I have been torturing myself by trying to decide if I should get a new puppy or foster a rescue. After months of head banging debates I’ve decided to wait at least another year before choosing. There were a few reasons… my cat is 14 years old and I think he deserves to ride out his ‘golden years’ without being tortured by a puppy or another dog and Chloe’s recent adoption of her leash reactivity is still being addressed and also my fence has seen better days and I hope to put in a new fence next summer. However I am pleased to say that I will be volunteering at a local no-kill humane society to ease my puppy fever . Now I hope I can volunteer without rescuing every dog/cat that comes through the doors!!

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I hope you have many more years with your kitty, which may mean you have a long wait before bringing in a new dog or pup. My kitty is hanging in there at 18+ years.
I also decided not to foster out of regard for my aging kitty, Sadie. Gotta love those seniors!

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"Beau" Mr. Beaujangles Dancin on a Wim CD, RN , ASCA CD, CGC (RIP my shining star 1-17-11)
"Baylee" UCD Baylee Golden Butterfly Wings CDX, RN , ASCA CD, CGC
"Baxter" U-Ch Promise's Purpose Driven Vision CGC (looking toward the future)
"Blayze" Promise's D'Best Aim For The Goal'd(the new kid on the block)

thanks BayBeams He had a rough patch last year but he seems to be doing ok. I hope he is around for many more years. I will be ready to foster whenever the time is right, there is def no rush.

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That sounds like a good approach. I'm glad you're protecting your elderly cat. I did that also, as my daughter begged for a puppy/dog. I never said that was why we were waiting, but she figured it out. The day my KitKat dies, DD said, "Now we can get a dog!" She loved KitKat, but kids (she was nine or so) usually have their priorities right there at the forefront! But I was glad we waited and made the cat's last couple years peaceful ones.

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Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

That is a good and reasonable decision on your part. I am sure your kitty will appreciate it.
A great thing you are planning to do with volunteering at a shelter. But... I anticipate a lot of trials for you with puppies/adults/seniors that wiggle into your heart

Good luck, I am sure you will be able to make a lot of critters happy for the duration they are at the shelter.

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My boys from left to right:
Thunder Dachsi Toby




http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...is-issues.html

My Toby, my heart dog 3/12/2003 - 3/30/2013, I miss you Toby!


Christa

Funny thing at my house is that when we brought Brady into our house as a puppy, my then 2 year old cat hated him and still does. My elderly cat LOVED him. Paisly was almost 16 when Brady came into the house, and went to the bridge at 18. In the final months, Paisly would curl up with Brady to keep warm, and Brady ( who was normally very active ) would stay so still, like he knew Paisly was so fragile.

Edit: But everybody's situation is different, and you know what it best.

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Thanks everyone!! I am really excited to start in January. I have been debating adopting/fostering/buying a puppy for months, I was starting to drive myself a little crazy over it. Mozart (the olde kitty) is super sweet, born and raised with dogs but I've noticed that his age is catching up with him. Chloe and Motz have agreed to tolerate each other and accept that they both must live under one roof but Mozart absolutely LOVES my parent's lab. So I know that he might accept a new dog but there is a level of risk that I dont feel comfortable taking yet.

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There are many days I look out to see A.J. (cat) curled up with Hank. Hank is 3 y.o. and A.J. is 16 y.o.

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**Fraulein "Maggie" Louise 8/2/95 - 7/20/09**
*At Rainbow Bridge but Forever in Our Hearts*