[nagdu] 2 dogs around the house

[Steve Johnson]

Much like Julie, I also have 2 dogs in the house.  I retired my previous 
guide in the summer of 2008, and had similar concerns.  My retired guide is 
now in charge of homeland security and will alarm when something is not 
right.  I was kind of concerned that this habit would carry over to my new 
guide, but so far so good.  They are both black labs, and get along great. 
Although I am pretty sure that he thinks she is a pain in the ass, he 
tolerates her, or at least that is what he tells me!  She does try to get 
him to play, and to this day, there has never been any type of squabble 
between the two, and there actually really good friends!  They especially 
like when their other dog guide friend London comes over to play with them!

It is great that you are asking as I am quite sure you will find a variety 
of responses.  Ultimately, it is up to you.  When I did retire my previous 
guide, I had thought about this and questioned if I did place him outside of 
my home, what might actually happen?  I remember the fact that we are the 
longest relationship and most secure thing in these dog's lives, and it 
really bothered me to think how depressed my best friend might be if I did 
place him out of the home.  Still today, if I am gone out of the house on a 
trip he still nervous awaits me with his puppy sitter, and moans and jumps 
everytime he hears a noise.  This is not meant to persuade you, but to shed 
a little more insight on how so many of us ask similar questions and have 
similar thoughts.

Whatever decision you make, we are all sure it will be the right one for you 
and your family.

Best wishes to you and your pup,

Steve, Misha and Ripley