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Felix or Oscar?

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Dear Dr. Forsythe: My daughter Sarah and I have been going back and forth about this for several weeks.  Which is better, to get a new puppy while our older dog is still alive so he can socialize her? Or wait until “JimBob” passes away to think about bringing a puppy into the house?  We really need your advice on this one.

Sarah and Dad

Dear Sarah and Dad: There is no single, perfect answer that works in for a situation like this.  There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. Most notably what is “JimBob” like in terms of health and personality?  Is he a grumpy old curmudgeon with severe arthritis and painful ears who gets crabby and snippy around other pets and people and children? Does he behave more like Felix or Oscar from “The Odd Couple?”

If he is a sweet older boy that is tolerant and well natured, he may appreciate the company of a calm and loving little puppy in his life.  However, if he is a nippy old crusty thing who seems cantankerous and easily agitated, a puppy may simply press all the wrong buttons and make him crazy enough to bite and attack.  This scenario is sure to bring misery and madness to your household, so unless you know you are bringing a well natured puppy into a setting where a loving and nurturing paterfamilias will be providing ample tutelage, I vote NOT to subject JimBob to the indignation of a new puppy. I’m afraid it would be just too humiliating for him, like in “The Sound of Music” when Maria sat on the pine-cone at dinner and later had the captain blow his whistle at her.  I doubt very much that JimBob will feel like a new puppy is one of his “favorite things”.  Hope I’ve helped settle the discussion.

Dr. F




Sonoma Sun | Sonoma, CA