The Joys and Challenges of Having Three Dogs

When I first got Cookie after my marriage, I had no idea that he would be the first of what would become a small, beloved pack of three, lovingly known as the “3 Musketeers”. 

As I look back on how it all started and the unexpected twists that led to Monte completing the pack, I can’t help but feel grateful for each of them.

The Beginning: Cookie’s Story

Cookie came into my life when my mother’s dog, Jacky, passed on. Whilst she didn't want another dog, the house was so lifeless without one. That was when I chanced upon Cookie and fell in love with him. 

He brought comfort and joy to my mother. She took care of him for almost a year before I brought him back to my matrimonial home. He was my first “child”—full of energy, loyalty, and personality. His presence brought warmth to my home, and companionship when my spouse was stationed overseas. Cookie was more than just a pet; he was my mental pillar and a source of happiness.

As he grew older, I found myself thinking about the future and how I could honour his legacy. This led to the next chapter in our journey.

The Desire for a Descendant: Cotton’s Arrival

As Cookie aged, we knew we would eventually have to face the difficult reality of his passing, and my spouse wanted a way to keep a part of him alive. We dreamed of having a dog that had a connection to Cookie. We began looking into breeders and wondering if we could find a pup to breed with Cookie. However, I was told horrible stories about the unethical breeding practices breeders adopt and shared it with my spouse. We quickly aborted that idea.

Ultimately, we decided on getting another westie. We found Cotton, a sweet puppy, to be Cookie’s wife. We hoped that Cotton would bear a "descendant" of Cookie—a pup who could carry on the joy and warmth Cookie had brought into my life.

However, by the time Cotton came home, Cookie was already a little too old to breed. Despite the emotional connection we had with the idea of a direct descendant, we realised that having Cotton around, in her own unique way, was just as special.

A Foster That Stayed: Monte’s Adoption

Seven years later, in 2014, someone reached out to me via my Westies of Singapore page. I was told of a westie that needed to be bailed out. I planned on fostering him temporarily before finding him his new forever home. 

Fate had other plans.

Monte came into our lives the very next day. Adopting him was not part of our plans for him, but a bond quickly formed between us. The time I spent fixing his skin issues, clearing his ear infection, and helping him open up to the family showed us that he was here to stay. He also got along with Cookie and Cotton.

Naturally, when the opportunity to keep him was presented, it felt like a given. I was fortunate enough to live in a property that allowed me to house up to three dogs, so bringing Monte into the fold felt like the right decision. And just like that, we went from a duo to a trio—Cookie, Cotton, and Monte.

The Challenges: Increased Expenses

Having three dogs has certainly come with its share of challenges. The most immediate one? Expenses. The cost of feeding three dogs, providing them with medication, taking them to the vet for regular check-ups, and purchasing shampoo and grooming supplies all added up quickly.

Food alone is a significant expense. When Monte first joined us, I would buy bulk bags of kibbles. It didn't take long before we found out that Monte’s sensitive skin needed higher quality kibbles. We then switched to salmon kibbles.

Medication and regular vet visits are also a big part of the financial commitment. The three dogs were generally healthy and only had to go to the vet for their annual vaccinations and occasional treatment for skin issues. 

However, as the dogs aged, they needed more medical attention. In late 2023, Monte was diagnosed with kidney disease, and we had to buy the medical supplies to give him his daily subcutaneous injections. Now, Cotton is also getting older and has to visit the vet for her monthly cytopoint jabs to manage her frequent skin issues.

To top it all off, there was grooming. Three dogs meant three separate baths, three separate brushing sessions, and three sets of nails to clip. The grooming added up to about $55-60 per dog. I am lucky to have a helper who helps to shower them. Whether I do it myself or hire a groomer, the time and cost add up.

The Joys: Life with Three Dogs

Despite the increase in expenses, the joy of having three dogs far outweighs any financial or logistical challenges. There’s something magical about watching them interact with each other, especially when they cuddle and play together. Cotton, the youngest and most energetic, often acts as the spark that gets everyone moving, while Cookie and Monte are more laid-back and happy to go with the flow. I still remember recording a video clip of Cotton disturbing Cookie, and Monte coming to chase Cotton away.

The house was always full of life, be it the sound of excited barking when someone walks by, the sight of them curled up on the couch for a nap, or the feeling of peace when they’re resting at my feet. It’s hard to explain, but the love they give is infectious. No matter how long or hard my day has been, being greeted with a wagging tail, a happy bark, or a gentle nudge never fails to remind me that they are there, ready to offer their companionship.

Having three dogs has also taught me a lot about patience, responsibility, and time management. I’ve become better at balancing their needs with my own, and I’ve learned how to make room in my life for the extra attention and love that each of them required.

Conclusion: A Happy Pack

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much has changed. The trio had brought so much joy to our family. Now that Cookie and Monte have gained their wings, life is much quieter with only Cotton in the house. Cotton is 16 years old, blind and deaf. We can only hope that she lives out her remaining time with us happy and pain-free.