Hi, Beth! Thanks so much for the update. It is great to hear that Dora is getting better. You have done such a wonderful job with her at this difficult time. Most of us get a pup and almost everything healthwise goes well. Then we complain about all the other puppy behavior that can challenge our patience! I love how you see Dora's digging, though annoying, as a sign of her feeling better.
As for your question about two pups.... I have two. They are littermates who came to us at 8 weeks. It was hard. Much harder than having a single pup would have been from the standpoint of training. When your pup has another beloved pup to pay attention to, it's asking a lot to get them to listen to you and watch. It takes some creative thinking to come up with ways to address this. I don't know if we could have done it with children and a baby. There have definitely been some frustrating times. HOWEVER -
I am SO glad now that we got two. They are never lonely. Never cry in their crate or fret when we leave. They have been endless entertainment and boundless love. We are truly blessed now to have them....but I would be lying if I said I haven't had moments when I thought it was a mistake. Now, I know, better, but George and Grace are 8 months old.
You're absolutely right to consider this very carefully. And only YOU can make the decision for your family.
But boy, I hate that Dora's sis is at that pet store, especially knowing they're about to bring a batch of puppies in. This is apparently a communicable illness, putting all the coming pups at risk. Additionally, I wonder if the pet store will care where the new puppies have come from and whether they are healthy or not. It is very distressing.
I'm glad the store owner is working with you, but I still believe that's absolutely the LEAST he should do. However I think it's appalling that he would suggest you bring Dora back in order to obtain a refund. First, what would he do with her then? Second, could he give you a refund on the heartbreak? No way.
God bless you for your love and concern for Dora. I join the other folks on this forum who would help with a donation on her sister's behalf. I wonder how much the local media would love to air your story? I can't imagine it would take more than one phone call.