Schooner certainly was a “Warrior” when it came to overcoming past health challenges.  So very sorry that brutal hermangio took hold.

I do know Schooner is theGuardian Angel for you and Nelson.  it does seem that, through Nelson’s lack of confidence, etc.  Schooner is showing you Nelson needs a dog companion to help fill the void Schooner  left.  

Al this is in the FWIW  column and just my experience.  I’ve almost always been a multiple dog home.  On the rare occasion I just had one (temporary), their a difference in their demeanor subtle and not so subtle.  Upon bringing a new dog into the family, all those subtle nuances disappeared.  No matter how much our dogs love us, It seems that having another from their own species is important to their overall well-being and confidence.   To me the fact that when walking with his cousin his demeanor is upbeat and confident confirms his need for a dog partner.

 Im sure you’re aware of how important your energy is to Nelson and he feeds off your emotions.   He may still sense a subtle emotion of sadness and that can go down the leash to him and feed into his uncertainty.

As”they” say, we don’t always get the dog we want when we want….we get the dog we need.No dog ever replaces another, they only enhance our ability to spread our love in away that only a dog can do  

You can ask yourself “How will you know when  you are ready?” You may find that is an endless loop question with no concrete answer.  I read one time how a dog feels like he failed his hoomans if they don’t get another dog.  It made them question if they weren’t doing a good enough dog  and that’s  a hooman wouldn’t want another one. 😢😢  To get another dog confirmed  they did afoot job👍

 Maybe you could take Nelson for a meet and greet to bring home a foster for awhile and see how that goes  

Geez, excuse all my rambling and again, it’s all in the FWIW column

(((((((((Hugs)))))))

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!