Any dog lovers around?

[Stressy]

You will likely get no help from me. I'm a Dachshund owner through and through.I have lost my share. I obtained my short hair red because of the same feelings you have-I didn't want to replace my black and tan with another. She is the light of my life and has been for nearly 10 years. Eventually, I did welcome b/t's back in to my life. One I lost at a very young age to some complicated immune disorder and the new one who has been here almost 5 years. I'm sure I could love other breeds and have..but the dachshunds...have my heart. I did have to smile at Heathpack..that's about as a good an endorsement as you can receive.

You will know what to do...once they have your heart-it's over

 

[timeos2]

Long tale of our buddies

Our two dogs as adults - my wife and I both had dogs as kids - have both been Cairn Terriers. I never thought I would like a small dog but the appropriately named Toto, after Wizard of Oz of course, changed my view forever. As a puppy he exhibited the typical Cairn traits of "knowing" he was at least 100lb dog that could take on any and all challenges - all in his 17 pound body. It got him into bad situations more than once but there was never a tougher dog and the scrapes merely made him a bit more aware of potential trouble.

Cairns are loyal to a fault of their pack. They need and want to run & their breeding means no squirrel, chipmunk, mouse, rat or any creature in their sight is safe if they deem it a rodent. And heaven help the fool that wanted to separate Toto from his food. But they are loving, extremely smart and both great watchdogs as well as playmates. Toto adopted his family including 5 cats but, despite being picked by my then 7 year old daughter, decided I was his leader. I was the only one that could move him from his preferred nightly spot on my daughters bed - always on the "sweet spot" in the middle with his head on the pillow - with only a muted growl vs a decisive nip that the two girls would risk.

He would play ball for a few minutes but, as is a strong Cairn trait, he quickly decided the ball was his and no one was going to take it from him. He patrolled "his yard", we got him an invisible fence so he could run the whole yard, something I hated when witnessing the training but loved for it's freedom he had to be part of everything we did without boundaries of a tradional fence, and hated motorcycles& loud trucks forever after his fence trainer had a loud one. He always knew when the battery on his collar was getting low & we'd see his jaunts get closer to the end of the yard. He also was willing, if HE desired, to take the zap & ignore the fence line if he felt it was needed. But unlike any other dog the trainer ever knew he would also return to the yard by getting zapped again coming back in. It wasn't often but he did it on rare occasions.

When he was 8 we adopted his "sister" - unrelated but a twin so close that I called her Toto more than once when I didn't see him - when my sister in-law passed away. She was a rambunctious 6 month old puppy that was the first dog to out energy both Toto and his best friend from around the corner, Duffy (a black Cairn. Toto & Chelsea are wheaten color). He basically took her under his tutelage and had her running the yard and hating trucks as much as he did. But his requirement that HE owned any toy or food except the separate food bowls they each had was a wonderful show when they played. Toys he'd had for years & never played with suddenly became necessities when Chelsea - always very playful - wanted to use them. He would take them from her, place them between his front legs, and sit with them. She would then spend a great deal of time sneaking up on him & the toy(s) ever so slowly, crawling on the ground until he finally let her take one which she would then carefully hide. It was a riot to see.

We lost my little giant at only 11 years old. To this day three years later I still tear up over that. While T was "my" boy Chelsea is my wifes best friend. If she is leaving the house Chels will jump up me to be sure she won't be left alone but given the choice she'll hang with Joanne as Toto used to prefer to sit with me. She still hides her toys ever so carefully just in case Toto is just out visiting & reappears. She won't sleep upstairs on Christies bed as Toto owned that spot & let her know it. But they were best buddies and he was very protective of his little sister.

Now I cannot imagine not having a Cairn Terrier around the house. They are the perfect package of size, heart and loyalty. I've read they are considered not to be a cuddling/nurturing breed but neither of ours had any fear of being handled, hugged or dressed up by their young mom. Toto even played "Toto" in a homemade production of the "Wizard of Oz" short as well as two years accompanying "Dorothy" on Halloween night. I think my daughter's love of film and her desire to become an editor was partially driven by that short video made with T when she was 10. I doubt a day goes by when we don't mention something he did with us.

