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I'm kind of out of my element on this one - and could use your thoughts/advice.

As some of you know I travel a lot. These past few months it has been almost weekly and I am gone for the entire week.

Olya has been comforted by the puppy that we bought shortly after her arrival 2 years ago. He is no longer a puppy, though with his enormous energy, it is hard to see that. A 100 pound black lab just bounding with unbridled enthusiasm and love of my wife.

Many of you with wives from the FSU will probably recognize the bond between these women and their dogs. It is VERY strong.

Our lab has played an enormously important role in Olya's easy adjustment to life in the US. He has provided companionship, distraction, and protection.

Early Tuesday morning - while I was away from home - the dog was sleeping in our bedroom with Olya - as a comfort for her while I am away. He woke her with labored breathing and was unable to regain his breath. He died within a very short time - maybe a minute Olya says.

We are, of course, looking at the possibility that someone poisoned him - though it seems unlikely.

So those of you that are long-time pet-owners - what do you (or can you) say to soften the blow of such an unexpected and abrupt end?

To make matters worse - my niece just lost a 5-month old baby to SIDS and the confluence of unrelated events has just set us on-end.

BTW - today is our 2-year anniversary. I hope future anniversaries are not quite so eventful.

- Dan

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003


Dan , Congrats on your anniversary ; but sorry to hear of your losses . The bonds shared between people and pets can be very strong ; and when there are such ties , the loss of an animal can hit you just as hard as the loss of a family member . There is not much that an outsider such as myself can say to soften such a blow but offer a few words and sentiments , in the hopes that you and Olya can find some comfort in knowing that you have many friends here ; and that they are sharing in some of what you are feeling .

I am a long - time pet owner , last year I lost one that had been my faithful companion for nearly 13 years . He was 17 years old , I took him from a guy that I worked with who's kids had developed allergies and could no longer keep him . They wanted him to go to a good home , and I did my best to give him a good life . When he passed away , it was difficult . Over the years , we'd gotten to know each other's likes and dislikes , habits , and idiosyncracies . I saw and interacted with him every day ; while in contrast , I only got to see and visit my immediate family members a few times a year . In some ways , he filled a gap in my life ; just as your dog filled a gap in your wife's life while you are off traveling because of your work and business commitments . I think you need to get another dog for your family ; but not until some time has passed so your family can feel some sense of closure . And probably not until a bit after your baby is born and things start to get settled down again .

In the meantime , perhaps Olya can find some comfort in this :

When days are sad and lonely ,
and everything goes wrong
I seem to hear you whisper :
"Cheer up and carry on . "

Every time I see your picture ,
you smile and seem to say :
"Don't cry I'm only sleeping ,
we'll meet again someday . "

You gave me no farewell
nor ever said goodbye .
You were gone before I knew it ,
and only God knows why .

A million times I've missed you
a million times I've cried .
If love alone could have saved you ,
you never would have died .

It broke my heart to lose you ,
but you didn't go alone .
For a part of me went with you
the day God took you home .

**************************

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan,

What a bummer. I agree with the idea of getting another dog once your lady is up to it.  Good Luck

Greg

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

As a breeder (Australian Shepherds) I often recommend a terrific little book.  It is called "The Perfect Puppy" and it is all about choosing a dog based on it's behaviors.  It goes over about 50 or 60 different breeds and rates them on about 13 different behaviors- things like playfulness, destructiveness, excitability, how they are with kids, etc..
You decide what characteristics you want in a dog and this books helps to point out what breeds you and your family might consider based on what you are wanting in a dog.
This is how I actually found out about "aussis" way back in 1988.  I decided what I wanted in a dog and it basically told me that this was the ideal dog for me, and were they right!  I would never own anything else!  Of course most dog owners feel that way about their breeds. ;-)

There is nothing worse than falling for a "cute little ball of fur" that turns into your biggest nightmare because you hate it's characteristics as an adult..

Really great book!

Written by Benjamin Hart DVM and Lynette Hart.

Later,
Oscar

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan, I will give you a call on this.  I think I have a little knowledge in both areas, being a therapist and a breeder of championship Australian Shepherds.. ;-)

Going to get our vaccination forms filled out by the health dept right now for the AOS..  I will call when we return..

