. Adopting one dog first before adding a second 6. Waiting until the first dog reaches maturity around two years old before getting a second dog. 7. Adopting a bonded pair 8. Getting an adult or senior cat who prefers being a solo pet 9. Refusing to rush into getting a puppy, asking experienced dog owners for a realistic take on the challenges, and considering potential health and behavioral issues beforehand. 10. Doing a trial foster run before committing 11. Adopting with the option to return the dog if it is not a good fit 12. Seeking reassurance and advice from other multi-dog owners 13. Evaluating home size, financial affordability, and how current pets handle the new animals 14. waiting until current children are older and out of the baby phase 15. setting a strict age deadline for when to stop having children 16. fostering another cat temporarily to test compatibility 17. providing toys like rod toys and lasers to entertain the pet 18. leaving the pet alone while working full time 19. Asking shelter staff to match with older cats or 'loner' cats that prefer to be the only pet 20. Adopting a single cat initially and considering adding a second pet later if lifestyle permits 21. playing with the cat and trying to provide enrichment 22. getting a second cat or kitten to keep the first one company 23. waiting weeks or months until feeling ready 24. adopting immediately to cope with heartbreak 25. letting fate decide when a stray appears 26. browsing local shelters or pet store adoption areas to test readiness 27. asking for opinions on online forums and evaluating pros and cons from experienced owners 28. Leaving the second puppy with the rescue to let her find her own family 29. Focusing entirely on training and adjusting to the single puppy already at home 30. Looking into fostering the second puppy temporarily to see how it goes 31. fostering a shelter dog first 32. house sitting for a weekend or borrowing a friend's dog 33. doing extensive research on dog care and specific breeds 34. looking at listings of kittens and cats in shelters 35. volunteering at a local animal shelter 36. fostering a cat in need before committing to permanent adoption 37. getting a portrait tattoo or keeping ashes nearby 38. keeping the pet locked in the bedroom at night 39. spending more personal time playing with and petting the remaining pet 40. Visiting shelter cats to see how it feels 41. Focusing on giving opportunities and a home to a cat in need 42. Basing pet decisions on physical or environmental limitations rather than pure grief 43. fostering-to-adopt to test compatibility 44. Waiting several months or years before getting a new pet 45. Giving oneself time to rest and breathe if grief is overwhelming 46. Keeping the dogs separated 47. Trying slow distance introductions 48. Telling the dog to leave it or sit repeatedly 49. waiting until life is more settled and relocating before getting a pet 50. relying on family members for dog-sitting or staying close to them 51. Volunteering at a shelter for a week to see how it feels 52. Fostering a cat for a week to build confidence before adopting 53. Asking the breeder what training and socializations were completed beforehand 54. Adopting from shelters or taking in surrendered dogs 55. Relying on the advice of others to weigh financial capacity, vet costs, and litter box space 56. Trying out a litter box scooping routine with a friend's cat 57. Fostering or foster-to-adopt through local shelters 58. Using automatic litter boxes or budget-friendly scoop-free trays 59. Giving the high-energy pet lots of attention and play time 60. Relying on older pets to set boundaries through swipes or angry meows 61. monitoring the pet's behavior and movement 62. consulting family members or online forums for advice 63. Discussing the situation with a partner to gauge how they feel before making a decision. 64. Dog sitting occasionally instead of committing to owning a dog. 65. fostering the pet first to see if they get along 66. doing a slow introduction to give everyone a chance to adjust 67. watching training videos 68. relying on constant exercise and effort 69. Doing slow introductions using scent swaps 70. Adopting a kitten rather than an adult cat for an easier introduction 71. Adding additional litter boxes and toys 72. Deciding not to adopt new pets while a grumpy or mean cat is still in the house 73. Doing a trial run with a younger dog who is being rehomed 74. Using a foster-to-adopt setup with a calm adult dog 75. Getting a puppy or a dog of the opposite gender 76. Putting off the decision indefinitely 77. Backing out of the adoption before taking the animal in to prevent rehoming later 78. Waiting to adopt until moving out into a separate, stable living environment 79. Fostering a cat temporarily to test how the current cat reacts to a companion. 80. Looking specifically for a calm adult cat with a similar temperament. 81. Using every introduction method in the book to integrate them. 82. Keeping the pet as an only cat to avoid stress and jealousy.

How do I know if getting another pet is a mistake?

