Dogs

[Allan]

Hi Guys,

Just about 4 weeks ago I had to put my 'Bear' (Lab/Rotty mix) to sleep and yesterday had to do the same for my 13 year old Rotty. So, it's with a heavy heart that I ask this question to those of you who are 'dog people'.
Do we simply want a dog(s) or do we 'need' them (functionally, comraderie, emotionally, etc) as much as they need us?
Personally, I am quickly finding that I need to have a dog.

Allan

[Lotech]

Hi Allan,
3 1/2 years ago we had to put our Springer Spaniel down. 2 1/2 years ago we had to put our Miniature Schnauzer down. I swore I would never have anymore dogs, it hurt so bad. That lasted a couple of months and we got 2 puppies of mixed breed. Australian Shepherd and Cairn Terrier mix. In answer to your question; We need them. They fill an empty hole in our lives. They have since torn up our back deck, eaten our lawn furniture and left holes in our gardens and yard. We couldn't be happier that we got them.

[rainbowchaser]

I think you might as well start looking for another dog. I waited six months after my last dog died since I wanted a puppy but not to try housebreaking in mid winter. They were some very lonely nights.

[Royal Wulff]

Allan, RW here

So sorry to hear about Bear. i remember some good times with him. Like a couple of fish-ins where he ate more than anyone that attended. Then there was the Danbury Show where he stayed in the hotel room with us. {Am I remembering that right?} I also remember another Danbury show when he sat nicely behind the tying tables with us until some guy tried to get behind the table (and then behind you) to watch you tie a fly. Bear showed his teeth right to the gumline. Also Slic's little mishap when everyone told him don't stick your hand in the car window and Slic said "Hey! dogs love me". Yeah, Right? R.I.P Bear.

rw

[texfly]

Just coming from another "dog person" , my prayer's are with you. I can't imagine something happening to my "babies". I have three dog's , Chihuahua's by the way , that mean the world to me. I think animal's , pet's , serve a very important role in people's live's and can offer a lot. A fellow dog owner told me one time that he thought that "A dog's love is the closest to God's love because they offer so much to there master and ask little or nothing in return. There affection is unconditional." I don't know if that's true but it's food for thought. Once again I'm sorry for your loss and hope you find a new companion because a dog really can be man or woman's best friend.

[oldfrat]

Very sorry, Allan.

I think it is a case of need --or at least strong appreciation of what they add to our lives. After our prior dog died, though, I waited a long time before getting another one. But that's because I wanted the dog to have a fighting chance of outliving me.

[PA Dave]

It's been only a few weeks since we put Penny down and I never realized that every time I walked in the door she was there and I greeted her with "Hello Small Dog!". Now I walk in, inhale to speak, then remember there is no small dog there. I don't know that I need a dog so much as I enjoy having a dog. For now, we are content to live in a dog-rich neighborhood and to scratch the ears of the neighbors dogs.

[melk]

My dogs go with us on vacation - all 4. The ones who wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge are never far from my mind. Each one brought something to me and I am a better person. Our latest dog is an Australian Shepherd who we got when she was 2.5. She was going to a breeder, this is a great person, not a garage breeder. For various reasons she needed a new home. We bonded immediately and we took her home that day. She is different from our others, is her own dog and I would not give up the pain I feel at their passing to miss out on their love and devotion. I believe they need us and we need them. I can't imagine life without them.
Find another to share your life, you'll both be better for it.
Mike, along with Marje, Zoey, Coady and Caolan

[Kerry Stratton]

I have a Border Collie that is 16 years old and I know a tough decision is coming. Currently she is still mobile and even has times where she thinks she is a puppy again. I also have a Newfoundland that turned 8 this year and I realized he also getting up in the years for a big dog. The Border helped us raise our kids and currently is helping with the grandkids although she has turned a lot of that over to the newf. Both of these dogs have been a major part of our lives, our children's lives and our grandchildred's lives. I know we are the better for having them around. When the time comes I will have another dog. Perhaps another newf. They are such wonderful animals. I doubt I would get another Border. Not that there is anything wrong with Border Collies. It is I am also getting older and Borders need activity or they will drive you crazy. The one we have now was the perfect dog for three kids that loved the outdoors. But without the kids I don't think I can give one enough attention. Newfs on the other hand will just as soon lay around as do anything but are always willing to go for a walk or a swim. I am lucky that I have 1 1/2 fenced acres that a dog can run free in. It would be ashame to not have one around.



Sorry to hear of your lose. When you are ready get another dog.......or two.

[anglerdave]

We had to have our Molly put to sleep the end of June. She was 12 1/2 and we got her when she was a year old. My heart still aches and tears come and go. We weren't looking for a dog when we got her but she was a joy and blessing. We are in no hurry to get another dog, but then........