We have been going back and forth on the new pet argument. I'm pretty sore on the whole cat idea, when I left my ex he kept the cats (we had Murphy for a brief time) well I was pregnant, dh was away alot and we had been fairly cordial, he asked me if I wanted him to watch Murphy when dh was away, I thought great! (I had someone coming to change the litter daily for me at that point) During a longer than usual trip for dh (why I thought my ex dh would be remotely nice to current dh and I, except we were getting along, he had visitation with Oz) I was lunching with my former step-daughter when she mentioned what Murphy ate (she knew he ate alot of RAW) I asked why - he had more than enough food at her fathers, well turns out she was given Murphy, and the rest of our cats were given away - one was a co-owned show cat I had to pay my friend an arm and a leg for the contract after my ex did that. Evidently nothing in our divorce settlement was adhered to, there was other stuff, benefits, I didn't have, he was ordered to keep me on, he kicked me off. Then when I confronted him about the cats, he was drunk, I knew better, he told me he didn't want me killing them like I did Sandi - Sandi was almost 15, she went downhill fast and yes, I could have put her on meds to keep her alive, but she was my best friend for close to 15 years, at the end I let her go. It was a bitter, dirty divorce, I ended up conceeding to everything and walked out with the dogs, money I could prove was mine before the marriage, one car and a few thousand I stashed away when I knew there was no reconcilling this time.
So, dh wants another dog if we're adding to our pack. There's the rub, a rescue - scared of bite history, child under 2 in the house and more hopefully in the near future. Plus my house is big but small in it's layout. Nice square footage on paper, until you realize it's 2 levels and the garage is under the master. Then there is puppy training, I hate it. A retired show or breeder, that's about the only option.
Part of me thinks Oz needs someone besides me and dh, maybe dogs don't think like that. I think I have guilt, I don't have the time I did, the baby crawls, Oz isn't free to roam the house, there are gates and blocks to keep him in certain places while the child is in others. Then, his back flared up this summer twice, he was over worked on a couple hikes, he's crazy at ball practice, I can't take him there anymore, that caused a flare-up, sure it was fun watching the crazy mutt running after balls we dropped and going long for the ones we didn't want to run for But he was tender the next day and had to rest. So then I worry a younger active dog will flare up his back again. Because he won't stop and relax, he'll just go!
Plus there is travel, nothing major, one real vacation per year, but weekends away.
I guess where I am really at, is I'm afraid any considerations aren't being done with the next dog's best interests at heart, he/she wouldn't be brought into the pack to save a life, to have a life, but to replace a human's responsibilities, keeping Oz from being bored. But, like right now I'm in the diningroom typing this, the baby is watching Dierks Bently, (she loves music and she's having her crackers right now, so she can do so with the tv on) and Oz is laying on the deck - and doesn't want to come in. He loves hanging out outside, sometimes I have to beg him to come in on a nice day. Letting him hang out outside is only a recent thing, I always previously made him come in, now as long as he is quiet, he can be out there.
Sorry for the rambling, I guess I don't want to not do right by another dog and at this time I think it would be such a case, but we are talking about it.

It doesn't sound like the right time to get another dog but what about taking Oz to the chiropractor? That would help his back a lot.

Ozzy does go to the chiropractor, has since he was diagnosed We did accupuncture too and brought him back from the initial flare-up with swimming, coincidentally the only pool around was in the town we now live in. We were doing great with his back until we forgot he's 7 with a back issue this summer. Even with adjustments every few months he flared up this year.

Sounds like your not quite ready for another dog and your trying to justify your guilt feelings.
If I'm wrong, then a appologise. If I'm right then IMHO there is no need to feel guilty.
From your previous threads, your so darn busy all the time. Now there is the baby to be concerned on. Your focus IS on the baby and maybe at this time, that is enough.
Unfortunatley there will always be a rescue somewhere needing a loving family.
If you are having any doubts about getting another dog, then I'd say wait. But then that is me.

I'm not on the go today - I'm supposed to be cleaning the house, for visitors this weekend. Tomorrow through Monday is busy with the fair and bbq's. Off-topic but anyone in Ontario coming to the Paris fair, pm me, we have an extra parking spot in our driveway, it will be available most days, our driveway can fit the truck and car, but it really shouldn't Not if you want to get in or out of either vehicle.

I feel guilty and I worry about Oz. Some days I think no more animals ever, no more hair, no more poop, no more toys on the floor, sloppy water sloshed on the floor. Then I remember how much I really love the furry kids.