I'm glad to hear you're going to get another dog and if you have a chance consider a Cairn. They are willful but no dog is more loving. There is a Cairn Terrier rescue organization that offers the chance to adopt them (Christie plans to apply to adopt one when she can) so you don't have to go to a breeder if you don't want to. But whatever breed you decide on enjoy. They never are with us long enough and that's the toughest part.

 

[JanT]

Dave,

There are many wonderful breeds of dogs and there are many wonderful "mutts." As someone who has spent a significant amount of time working at the largest German Shepherd Rescue in the United States (located in the Las Vegas area), I will tell you that some of the best dogs I have ever known have been there at the rescue. Every dog needs a loving, permanent home. If you can, please consider adopting a dog from a rescue. There are so many who need homes and there are many wonderful dogs in rescue shelters just waiting for their permanent home. Some would be more challenging to own because they've had no training. Others have had training and some are easily trained. They are ALL worth loving and giving a home to.

Personally, I am biased to the German Shepherd breed. They are incredibly intelligent, loving, gentle dogs. Many of them want to be "lap dogs." They are also incredibly loyal to their owners.

Whatever your choice, I do hope you will consider a rescue dog. They need a home and every one of them will no doubt bring all the joy you can imagine in your life.

Jan

 

[Weimaraner]

Yes to everything JanT says about rescues Almost every breed has a rescue group. I'm involved in Weimaraner rescue. Great way to tell a rescue coordinator what you are looking for and they will help you find a match. I originally contacted the weim rescue about a certain dog and after filling out an application about our busy lifestyle, we realized he was not a good fit. They later called me about an older weim who enjoyed lounging and she was one of the greatest companions I've ever had. Weimaraners are great dogs - so loving and they like to be inches away from you at all times. They look like German Short haired pointers but are silvery gray and called "gray ghosts." they are expensive like other purebreds so sometimes people are surprised there is a rescue. Some people get a puppy and don't know what they are getting in to and don't train. The negative: some weims get separation anxiety when you are working 50 hours a week and will take it out on your couch. Otherwise an amazing breed

So sorry to hear about your loss. And wish you luck in your search

 

[pkyorkbeach]

Have had the following beloved dogs. Miniature Fox Terrier, Boston Terrier, Doberman-loved her, CockaPoo-rescue-great with the kids, Greyhound-rescue, very good, mild mannered dog. Now our greatest love/joy a rescue from Georgia part Sheppard and Terrier-wonderful family dog who weighs 20 pounds. Dogs have so much love and companionship to give. The rescues seem to know that you saved them and are very appreciative of it.

 

[myoakley]

Just as there are different kinds of timeshares for different people, so too are there different breeds of dogs depending on the person. However, my personal vote goes to the collie. We are on our 4th collie - each one a fabulous dog: very intelligent, sweet disposition, loyal, and eager to please. In fact, I tell everyone that the one we had when my 4 children were young, was the "nanny." I could leave them outside in her care and know that they were in good "hands." She would bark if one of the children had fallen or if they were fighting. One day, I heard her bark, looked out the window, and saw her holding on to my 2 1/2-yr. old by the back of his pants. The older children were going off to play with friends in a neighboring yard, and she knew that he was too little to be going with them.
Also, I often watch "The Dog Whisperer", and I have never seen him called to help with a problem collie.
One drawback: you do have to put up with a lot of shedding.

 

[Fletcher921]

You will likely get no help from me. I'm a Dachshund owner through and through.I have lost my share. I obtained my short hair red because of the same feelings you have-I didn't want to replace my black and tan with another. She is the light of my life and has been for nearly 10 years. Eventually, I did welcome b/t's back in to my life. One I lost at a very young age to some complicated immune disorder and the new one who has been here almost 5 years. I'm sure I could love other breeds and have..but the dachshunds...have my heart. I did have to smile at Heathpack..that's about as a good an endorsement as you can receive.

You will know what to do...once they have your heart-it's over

No help from me either - we lost our dear sweet smooth red mini dachshund, Taco, a few years ago as well. Now - I have to say my heart has been re-wrapped by a longhair red mini named Tortilla Valentine. We do compare as their personalities are so totally different. But we LOVE her beyond description. [IMGL][/IMGL]We will forever be faithful to the weenie...

