jeanka Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 We are in a sad situation - after adopting a Doberman pup from the RSPCA a month ago, she began having health issues. These included gastro symptoms, not eating, being diagnosed with the immune disorder 'puppy strangles', having a heart murmur, and finally, the diagnosis of a liver shunt. After seeing a specialist, he didn't feel as though the prognosis and quality of life is good with maintenance of diet and medication, and we just cannot afford the surgery (pet insurance hasn't kicked in!). Unfortunately she is being PTS at our local vet in the morning. She has had such a short and sad life Now we have seen an advertisement for a gorgeous adult Irish Setter from a reputable breeder, and with owning setters in the past we would absolutely love to give one a loving home. I don't feel as though I will be 'replacing' our little Doberman pup at all if we were to adopt a new dog so soon, but I'm worried about what other people would think of us! How long did you wait before getting a another dog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 It is a good time to bring a new dog into your family when you want one :) there is no 'right time' . So sorry about your puppy - that is very sad . One thing - make SURE everything is new for your next dog ... water buckets/bowls/bed/toys , and use F10 disinfectant to wash floors etc .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottsmum Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 It's such a personal thing - with so many factors to consider. I read about a guy the other day who waited 20 years - life just got in the way I suppose. In some respects I think you were obviously ready to have a dog in your life which lead you to your dobe - so go get the new dog. You never replace a dog and it sounds like you've done the best by your current pup. It's a tough decision to make to put any dog to sleep. That said, maybe you need some time to breathe and heal. Again, totally a personal thing and only you and your family can answer / decide that. I'd probably call the breeder and let them know what you're thinking and sound them out - see what they think. Don't ask them to hold the dog but let them know that you need a few days to get your head, and heart, in the right space and you'll get back to them. Personally, I "lasted" 6 months between dogs. I warned my husband the day we put the old girl to sleep - and said - this will be the first time in my entire life I haven't had a cat and a dog. I don't know how long I'll last without a pet. We adopted the first one which we saw that met our criteria. Our land lord didn't really care that we had a dog - but we had a "senior black and white fox terrier" listed on the lease - which is what we got to avoid problems - so in some ways we did "replace" our last dog. Lucky "senior black and white fox terriers" are totally my thing. Lucky they never noticed that the old female had magically acquired a willy. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tikira Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 I am so sorry you are going through this dreadful situation. All you can do is take the advise of the professionals and know you made your pup's short life a fun one.RIP to your little girl. I don't believe there is any standard "wait period", all families are different. Some need to wait, some feel their life is incomplete and move quickly, and sometimes fate steps in and makes the decision for you, and it is all okay! Do not worry about what others think, if you believe that you can love this new one while grieving your girl is possible, then I personally would consider it long and hard! Just be sure (as sure as you can be), that all your family are ready to love a new dog so soon. My worst nightmare was that I would compare my heavenly boy to my crazy new puppy, and puppy would suffer unintentionally, so we waited six long hard months until fate stepped in for us, but I still worried I would not bond with my new boy. Of course that did not happen, all that happened was my tears were suddenly replaced by smiles.... I love them all so individually that I would probably not wait so long next time. Good luck with your decision, and know that we here at DOL are thinking of you, as you make your little girls last day thebest in her life, and make memories to last you a lifetime! The think=g that comforts me most three years down the track is photo's, video's and written down memories, I have a horror that I will forget Tip! Regars Di Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 How sad for you and your pup It looks like you were ready to commit to a dog from the beginning and having it taken away from you is so awful, but you were still prepared to have a dog for years so I wouldn't worry what other people think and just get a 2nd dog when you are ready. