Opportunity to rescue another Coton but do I get a second dog?

by Leslie
(Oakland Ca)

This is Leslie Jasper's mom. I love Jasper dearly and he is about 6 year old shelter dog. He is my best friend. When we go walking he barks at other dogs a lot and I think he wants to play but he will nip at them. I walk him for a little while 4x daily. My sister moved so he is on the balcony while I go to work. He is mostly living in his bed when I come home.


I have been concerned that he has been lonely while I am gone long hours. When I get home each day and on weekends I am mostly with him. On the way home there were theses 2 women and a dog They said I could have her. She was matted and a lot of red tear staining and a little thin. They a friend had found her about 10 miles away. They did not want to take her to a shelter. They obviously like her and cared for her for 2 weeks but could not care for her. I told her I would think about it.

Going through my mind I'd first to find the rightful owner. She had a color but no tags. I told them they if they took the dog to a vet that the vet could see if the dog has a chip. I do not think they wanted or could spend any money. I walked home and got Jasper. The dog they call Lucy or LuLu is very laid back and set and initially Jasper barks a lot at her. He even nipped a little then things and had to calm down eventually. He got better and I walked the 2 of them. They both ran together and played some. I am going to try to take Jasper and have both dogs together to see about getting along.

If I take her from them, I first want to give her a really good bath and try to get some of the mats out. Then I would try to locate the owner. Then I would take to the vet I would want to make sure that she is spayed. As they started getting along better Jasper tried to hump her but I did not let that happen.

What do you think? Would Jasper be more calm if he had a playmate and love attraction? Would it really be a lot more trouble to have 2 Cotons? They both may be mixes but she looks every bit as Coton as Jasper does. Would this be a good life for her? Jasper has to know he is the Pack leader when I am not around. Would he hurt the other dog? Her teeth look really good and she has some brown coloring so I think that she is younger than Jasper but she is a little taller. I have medical bills with Jasper and I do not know about her health really. What are your thoughts?

Comments for Opportunity to rescue another Coton but do I get a second dog?

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Oct 01, 2014
 Jasper not alone NEW
by: Leslie

Great news, my sister moved back in so she is with him during the day. He actually gets out a lot and no more long periods alone! Thank you for writing!
Oct 01, 2014
 Jasper being alone all day NEW
by: Reenie

I just read ur wonderful story. I can't imagine how lonely he must be on a balcony all day. I read that Coton's are excellant Therapy dogs. In the 4 weeks I have CoCo my 92 yr old mom has her heart glowing. They have their daily ritual and it frees me to go to work. I was wondering if an elderly lady or senior would love to sit Jasper while U R @ work. I bet a senior in your area that can't afford a dog or can't tend to one full time would love Jasper-sitting. Just a thought.
Sep 02, 2014
 Lulu has already been chosen for a rescue NEW
by: Leslie

Well my family was opposed to me getting a second dog for many reasons from responsibility to finances . Jasper's vet how ever had given the go ahead saying it might help Jasper 's confidence also male and female makes a good pair for 2 dogs at home However I decided against it. My main reason is that I do not want anything to change the relationship that I have with Jasper. He has been through so much and is so sweet with me yet he still has barking issues around other dogs
Truffel's mom was really considering adopting Lulu. I went to the shelter to get report and and they said that Lulu was a poodle toy mix and was 4-7 years old and had a healthy personality they also said that a rescue in Washington State wanted her and would get her in 2 Weeks they said that if we wanted to adopt her that we should do it sooner than later. I went by the shelter to get pics. She was in the back and is not even on the website because she had been spoken for. Anyhow I was not allowed back but I gave a staff member my iPhone to take pics. They had shaved her because she had a really matted mess but they got a pic of standing like Cotons do and I had seen her run when she had more fur and the wind blew her face like a Coton looks in the wind I had also seen her fur when it was longer and I am convinced that she was mostly Coton. She is not a purebread but she is a great pup. Truffels mom and I connected and we probably had 50 texts between us and I sent pics of Lulu we went over it and she can share whit she cannot adopt her right now but a big issue was the logistics of getting Lulu from San Francisco to Fla. Neither one of us was able to take time right now to make the trip. We considered getting a revue or smoother group to make the transport but this is hard Shen a rescue had already spoken for her. She would be a great pup. This shelter had said that Jasoer was a Maltipoo but my vet had said that Jasoer had no poodle in him so I do not think they have Lulus type quite right Truffels mom and I think that he is mostly Coton. Anyhow , she is going to a rescue in Washington state. A question I have is did a rescue choose her because of her health and personality and they see her as really adoptable or do rescues choose dogs because they are thinner. How do dogs make it from shelters to rescues. My dog Jasper is less than perfect in many ways and probably was not as adoptable in my opinion as Lulu is. However, no rescue chose Jasoer but I love him and would not trade him for the world
I am thankful that a rescue has already chosen Lulu. I think this mostly Coton pup will find a forever home.
Sep 02, 2014
 second dog ?? NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