Later,
Oscar

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan-

Natasha and I want to express our condolences for your loss.  I asked her to call Olya and tell her directly.  I think I would agree with RW that when the baby comes, there will be so much to do that taking care of a small dog would be one more thing to worry about.  We'll see you soon.
-Bill P

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Here's what I did, when confronted with a similar scenario:

An ex-fiance's beloved animal, (a Boxer - of which I've always had - at least since nine) met a semblable death & created dystopia in her, as well. Right or wrong, I found the best bit*h in California - San Diego - tied a ribbon upon her neck four days later &... well, Steph cried with joy upon the sight of her new puppy/champion!

She, despite her pain, was 'glowing.'

I'd avoid animals from 'the pound,' Dan. IMHO, it wouldn't be prudent to bring such an animal, regardless of the moral clamour to do such, into a home with a future baby.

Regarding poisoning of animals (especially dogs):

I've experience here, and the primary reasons for this are rather straightforward & simple:

- An individual wishes to steal your belongings.

- An individual desires to harm your family.

- Or, less likely, you've encountered a loony/hateful pric..., who enjoys harming 'man's best friend' for kicks.

The first two, happen daily in another portion of the semi-civilized world (the S.A. farming community), dogs are the first defence with poisoning a primary tool.

Once again, sorry to hear of your misfortune

Regards, Vaughn

... in response to Sorry, to hear of your losses, posted by BURKE89 on May 1, 2003

Actually,
If you ask most vets they will tell you that a mixed breed is in many ways much superior to a pure breed any day of the week.  Not saying that you have to get a dog at the pound, but I got my dog from the pound about 7 years ago and he has been a fantastic friend to me. He's one of the smartest and most charismatic dogs I've met.

On the other hand I don't know if I would get a pet soon to the delivery of a baby just because of the health concerns and also for the adjustment of the family.  Might be too much adjustment too soon.

... in response to Disagree on one point, posted by Oatmeal on May 2, 2003

is that you mostly know what you are getting in terms of behavior, size, temperament, etc.. Whereas with a mix breed you have no oppportunity to know what it's parents really were (they can guess of course) and you have no idea what it's behavior or often it's full size might become.  You can cross two very mellow dogs of mixed breed and get a very nervous or aggressive dog through the mix.  So this is the main advantage of a purebred.

Oscar

... in response to The advantage of a purebred-, posted by Yeahbaby on May 2, 2003

I agree that you tend to get closer to the personality you want with the purebreed.  The mutt statistically will be heartier.

... in response to Heartiness vs Consistency, posted by Bobby Orr on May 2, 2003

I can't say that I can agree with that really.  A problem with purebreds can be that many breeds have certain problems that are inherent to the breed, such as eye problems or hip problems, etc..  If you buy an animal from a VERY reputable breeder, you will not have to worry about these things because they will have already checked for these problems before they sell the pup.  They will have eye checks, hip ratings from the national dysplasia center etc..  I have had nothing but the healthiest of dogs in my breeding and I would never let an animal out of my house if I were not sure about it.

With a mix, you really can't have any idea what it's parentage is so no way of knowing about any of its ancestry and THEIR problems etc.. So again, I think purebred is the way to go IF you never consider buying from a pet store or someone who is just out to make a buck, what we call a "backyard breeder"!  If you buy from a very reputable breeder, you stand to run into far less problems than if you don't use this type of breeder or buy a mix breed where it is basically a crap shoot..

Later,

Oscar

... in response to Re: Heartiness vs Consistency, posted by Yeahbaby on May 2, 2003

Reputable breeders do make a huge difference.  As you point out it is tough to talk generalities.

... in response to Re: Heartiness vs Consistency, posted by Yeahbaby on May 2, 2003

Well,

everything is basically up to a person's taste but I guess because of my background and growing up in a lower income family (I'm a mixed breed myself, so how can I argue with my own bloodline.  Ha ha ha) I just have the predisposition to believe that mutts generally make better companions but each animal has it's own predispositions and traits.  Just the same I would not turn away a pet or a loved one just because there were some flaws.  How many of you would kick out your grandmother just because she has too many physical limitations.  Just comes down to where your heart is.

I guess though you can choose to try your best to weed out potential future heartaches and headaches but my life experience has shown me that no matter how hard you try everyone takes a bite of that bitter life pie.  

Just seems to come right back around and bite you in the backside.

... in response to Sorry, to hear of your losses, posted by BURKE89 on May 1, 2003

According to Vaughn:

I'd avoid animals from 'the pound,' Dan. IMHO, it wouldn't be prudent to bring such an animal, regardless of the moral clamour to do such, into a home with a future baby.