 

[bjones9942]

I vote for Sharpei. My last two dogs have been sharpei mixes (great dane + sharpei and the current one is sharepi + lab). Very nice dispositions, but you do have to watch for entropian eye problems.

(picture from Wikipedia)

 

[ronparise]

Apologies for trying to hijack this thread

We are on our way to LasVegas in March...I just got off the phone with the vet to make sure she has room to board our girls when we are gone

How do you guys reconcile your travel and timeshare habit with your dogs?

There are just too few timeshares that welcome the whole family

 

[am1]

Good luck? What draws people to dog competitions? I cannot take anything about it seriously Except the amount of money that the organizers make.

 

[Passepartout]

How do you guys reconcile your travel and timeshare habit with your dogs?

There are just too few timeshares that welcome the whole family

Our 15 y.o. Cocker has gone to the same K-9 Camp (owner's license plate) since she was a puppy. She has her own crate there. She's prefer to be home, of course, but knows the routine at camp. She's there a week or so every couple of months, and doesn't like our loooong trips. At $12/day it isn't inconsiderable, but other places are a lot more.

Part of our traveling is RVing and she gets to go along. Most RV parks and campgrounds are very pet friendly- almost too much so- if you catch my drift.

We have never been to a pet-friendly TS, and don't know if I'd like the smells/dander of 'strange' critters in my TS, so that's OK.

Jim

 

[timeos2]

Our 15 y.o. Cocker has gone to the same K-9 Camp (owner's license plate) since she was a puppy. She has her own crate there. She's prefer to be home, of course, but knows the routine at camp. She's there a week or so every couple of months, and doesn't like our loooong trips. At $12/day it isn't inconsiderable, but other places are a lot more.

Part of our traveling is RVing and she gets to go along. Most RV parks and campgrounds are very pet friendly- almost too much so- if you catch my drift.

We have never been to a pet-friendly TS, and don't know if I'd like the smells/dander of 'strange' critters in my TS, so that's OK.

Jim

Our Toto lets us know in no uncertain terms what he liked and didn't. His initial OK for a mixed kennel dissolved into a fight to get him to go through the door the last two times he was placed there. He would come home with weight loss & do nothing but drink water for two-three days after his last two stays. We took the hint & found him a place around the corner that only accepted dogs of 20 lbs or less - Puppy Love kennel. Over the years he grew to know the name Puppy Love & if we mistakenly said it he would be a the door, tail wagging so we learned to say it only if we really planned to take him there. He had a cage he liked & it even had a small canopy dog bed. They closed due to the owners health peoblems and we had to find him another place. That did not go well. Then they called - the owners sister was reopening PL. And T's name was still on his favorite cage when he returned by running into the place totally ignoring us leaving. He introduced Chelsea to it as well & she loves it too.

We took them both to pet friendly resorts in Ocean City and then multiple times to Celebration World in Kissimmee. They loved it & those were some great stays. But neither one minded when Puppy Love was mentioned & Chels enjoys her visits to this day. She got to spend two weeks with us in Fl in January after my daughter got permission for her to visit at her rental house. That was a great trip as well. Shes spending a week starting this Friday at Puppy Love as we head to Myrtle Beach. The 2 remaining cats stay home with a cat sitter as they hate leaving home for any reason.

It is a bit of a hassle to have to plan and pay for pet care if they can't come with us but we miss all our animals when we're away. It's worth the extra planning and cost for the enjoyment they give us both.

 

[laura1957]

My son lost his beloved Max after 15 years, just this past summer. Best dog we
ever had. He was a Sheltie. Really smart good looking dog. My wife trained him
and did an excellent job. Shelties are barkers and do shed a lot but everything
else made up for those short comings.

We now have a Yorkie. She's 2 years old and a great dog too. Cute as hell but
still leaves us presents on the carpet maybe once a month.:annoyed:

My family was never without a dog while I was growing up, usually we had at least 2. My almost 6 year old Sheltie is the BEST dog I have ever known, and I must be extremely lucky because he is not a barker when he is in the house This is my 2nd Sheltie and they definately have my vote - I dont think I would ever consider getting anything else. Wonderful sweet disposition, (even with my toddler grandkids) smart, easily trained, and is never more than a couple feet from me when in the house, or out walking the beach.

