Dog breeds? Our dog just passed away

[TexasErin]

We just lost our 13-year-old black Chow, Misty. I am so sad and miss her so much. She was fine a week ago (or seemed to be) and all of a sudden she stopped eating. We took her to the vet and found out that she had cancer in multiple organs. I cannot believe how fast her health declined. We put her to sleep yesterday because we couldn't get her to get up anymore. She just laid there and her breathing seemed labored. I miss my baby so much- my beautiful black teddy bear. I don't even want to be at home because she is not there.
DD (7) already wants to get another dog. Not sure that I am ready, but my sister said that it really helped her to have another dog to focus on and love after she lost her previous dog.
We were so lucky that Misty lived so long and that it was only her last week that was bad. Chows seem to be a pretty healthy breed (from my experience anyway). Anybody have any recommendations on particularly healthy breeds or breeds to avoid that seem to have a lot of health problems. I really like boxers, pugs, bulldogs, samoyeds, American Eskimos. Of course, I would still rather just have Misty back

 

[Serena]

I don't have any suggestions, but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Misty.

 

[loisg1]

I'm so sorry you lost your beloved Misty. We have a Siberian Husky... actually she is our second Siberian... and she's a sweetheart. They definitely have a mind of their own so you would not be able to just open your door and let them run. Katya is 4.5 years old and our first Nikki, lived to be around 14.

Again, so sorry for your loss ,
Lois

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your pup. It's always sad when we lose them. So much is invested in them, they are a member of the family!! 13 is a pretty good life. I'm sure she thanks you for being brave enough to let her go. When you go to get another furry family member, if you choose to go the purebred route, use a reputable breeder. Yes, it takes more time and probably costs more, but they can give you health details for their particular line. All the breeds you mentioned are nice ones. Take your time and let yourself grieve for Misty. She deserves that. Then, when you're ready, make a choice.

 

[phillybeth]

If you want to go the 'purebred route', check with breed rescues for the breeds you are interested in. Most have young dogs waiting for homes- potty trained, crate trained, obedience trained and waiting for a forever home. The group I volunteer with even gets in young pups occasionally, and we alwyas have a few older pups (6-12 months) and young adults.
Rescues are also wonderful resources on the breeds. We are very upfront with health issues, behavioral issues, or anything else that is common to the breed.

 

[LindaR]

I am so sorry for your loss...........


In a way, it doesn't matter which breed you choose (your needs, lifestyle, etc) BUT what is important is thoroughly checking out the breeder. The history of the dog. You can choose the "healthiest" breed in the world, but poorly bred, your dog can end up being the unhealthiest.

Do some research. Narrow the breed down to one or two. Then start looking into breeders. A good place to start is the AKC club for that breed. Read and ask questions.

Good luck.....

 

[missy28]

I am so sorry for your loss... I too had a sudden loss of my Australian Sheperd and got another puppy failry quickly... She and I have been inseperable ever since. Ellie is a beautiful St. Bernard, who is free of health problems, but all big breeds can be subject to them.. St. Bernards have become my favorites just because of their loving gentle nature with people and especially children. Don't forget that Peter Pan's Nana was a St. bernard! There's a great rescue website www.saintrescue.com... best of luck in whatever you decide!

 

[Dax]

Well jut a word of warning..all purebred dogs have problems...that is my general understanding. If you are looking for just any 'ol dog, then go to the local shelter. There are a lot of dogs there who are mutts who want a loving home too. Just a thought....

BUT.....I happen to know pugs.......just see below to my 4 puggles. If you want more info on them, let me know...I love talking about them...

 

[Dan Murphy]

So very sorry, Erin, with Misty's passing. Our furry family are so very important to us all, they are great, always so nice to come home to. My best to you and your family. 's

<font face="Comic Sans MS">
<h1 align="center"><img hspace="5" src="http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gif" width="74" height="37">Rainbow Bridge <img src="http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gif" width="74" height="37"></h1>
</font>
<center><p><font size="+1" face="Comic Sans MS">Just this side of heaven is a place
called Rainbow Bridge.<br>
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet
goes to Rainbow Bridge.<br>
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and
play together.<br>
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and
comfortable.<br>
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those
who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember
them in our dreams of days and times gone by.<br>
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.<br>
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and
looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers.
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs
carrying him faster and faster.<br>
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you
cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses
rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once
more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never
absent from your heart.<br>
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....<br>
Author unknown...</font></p></center>

www.petloss.com

Dan

 

[legalsea]

Sorry for your loss.