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_PL_ Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 I'm so sorry. What a terrible thing to go through, take comfort that you did your best. Some people leave it years, some start looking immediately and some start looking before their dog passes away. Do what feels right and be a little objective with yourself about being on the rebound (if that makes sense). Who cares what other people think! :) They'll get over it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeanka Posted February 17, 2016 Author Share Posted February 17, 2016 Thank you everyone for your replies! It's especially sad because she has been so ill she hasn't been able to have all her vaccinations and therefore hasn't had the joy of running along the beach or in the woods. We will be doing that with her for sure now, we just want to make her last day special. We have decided that we will put in the application for the breeder to consider and go from there. I am a foster carer for the RSPCA so am used to seeing pups and kittens come and go, but this time it's very different! I know we can give a great home to a new dog, and I need to just stop caring about what others think about it! Thanks :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denali Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 (edited) So sorry about your girl. I am in the same situation at the moment, my cat passed away last Thursday whilst i was overseas. He was only 2/3 ish years old- so it was a very sudden shock to me And i am really wanting another cat at home, i just miss having one around (and in the way, and on my keyboard, and the bench etc!), but also feel it may be seen as "replacing him" and "not caring about him at all" to others, and even to myself a tad really.. So understand your hesitation completely. I'd like to be able to tell you to ignore the other people, but i have the same worries :laugh: When my first dog passed away i vowed i wouldn't get one for at least a year. However i just couldn't wait that long, saw the perfect litter, picked the perfect pup and a few months later brought home Kokoda. I don't regret it one bit. But Tikira is right, i love all my pets individually, and am lucky enough to have multiple dogs so something like this is very unlikely to occur to me- but i really don't think i could be dog-less, and if i were in a situation like yours i would likely bring home a furry friend quite quickly. Even if it was just a foster. Just do what you think is right- if you miss out on this dog, it wasn't meant to be and the perfect dog will be waiting :) Edited February 17, 2016 by denali Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottsmum Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 P.S. Welcome to the forum - wish it was under nicer circumstances. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pjrt Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 If th right dog is available right now, go for it. I hope you are successful in getting the Irish Setter. They are beautiful souls. The one you are looking at comes from a highly respected breeder as you probably know :) PS ......If at any stage you need a groomer for your setter and you can't get back to the breeder, look up Paws of Distinction on Magil rd, Marlene there has had Irish for many years. It would be worth the travel if it isn't that close to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 ....... but I'm worried about what other people would think of us! How long did you wait before getting a another dog? What a sad world we live in when these sorts of feelings come to the fore. But we all do it to a greater or lesser degree and I, for one, can understand perfectly how you feel. I am so sad for your puppy and you; it is devastating to adopt a dog and find he/she has all sorts of health problems and the kindest most loving this we can do is to let them cross the Bridge. As Snook says, we are all different and if this other dog (Irish Setters....... swoon) feels right for you, go for it. The dog still needs a loving caring home despite what has gone before. Keep us posted. little doberman pup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 PS ......If at any stage you need a groomer for your setter and you can't get back to the breeder, look up Paws of Distinction on Magil rd, Marlene there has had Irish for many years. It would be worth the travel if it isn't that close to you. :thumbsup: Good ole DOL. Some of you are always thinking ahead in ways to help people and their dogs. Blinkblink, you are tops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeanka Posted February 18, 2016 Author Share Posted February 18, 2016 (edited) I have an update on my pup - we have spoken to our local vet and although the specialist didn't seem too optimistic, our normal vet seems to think that she could be managed for a number of months on the right diet and medication!! So the appointment for tomorrow is cancelled, and we will see how she goes with new food and meds. Although we don't have our hopes up, we just want to make her comfortable and hopefully live out her days feeling better and able to go for walks and runs with us. Blink blink, thank you for your advice, grooming setters can be hard work and if we are successful in getting one then that would be great! I know I shouldn't care what other people think, but unfortunately since our Gordon Setter passed away from a hemangiosarcoma at only six, we have family members that are disapproving at us owning dogs and always tell us that it isn't worth the heartbreak! But yes, they can deal with it :laugh: Edited February 18, 2016 by jeanka Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bundyburger Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 Good to hear she might be okay for a while longer. When mum's lab died unexpectedly last year, we actually ended up with another dog 2-3 weeks later by sheer luck, and she is just wonderful and came at the right time. There's no time frames only what is right for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pjrt Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I have an update on my pup - we have spoken to our local vet and although the specialist didn't seem too optimistic, our normal vet seems to think that she could be managed for a number of months on the right diet and medication!! So the appointment for tomorrow is cancelled, and we will see how she goes with new food and meds. Although we don't have our hopes up, we just want to make her comfortable and hopefully live out her days feeling