Adding another pet introduces major lifestyle trade-offs and risks disrupting the established bonds and routines of your current household. The actual difficulty lies in weighing whether the daily burden—such as early-morning walks or overwhelmed existing animals—will be worth the impact on your family.

Overview

Last updated Nov 1, 2026

People affected57 accounts across 4 forums

Workarounds found82 items attempted

Community agreement572 total upvotes

What the numbers show

Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count

Most of it landed at once — the busiest month was September 2026, with 40 people.
This comes up 10.9× more often in r/dogs than across the site as a whole.

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

82 items+ Contribute

Found another way around this?

Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.

1
Saying no and sticking to it
Did this help you?
2
Having the child do practice walks around the block for 20 minutes every 4 hours to test commitment
Did this help you?
3
Waiting until the current dog passes away before deciding
Did this help you?
4
Getting an adult rescue instead of a puppy
Did this help you?
5
Adopting one dog first before adding a second
Did this help you?
6
Waiting until the first dog reaches maturity around two years old before getting a second dog.
Did this help you?
7
Adopting a bonded pair
Did this help you?
8
Getting an adult or senior cat who prefers being a solo pet
Did this help you?
9
Refusing to rush into getting a puppy, asking experienced dog owners for a realistic take on the challenges, and considering potential health and behavioral issues beforehand.
Did this help you?
10
Doing a trial foster run before committing
Did this help you?
11
Adopting with the option to return the dog if it is not a good fit
Did this help you?
12
Seeking reassurance and advice from other multi-dog owners
Did this help you?
13
Evaluating home size, financial affordability, and how current pets handle the new animals
Did this help you?
14
waiting until current children are older and out of the baby phase
Did this help you?
15
setting a strict age deadline for when to stop having children
Did this help you?
16
fostering another cat temporarily to test compatibility
Did this help you?
17
providing toys like rod toys and lasers to entertain the pet
Did this help you?
18
leaving the pet alone while working full time
Did this help you?
19
Asking shelter staff to match with older cats or 'loner' cats that prefer to be the only pet
Did this help you?
20
Adopting a single cat initially and considering adding a second pet later if lifestyle permits
Did this help you?
21
playing with the cat and trying to provide enrichment
Did this help you?
22
getting a second cat or kitten to keep the first one company
Did this help you?
23
waiting weeks or months until feeling ready
Did this help you?
24
adopting immediately to cope with heartbreak
Did this help you?
25
letting fate decide when a stray appears
Did this help you?
26
browsing local shelters or pet store adoption areas to test readiness
Did this help you?
27
asking for opinions on online forums and evaluating pros and cons from experienced owners
Did this help you?
28
Leaving the second puppy with the rescue to let her find her own family
Did this help you?
29
Focusing entirely on training and adjusting to the single puppy already at home
Did this help you?
30
Looking into fostering the second puppy temporarily to see how it goes
Did this help you?
31
fostering a shelter dog first
Did this help you?
32
house sitting for a weekend or borrowing a friend's dog
Did this help you?
33
doing extensive research on dog care and specific breeds
Did this help you?
34
looking at listings of kittens and cats in shelters
Did this help you?
35
volunteering at a local animal shelter
Did this help you?
36
fostering a cat in need before committing to permanent adoption
Did this help you?
37
getting a portrait tattoo or keeping ashes nearby
Did this help you?
38
keeping the pet locked in the bedroom at night
Did this help you?
39
spending more personal time playing with and petting the remaining pet
Did this help you?
40
Visiting shelter cats to see how it feels
Did this help you?
41
Focusing on giving opportunities and a home to a cat in need
Did this help you?
42
Basing pet decisions on physical or environmental limitations rather than pure grief
Did this help you?
43
fostering-to-adopt to test compatibility
Did this help you?
44
Waiting several months or years before getting a new pet
Did this help you?
45
Giving oneself time to rest and breathe if grief is overwhelming
Did this help you?
46
Keeping the dogs separated
Did this help you?
47
Trying slow distance introductions
Did this help you?
48
Telling the dog to leave it or sit repeatedly
Did this help you?
49
waiting until life is more settled and relocating before getting a pet
Did this help you?
50
relying on family members for dog-sitting or staying close to them
Did this help you?
51
Volunteering at a shelter for a week to see how it feels
Did this help you?
52
Fostering a cat for a week to build confidence before adopting
Did this help you?
53
Asking the breeder what training and socializations were completed beforehand
Did this help you?
54
Adopting from shelters or taking in surrendered dogs
Did this help you?
55
Relying on the advice of others to weigh financial capacity, vet costs, and litter box space
Did this help you?
56
Trying out a litter box scooping routine with a friend's cat
Did this help you?
57
Fostering or foster-to-adopt through local shelters
Did this help you?
58
Using automatic litter boxes or budget-friendly scoop-free trays
Did this help you?
59
Giving the high-energy pet lots of attention and play time
Did this help you?
60
Relying on older pets to set boundaries through swipes or angry meows
Did this help you?
61
monitoring the pet's behavior and movement
Did this help you?
62
consulting family members or online forums for advice
Did this help you?
63
Discussing the situation with a partner to gauge how they feel before making a decision.
Did this help you?
64
Dog sitting occasionally instead of committing to owning a dog.
Did this help you?
65
fostering the pet first to see if they get along
Did this help you?
66
doing a slow introduction to give everyone a chance to adjust
Did this help you?
67
watching training videos
Did this help you?
68
relying on constant exercise and effort
Did this help you?
69
Doing slow introductions using scent swaps
Did this help you?
70
Adopting a kitten rather than an adult cat for an easier introduction
Did this help you?
71
Adding additional litter boxes and toys
Did this help you?
72
Deciding not to adopt new pets while a grumpy or mean cat is still in the house
Did this help you?
73
Doing a trial run with a younger dog who is being rehomed
Did this help you?
74
Using a foster-to-adopt setup with a calm adult dog
Did this help you?
75
Getting a puppy or a dog of the opposite gender
Did this help you?
76
Putting off the decision indefinitely
Did this help you?
77
Backing out of the adoption before taking the animal in to prevent rehoming later
Did this help you?
78
Waiting to adopt until moving out into a separate, stable living environment
Did this help you?
79
Fostering a cat temporarily to test how the current cat reacts to a companion.
Did this help you?
80
Looking specifically for a calm adult cat with a similar temperament.
Did this help you?
81
Using every introduction method in the book to integrate them.
Did this help you?
82
Keeping the pet as an only cat to avoid stress and jealousy.
Did this help you?