Alf notes:

You do have a point there about the future baby.  While some of us do prefer "the pound," as you call it, I have nothing against buying from a reputable breeder.  It's the puppy mills, who often supply pet stores, and amateur's that I am concerned about.  

Since I don't show or breed my dogs, I don't need a pedigree.  Howevever, with a child in picture, maybe they are better off with a better known quantity from a *reputable* breeder.

... in response to Re: Sorry, to hear of your losses, posted by Alfred on May 2, 2003

You're correct, in the love of the 'dog' - superfluous of its heritage. However, I'd venture to make a rather vile analogy myself:

"One can love an 'ugly one,' as well as ..."

The canine - will stand!

Vaughn

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan,

sorry to hear about that. It must be very emotional for Olya.

My advice would be to wait before you get another dog - in a couple months she would be so busy with the baby, she won't have time for anything else, believe me. In a way it won't be fair to the dog too :) Both of you would miss opportunity to establish the bond with the dog. I know I might sound like a paranoid woman, but with the adult dog from the shelter you also do not know how it would behave around the baby once all the attention is switched. It is different with the dog who has been living with you for a while.

Russian Wife

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Anyone who says that a dog isn't a member of your family...well, they're crazy.  My Poocher's marker reads:

So tiny when I got him
I watched him grow
He loved to play stick
He'd fetch when I'd throw

He saved me three times
The fire, the bad guys, helped me
Loved laying in the sun
Or under his tree

My protector, my guard dog
Fistful of lucky charms
So happy, so loving
You died in my arms

I loved you like a son
So majestic, so loud
Better than most people
Of you I'm most proud

Eleven years of joy
Now at an end
How can I ever thank
My puppy, my hero, my friend

When my turn comes
And all goes dark
Through the lighted tunnel you'll run
With your stick and a bark

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Hey Dan,

I am very sorry about the loss of your Lab. For what its worth, I know how you feel. Yes Russian women often have a very strong bond with their dogs and I think its something that many people fail to appreciate. The dogs are often viewed more as family members and friends and less like replacable household items. As a result, my advice is to wait an appropriate amount of time before buying a new puppy.

Your wife may need time to grieve before she is emotionally ready for another dog. Honestly, I think if you suggest another dog too soon, you will not get an enthusiastic response. She might even be offended.

Just so you know, I say all these things based on personal expereince. My wife had a female Great Dane that lived to be 12 years old. She was a member of the family and deeply loved by my wife and both of her parents. They took her for almost 2 hours of walks every day and never fed her dog food. She only ate natural foods such as meat and vegitables. The reason I am telling you about these things is to convey the intense feeling of commitment and love they had for their dog.

As luck would have it, my wife's dog died the day before I came to Moscow for the very first time. Not very good timing. : ) My wife was distraught as were here parents. They showed me albums of her pictures and got a little emotional when they talked about her. To this day, my wife can still cry when she thinks about her Silva.

We just bought a new Great Dane puppy about 3 weeks ago. His name is Goga. Little Goga has been wonderful for her, but we waited almost 1.5 years before we got her another dog. Your wife may not need that much time to grieve, but she may need some time too.

Consult with your wife before you buy the puppy and do not force one on her before she is ready.

Just my advice.

... in response to Re: Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by DanM on May 1, 2003

Hello Dan,

Not trying to scare you with your new GD, however, you should be aware of a very important health issue endemic in the breed: bloat & or torsion.

My mother breeds & shows them, and we've lost more than one to this heinous 'act' - including a personal pet of mine. My current Dane, Bismarck, had it occur at a very young age on two ocassions - eight & nine months. By the grace of god, I was home and knew what was transpiring (it typically occurs later in life). As I said, it is endemic in Danes in particularly, yet it occurs in dogs with large chest cavities as well - e.g. Mastiffs, Boxers, Wolfhounds etc.

Luckily it is preventable, this if rectified or precautions are taken. Such as:

- The stomach cavity is 'tacked.' In essence, the stomach is tied/sown, preventing movement. So, despite the fact that 'bloat' might occur, the stomach cavity cannot turn and wrap 'itself.'

- Another issue with the Dane to prevent this from occuring is: a very strict regimen in feeding. Golden rule: no strenuous play 1/2 hour prior to feeding, and penned-up for at least as long after meals.