Just wondering if any new update on Lulu?
Aug 28, 2014
 Great NEW
by: Suz

This is really turning into an amazing story.
Oh how we love our sweet Cotons.
Aug 28, 2014
 Leslie & Lulu NEW
by: Truffles mom

You are so sweet to offer me housing! I will text your cell as I'm at work on my phone accessing this site. Can't wait to talk / text about this! 4076371381 ;)
Aug 28, 2014
 LULU NEW
by: sherry cotton candie

So very happy to read this, thank you Leslie for taking Lulu and sharing your story. Hope it works out that Truffles and his mommy can give her a forever home. Love happy endings!!!!!
Aug 28, 2014
 Leslie NEW
by: Iris

Thank you for keeping us informed and Bless you.
Aug 28, 2014
 I live in Oakland Ca - 15 min from San Francisco NEW
by: Leslie

Hi , depending on your time zone I can call you tonight after7 pm PST or tomorrow as I am telecommuting to work on Fridays. Lulu is very sweet and she looks mostly Coton but since she was not chipped it is hard to say. I will call you with the details. I have all her specifics and registration numbers to track her down. If her owner does not come forward they will make sure she has all of her shots, chipped and spayed. I got my dog from here and they are really great. See my story adopting Jasper and I have a handoff pic.
If you wanted to come see San Francisco and pick her up I have a king size bed in my guest room and I am super close to the city for you to take her around to get adjusted to you before your trip home.
It is hard for me to talk at work but my number is 510.520.2368 Leslie
Aug 28, 2014
 Lulu NEW
by: Truffles mom

I'm just seeing this now, and I don't know where you live, but I may be interested in rescuing Lulu. I've been debating about getting another dog as a companion for truffles because he's so social. If you haven't taken the dog to your local Humane Society please email me at bearyclassy@yahoo.com so we can exchange phone numbers & talk about if this is a possibility.
We have plenty of extra love and room for another little sweet Coton & the ability to care for another baby.

Thank you.
Aug 26, 2014
 Lucy is at the shelter where I got Jasper
by: Leslie

Thank you everyone for your words and suggestions. I called the lady and told her that I could not have 2 dogs. I told her that I would take Lucy to the same shelter that I hit Jasper she was agreeable and let me come get Lucy. At 6:15 this eve I left Lucy at the shelter. They checked and she was not chipped. I plan to also call the other shelter and I will describe Lucy in case someone is looking for there. I came home and just hugged my Jasper. We are so lucky to have theses pups. He is so loyal to me. He sleeps on the floor next to me while I eat and follows me from room to room . After holding her I realized how great his fur looks and what a little chunk he is. He was underweight when I got him.
On another notte... The other night when the south Napa quake struck , he was in bed with me. Normally he starts out sleeping with me and then goes on the balcony to sleep( I keep my doors inside and out open). Well when it struck he was with me and remained with me all night. I barely felt it as I am a little over an hour away. Others in my building went outside when it happened. At any rate, Jasper was very intuitive and stayed with me all night.
Aug 26, 2014
 2 Cotons
by: Suz

I have 2 male litter mates. They are 3. Other Coton owners had shared with me how
much attention they need and I find that to be true. I don't work so am here most of the time with them. They are very good dogs, but for their own safety, I don't let them run around if I leave the house for a few hours. When I return they are angry with me,bark at me, and sort of jump up at my legs. One or the other almost always tries to dominate the other dog (by humping) within 5 mins. of my return. They definitely feel stress during my short absences. One is definitely the leader/ alpha. But his brother knows his place in the hierarchy.
I love my boys. They walk really well together and do play nicely. I hope u find a wonderful home for this rescue.
Aug 26, 2014
 Wise words
by: Leslie

