Tassie

Not a parent myself, but there have been similar situations like this discussed on the forums before, so a couple of suggestions. It is going to be tough for all of you.=, but especially for your 8 year old. I think one of the best suggestions I've seen here is having the children, particularly your son, making a memory book for Dashie .. while Dashie is still alive. Have him collect his favourite photos ... and add some more, and write down special things or times he and the rest of the family can rember .. he can be the one in charge of collecting memories from other family members. And it might be possible to plan Dashie's last days ... a bit sad .. but again, it gives the family agency. You'll find some stories here about how people have planned their pet's last day. Relly special places, food and so on. It's also important to have a chat with your vet to see whether your vet is prepared to come to your home, or some other place, when the time comes. Obviously it's important to make a decision in advance about cremation or burial. Personally I am very thankful we have the individual cremation option. Then children could be involved in choosing a box or an urn, and a photo to go with it. It's hard to know when the right time is for a new pup ..but it certainly doesn't hurt to start looking. I would think a good breeder would be putting a family like yours at the top of a list ... given what a great job you've done in getting Dashie to such a great old age for a Cav.

No personal experience, but just to say don't limit your expectationsl I know blind dogs who train and compete in a variety of disciplines. Tracking is one which your boy might enjoy. We start with treats on little felt targets ... so that we know where we went ,,, starting with the tracklayer leaving a smelly sock on the ground, then walking and placing a treat with a felt square and treat every step of the way you walked .... and maybe only about 10 metres. The track layer leaves a smelly sock at the start of the track Then you bring the dog along on a lead and when you get to the start of the little track let the dog sniff the sock and treat reward for a good sniff of the sock, then not too fast, let the dog lead you along the track, picking up treats as he goesl When he gets to the sock at the end, big party game and treats, The socks become the super important things, and eventually that's what the dog is sniffing for, Most dogs really enjy tracking and labradors are particularly good at it. The dogs get physical and mental exercise, and they satisfy their needs to use their sense of smell.

I found the people ay Monash Vet very helpful when I was there but that was 6 years ago. They were highly recommended by breeders I trust, who kve on that side of town,

I'm increasingly willing to just say "Sorry, no" to people if it's not appropriate for one reason or another for people and more particularly their dogs, to greet my pup. (And with my previous 2 BCs, I would just say ahead of time .. Sorry, my dogs aren't super friendly, and move away if that was possible ... or do a 180 turn and go. Both those dogs really liked most people and most dogs that they knew. They were well adjusted, well travelled, and competed successfully in a number of disciplines, but I don't see the need for them to meet and greet or be greeted by every person or dog they meet.) I'm quite happy to say "Sorry, I'm doing some training, could you give us space please" to anyone, and to say "Sorry, No" or sometimes just No .. if people let their kids or dog come too close without having asked. I upset a couple in Bunnings one day, when as I was talking with a person who had asked if they could meet the puppy, and concentrating on my puppy having a lovely experience, and this couple pushed their trolley with some kind of designer pup eight up next to mine on the other side without even asking .. fully expecting the puppies to have a play date there and then. Umm no, not happening. I apologised to the person who had been visiting with my puppy and moved off. It is good to see that there are increasing numbers of people and children who ask first if it's OK for them to meet the pup .... that gives a great chance for coaching both pup and kids. And in answer to @coneye - I have a trained "emergency turn and go" on lead for avoiding situations i don't want the dog to be in ... whether thats unwanted interactions with people or dogs, or with critters like snakes. Trained as a game.

Very best wishes for both your girls (and you). You might be encouraged to know that my friend's elderly Brittny, not only survived the eye removal really well, and hasn't ever seemed bothered by it, but is still enjoying a great life. His 17th birthday party was last weekend.

Coming in late, but just a reassurance as others have given. A friend had to remove an eye from her 15 year old Brittany Spaniel. Medical treatment for glaucoma was not working. The surgery went very well, and the next day the lad was happy as a clam, and hasn't looked back. The fur grew over the scar quite quickly, and your wouldn't really know that he'd had surgery, And the ;friend; may need to be reclassified. I dont know that I could do what you do, but I absolutely admire you for doing it.

And if you have no luck in Victoria, don't rule out bringing a suitable dog from interstate. And another thought .. you could perha]s visit a few show, and have a chat to the exhibitors there to see if they know of any possibilities. And condolences on your loss ... 15 is a good age.

So sorry for your loss. @West. I lost 2 of imine last year .. a 5.5 year old Border Collie girl to an aggressive GI cancer in October, and then my 14 year old BC boy suddenly and unexpectedl 3 days before Christmas. Their ashes, just in simple velvet bags are now with the other 4 Border Collies I have lost over the years... the first one not long after cremation became available. They are accompanied by 2 of the cats I have lost over those years. Sadly, one lot of ashes is missing.. the Emergency Vet Centre stuffed up and didn't arrange the cremation i had actually paid for. I was too upset to argue with them at the time .. and it wouldn't have fixed anything, I find it comforting to know that their ashes are with me all the time. It's different for everyone, but I feel the body is just as @persephonehas said .. a body. My animal is in the photos and videos and memories.

Agree .. too much going on here for any amateur advice. And I would not just go to a normal vet .. you really need to see a vet who specialises in behavioural issues . Your vet might be able to refer you or you can find a list here for NSW. In the meantime, IMHO you need to be managing very carefully. So the pup separated (in xpen or crate, while you can't actively manage ... and that doesn't mean just being in the room... It means pup on lead and adult within an arm's reach of the pup. Sounds harsh .. but the possible alternative is way worse.

Thatwould have been part of Kelly Gill's Wonderdogs performances as the Doglovers Show in Sydney. The Papillon is Alex. Not sure which of =fthe BCs it would have been. There could be some video on The Wonderdogs Facebook page.

She's a dear little girl.

Peeing on every tree at the park .... sounds like a pretty good substitute for the beach. and surrounded by love -- there are worse ways to go .. for him it was a gentle passing ... for you ... a big gap in the family, but beautiful memories of a special boy. Condolences to you all.

Oh bless him. And I was waiting for a photo of Clive and Bobbin. Being brave and getting used to Bobbin was one of my favourite CLive stories.

Such a very sad time. But I reallu like your plan .. and admire you for the decision to let him go earlier rather than later, hard as that is. Extra hugs for my two in Rascal's honour.

Not personally ...but I have friends who have, I thought I might have to have a surgical fix for my Border Collie boy's cruciate .. but thanksfully my vet was going to be away for 3 weeks, so he suggested rest and anti inflammatohttps://www.facebook.com/groups/13131148758ries until he got back to do the planned surgery (his preference os for TTO rather than TPLO , and thankfully that and careful rehabilitation resolved the problem.. Two friends have had very successful TPLO repairs with their Border COllies. I think both with specialist surgeons. Did you have some specific questions? Oh, and there's an excellent and most informative and supportive Facebook Group ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/13131148758