Should I get another Corgi? Your opinion

Hello all, my name is Izzy. Im kind of on a bit of a life adventure and thinking about another furry companion to come with me, but I want to make sure I am doing the right thing. Let me first start by saying I am not new to pet owning or Corgi's. The best dog I ever owned (and my last dog) was an old rescue corgi named Piper. I adopted him at 8 from a deaf woman who had him as her hearing aide dog untill his back started acting up. They had kept him in their apartment, but he was a cronic barker, since they were deaf it was never a problem. We lived in a house with a big yard so it wasnt a problem either. though he never really used the yard, just went out to to his buisness then sat under the computer desk or outside the kitchen while someone was working. He was my best friend and I still miss him terribly.

I moved cross country in the middle of January from Sacto California to Detroit Mi. (no not for a boy! lol) Im following a lead and trying to figure some things out in my life and having an adventure. I live in a fantastic old 100 year young building with big thick walls and a liberal pet policy. infact my landlord tried to give me a yorkie last week! But another tenant wanted him, so I let him taker it. I have a one bedroom thats quite large for an apartment. Im on the top, 4th floor and we have no elevator, so its stairs all the way (mixed blessing, but keeps me in shape). There are 2 yards, one in front and a gated parking area everyone uses as a dog park on the side. there is also a park right across the street (and a burger joint catty corner, yum!)

Im a very active person. As weather is getting better and better Im wanting to get out and walk and ride my bike more and more and keep thinking how great it would be to have a friend with me. (my current walking companion is a can of bear mace and a whistle!) Im in midtown so there are lots of areas to walk, 3 university campuses to explore and a bike ride away from the riverfront walking area.

Im also a hiker, and since I drive I cant wait for more snow to melt to get out and explore some of this fantastic Michigan wilderness. Back home I hiked almost every weekend, and of late have been borrowing other people and their dogs/goats/horses for companionship since the old man passed.

Since Im alone out here my back up plan is if things go badly to go back home to Cali and stay with my Aunt or my mom, who both have dogs and said if I got a companion they would be more then welcome. But is it fair? I know what Im getting into.

Am I just being maudlin or silly? are 4 flights of stairs to much for a corgi? the dauchound down the hall seems to do fine, and they dont carry him either. Am I being selfish?

I currently live with a gerbil, Cooper and a hermit crab, Herman. and No, I do NOT want a puppy. I would want another rescue

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Permalink Reply by magickzzl on February 18, 2011 at 4:33pm

Sorry, I thought I put this in other, could an admin move this? I appologise

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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on February 18, 2011 at 5:38pm

Hi Izzy, welcome and thank you for sharing your story / experience with us.

To answer your questions:

1.You are not maudlin or silly. I think it's perfectly fine to "crave" for a corgi, the question is - Can you commit the next 10 years and provide the financial stability and care that a corgi needs. First year of ownership runs about 2K, an emergency vet trip is about 1K, do an honest assessment and go from there.

2. 4 flights of stairs is fine for an adult corgi, John would be best person to share his summit adventures with you :) the key is built up their stamina gradually.

It's okay if you have any doubts right now, when the time is right, a perfect corgi will be waiting for you. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on February 18, 2011 at 8:55pm

When our weather improves you will love Michigan (especially northern) if you like to hike. I am one of those somewhat rare Michiganders that love it here!

I see nothing wrong with wanting another corgi. I would consider it a tribute to your previous one. Sometimes we get them on Petfinder in Michigan. Also sometimes members here have puppies in need. Just be sure you can handle the medical expenses first. Stairs should be no problem as long as there are no back problems. Good luck in your search. By the way Cheryl Lyons (in Illinois on mycorgi had a corgi mix puppy and mom rescue looking for homes.

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Permalink Reply by Chris West on February 19, 2011 at 12:53am

Here's an article about the subject. Personally, if you can afford it, I see nothing wrong with lots of corgis!! I can't wait to find my next corgi!

http://www.mycorgi.com/profiles/blogs/should-i-get-another-corgi

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on February 19, 2011 at 1:11am

No you are not being selfish! You showed you care just by asking the questions! Corgis love adventures...at least mine do. He/she would get plenty of exercise and 1 on 1 ! I think it would be great for you and a rescue but you would want to make sure that the rescue you get is appropriate for your lifestlye (ex. not too shy or scared). You'll both have a great time:)

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Permalink Reply by magickzzl on February 19, 2011 at 8:38am

Thank you all! i am well aware of the costs of dogs (The old man was on U/D food, $60 for 20 lbs! Plus pills!) I do have a full line of care credit as well :) the only credit card I actually love. lol. Ok, maybe when tings settle a bit more I'll start searching petfinder again :)

Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by Ray Cronin on February 19, 2011 at 11:51am

Do it!

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on February 19, 2011 at 12:59pm

When the right dog comes along and your heart sings, you won't be asking the advice of anybody! That's how you'll know!!

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Permalink Reply by David on February 20, 2011 at 10:38am

If you can afford it, go for it! Corgi suits apartment life pretty well as long as you can let him out regularly. I think it is great that you want a rescue not a puppy. Puppy would present some difficulty to potty train in the apartment with no elevator.

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Permalink Reply by Charlene Velasco on February 20, 2011 at 12:26pm

I say go for it! You seem committed enough to do it! Whatever Corgi you rescue will be in a lucky and loving home! Do it!! :)

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on February 20, 2011 at 1:22pm

I got a corgi pup when living in San Francisco in a 3rd floor apartment with 4 flights of stairs and no elevator. With a pup it was miserable, with an adult it would still be tough, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I think living in Detroit I myself would probably go for a bigger dog. Even with my corgi, I don't feel safe walking around at night alone. I personally would like to have something that appears a bit more intimidating, many people just don't think corgi's are all that scary, especially when they put their ears back and do a full body wiggle at everyone who approaches! So I say get a corgi....AND a german shepherd! haha

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on February 20, 2011 at 6:19pm

I like Melissa's thinking! If you're willing to go up and down 4 flights of stairs, might as well do it for two dogs, and they'll keep each other company when you're not there, once you have them adjusted to conditions. Two dogs are definitely more fun than one, and who'll bother someone with two dogs? A big one and a corgi sounds like a great idea.