Posted on 08/07/2015 2:30:04 PM PDT by TASMANIANRED
I need some advice on my dog. I had 2 dogs, both rescues for the past 11 years. They were pups together.
Solitare was the best dog in the world. She was a farm lab. No breeding but all character. She was Athletic, loving, smart, funny and exuberant.
I lost her Tuesday to metastatic cancer.
dogs are pack animals, volunteer at a shelter with your dog. see if there is one or two your pet seems to like and take it home as a foster with a potential to give it a forever home.
First.. I am so sorry for your loss. It is so difficult. When one of ours passed, we removed or washed any bedding, towels etc.. that had the one dog’s scent. In fact, I threw away the “old” toys and purchased “new” ones. We did have a female Boston Terrier that was never maternal. I (like some other FReepers) recommend a shelter or foster dog but here is the main important item to look for: gets along well with other dogs. Some of the fosters actually will know this fact (usually because they have quite a few). I guess my main point is to be openly honest with what type of dog personality you are looking for. We usually get a male and a female.. I’ve had males fight on occasion. However, since Jackie liked Solitaire.. she may prefer another female. IMHO, I wouldn’t get a puppy... I found older (curmudgeon) dogs just not able to tolerate the play/teasing/annoyance. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Sleep on it, think about it, think some more and because YOU know Jackie best.
I would stay away from another chow. This might sound crazy but I think an older rescue would be better and take your dog with you to help pick her out. And give the new dog the same name as the one you lost.
The old adage about, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” is hogwash.
An old dog can learn new things just as well as a young dog.
Hugs, Luvvy.
She went down quick.
After a bunch of vet care they found out it was cancer.
Of course they can.
(((hugs)))...back!
I’m glad she didn’t linger for a long, painful time, but know that all of you miss her, especially her best pal!
Sorry about your loss.
My dog was 11 years old and I fostered two young dogs (6 months old) for 4 weeks each. She wore them out.
Here’s our rescue’s list of recommended rescues:
http://www.gsroc.org/2013/resources_results.gsr?category=RESCUE%20GROUPS
Good luck!
When my dog Brown died, his sister slumped. It was awful for her... and for me - Mine wasn’t really a decision for her, it was more a matter of getting another dog in the works - Pooh was getting older and a bit hard of hearing, so I thought it would be good to get a pup right off so that he would be ready by the time pooh became to old to fulfill the function...
And I could not stand having Brown gone... So for the reason above, and my own selfish need, within 2 weeks, Moze (Moses) came to stay...
He was a young shepherd pup, and you would not believe the difference in Pooh-Bear. She seemed five years younger - and whle she had always been a bit ditzy, she took to that pup and mothered him... It really straightened her out. Better than ever... Now, part of that was because she had never had pups of her own, I am sure, but the distraction did her good in her grief for her brother too...
Best of luck.
We had the same problem. The dog that remained was an 11 yr old Shepherd. I would highly recommend not getting any other dog for the moment. Dogs grieve. Your chow needs at least several months for that. If you do eventually get a dog let her pick it out. Do not offer her puppies as an option - she will wear herself out trying to keep up with a child. You wouldn’t pick a child as a companion for your grandfather - same thing. You can help her grieve by explaining death to her. Over and over if need be. She’s not stupid, she’s a dog, and she will understand.
God bless and good luck.
Anxitaine for dogs. Get a vet to give you the dosage. Buy it from Amazon.
Thanks, Chris
Jackie is getting a bit hard of hearing too.
I’ve started incorporating gestures when I speak to her.
I’m glad you were able to breathe new life into Pooh.
How do you explain it?
Thanks Jet, I’ll check it out.
Take her with you to the shelter.
See if she “picks” somebody.
If she does, adopt it.
Odds are there will be somebody there she takes a shine to.
So sorry for your loss.
Pain is the price we pay for their unconditional love but it *is* worth it.
Lord knows I’ll keep putting my head up to that gun for as long as I live.
I think that letting her pick is a good idea.
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