Not Meant to be a Three Dog Bakery

Hey Everyone!

A little over a week ago I ask those of you with three dogs if you would recommend it. The overwhelming response was yes! So, last Thursday, Cary, Hannah, Sam and I went to the Humane Society. We let Hannah and Sam play at Murphy Dog Park with the hound puppy for a little while to try and get a feel for how they would do together. But, it was hot and the end of the day and there were lots if dogs at the park, so it was hard to get a good read. Clay was kind enough to allow us to bring the puppy, Huckleberry, home for the evening to get a better feel for the situation.

Huckleberry snoozes at the store.

Well, I am sorry to report that it didn't work out so well.  I was really most concerned about Hannah's reaction, because she tends to be a little anti-social. Turns out she was fine, but Sam was not! Sam was just grumpy and growly and generally not his happy-go-lucky self. (Cassie threw her vote in with Sam, by the way)

Sam while we had Huckleberry

I think maybe given time, Sam could have accepted Huck, but I don't think he would have ever loved him. So, unfortunately, we had to return Huck to the Humane Society, which was indescribably difficult, considering he only visited us for one day. Clay said they had already had a call about him, though, and he is a smart, sweet and gentle puppy, so I know he'll find a good home. Just not with us. Maybe in the future, we'll try again. I've learned a couple things from this experience, like Sam gets along with females better than males, and any dog that's going to be a part of our family needs to be fast to keep up with Hannah and Sam. And overall, I'll try to remember not to get too attached before Hannah and Sam get their say.

Sam's smile returned after we'd dropped Huck off.

Three: Company or a Crowd?

Hey Everyone!

Cary and I dropped by the Humane Society on Saturday to take the treats you donated and while we were there we fell in love with a little brindle hound puppy.  Cary and I have both said previously that two is enough, but on occasion we've also seriously considered getting a third dog.  The last time we found one that we were drawn to, Cary had just been laid off and we didn't feel like it was financially responsible to take on another dog.  By the time he'd found a job, she'd found a home, so obviously, it just wasn't meant to be.

This time, we're in a good place.  We have the room in our home and our hearts.  Of course, there are still lots of things to consider before we bring another dog into our family.  For example, Hannah and Sam will have the final say on whether this dog is a good match for our family.  We'll have to take them out to the dog park to meet this little guy and see if they get along.  Plus, we'll have to make sure this puppy would be good with cats as well.

But, the point of this blog is this:  For those of you with three, what is your experience?  Paul Knutson tells me that the adage "one dog is like one dog, two dogs is like two, but three is like six" is true.  I've never had three dogs (my parents drew the line at two!) so I'm curious if that's everyone's experience.  Plus, I'm concerned about someone being left out.  What if Sam takes to the new puppy and doesn't want to play with Hannah anymore?  Has anyone experienced that, or do they all get along well?  And overall, I just want to know what you guys think.  If you have a three dog family, are you glad or do you wish you'd stopped at two?  I'd appreciate any feedback that will help us make an informed decision.  Because, if anyone knows, it's you!