Wisdom

[orezok]

Our rescue dog Kali who we rescued 7 years ago when she was 7 or 8 years old has reached her time. She has CCD (dimentia), is totally deaf, her eyes are failing, she can no longer stand for more than a minute or so before her legs fail her and she has to lay down.

It’s time to put her to rest. She will be missed and will be laid to rest up on the hill with her predecessors.

But what this post is really about is the inciteful statement my wife made to me last night. I’m 76 and she is 81. She said when Kali goes (scheduled for Thursday), we NEED to get another dog. She said that “when one of us goes at our age, we need a companion to keep going.”

How true.

 

[HawkinsHollow]

Yep! Do it now while you are still young(er).

 

[MattB4]

My sympathies on dealing with end life issues with your dog.

A comment about being old and getting a new pet. At some age I feel it is best not to do that unless you know that upon your death the pet has a loving home to go to.

 

[ovrszd]

I have two dogs. Both are 14-15. The "hound" is deaf, starting to get cataracts, has arthritis.

The "mutt" is pretty healthy.

Both live in my climate controlled shop and hang out with me all day. We are best friends. Their favorite beds have all been ditch finds.

Very sorry for your pending loss. I'd get another dog if I lose these two. I need them as much s they need me.

 

[sandman2234]

My Mom lost her 18 year old dog, and I suggested She get another to replace her friend. She really didn't want another dog because She knew it would outlive her. I suggested a particular breed, one that I would like to own, and if She got one of those, I would take care of it when She passed. I told her that whatever dog She got, would be taken care of, but She worries too much!
She hasn't done anything, but She has called, asking me to look at certain dogs She has found on the net.
David from jax

 

[gstrom99]

Our rescue dog Kali who we rescued 7 years ago when she was 7 or 8 years old has reached her time. She has CCD (dimentia), is totally deaf, her eyes are failing, she can no longer stand for more than a minute or so before her legs fail her and she has to lay down.

It’s time to put her to rest. She will be missed and will be laid to rest up on the hill with her predecessors.

But what this post is really about is the inciteful statement my wife made to me last night. I’m 76 and she is 81. She said when Kali goes (scheduled for Thursday), we NEED to get another dog. She said that “when one of us goes at our age, we need a companion to keep going.”

How true.

View attachment 835093

I feel your pain. I've been there. My pup is 12, but still going strong. I'm 68, and will/would get another when this one goes. I think an "older" dog would be my choice.

 

[scootr]

I got my current dog at age 60. Figured he would live until I'm 75. I'm 70 next month and he's blind. Glaucoma. We're still buds but he can't keep up and spending time with him outside is sometimes challenging. Been trying to teach commands like go left go right for years, he refuses to learn - I get it...He does hit brakes at 'look out' ot NO.
Clunks on the head are a great trainer. Anyway at this point I would get another. My younger wife will take care of whatever I have when I go.

 

[Eagle1]

Can't imagine living without a pack in/around the house. I should cut down but we (wife as well) are itching for another puppy. Youngest turned 3 in May so it's been a while but Jethro took all of the 3 years to quit being a puppy.

 

[MoKelly]

Your wife is smart. I am very sorry about your dog.

I know more than a few couples that when one passed, the other deteriorated quickly. None had pets as a companions.

Even young folks, if they are recently divorced, do much much better if they have a pet. My sister made it through her divorce much better because of her dog.

As humans, I think we crave companionship and someone to take care of and protect. Pets fit the bill for many.

 

[Jstpssng]

I feel your pain. I've been there. My pup is 12, but still going strong. I'm 68, and will/would get another when this one goes. I think an "older" dog would be my choice.

I'll be 65, and plan to get a pup in the spring. This time I am getting a puppy as I want to train it to hunt grouse, or at least retrieve them. We also will be slowing down at about the same time. When he or she is gone I likely will be around the OP's age and will get an older dog.

 

[mrmikey]

Sorry to hear, she's a beautiful looking dog, she was obviously loved.
I lost my dog over 5 years ago now and to this day I still find myself reaching down with a frozen french fry to give to her.
She's in my Google profile pic:

 

[newbury]

INCITEFUL. Definition: When someone says or does something that makes other people want to do something, especially something bad

Seemed kind of odd.

But what this post is really about is the inciteful statement my wife made to me last night.

