Well, I hope your next dog won't be your last one! I was 48 when I had my first GSP and had five in all over the years, the last one died about 18 months ago. I now have two Labs, shouldn't have had the four year old as I will probably die before he does and that upsets me for him . I also have a ten year old Lab, so had Labs and GSPs together.
I'm with you @Stacia I'm 44 and planning on many, many more dogs. Just don't tell the OH @sdegg you will know when and if the time is right I have no doubt
OH how the mighty have fallen. I've been paying a lot of special attention to Midge keeping her active and doing fun things its working well, but yesterday the dog who leaps rivers in a single bound and catches pigeons in flight realised she was old. She went into the river with her usual smiley happy face and then realised she couldn't get out, I rescued her but she seemed very upset. It had just been a short walk by her standards, but she seemed very tired. I wondered if she was getting a bit depressed but when we got home she played with Rory for 45 mins and really enjoyed herself so I don't know. She seems happy she's eating well and enjoying doing things so I'm trying not to worry too much. I think a trip to the vets maybe in order soon just to check some lumps and bumps but also to see if her hips and back are starting to get a bit stiff.
Hugs for you , its very sad when our dogs suddenly act old , but she could well just have been depressed , as long as she is happy and eating , I wouldn't worry too much . Incidentally , I was 64 years young when I got Sam , some thought I was crackers , but he has been life changing , giving me a purpose in life other than day time television I would love just one more puppy , just one last one but it wont be happening , you will know when the time is right and when it is, go for it
@kateincornwall could you consider being a GD puppy walker? @sdegg I do hope Midge feels better soon. What a worry they are.
I am so sorry; I've been away from the forum for a couple of weeks. So very sorry you have lost your old friend; I know the pain too well. I hope you are doing ok. Doug was obviously much loved. I hope Midge is better soon, too. Funnily enough, I was wondering today when I will get my last puppy. I decided that if I am fit and healthy, that I could manage a puppy when I am 70!! So that means I can have several more dogs before then and now...
I am so sorry to read this! I have missed it! First I went a couple of days away with Easter and I didn't visit this forum. As you know I feel the pain too! I hope you are doing ok! It is like my sister said to me: letting go is also an act of love..... Annemarie
Run free douglas. It's the final act of kindness you can show to your dog, being there at the end so they feel safe and loved as they always have. You will know when it's time for another dog. We got Tyne straight away and she's helping us so much with the grief of losing Fern. We are both coming up 60 (how the heck that happened, I have no idea!), and have said Tyne will be our last working dog but hopefully we will have more that perhaps don't need so much exercise! Xx
I am so sorry for your loss of Douglas. What a heartfelt piece you have written, I am so moved. My thoughts are with you.
She went on a longer walk with her toy boy yesterday and she definately seems more perky and cheeky so I'm hoping shes feeling a bit better. Off to my mums for a few days soon its going to be bad its the first time with out Doug. My OHs dad will be vile he likes to upset people by saying stuff which hurts them so I'm going to leave if he starts. OH has been warned that i won't put up with so I think he will leave too. At a recent family wedding(of 2 divorcees) he told the family of the bride that the bride was only the 2nd wife so not really married was so racist he nearly got thrown out of the hotel and then insulted some disabled people. I think the subject of dead dogs and how stupid people are who feel sad when they die. So looking forward to it, but i will see my friends who are already plotting another puppy for me apparently? and my mum who was Dougs special friend
People can be so cruel , I hope that your visit is better than you fear it might be, but if it is , then you are right to leave and not suffer heartless remarks when you are grieving , good luck x
I think it's the sad, lonely people who are cruel like that. Rejoice in the lovely memories, and enjoy the company the people who matter and really care xx
Before you go, make yourself and your OH a "Bull***t Bingo" card. Write down all the mean things that you can expect him to say (ranging from the ones that you're sure will come out, to some really "even he wouldn't dare...." ones. Award points to each one. A simply mean comment gets one point. A real horrid, hurtful, vicious one gets 10. Then over the course of your visit you can chalk up points every time he opens his mouth with something you've anticipated. If he manages to come up with some real doozies that you didn't expect, you can have a conversation with your OH about how many points that one would be worth...you don't need to explain to anyone what you are talking about. It will drive him crazy when you start looking pleased and punch the air when he comes out with something he thinks is going to hurt you....
Some people just can't help themselves and can be very cruel. Playing the Bingo game will help you cope. Hope your visit is better than you anticipate and you'll have your mum and other friends who will be a comfort to you so concentrate on them. Xxx
People who don't have a bond with a dog will never understand our pain I've been crying for past two days it hasn't got easier at all old photos don't make me happy they make me upset she should be here. People like him have no opinions and they don't count it's nice we can do write and express ourselfs here xx
You never get over losing a doggie friend, so many times we reminisce over our past friends, the holidays they shared with us, the things they did, its all part of loving them. And as for that silly man, he's just not worth one of our dear dogs, if you know what I mean. No one with reminisce over him!