Hope this helps,

Vaughn

... in response to From a fellow 'Dane' owner..., posted by BURKE89 on May 1, 2003

Thanks Burke! I did not know you were also a Dane owner. I knew there was something I liked about you (joke). : )

We are as careful as we know to be regarding his eating habits. He eats 4 smaller meals per day and we always hold his bowl up for him so he does not have to lean too much. We also keep him calm prior to and after feeding. Usually he lays in my lap after he eats. He is only 10 weeks oldso we can still get away with that.

Any additional advice you have regarding his diet will be most appreciated. Although my wife had a Dane for 12 years, I am sure there are things we don't know and I would love to benefit from your expereince if possible. I would especially like to learn more about the subject of "tacking" the stomach cavity. I have never heard of this and I am a little curious.

Thanks again for the advice.

... in response to Re: From a fellow 'Dane' owner..., posted by DanM on May 2, 2003

Nothing more than: 19-21% protein content (puppy-land - and the fervor for size - and not health.) - period!

Tacking refers to: tying the stomach to the exterior-wall; so, it can't move. It's a very simple ($300-400.00 vs 2,600-4,200.00 - if done later) process in youth; however, if it shifts... the pain to the 'Dane' is excru...

I can assist you (maybe - through the 'Family'), in Louisiana regarding: 'Dane" angles, if you wish.

Regards, Vaughn

... in response to As a puppy,,,, posted by BURKE89 on May 3, 2003

I'd neglected to give you the contacts for LA.

They're as follows:

GDCA/GDC of LA - Norvel & Warren Benoit PO Box 640488 Kenner, LA 70064 504-443-5422 or 985-764-8371 (I've never met 'them' yet, I hope they're brothers)Email: IvespottedDanes@AOL.com

or- a safe one...

GDC of LA - Jennifer Ussery ( a safe one - if mom is correct in her memory) diamondstargreatdanes@hotmail.com

I sure they might direct you in the proper direction - for a clean 'tac.'

Vaughn  

... in response to From a fellow 'Dane' owner..., posted by BURKE89 on May 1, 2003

Right on with the GDV -torsion with large breed dogs and death within 24 hours - especially one big feeding per day.

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

[This message has been edited by micha1]

This message was deleted

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Sad to hear of the passing of your and Olya's dog.  My condolences.  The sudden passage of ones dog is not truly unique,  I had it happen.  There is a sense of loss difficult to describe.  There will be a day,  it will just feel right for the 2 of you,  probably near term, when you will both be ready for some puppy shopping.  This will help you to fill the void which you both feel and you will be giving a new dog...a warm happy home.

Hhhmmm. You mentioned poison.  What inclines you to this thought?  Something tangible?  The vet will be able to take a tissue sample and send it to a lab for analysis.  It would be good to alay your fears even if the test is negative. Best, Tim

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan,

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of two members of your family :(

I'm not eloquent with words, but I really hope Olya and you will recover soon.

If nothing else, at least he died quickly, and in the arms of your wife. You may tell Olya that. Considering there are many ways for a dog to die, I think he couldn't have gone a better way, as much as the thought must ache and hurt.

I do hope that when/if you get another dog, that you may take Globetrotter's suggestion about looking at a shelter. You may end up saving a life.

Last, but not least, congratulations on your 2 year anniversary!  I only hope I'm so lucky!

Dan, let's keep in touch when I'm overseas, ok? I'd like that very much.

Peace,

-Deckard

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan, all this time I thought you were married my senior!
There are oodles of pups. Just get another  when you find one.
I don't have quite the yard for dogs.
Many times I've thought about getting acreage and putting in  a kennel.    
Karl

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

So sorry about your dog.  I lost my monster shepherd a few years ago.  How to put this....let's just say I was very upset for 2 years.  He was 12 and had a good run.  I buried him on my property, made a grave marker better than most people have, complete with poem, and 4 photos laminated into it, brick lined, and he gets flowers on his garden. As the house was lonely without my Bud, I went to the local animal shelter and picked another shepherd a month later.  I also noticed a fat, old, female mutt that nobody would ever want, and took her too.  The shepherd had been slated for execution the next day if I hadn't taken him, I found out later.  He had also been trained to kill, truely a junkyard dog...a front door cannon for any intruder.  Dog training classes, and socializing him made him a great, gentle pet.  Both dogs are great friends.