 

[DaveNV]

Thanks, everyone, for your sincere, heartfelt replies to my question. It's so reassuring to see how everyone has a favorite. And even though the packaging may be different, it sounds as though the connection between owner and [insert breed choice here] dog is just as real.

I should provide a bit more information about my experience. I've also had dogs all my life, and that may be why I'm having such a dilemma making this decision. I've been through my share of really great dogs. My longhaired Mini Doxie (named "Hairy" because he WAS. Lots of hair on that little guy...), a chocolate and tan born in my living room. The woman who owned his parents didn't have a place for the puppies to be born, so they were whelped at my place. I was home alone when Hairy's mother went into labor, and I assisted her in delivering all five healthy puppies. I cut his umbilical cord, and had him from his first breath to his last, thirteen years later. I had the rare privilege of knowing him every day of his life.

I had a Cocker mix as a kid, (a rescue before they called it that), then progressed through a variety of other mixed breeds over the years, and along the way had an Irish Setter rescue, a Tri-color rough coat Collie shelter adoptee, a Harlequin Great Dane, a Scotty rescue, a gentle giant Doberman for his entire life, and then Hairy. I've looked into varying types of Retrievers (Goldens, Labs, Curly-Coats, and especially Flat-Coats), and I even boarded a sweetheart Parson Russell Terrier for a few months a couple of years ago. (She needed far more time and attention than I could give her, and now lives on a farm with a retired woman who completely dotes on her. A happy ending for both of them, I think.)

I have a suburban home on a quarter-acre lot, with a large backyard with a secure six-foot fence. The only other pets are two sibling cats I adopted as kittens from a local animal rescue group nine years ago, the unexpected result of going into a local pet store to buy a $10 fancy goldfish for a tank that has long since been dismantled. I left with $300 worth of two kittens and their assorted supplies, and never did get the goldfish. The kittens developed a weird symbiotic relationship with Hairy, and the three of them slept in a pile on the bed, in between bouts of mutual grooming. I think they miss him as much as I do. Any new dog joining the clan will have to pass the cat inspection test, I'm sure. I figure a gentle puppy will have an easier time of it than an active older dog.

I enjoy traveling with my dog whenever I can, so I'm thinking a smaller companion breed makes the most sense. I'm leaning toward a Bichon, a Cavalier, a Poodle, and yes, maybe another Doxie. (Doxie lovers - your points are very well taken. Thanks!) The Seattle Kennel Club's annual show is in a few weeks, and I think it'll be a good opportunity to see different breeds in person, and talk to some breeders. I'm a pet owner, not interested in showing, so it's all about the quality of the dog as a companion and member of the family. My biggest hesitation is all the people who are manufacturing animals for the marketplace. I want a good dog, not a poorly bred puppy mill throwaway. The local newspaper classified are filled with such dogs, and I'm reluctant to go down that road.

So many options, and no solid answers, I know. Please keep sharing your thoughts about this. I have a big heart, and I can provide a great pet home, but I need to make sure I get the right dog. Thanks again, everyone, for giving me so much to think about. Your dogs are lucky they have such devoted owners.

Dave

 

[hypnotiq]

The Seattle Kennel Club's annual show is in a few weeks, and I think it'll be a good opportunity to see different breeds in person, and talk to some breeders. I'm a pet owner, not interested in showing, so it's all about the quality of the dog as a companion and member of the family.

The SKC show is a great place to go and meet breeds and to network with owners of those breeds. Hang around the rings and chat up people of breeds you're interested in and they will help you with what you're looking for. You may also want to check out who the rescue contact for that breed is. Most people of the people showing will know who the rescue contact is.

As I said, I show one of my Mastiffs. My dad was looking for a pet (non show) Keeshound, so I brought him up for the SKC a couple years ago. I brought him over to the ring where his breed was showing and he was able to talk to some of the owners/breeders. He ended up connecting with a lady that had a show dog that wasn't going to continue in the ring and after talking with my dad extensively, they worked out a deal for him to adopt her. She was 9mo old.