Tried another approach not listed above?+ Share your workaround ↑

In their words

Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.

r/cats36 people · September 2026 – November 2026

“I have a story of love and loss and grief and the dilemma of getting a new cat after the loss of a soul pet.”source ↗

“And even though I was told I did everything right when he was sick and after the operation, I still feel such shame for his last hours and death being so awful.”source ↗

“Even though I’m sure I will love any other pet with my whole heart as well, I’m scared I will constantly compare other pets with him. And I don’t want to just replace him by getting another cat, but gosh I miss the purrs, the cuddles and even the fur everywhere.”source ↗

“I’m also kind of scared of getting another cat because I know how attached I get, and now I know how hard it will be to some day lose it too.”source ↗

“It’s just such a dilemma for me. I keep looking for kittens in need of a new home in my area, but then feel shame for wanting another cat so soon after his death.”source ↗

Beautiful-Carry4552 · r/cats · 236 upvotes

“I’m worried my older ones may change their personalities or not like the new one, but they are both super friendly and had no issues accepting each other and feel like it could work fine.”source ↗

Peaches-Cream · r/cats · 41 upvotes

“I don’t know how he’ll handle another cat.”source ↗

“I don’t know if he actually wants a new friend to share me with.”source ↗

“How did you know if your cat wanted a friend or to be left alone?”source ↗

Tenekah · r/cats · 38 upvotes

“I’m still not sure how I feel about having a new cat. I’m not completely opposed to it but it does feel painful to think of a new cat in the space I shared with my previous baby.”source ↗

“I don’t want to say no if this is his soul baby but my heart still hurts.”source ↗

ImaginationWild5999 · r/cats · 28 upvotes

“Hi, my boyfriend and I got our first cat a little over a month ago, she is a 1 year old spayed female. She has been doing well and seems to be fully settled in. She is cuddly, affectionate, outgoing, outspoken, and playful. She doesn’t seem to be scared of much and has never purposefully scratched or bit my boyfriend and I. I have noticed when my boyfriend is at work and I go to do laundry in the hallway outside of my apartment I can hear her crying from the laundry room. I’m not sure if this is something she does when both my boyfriend and I are at work but I think it’s safe to assume she does? She likes to play at night and sometimes she will cry when she’s in the living room playing. She does a lot of laying around during the day, we do play with her and try to provide enrichment. Does it sound like she would like a companion?”source ↗