I too live in Texas. One of my dogs is a Westie (West Highland White Terrier). He is now 13 years old and has been a great companion. HOWEVER, Westies do not (as I was warned before acquiring him) do that well in Texas. They have allergies and skin conditions that this climate seems to aggravate. The Texas Heat doesn't help, either (I shave my Westie at the beginning of every summer, which happens around April 15th).

Think about a Golden Retriever; but be warned that they are prone to hip problems. But what wonderful dogs! Great with children.

I certainly agree with the post about rescuing a dog from the pound. Every dog my wife has owned was rescued (we have one now, a cross between a mutt and a hybrid!).

Of course, when we obtained our rescued dog it was estimated by those supposedly more knowledgable than us that he would weigh around 35 pounds. I kept pointing at his massive paws and ears, but I was ignored by all. Eventually, said dog grew to 80 pounds.

At least with a purebread (like my Westie) you have a pretty good idea of the temperment, as well as the size.

The best way to honor a departed cherished pet may well be to save another one from the pound.

 

[Blondie]

I'm sorry about losing Misty. I know all too well the grief you are feeling.

After we put our Briar down, we thought we'd take a break for a while and not get another right away.

We waited all of 2 weeks! I had to have another, and we got the same breed, a Weimaraner. He really helped fill the void. We didn't forget about Briar, we never will. We had him before we had our children! But getting another puppy helped us focus more on the new little guy, then focusing on the sadness of losing Briar.

 

[olena]

I'm very sorry for your loss.....

 

[Melora]

Sorry about you doggie....

 

[PhotobearSam]

So sorry for your loss...

I would say another chow but a different colour...Again, sorry for your loss.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

So sorry about your dog. I've had several breeds and a couple of mutts and it doesn't matter what the dog is, it's horrible to lose one.
We have a golden now and he is absolutely awesome. I got him from a breeder but I am actually considering getting another one from the local golden rescue organization come summer. The breeder had the guarantees about eyes, hips, etc. and he will be 5 in 2 weeks, so far no problems at all. He's 80 lb. and my big baby.
Just make sure that when you get a dog you have some time to spend with it if you work. We lost our last dog at the end of January, but didn't get this dog until June after school was out (I'm a teacher) so I could get him potty trained, etc. It was a long 4 1/2 months without a dog in the house! But he is alone 5-6 hours at a time and when he was a young pup he couldn't have handled it. I know sometimes when you lose an older dog you forget what those puppy days are like!
Robin M.

 

[piglet too]

So sorry for the loss of your beloved pet.
I personally love Bernese Mountain Dogs and Newfoundlands. I always thought Nana from Peter Pan was one, not a Saint but I could be mistaken.

 

[shelbyjosh]

Sorry to hear about your loss. We went thru that several years ago with our 18 y.o. golden. His hips got so bad it wasn't fair to let him suffer anymore. Summer 02 we got a new pup. He too is a golden. His name is Trapper and he is so wonderful with the kids. They yank, tug, pull on him and he takes it in stride. He is about 80 pounds now. He will be 2 on 5/26. He is definately a mama's boy. He is my big baby. I also worry about his hips. If it happens, it happens. He already went thru a surgery. He had 2 undescended testicles. So a routine neuter turned into a $400+ procedure. He is very healthy now and we love him to death!! I think goldens and labs make the best dogs when kids are in the picture. They are protective and very gentle.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

 

[luvwinnie]

I am so sorry for your loss. YOu must be heartbroken.

As far as advice about breeds, if you don't want high vet bills, I urge you to think hard before getting a bulldog. I would NOT trade our Winnie (she will be 6 in May) for the world, but her vet bills have been quite high. She has hip dysplasia and a knee problem. She has had wrinkle infections despite the cleaning we do...she had some odd seizure-like problem that thankfully went away after a few days...she had cherry eye surgery...she has allergies...and she had this horrible type of gastritis that can be fatal ($900 for that one).

To us, it has been worth every penny...but we don't have kids to spend money on. Bulldogs tend to be just the SWEETEST most loving and comical dogs. She is like a human...even people who dont like dogs, fall for her.

 

[Otto's Doll]

So sorry for your loss. I know exactly how hard it is to lose these members of your family.
When you decide what type of dog you would like, please visit www.petfinder.com . After we lost our beloved German Shepherd we visited this site, and found a gorgeous 6 month old Shepherd pup, all his shots and neutering were taken care of, and all we had to do was give a $125 donation. He is worth every penny of it!