So, my advice would be to let you wife pick one out from a shelter and adopt it.  To soften the blow, know dogs can't rationalize/reason...if I do this, that will happen.  Only
humans can do this. (well, some can.)  They also have no concept of life and death.  He only knew he was falling asleep.  He probably had a great 2 years because of your family.

... in response to Re: Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Globetrotter on Apr 30, 2003

"It's not how long the ride is, it's how you make the trip."

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

I'm sorry of your loss. I lost my 8 year old Rott just over a year ago and I don't think that is a blow that can be softened. It couldn't be for me anyway. Mine wasn't so sudden...but I don't think that made it any easier. Give it some time, especially because your wife sounds to have been so attached. I lost Hunter in March and didn't get Suka until December, but I'm glad I waited.

I want to congradulate you and your wife on your 2 year anniversary though I understand some things aren't going so well. Everything will be good in the end. And if it isn't good, it isn't the end!

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Sorry I was not available to answer earlier.  I understand the bond between humans and animals - though no one can truly help your family other than yourselves.  Think positive thoughts - one day you will get another dog.  Take your time.  When the momment is right you will both know what to do.  I know this is hard right now - but grasp the positives ie. the memory of the dog and how he brought the two of you closer.  

If the dog was otherwise completely healthy one day - then to suddenly drop dead the next day probably was due to poisoning or a ruptured aorta which rarely occurs - so I would hone in on the posioning possibility.  Bring your dog to a veterinary pathologist to perform the necropsy, or bring him to your local veterinarian who can send suspect tissues to a veterinary pathologist.

There really is not much more I can say.  Look to whatever makes you feel best during this trying time.  All the best during this time of mourning.

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

http://www.dogfancy.com/dogfancy/

That's kind of interesting your dog died, my sister who raises collies said the dogs that are sold at pet stores are usually not the highest of quality.

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Consider it a matter of fate (or otherwise), that with the baby coming her attention and love will be absorbed by the needs of her new malishka.  It may yet be some months away, but once the occasion happens there will be little time for looking back.  Another new dog around the house may not be what is needed, just let time make it's course.

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

[This message has been edited by LP]

....Congrats on the two years, sorry about the dog. I agree, get a new one but you may wish to wait a little first. A short grief period is usually needed to seperate the two and provide true closure. Besides, she'll have her hands full with your other new arrival in the not so distant future.

When God had made the earth and sky, the flowers and the trees, He then made all the animals and all the birds and bees.

And when His work was finished, and not one was quite the same, He said "I'll walk this earth of mine and give each one a name".

And so he traveled land and sea, and everywhere He went, a little creature followed him, until its strength was spent.

When all were named upon the Earth, and in the sky and sea, the little creature said, Dear Lord, there's not one left for me.

The Father smiled and softly said, "I've left you for the end. I've turned my own name back to front and called you Dog, my friend".  

(unknown)

... in response to Re: Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by LP on Apr 30, 2003

Good poem and
nice touch there
bro'

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

I don't have any comforting words for your niece. That was a terrible thing that happened and I don't know of any words that would make it better. But for your Olga here is something. My dog died last November and my Olga sent me this.