But I agree if you meant insightful.
For some a parakeet will do.
But I feel for your loss.
I lost a GREAT GS about 40 years ago during Christmas when I was all alone, tore me up big time.

 

[ruffdog]

Our dogs are with us through thick and thin their entire life. The least we can do is be strong when they need us to be, at the end. It is painful but it is our duty. I may not get another dog after the present one but it will be a choice I will debate. Good luck going forward.

 

[2manyrocks]

Mrs. Rocks does not want another dog after our last one (nearly 17) passed because of the grief we experienced at the end. I find myself thinking there's still another dog in a shelter somewhere that could have a good life with us.

 

[ovrszd]

Your wife is smart. I am very sorry about your dog.

I know more than a few couples that when one passed, the other deteriorated quickly. None had pets as a companions.

Even young folks, if they are recently divorced, do much much better if they have a pet. My sister made it through her divorce much better because of her dog.

As humans, I think we crave companionship and someone to take care of and protect. Pets fit the bill for many.

Terry decided she wanted a UTV. So she bought a used Ranger. I added a heater and doors so she can drive it in cold weather. I finished insulating the doors yesterday evening about dark. Jumped in and took a lap around the farm in 30F snowy weather to test my work. When I got back to the shop 15 minutes later Willard was gone. Immediately I realized he wanted to go and had followed me. I felt horrible. 10 minutes later he got back to the shop wet and panting. Guessing he made it to the back side of the farm trying to keep up about the time I got back to the shop. Then ran all the way back.......

The thing about a dog. He came in the shop and immediately ran up to me wagging his tail and excited. No sign of anger or disappointment that I had forgotten to let him ride along.

That's the quality of loyalty and friendship that a dog offers.

 

[ovrszd]

I lost a GREAT GS about 40 years ago during Christmas when I was all alone, tore me up big time.

I'll bet there's a story there. Sorry for your loss.

 

[orezok]

Seemed kind of odd.

But I agree if you meant insightful.
For some a parakeet will do.
But I feel for your loss.
I lost a GREAT GS about 40 years ago during Christmas when I was all alone, tore me up big time.

Gotta love spellcheck

 

[Jstpssng]

Terry decided she wanted a UTV. So she bought a used Ranger. I added a heater and doors so she can drive it in cold weather. I finished insulating the doors yesterday evening about dark. Jumped in and took a lap around the farm in 30F snowy weather to test my work. When I got back to the shop 15 minutes later Willard was gone. Immediately I realized he wanted to go and had followed me. I felt horrible. 10 minutes later he got back to the shop wet and panting. Guessing he made it to the back side of the farm trying to keep up about the time I got back to the shop. Then ran all the way back.......

The thing about a dog. He came in the shop and immediately ran up to me wagging his tail and excited. No sign of anger or disappointment that I had forgotten to let him ride along.

That's the quality of loyalty and friendship that a dog offers.

NY first dog started going with me when she was 7 weeks old. I would work until she got tired, then carry her back to the truck and put her to sleep in her box. She was completely at home in the woods.
The last winter I had her, there was too much snow for her to get around. I was working on the end of plowed woods roads and often would just leave her by the truck while I snowshoed off. Sometimes she would stay by the truck, other times she would go with me for a while, then head back to the truck.
A couple of times I would get back and find she had gotten bored and had taken off after me. Eventually she would show up in my tracks, tired but happy.

 

[scootr]

As I recall a dog's pray to his people upon his death:

A Dog's Prayer
Peace for me is certain now, and I suspect I will have eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well. Please, after your period of grieving for me, make room in your heart for another. You are the kind of human being that should always have a friend like me to love.
And somewhere now there is poor dog looking for your kindness to provide a good meal, a warm place to sleep, and a pat on the head in exchange for a lifetime of admiration.

 

[ovrszd]

NY first dog started going with me when she was 7 weeks old. I would work until she got tired, then carry her back to the truck and put her to sleep in her box. She was completely at home in the woods.
The last winter I had her, there was too much snow for her to get around. I was working on the end of plowed woods roads and often would just leave her by the truck while I snowshoed off. Sometimes she would stay by the truck, other times she would go with me for a while, then head back to the truck.
A couple of times I would get back and find she had gotten bored and had taken off after me. Eventually she would show up in my tracks, tired but happy.

Heart warming post.