better and able to go for walks and runs with us. Blink blink, thank you for your advice, grooming setters can be hard work and if we are successful in getting one then that would be great! I know I shouldn't care what other people think, but unfortunately since our Gordon Setter passed away from a hemangiosarcoma at only six, we have family members that are disapproving at us owning dogs and always tell us that it isn't worth the heartbreak! But yes, they can deal with it :laugh: You are welcome. Having been a groomer for 30 yrs and having owned an Irish myself, I know their aloof nature can make the salon a challenging environment for most of them. Having a groomer that is sympathetic to their temperament is worth its weight in setters and an immediate advantage for the dog. One that knows the correct breed profile as well, even better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 Although we don't have our hopes up, we just want to make her comfortable and hopefully live out her days feeling better and able to go for walks and runs with us. What exciting news. Dogs feel happiness, sorrow, fear, loneliness, like all of us, but I wonder if they have a perception of what they are missing out on - that is, what people/we think they should be able to do? I have a very elderly dog who used to run and play and race around and enjoy his walks, but now, the best thing in the world for him is to join me on the LazyBoy and snooze a few hours away. I am pretty sure he isn’t lying there regretting the passing of his youth. :laugh: I am very happy you have more time with your little dog. It is amazing what finding the right meds and mix of meds can do. I hope you continue to relate the journey of “Days with my Dobe” :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I have an update on my pup - we have spoken to our local vet and although the specialist didn't seem too optimistic, our normal vet seems to think that she could be managed for a number of months on the right diet and medication!! So the appointment for tomorrow is cancelled, and we will see how she goes with new food and meds. Although we don't have our hopes up, we just want to make her comfortable and hopefully live out her days feeling better and able to go for walks and runs with us. Blink blink, thank you for your advice, grooming setters can be hard work and if we are successful in getting one then that would be great! I know I shouldn't care what other people think, but unfortunately since our Gordon Setter passed away from a hemangiosarcoma at only six, we have family members that are disapproving at us owning dogs and always tell us that it isn't worth the heartbreak! But yes, they can deal with it :laugh: hopefully you will be able to fill the days with happy things :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julesluvscavs Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 (edited) Like others have said, they come to you usually at the right time... When we put our name down for a Cavalier puppy a few years ago, we thought when she comes along it will be good timing as we were concerned at the time our old dog 'Renae' might not be with us for too much longer (she had some serious liver issues going on) so thought it would be great for her to grow up with our old dog's son 'Joey' (another cavalier we had) as he was still youngish and we were worried he would fret badly once his Mother went. Turned out down the track (some time after our puppy had come into our lives) Joey got an unexpected aggressive brain tumour, he had just turned 9 ! So we had to sadly give him his wings At least Renae (the Mother) had Miah and us to comfort her and each other. Then later down the track a friend of a friend was wanting to rehome her Cavalier 'Toby' and told us about him.. We ended up adopting him as he was so beautiful natured. He came into our lives quite out of the blue and has been the best thing for our young Miah and for us ! Last Friday we had give our old girl Renae her wings (she ended up with a large tumour near her liver) and fought it hard until last week She was almost 14. I was worried Miah would be fretting and she has a little bit but because her and Toby are besties, she's doing ok. So yeah its in the timing i believe. Some people feel they can't replace their pets at the time with another one (I don't think i could personally during the actual grieving process) but for others its been very therapeutic for them . There is no right or wrong. Before we were rehomed Renae by her breeder (we had her son Joey at that stage and another old dog of mine - not a cavalier) My old dog had to be given her wings and Renae and Joey's breeder wanted us to wait a period of time before she handed over Renae to us. Poor Joey was on his own with just us during that time and he did fret but when the time was right Renae's breeder brought Renae to us. Joey was so excited to see his Mother when the time came . Anyway all the best and yes its a tough time going through what you are going through *hugs* Hope what i have written makes sense, I'm still very heartbroken atm so i hope its understandable . I just wanted to share about my own experiences x Edited February 18, 2016 by Jules❤3Cavs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I am one who firmly believes that dogs arrive just when they should - even if YOU aren't aware of it .... Jules... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julesluvscavs Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 I am one who firmly believes that dogs arrive just when they should - even if YOU aren't aware of it .... Jules... Thank you Pers x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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