Thank you all so much for your kind and wise words. I did not read this email until I got home from work but I had pretty much decided that I would try to talk the ladies into letting me have her and take her to a shelter. I would take her where I got Jasper and she will be spayed chipped and shots and cleaned. She is so sweet I hope that they can find the owner

I love taking Jasper places where I can only take one dog ( like sneak in the grocery store etc) I want him to know that he is always top dog with me. My vet was off today so I have not heard back from her. But I plan to see about taking her to the shelter. Btw I do often get home at lunch and spend about 10-15 min with Jasper then we walk 3 other times each day. Thanks do much!!
Aug 26, 2014
 A wise response
by: Iris

Vicky gave you good advice, she is a good listener and wise advisor. I'm sure the best advice she gave you is take the dog to the Humane Society, they will scan her for an implant and give her the checkup care he needs. I admire you for being so kind and bringing her her into your home. It's especially hard when your own dog is already challenged being outside alone all day.These are very loving companion dogs,my Coton goes insane with anxiety if
I have to leave him alone. I think about a companion dog for my dog too but I want him to stay healthy, he got very sick from something he ate or an allergic reaction, in the last two weeks I had to bring him to the Vet three times. I cannot afford the Vet bill as it is so I know it's not realistic to bring in another dog. Maybe if you have a friend or relative whose a stay at home, they could help out and dog sit your dog until you get home (at least some times or if it's hot or bad weather,etc) Best of luck, please let us know how it turns out.
blessings,
Iris
Aug 26, 2014
 coton rescue ??
by: sherry cotton candie

Hi Leslie,

I think Vicky gave you some really good advice and something to really think about...You didn't mention if Jasper has been neutered so I assume he has not. That could make some problems for Lucy whether or not she gets spayed. Left alone with him all day might lead to a fight. Of course he will always be the alpha dog, she would learn that but there could be a family looking for her.

I would really hesitate getting a new dog and leaving them alone together all day. We took in a rescue two yrs. ago and the dogs get along fine but whenever my first one gets upset (over being left) or whatever she wants to chase the rescue and nip at her legs. We NEVER left them alone together for months until we could trust they would be fine and even now the rescue has learned to get under the chair or in her crate if needed.

It is a big commitment and is more time consuming than I had thought. I love both my girls but the expense is also double. Our rescue came with lots of physical and emotional problems that we were not aware of at the time. .....do not mean to paint such a bleak picture but just really think it thru.

I see so many cute pups and rescues and my heart goes out to them all, I sure understand your concern and desire to help this little girl. Good Luck in making your decision and let us all know what you decide.
Aug 26, 2014
 rescue
by: Vicky & Jonah

I think u answered ur own ques. 1) Right now u have to leave ur Coton outside while at work. 2) U do not have the time to spend w/the two to make sure u help dogs adjust. 3) One has health problems so expense may b hard on u right now.

Just a thought possibly take the dog to Humane Society. I foster for ours & really we care. 1) They will cut out mats & cleanup & give shots as a precautionary measure. 2) They will ck for chip to find owner if lost. 3) They will evaluate compatibility w/other dogs & if they need help they come to foster homes to help them.

Also most vets I have ever met will check chip for free if you ask them. Another is its risky to bring any dog into household without knowing they have had their shots since u must always protect yours first.

Another dog in the house is more work & extra cost. It really should b matched to your current lifestyle & u get it b/c you have the energy for 2 dogs.

If the only reason is u think your dog is lonely then possibly on the weekends go visit the dog park or try a doggy day care.

Calf. Has the Calf Humane Society & also Halo which r both credibly run rescues. Talk to them & ask for input. First off their May b a home that is missing that precious dog that u can help connect them back together. It could of been so simple as they were spooked by a storm & kids did not realize they somehow got out.

Good luck we already know your heart us in the right place to ask the right ques. What a wonderful person u sound like.

Good luck

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