Thin-Marzipan7049 · r/cats · 17 upvotes

“I definitely don’t need another cat I already have 3 but she’s just staring and it feels like she should come home with me…someone talk me out of it? Into it?”source ↗

Lost_Elk929 · r/cats · 9 upvotes

“I'm wondering if it might be helpful for my cranky cat Lucky for us to scoop him up to be a buddy for Zag. Or do any of you guys have experience where it backfired?”source ↗

AwesomeKristin · r/cats · 9 upvotes

“come back from running errands and found her lifting her paw off as to not put weight down on it, she's not limping but walking as if she's walking on her toes.”source ↗

“my first instinct is "my baby!!!!" Running her to a vet. My family are not wanting to her as they think she will be fine?”source ↗

Hmmmmmmmb · r/cats · 9 upvotes

“I would really rather adopt just one cat for now, but I hear so many people saying it’s bad for them…”source ↗

“As an ADHDer, I just know that if I have 2 right away, I’ll start to worry about nonsense stuff and just start creating problems that don’t exist.”source ↗

“Is it okay? Or is it really better for them to have friends right away?”source ↗

Edu_Vivan · r/cats · 7 upvotes

“It got me thinking - how long after losing one have others waited to get a kitten?”source ↗

D0gtorM3ow · r/cats · 6 upvotes

“I’m 23. I’ve never had a pet. My friends have cats and dogs and I think I might want a cat.”source ↗

“But the thought of having to deal with the litter box and everything really makes me not want a cat. Does this mean I shouldn’t get one?”source ↗

“I’m also wondering how much it costs on average to own a cat for all the food, litter, vet bills, etc?”source ↗

shygirl5000 · r/cats · 5 upvotes

“I was debating on getting a cat, but I don’t want them to be lonely while I’m at work. Plus I feel like they may want another cat around to play with”source ↗

sirflex1ngton · r/cats · 4 upvotes

“I just lost a soul kitty almost 2 weeks ago after 14+ years together. Before her passing and after I thought I’ll never get a cat again or it will be YEARS because this was traumatizing and I don’t know if I can handle another loss like this.”source ↗

“I get excited looking at cats for adoption but at the same time I can’t imagine having another cat in all the places my other cat would be.”source ↗

“How did you know it was the right time?”source ↗

ImaginationWild5999 · r/cats · 4 upvotes

“I really really want to get my first cat but I’m kinda nervous I really don’t want to be one of those 20y olds who has a cat but is the worst fucking owner ever cuz their dumb and irresponsible.”source ↗

jasperchild333 · r/cats · 3 upvotes

“I have 3 cats. They are with us almost 4 and 5 years and they are around 5-9 years old (all rescues). We have an opportunity to adopt another rescue, who is around 2 years old. I can’t believe that my husband actually agreed to it 🤪 but now i have doubts myself.”source ↗

Lost-Upstairs333 · r/cats · 3 upvotes

“Biggest change is it's one additional cat trying to trip me down the stairs or destroying my house. I think 4 is my max thou, unless it was extreme circumstances. I love them all but our house just isn't big enough.”source ↗

All-Hail-Chomusuke · r/cats · 3 upvotes

“I know Bug wouldn’t mind another cat but I’d hate to upset Pump… which is why I haven’t done it yet/keep going back & forth.”source ↗

Worth_Rest5059 · r/cats · 3 upvotes

“I keep wondering whether he’d benefit from having another cat around to interact with while I’m at work, or whether he’d actually be happier having the whole place and my attention to himself.”source ↗

Scoffer_ · r/cats · 3 upvotes

“I do wonder whether he would be happier with a little companion or whether he is completely comfortable by himself...”source ↗

Fourteas · r/cats · 2 upvotes

“Im dealing with this myself. Lost my Frankie August 1st 2026. I got his portrait tattooed on me and put his ashes in it. So i boop his snoot daily and talk to him still. My other cat is so lonely. Im considering getting another. Im also torn.”source ↗

Jae_DeVil · r/cats · 2 upvotes

“There is one adult male cat who is the biggest grump and he will sometimes be mean towards the other cats.”source ↗

Nice_Violinist9736 · r/cats · 2 upvotes

“I am just worried if getting a 3rd cat could maybe ruin their bond somehow? Or have the sister be even more overwhelmed with another cat?”source ↗

xArianaxx · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“I’m not sure if I should take her inside or leave her outside.”source ↗