Almost everyone that you'll meet at the show are very honest about their breeds and will give you straight up info about them, because the last thing they want to do is have a dog end up in a situation where they are not in their forever home. I know that when I do Mastiff education, Im brutally honest about the amount of drool they have and make sure that people understand that you will have a dozen drool rags around your house to help catch the occassional 'hanger'.

Stop by the Mastiff ring and say hi if you want. I'll be w/Maverick (look at my first post for pics)

 

[dmharris]

I was home alone when Hairy's mother went into labor, and I assisted her in delivering all five healthy puppies. I cut his umbilical cord, and had him from his first breath to his last, thirteen years later. I had the rare privilege of knowing him every day of his life.

I've had a similar experience and it was the saddest day of my life when James died in my arms.

Our Bichon was adopted at age 2 by us and he's now 5. He did not take well to the cats (3) and was a bully around them so we keep them separated as much as possible. Just so you know. It might work better with a puppy and I wish I'd seen Alfie as a puppy!

 

[glypnirsgirl]

Love at first sight

I first saw my dog in a trailer park when i was picking up one of my constructions workers. She was beautiful - she looked like a lab but she was red with amber eyes. Red is not a color associated with labs.

A few weeks later, picking up the same worker, she was sitting in the same spot. I asked the kids that were with her who she belonged to and they told me that her people had moved and left her behind. I asked where she had lived and they pointed to the mobile home. I left a note with my phone number, told the kids if anyone came looking for her to point to my note. And left with her. That was Valentine's Day, 1994.

I took her to our local vet and he told me that she was a chow and lab mix. (Black tongue, double coat, chow color).

My son named her Spanky and she was remarkably easy to train - which was amazing because she was not particularly interested in "pleasing." She was not playful and not particularly affectionate. She became our protector from the moment she entered our life. She only barked to sound an alarm --- or to scare someone off. (I don't know if all labs do this, but when she was in protection mode, she had a ruff around her neck and shoulders that would stand on end and was really intimidating - it was not detectable at other times). She didn't retrieve, didn't like water --- much more of a chow personality. Her goal in life was to protect and she did that with great purpose.

She needed lots of exercise. We lived close to a farm and she loved to just run. I clocked her once at 30 mph for about 1/4 of a mile. When we were walking she always wanted to be right in front and vigilant.

In 2003, when Ian and I married, she immediately recognized him as the alpha dog and she was as devoted to him as she had been to Jordan and me. And, with a new protector in place, she relaxed and became much more affectionate.

She was in remarkably good health. In early 2011, she became noticeably slower and would stretch her hips as she got up. In the last month, she became unstable and would arise awkwardly. We knew that she was not much longer for this world, but did not seem to be in pain, just discomfort.
Two weeks ago, I took her to the vet for her annual checkup. She had some sebborhea that needed to be treated. The first time she had ever had anything wrong with her. Our vet has been seeing her for the last 12 years. He told me that she was in remarkably good health for her age.

Two days later, when John came home from work, she was in convulsions. With the help of the fireman across the street, he loaded Spanky into the truck and took her to the emergency animal hospital. Her temperature was too high to register on his thermometer. After 30 minutes in a cold bath to lower her temperature, he recommended that we let her go. And we did. I stiill have a big hole in my heart.

She would not have been the perfect dog for most people, too aloof, not playful. She was perfect for us.

elaine

 

[abbekit]

Strays and shelter pets for us. They have all been wonderful dogs (and cats). We used to call them mutts, not we call they "hybrids" .

Currently have a 15 year old Aussie shepherd/chow mix, two sisters-2 year old lab/golden/basenji mixes, an 18 year old black cat, and a 3 year old special needs cat who was dumped on us by the shelter.

We run a pet advocacy non profit in our town (saved an extra 400+ pets from being put down last year by our local shelter) and are expanding to all of the Dallas-Fort Worth area with the folks from America Pets Aive.

http://rockwallpets.com
http://www.facebook.com/rockwallpets

We enjoy watching the Westminster. It helps us identify what breeds are mixed in our shelter pets!

for you New York timeshare users, the Affinia Manhatten where we stayed last fall is one of the main hotels for the Westminster crowds, it is across the street from Madison Square Garden and is totally pet friendly with a rooftop pet yard

 

[heathpack]

We got our old man Dachshund as a thank you gift from a breeder and trainer. I did surgery on her wonderful standard long-haired dachshund and he was such a nice dog that I complimented her on him when the dog was discharged from the hospital. She said if I ever wanted a Dachshund to give her a call. My Gordon Setter was sick with cancer at the time, I didn't think much of it. Then my Gordon died, I didn't want another dog, then 6 months went by and I got to thinking...

