Dog breeds? Our dog just passed away

[calypso*a*go-go]

TexasErin:

I am so sorry for your loss and can really relate. My parents 15-yr. old mixed breed (Poochie) started to look like she was gaining weight and her stomach was getting bigger and bigger. A trip to the vet confirmed a tumor the size of a large melon. That was about three weeks ago. She is still eating and gets out of her bed but we know her days are numbered. I have offered to take her in when the time comes (and it soon will) as I know my mom and dad are going to be devastated. It's amazing how attached we become to our four-legged friends. Hang in there ...

 

[Big V]

{{{HUGS}}} to you on the loss of your dog.

 

[petula]

I'm so sorry to hear about your puppy dog!

I have to add to what luvwinnie said. Just recently I posted on another thread about the health problems of bulldogs. (You might find some good info about breeds on that thread as well.) For bulldogs, add ear infections, arthritis, trouble breathing, and a certain type of malignant tumor very common in and particular to that breed and a few others (including pugs and boxers, i believe). I adored our bulldog, and she lived a very long life for the breed (12 years, two of those after being diagnosed with the tumor), but she seemed uncomfortable a lot of the time. Definitely look into mixed breeds, and don't forget petfinder.com for both mixed and purebred!

 

[GreenEyes0205]

Sorry about your loss.
We have a Golden Retriever & she is wonderful with the kids. They are a very sweet breed. We got her 2 days after our other dog died. It did help the kids cope with the loss. Good luck in finding another pup.

 

[autochick]

Very sorry to hear about your dog. I dont know what size dog you are looking for, but I have Shih Tzu and we love her. I got her from a breeder in Oklahoma. She is the best dog very well tempered. Loves my DD's who are 3 and 11. The 3 yr old can be a little rough with the dog, and the dog has never reacted to to her.

 

[MO Disney cruiser]

I am sorry about your loss. We lost our Golden retriever mix last fall and I understand.

Dan, that was beautiful. All I could see was Tinker running. I had tears.

Erin, we also have a Norweign Elkhound. They are the sweetest dogs. Ours is now 8 1/2 and has never been sick. They are very loyal to the family as well, but does seem to pick a favorite to snuggle with. (as much as you can snuggle with a bigger dog)

I must agree w/ others. It might be good to get another dog soon. We took in a stray that had been around our home for the last year. She appears to be a Golden/Chow mix. It made it easier for us and for our Norweign Elkhound to cope.

 

[KaterBell]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog.

I am another pug fan , they're small, can take them anywhere, and they think they're VERY tough. Lot of dog in a small space. Great personalities! Little clowns. Another fun breed is the French Bulldog. Can't beat those bat ears.

I always recommend folks to just do the research on the breed of dog they think they want, if there are health issues that may be more difficult to deal with than others... etc. I hope you remember the good times with your beloved dog, and can make more happy memories with whatever dog you get in the future.

 

[TNCarole]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your furbaby.

 

[AspiringCindy]

So sorry about your lost!...It's so hard losing a pet(a member of the family)! We lost 2 boxers last year, but have 2 new boxers to help ease our pain. Like many have stated, almost all breeds have their problems. With Boxers, you run the risk of heart problems and tumors! Definely research the breeds that you like but consider "SAVING A LIFE" at the pound!!

 

[Galahad]

I'm a big fan of Bichons. For 20 years we had Labs. We loved every one of them. We had a beloved black lab that died in July 0f 2002. About 6 months later we got a Bichon puppy. Now we have one geriatric Lab, one very old Bichon that we rescued and the 1 year old Bichon. They are smart, affectionate, they don't shed, the are great with kids and older adults. Ours did fine in Florida before moving back to Indy so they seem to tolerate a lot of weather conditions. DW would have a house full of them if she could. In fact, as we get older, if I go first and she's left alone, I'm convinced she'll become the neighborhood's wierd dog lady.....

 

[airhead]

13 years old! Wow. I bet she had an awesome life. I can just tell how much you loved her. I know about the empty house feeling,its rough. I'm one of those people who believes that a new pup is the only way to feel better. Misty will always be in your heart,forever. A new pup is needed to soak up all that love!
I just know I'm gonna see a thread started by you that reads,"I got a new puppy!"

take care
CJ

 

[Mermaid02]

We also have a Weimaraner- She is a wonderful dog... great with the kids and protective to boot! I think there is a Weimaraner Rescue in Texas.... Very sorry about the loss of your pet.

 

[kangaandroo]

Sorry for your loss. my black lab Maddie just turned 13 (we celebrated her "Bark Mitzvah") and I worry about her all of the time. The breed you choose is a personal choice. i love labs and we've had excellent luck with them, but as has already been staded, the breeder is even more important than the breed. It will get better. Lots of hugs in the mean time!

 

[janette]

So sorry for your loss. It's always hard to say goodbye.

Look at www.petfinder.com , always lots of puppies that need a forever home. You can search for a specific breed or age. A great way to find someone new.

 

[Snowysmom]

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. It is always hard no matter how old they are. When our previous westie had to be put to sleep, we had a westie puppy that we had gotten about a week earlier. That really helped the kids even though she was not a replacement for my little Spunky. I still miss him even after 6 years. I hope you can find a nice dog who needs a good home.

 

[DocRafiki]

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

another link to www.petfinder.com in case it slipped you by

There are SO many chow mixes in shelters. It seems that half of the mixes that I see have that black tongue. And IS there any better feeling than saving a life?

 

[nativetxn]

No suggestions for you but I'm sorry to hear about Misty's death. It is so difficult to lose a beloved pet

 

[christineann]

I'm so sorry about your loss. We lost our black lab Jake to cancer in January and planned to wait until spring to adopt again, but after a month we couldn't stand such a quiet house. We went to a shelter out in the country and adopted a golden mix and a black lab mix. Another vote for a shelter dog - I think you get the best of whatever breed is in the dog's makeup. My vet told me that a lady who lost a dog the same week we did adopted two from another shelter the same week we adopted, and he thinks it was a good idea for all involved.

Again, I'm sorry. We miss Jake so much, but we have will always have our wonderful memories of him.

 

[TexasErin]

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. Its nice to know I have such good people to talk to on these boards.
I think I will check out Petland who is always trying to find homes for dogs from the pound and also Petsmart where a rescue group comes on Saturday with their dogs.
I have also been looking at petfinder.com. Its just hard right now to imagine finding a dog as good as Misty. I know she will never be replaced, but right now, its hard to imagine even finding one that is half as well-behaved. She didn't dig or destroy property. She only barked if there was someone coming to our house (or the doorbell rang on TV ) She was one special dog.
But I'm going to start looking- but I'll take my time and not rush in to anything.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comfort.

 

[C.Ann]

I don't have any suggestions on dog breeds, but wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you lost your dog..

Our little Pomeranian died almost a year ago and it was SOOOO hard.. My DH misses him terribly (they were best of buddies) and he won't even CONSIDER getting another dog..