"Çàâåùàíèå
äàëìàòèíà".Îí íàïèñàë åå çà íåñêîëüêî äíåé äî ñìåðòè
ñâîåé ñîáàêè Áëåìè.Âîò íåáîëüøîé îòðûâîê èç ýòîé
ñòàòüè:"ß,Áëåèì, êëàäó íàñòîÿùåå çàâåùàíèå â òàéíèê
ïàìÿòè ìîåãî Õîçÿèíà.Ìíå íå÷åãî îñòàâèòü Åìó,êðîìå ìîåé
ëþáâè è âåðíîñòè.ß ïðîøó ìîåãî Õîçÿèíà ïîìíèòü ìåíÿ
âñåãäà,íî íå ñêîðáåòü îáî ìíå ñëèøêîì äîëãî.Ïðè æèçíè
ÿ ñòàðàëñÿ áûòü óòåøåíèåì äëÿ Òåáÿ â ìèíóòû ãîðÿ è
âíîñèòü áîëüøå ðàäîñòè â äíè ñ÷àñòüÿ.ß íå õî÷ó áûòü
ïðè÷èíîé òâîèõ ñòðàäàíèé è ïîñëå ìîåé ñìåðòè.Ìíå æàëü
ðàññòàâàòüñÿ ñ òîáîé,íî íå ñ æèçíüþ. îòëè÷èå îò ëþäåé,
ñîáàêè íå áîÿòñÿ ñìåðòè.Ìû ïðèíèìàåì ýòî êàê ÷àñòü
æèçíè.Êòî çíàåò,÷òî æäåò íàñ ïîñëå ñìåðòè?ß âåðþ,÷òî
òàì åñòü Ðàé.Òàì êàæäûé âå÷íî ìîëîä è ïîëîí ñèë,òàì âñå
ðåçâÿòñÿ äíè íàïðîëåò è êàæäûé ÷àñ âðåìÿ îáåäà,ãäå
äëèííûìè âå÷åðàìè â ìèëëèîíàõ êàìèíîâ ïîòðåñêèâàþò
äðîâà,à ñîáàêè ñîáèðàþòñÿ âîêðóã,÷òîáû,çàäóì÷èâî ãëÿäÿ
íà îãîíü,âñïîìèíàòü ñòàðîå äîáðîå âðåìÿ íà Çåìëå è
ëþáîâü ñâîèõ Õîçÿåâ.ß áîþñü,÷òî ýòî ñëèøêîì õîðîøî äëÿ
òàêîé ñîáàêè,êàê ÿ.Íî ïî êðàéíåé ìåðå ìåíÿ æäåò ïîêîé.
Ïîêîé è îòäûõ äëÿ ìîåãî óñòàëîãî ñåðäöà è ñòàðûõ êîñòåé
è âå÷íûé ñîí â çåìëå,êîòîðóþ ÿ òàê ëþáèë.Êîãäà áû Òû íå
ïðèøåë íà ìîþ ìîãèëó,ñêàæè ñî ñêîðáüþ è ñ ðàäîñòüþ â
ñêðäöå:"Çäåñü ïîêîèòüñÿ òîò,êîòîðîãî ëþáèëè è êîòîðûé
ëþáèë."ß óñëûøó ýòî â ñâîåì âå÷íîì ñíå,è äàæå ñìåðòü íå
ïîìåøàåò ìîåìó äóõó áëàãîäàðíî âèëüíóòü õâîñòèêîì.ß
áóäó âå÷íî ëþáèòü Òåáÿ òàê,êàê ìîæåò ëþáèòü òîëüêî
ñîáàêà."

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan,
Happy aniversary to the two of you!  Sorry for your loss.  As much as I hate to agree with anything Bill pots (LOL), I vote for puppy shopping.  The new dog will never replace the old one, but he will find his way into your hearts none the less.
KenC

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

FIrst of all, I'm sorry for your loss. (I have a dog of my own.)  

I went through this with a friend of mine recently. About all you can say is that your sorry. I also checkin ocassionaly to see how she was doing.

I like the idea of getting a new dog.  Only your wife will know when she's ready for another dog.  I prefer to get my dogs from a shelter. However, that's not for everybody.

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

My condolences on your loss. Losing a pet can be a devastating experience. About two months ago a relative of mine lost her German Shepherd in the same way as your lab--a sudden difficulty in breathing followed by death. An autopsy, which I wouldn't recommend, would probably show a congenital heart problem--a frailty the labador was born with ready to happen at any time. The important thing for Olya to realize is that sad  experiences sometimes occur one upon another but then many years will follow where all goes extremely well.  In my relative's case, she will be getting 2 dogs--one a German Shepherd and another a competely different breed.  Each person has their own time frame for properly mourning their lost pet but when your family is ready just remember all the love your first dog received in its short two years and there's another animal out there anxiously waiting for that same kind of love.

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

Dan, maybe you can't wait but if you can, I will have a fine litter of registered Golden Retrievers in about 6-months.

... in response to Re: Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Jack on Apr 30, 2003

I am interested in one of your pups.  Where are you located?

... in response to Re: Re: Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by lswote on Apr 30, 2003

Iswote, I live in north Texas, just north of Dallas.

Sasha is a beautiful golden female. Maximus is a beautiful big boy with a deep red tint mixed with his gold.

... in response to Need Advice/Suggestions . . ., posted by Dan on Apr 30, 2003

ASAP... a puppy of course.  

Don't let time lag in between to dwell on the past.  She  will quickly forget the other dog in time, reguardless of his bond to her...

Atually, you might go to the dog shelter and find a older one need a good home.

Kind of like some women we know.  (don't say that to your wife or you'll really get it upside the head).