Called the breeder and she said she had a 5 month old male chocolate standard Dachshund that she would like to co-own and show, retaining breeding rights. Why don't I come take a look? Well, never "just go look" at a Dachshund puppy, they are so cute you will take it home for sure.

Once we get the dog home, he a a super cutie sweetie pie, but a big fraidy cat, nothing like this lady's other dogs. Eventually it turned out that she had not bred this dog, it was from a friend's line, the friend gave her the dog and she did not realize that I specifically wanted one of her dogs. He went to one weekend's worth of dog shows and was overwhelmed by it all. Breeder said, "you know what? I'd rather this dog get his head straight then push him into dog shows if he doesn't like it. Just work on confidence and if he doesn't ever like dog shows, don't worry about it, he doesn't have to be a show dog."

So he is a wonderful dog, very serious fellow and never became a show dog. Doesnt like to go anywhere but on very long walks. Just wants us all to hang out together. Doesnt like to meet new people. Would prefer strangers not try to pet him. We love him to pieces and Mr. H, who doesn't even like dogs (allegedlly) is at his beck and call. He could not imagine another dog could ever be his equal. No way would Mr. H ever want another dog.

Then a little paralyzed mini wirehaired dachshund comes in to work. She has an excellent prognosis with immediate surgery, but it is an expensive surgery. Owner cannot afford the surgery and decides to put the dog to sleep. She is the prettiest, sweetest little thing, a show champion, no way am I going to put her to sleep. I offer to adopt the dog and do the surgery myself (which I have to still pay for, even though I do it myself, that's how it works). Mr. H is mad- he does not want a second dog, no other dog will be good enough, and he does not want to spend the money. We have a fight but I just have to do the surgery and pay the bill.

Of course she does great and now is a total charmer. Two years later, I got a grudging admission from Mr. H that she's a "good dog". Which means he really loves her too. She is totally different from Dachshund 1- bold, sassy, outgoing, and with a funny sense of humor. She hates going on walks but hates to be left behind. She wants to go on the walk and then be carried after a 1/4 mile. She has given the old man dashchund a second puppyhood- even he loves her to pieces.

So the moral of the story is that if you like dachshunds I would just get a dachshund. We always think the second dog will never live up, but somehow they always manage to. Plus it will be easier on the cats, they are already used to the idea of a dachshund.

H

 

[pjrose]

. . .

We have found great dogs, purebreeds, on the street, in shelters, through petfinders.com and by rescue websites. I am not a fan of buying a purebred when so many dogs need homes. Every dog who NEEDS a home has turned out to thank us over and over. 25% of the dogs in our local shelter are purebred. With that said, someone has to buy purebreds so the breed continues, so if this is your comfort level, then go for it.

. . .

I vote for rescue, and if you want a particular breed, look for a breed-specific rescue.

 

[abbekit]

Agreed! We put all our adoptable dogs and cats on Petfinder.com, adoptapet.com and links on our Facebook and website pages. We get many of our adopters through those sites. And yes, even for a small shelter (50-60 dogs) we get purebreds all the time. Keep in mind if you are looking for a purebred dog at a shelter, the rescues often beat you to it. Not a slam on rescues, our group rescues pets too. But rescues usually charge higher adoption fees so support your local shelter!

 

[hypnotiq]

Really? There are no other large breed/working dog owners on here?

I feel so alone....

 

[MuranoJo]

I first saw my dog in a trailer park when i was picking up one of my constructions workers. She was beautiful - she looked like a lab but she was red with amber eyes. Red is not a color associated with labs.

A few weeks later, picking up the same worker, she was sitting in the same spot. I asked the kids that were with her who she belonged to and they told me that her people had moved and left her behind. I asked where she had lived and they pointed to the mobile home. I left a note with my phone number, told the kids if anyone came looking for her to point to my note. And left with her. That was Valentine's Day, 1994.

