Adding a Second Dachshund to the Mix – Dogster

Welcome to the Wednesday Dogs of Dogster! Each Wednesday, we share a narrative from considered one of our Dogsters. This week is about Meagan and her dynamic duo of dachshunds, Draper and Rue.

After we first introduced Draper dwelling in early 2020, we had been already toying with the concept of getting him a companion. In any case, two dachshunds are higher than one, proper? From all the pieces we had learn, Doxies appeared to have an unstated bond with their very own variety—perhaps it’s one thing concerning the shared expertise of getting legs barely longer than a ruler. However Draper was a little bit of a lone wolf, preferring human companionship over doggy interplay. He’d draw back from different canine throughout walks, generally even halting in his tracks, refusing to go any additional till they handed, however once we noticed one other dachshund, one thing magical would occur. Draper would heat up, if just for a fast tail wag or a pleasant butt sniff.

So, when the time got here to broaden our household, the concept of including one other weenie felt like the right match. However timing is all the pieces, proper? And for 3 years, the celebrities by no means fairly aligned. That’s, till 2023, when all the pieces appeared to occur without delay: a brand new home, a child on the best way, and the sudden realization that if we had been going to get a second canine earlier than life acquired much more chaotic, we’d must act quick.

The transition from one to 2 was something however clean, and what adopted was a journey of jealousy, adjustment, and in the end—surprising sibling love. Right here’s how we went from a lonely, pouty Draper to 2 dachshunds who at the moment are inseparable… more often than not.

​​All Indicators Level to Rue

In March 2023, I discovered I used to be pregnant with our first child, which meant any hope of getting a second canine needed to occur now if we wished any likelihood of burglary a pet earlier than the newborn arrived in December. We knew as soon as a new child entered the combo, the timing for a brand new pet would by no means really feel “proper.” As thrilling because the being pregnant was, including one other pup in the identical yr (together with shopping for our first dwelling) in all probability qualifies as a prime contender for “craziest life selections.”

However as soon as we dedicated, we had been all in. The seek for the right second canine started, and after some backwards and forwards, we determined that one other dachshund could be the most effective match. Enter little Miss Rue Bizou. From the second we noticed her, we knew she was the one. Together with her crinkled, floppy ears and large brown eyes, she was the right little darling and we wanted to have her! Draper was a bit much less satisfied concerning the thought of a bit sis. He watched with cautious curiosity as this tiny, 2-pound fluffball was introduced into his dwelling, and her quick pleasure for all the pieces—whether or not it was the automotive experience or sniffing round the home—was a stark distinction to Draper’s cautious, reserved demeanor.

Draper’s first few days with Rue had been a fragile dance. He was uncertain about this new, bouncy creature who was now occupying his house, and in true Draper style, he sulked. At first, it was delicate. Issues like not letting her sit beside him or strolling away if she climbed onto our laps whereas he was close to. However as the times wore on, his passive-aggressive conduct escalated to growls and snarls if Rue dared strategy whereas he was napping or receiving his sacred stomach rubs. And the actual kicker? Draper gave me the chilly shoulder. There have been days when he wouldn’t even take a look at me, which, let me inform you, broke my coronary heart, and took a critical toll on this pregnant, hormonal and extremely emotional mama-to-be.

The Therapeutic Course of:

So, we determined to intervene and assist Draper regulate. This wasn’t nearly giving Rue a while and house to slot in; it was about reassuring Draper that he wasn’t being changed. We began with “Mommy & Me” dates—weekly outings to dog-friendly spots round city, topped off with a pup cup from Starbucks (as a result of, sure, we’re these folks). Draper appeared to get pleasure from these particular journeys, and we seen he got here dwelling in a greater temper, extra prepared to tolerate Rue’s playful antics. We additionally made certain Draper had some every day quiet time away from Rue—simply him, a comfortable visitor mattress, and a few well-deserved peace whereas Rue napped in her mattress on the ground close by.

Taking them each on outings collectively—whether or not it was a neighborhood stroll or a automotive experience into the town—helped as nicely. Slowly however certainly, Draper started to grasp that he wasn’t dropping his place in our hearts. With time, the temper in the home lightened, and Draper began warming as much as his new sister, even when it was nonetheless on his personal phrases.

The Sweetest of Rivalries

Quick ahead to the current: over a yr after bringing Rue into our dwelling, and the 2 of them are virtually inseparable. Positive, Draper nonetheless treats Rue just like the annoying little sister she is, however there’s no denying the bond between them. Gone are the times of sulking and chilly shoulders. Draper has realized to place Rue in her place (and should you ask him, he deserves a bit peace and quiet in terms of the toy state of affairs). Today, we regularly catch them rolling round on the sofa, wrestling and playfully nipping at one another’s ears. Draper won’t provoke cuddles with Rue, however when she curls up beside him or lays on prime of him (which is all the time), he’ll fortunately oblige.

There’s one thing so heartwarming about watching Draper go from the “grumpy older sibling” to an precise associate in crime for Rue. When she’s away, he misses her, and when she’s dwelling, he fortunately joins in her mischievous video games. The snarling has principally stopped, and whereas Draper nonetheless retains his private house in terms of sharing a mattress, he’s realized to share his world (and his mother and father) along with his little sister.

The Verdict: Was it Price It?

Wanting again, it’s protected to say that including Rue to our household wasn’t only a good choice—it was the proper one. The primary few months had been rocky, little doubt, and had been there occasions once we thought maybe we bit off a bit greater than we might chew? Completely! However, as with every sibling bond, they discovered their rhythm. Rue has helped Draper turn into extra social, and Draper has taught Rue the effective artwork of barking at nearly everything (insert sarcastic “Yay!”). It wasn’t a straightforward street, however at the moment, they’re the dynamic duo we by no means knew we wanted.