Zalaquin · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“What happens if you get another cat and your 3 yr old hates it? Now things are worse.”source ↗

Djinn42 · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“I adopted a new cat 36 hours later because I was so heartbroken and couldn’t stand to be without him”source ↗

Mindless_Luck7553 · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“Hi! I’m in this right now. I lost my soul cat to a traumatic illness when he was 8 yrs old almost 1 yr ago. It’s earth shattering.”source ↗

craictoseintolerant · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“I don’t feel ready right now. My girl was with me through so much hardship, just like yours was with you. Right now it feels like I’d be trying to fill a void. She also had health complications, and I’ve had a lot of difficult feelings around that.”source ↗

justaSundaypainter · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“I too struggle with the fear of getting attached and then losing another pet, so I feel you there, and wish I had a good answer.”source ↗

insectenjoyer · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“For the past year I have been battling whether or not I should get another cat for my 6 year old calico girl Penelope.”source ↗

“While she is so well behaved and has zero behavioral issues I do struggle with the thought of whether I should get another cat for her or not since she did spend the first 5 years of her life with two other cats.”source ↗

“I also get so anxious now when I have to leave her for a trip which I have felt getting her a buddy would also help me with.”source ↗

Naturescrygal · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“Yeah it’s the threat of those previous issues as the only thing that’s been holding me back.”source ↗

Naturescrygal · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“We waited 4.5 months. I wanted to do it sooner, my husband would’ve waited a year. It was a hard loss for us.”source ↗

“It felt somehow like we were replacing the previous cat, or we’d see them do something and we’d say “remember how he used to do that?””source ↗

camel_jerky · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“I wait for when thinking of them no longer makes me cry. So yea, I'm still waiting.”source ↗

Monchichiboom · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“I’ve always felt this weird feeling of guilt when I get a new cat right after one passing.”source ↗

meese-not-mooses · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“Should I have a cat?”source ↗

spyborg1851 · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“Three cats is a lot if you can’t give two the attention they need. Why did you get a kitten if you have an older cat that likes to be an only cat?”source ↗

beaniebaby22909768 · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“Thanks, agree, just wondering if adding a third changed the behavior of the first two. Did they change personality? Attack the newcomer?”source ↗

Peaches-Cream · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“I'm torn on whether to not to adopt a cat — am I making the right call, or just making excuses?”source ↗

“I'm worried I'm not stable enough right now to give a cat what it needs.”source ↗

“Am I doing the responsible thing? Or am I just making excuses to avoid commitment?”source ↗

“But I'd rather back out now with notice than take him and rehome him in weeks.”source ↗

Longjumping_Bear7022 · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“My cat is far too jealous and possessive to allow another cat into the home. We tried for two years to make it work and had to rehome because he just wouldn't stop trying to attack the other cat.”source ↗

isogeo · r/cats · 1 upvotes

“My question is, how crazy would it be to have 4 cats?”source ↗

cwafer · r/cats

r/puppy1019 people · September 2026 – October 2026

“My hesitation is not about liking dogs. It is that I know exactly who is going to be walking it at six in the morning.”source ↗

“For people who did this was the child actually involved in any meaningful way, or is that a story parents tell themselves going in? And did it change anything for the kid in a way that made the rest of it worth it?”source ↗

BetterProphet5585 · r/puppy101 · 40 upvotes

“The dilemma is that the rescue just called and said they knew we were interested in the other pup and wanted to know if we'd like to adopt and they would cover the costs of adoption and spay.”source ↗

“I still think this would be a lot of work for my wife and I down the road and also put extra stress on our older dog who has been getting along with the new pup.”source ↗

“Just trying to see what would be best for the long haul.”source ↗

fartpants29 · r/puppy101 · 6 upvotes

“My best friends neighbor has some mystery puppies and I am in love with one of them. That said I currently have 2 chihuahuas that I rescued after the puppy phase. We think the puppies may be medium sized based on the mom. But since I haven’t dealt with a puppy in a while, I’m looking for some just general advice/commentary on what to expect if I do take this puppy. Trying to be responsible and not let the cuteness lead to bad decisions.”source ↗

legal_capybara · r/puppy101 · 2 upvotes

“I don't really know if I don't want it, if I never let myself be influenced by my kid I will always be the same and never challenge myself, I am sure there is a part of me that wants the dog, I am here to discuss the effects and if it's worth it for the family.”source ↗

