Female rescue, can this work?

daizysmom · #1 12-29-2008, 01:31 PM

While looking online at our local animal shelter, I found a female boxer that is absolutely beautiful. She only weighs about 45lbs and is shorter than Daizy who is 7mo. They think she's about 8 years old and was mainly used for breeding. I took my kids in to see how she would react and she was in heaven. My question is, can 2 females work together? I want to bring her home and love her forever, but I don't want her and Daizy to hate each other. Is there a possibilty of it working with their age difference?

Roxie'sMommy · #2 12-29-2008, 02:02 PM

I always hear that females together dont work. However, my aunt will only have female dogs. She has always had females and has never had just one (she always has 2 or 3 at a time). They have always been fine. They are not boxers but she has had dalmations, labs, and spaniels. I think it can work.

SweetCody · #3 12-29-2008, 02:18 PM

I think it probably would work in your case, from what I have read on here problems don't usually come about until both females are over about 2-3 yrs of age. If this little mama is already 8 yrs, I don't think that you would run into this issue. I would think hard about it though, and I am sure that you will hear some better advice from others on this site that have actually done the female/female combo. Good luck to you and this sweet little girl, I hope everything works out for both of you.

krayne · #4 12-29-2008, 02:49 PM

The shelter will probably let you bring your dog in to meet her.

daizysmom · #5 12-29-2008, 03:59 PM

The rescue(Rozie if we get her!) is being spayed tomorrow and my husband and kids are going to take Daizy in on Wed. to meet her. They are going to stay and play for a while and make sure they really mesh before they decide. I'm really hoping it works, she is an absolute doll!

Caney Creek · #6 12-29-2008, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daizysmom

The rescue(Rozie if we get her!) is being spayed tomorrow and my husband and kids are going to take Daizy in on Wed. to meet her. They are going to stay and play for a while and make sure they really mesh before they decide. I'm really hoping it works, she is an absolute doll!

Be careful about that -- if she's still recovering from surgery (I'm sure she'll still be quite sore the day after, and perhaps a bit groggy too) she might not be up for meeting new dogs right away. I have two females who get along wonderfully, but when they're not feeling well they won't hesitate to tell the other one to "back off." So the reaction you get from Rozie might not be her "true" reaction if she were feeling 100%. It might even be better to reschedule, just to ensure that their first meeting goes as smoothly as possible.

Good luck

Hope everything goes well!

EAO76 · #7 12-30-2008, 03:10 AM

I work with a boxer rescue and we won't place two females together. It’s just too risky. But I do know of families that have made it work. Really it depends on the individual personalities.

But keep in mind that getting along with other dogs on a neutral territory vs. living together is two totally different things. So how well they get along at a one time meeting isn’t going to tell you much. Also, as other posters mentioned, it’s usually once both dogs reach maturity (over age two) when the problems arise. So things could be fine for a year or more. Another thing to consider is that an 8year old dog probably doesn’t want to play like a 7month old would, so if you are looking for a playmate for your puppy this might not be a great match.

I don’t want to talk you out of it because it’s the homeless seniors who need rescuing the most. And it would be absolutely lovely for you to give this old girl the happy retirement that she deserves, but just understand that you will be taking a leap of faith and be prepared that conflicts can arise in the future.

sschleper · #8 12-30-2008, 12:28 PM

I can imagine your concerns!! My husband and i just recently adopted a male (we already had a female) and we had concerns about them getting along. In the past i have always had more than 1 female in the house (my dad is not fond of male dogs) they always got along for the most part, but they were never boxers.

I agree with PPs it really depends on thier personalities. Is it possible for the shelter to allow you to foster with the intention of adopting. I fostered my guy for about a week and then signed the adoption papers. b/c like the pp said if she is just neutered she wont act the same if she is grumpy and in pain. Between my 2 guys we spent the first 2-3 days having mini fights over toys and personal bubbles. Now they pratically share everything and sleep on top of eat other... so it is definately hard to tell with just one visit.

I dont want to assume something but maybe you can suggest she get sent to a boxer rescue (like AABR where we got our guys from they were wonderful!!) and foster her through them if they will allow you. Then if you like her and the girls get along then great... but if not you know she will be going somewhere safe and not just shelter.