[Dailydrool] Solitary Bassets

[Pat Dill]

Becky,

With regard to how Morse would manage with another dog in the household, you 
and Morse know the answer to that better than any of us.  Although many 
(even most) hounds do well in a pack environment, individual dogs vary 
widely in personality, and you may well be living with a solitary dog.  We 
have several times fostered and/or adopted dogs who had lived for many years 
as solitary dogs, and in all cases we were able to transition them 
successfully to a multi-dog household.  There was always a learning period 
for them while they found out that food, treats, toys and affection were 
available in abundance for everyone, including them, but it all sorted out 
in the end.  That doesn't mean that Morse, though, would be happy with a 
brother or sister.

So as not to underestimate him, though, and to give other homeless dogs 
their best shot, I would suggest that you try fostering for a while when you 
are able. (And I mean fostering, as opposed to foster-to-adopt arrangements. 
You should foster a dog whom you definitely plan to "let go" when the right 
home comes along.)  That may give Morse and you the chance to find out if he 
really could learn to love having a sibling without committing you to a 
lifelong situation.  He may also take some comfort, if the fostering goes 
well, in knowing that they ultimately "disappear" and he will have you to 
himself again.  Conversely, you may discover to your surprise after some 
time passes that he adapts to another hound in the household, at which time 
you can consider a permanent arrangement.

Pat Dill