BetterProphet5585 · r/puppy101 · 1 upvotes

“I am not sure if this is something where I should give it a set period of time after the older dog dies, or if I should consider jumping right back in and looking to adopt after this dog dies. And I’m also unsure if I should adopt one dog or two.”source ↗

Such-Kaleidoscope147 · r/puppy101 · 1 upvotes

“Wait till the puppy brain fully turns off, around 2 years old ish. I jumped too early once and ended up with two chaos gremlins feeding off each others energy instead of the calm mentor you're hoping for.”source ↗

AbbreviationsOwn7277 · r/puppy101 · 1 upvotes

“I was pretty sure it was and my family just thinks I'm overreacting.”source ↗

Ok-Hat-5037 · r/puppy101 · 1 upvotes

“The downside of that age range is if the training wasn't done or done right, you have to work extra hard.”source ↗

“I do wish I got to cuddle him more as a little puppy”source ↗

ContributionFew8336 · r/puppy101 · 1 upvotes

“Went through the teething stage for less than a month and bouts of anxiety for being crated up to 18 hours a day and just the unknown….”source ↗

aniHil3 · r/puppy101 · 1 upvotes

“I have a 9 year old female frenchie who does have prey drive and controlling behaviors.”source ↗

“The breeder did say I can return him and I'm wondering if we should just do that or wait it out.”source ↗

“If we wait it out, he is here to stay and if she never calms down I dont think this is a manageable situation.”source ↗

Ok-Hat-5037 · r/puppy101

“The problem is that doubt has creeped in. I know she willl love it, but then I ask myself “is it the right time”. “Should I wait till we have our own home?”. “Should I wait till my partner has a job”. “When is the right time”.”source ↗

mcdmatt93 · r/puppy101

r/dogs11 people · September 2026 – October 2026

“All this to say, my main concern is if I am able emotionally to handle two dogs. I have a really deep bond with my girl and I don't want to ruin that. I guess I'm just scared that if I introduce another dog I'll be focused on giving them both what they need and won't be able to have the same relationship with my current dog.”source ↗

Hairy_Telephone_3258 · r/dogs · 27 upvotes

“We’ve always wanted a second dog, but we’re unsure whether he’d actually enjoy having a permanent companion.”source ↗

“For those who’ve introduced a second dog, especially with an older resident dog, how did you know it was the right decision?”source ↗

hummingbirdnectar444 · r/dogs · 22 upvotes

“How do I know we can become a dog family?”source ↗

“I know it’s a big commitment, and I don’t know if we are better off as a no dog family or if we can accept a 5th family member and become a dog family.”source ↗

Puzzleheaded-Two9492 · r/dogs · 11 upvotes

“my two are completely different personalities and i was terrified i'd mess up the dynamic with my first.”source ↗

Effective-Pool2014 · r/dogs · 1 upvotes

“I find it stressful to bring a new dog home, but it’s been worth it for me.”source ↗

Aggressive-Size5413 · r/dogs · 1 upvotes

“They’re so cute I think I want one but what are the pros and cons?”source ↗

StaticLocations88 · r/dogs · 1 upvotes

“Thinking of rescuing a staffy that will be a challenge and looking for success/encouragement stories to help me decide”source ↗

“I guess I just wanted to hear some stories of others/encouragement for people who got a difficult dog and managed to calm them and turn their life around. I'm terrified of rescuing them and them making my life a misery.”source ↗

rxece · r/dogs · 1 upvotes

“I thought my rescue would like one but she didn't. He still wouldn't kill her. He just wanted out the kennel.”source ↗

geardownson · r/dogs · 1 upvotes

“My black lab loved other dogs everywhere but in his house. So I know he wouldn't want a second dog.”source ↗

wtfover · r/dogs · 1 upvotes

“We thought our old boy would hate having a new dog. He is pretty dog selective and can be quite aloof.”source ↗

nieded · r/dogs · 1 upvotes

“my husband and i live in a 1b apt in a city. we’ll be here for the next 10 months, but then he’s going to med school and we’ll have to move (undetermined place). found a baby at the shelter that we fell in love with😭 should we get her?? will it ruin our lives? how much does it change your life? what to know or think about?”source ↗

crabrangoon72 · r/dogs

r/Parenting1 person · September 2026

“I just don’t know if it’s the right time but will I ever know”source ↗

“I worry about my relationship with my current kids being strained and with my husband.”source ↗

bkingPAC · r/Parenting