I took her to our local vet and he told me that she was a chow and lab mix. (Black tongue, double coat, chow color).

My son named her Spanky and she was remarkably easy to train - which was amazing because she was not particularly interested in "pleasing." She was not playful and not particularly affectionate. She became our protector from the moment she entered our life. She only barked to sound an alarm --- or to scare someone off. (I don't know if all labs do this, but when she was in protection mode, she had a ruff around her neck and shoulders that would stand on end and was really intimidating - it was not detectable at other times). She didn't retrieve, didn't like water --- much more of a chow personality. Her goal in life was to protect and she did that with great purpose.

She needed lots of exercise. We lived close to a farm and she loved to just run. I clocked her once at 30 mph for about 1/4 of a mile. When we were walking she always wanted to be right in front and vigilant.

In 2003, when Ian and I married, she immediately recognized him as the alpha dog and she was as devoted to him as she had been to Jordan and me. And, with a new protector in place, she relaxed and became much more affectionate.

She was in remarkably good health. In early 2011, she became noticeably slower and would stretch her hips as she got up. In the last month, she became unstable and would arise awkwardly. We knew that she was not much longer for this world, but did not seem to be in pain, just discomfort.
Two weeks ago, I took her to the vet for her annual checkup. She had some sebborhea that needed to be treated. The first time she had ever had anything wrong with her. Our vet has been seeing her for the last 12 years. He told me that she was in remarkably good health for her age.

Two days later, when John came home from work, she was in convulsions. With the help of the fireman across the street, he loaded Spanky into the truck and took her to the emergency animal hospital. Her temperature was too high to register on his thermometer. After 30 minutes in a cold bath to lower her temperature, he recommended that we let her go. And we did. I stiill have a big hole in my heart.

She would not have been the perfect dog for most people, too aloof, not playful. She was perfect for us.

elaine

Your story was very touching. Truly a 'rescue' dog. I can't imagine people just abandoning their pets, but hear about it all the time.

I also want to add that I agree about getting pound pups. No matter the mix or breed, dogs are such a gift and I can't imagine our life without one or two.

 

[Sandi Bo]

Really? There are no other large breed/working dog owners on here?

I feel so alone....

You are not alone. We have always had German Sheperd's. I love my 'Smokey von der Bear' - Smokey for short. He is awesome. But GSD's are a big responsibility, IMO, so hard to recommend without lots of instructions. He need lots of exercise and training. I love mine to pieces. He is incredibly protective and I have to be acutely aware of that at all times.

Smokey always looks forward to the kids coming to visit, we are just now thinking of getting him a buddy as we are now empty nesters. Every day he tries to get our poor 15 year old cat 'Trouble' to play with him, and every day I tell him it's not going to happen. Smokey is awesome with little kids, loves it when we have company, and is a great protector as well as companion.

We just started toying with the idea of a 2nd dog, so this thread has been very interesting. I think it might be nice to have a different breed although DH says no, only GSD's. I'm also thinking maybe we'll just wait until there's a dog that needs a home (that shouldn't be long) or perhaps get a rescue dog.

Traveling has always been challenging. First 2 dogs couldn't be boarded and so we always had a house sitter (relative). First 2 dogs were just too anxious away from the home. Smokey is a little more social (we REALLY tried) so kenneling is an option with him, although usually one of the kids will stay with him. DS lives with several roommates and 2 dogs, one is a GSD, and Smokey has stayed over there -- he loves to visit.

So I guess I better put in vote for German Sheperd's, I don't know what I would do without mine.

P.S. - Smokey's best friend is the long-haired dachshund next door. Best dog for him to play with is an Irish Setter down the street. So many choices...

 

[MuranoJo]

Sandi,
A bit off topic, but when I saw you had a German Shepherd, I just had to relate a story from my aunt. They had a big GS and when their son was a toddler, he was upstairs and headed to the stairs. Before she could catch him, he tumbled down the first few steps, and the GS ran up and laid down on the landing to catch her son's fall before he could tumble on down to the next longer set of stairs.

I always wondered if this was really 'true' and if they could be that smart, but I always knew they were great protectors.