My world has caved in

Good morning Goose, hope you managed to get a bit of sleep last night. May I just make a little suggestion. I think the RSPCA have a pet beveavement counselling service, or maybe the PDSA. Try and go on line and get the help you need.

Goose have pm you hope you slept bit is very early days I totally been there. I had to remove every sign bed bowl etc big hugsx x

Oh goose that is positive memory just read that post! Wish was near enough to give you proper hug you did all you could words so inadequate x x x

Goose you have my heartfelt sympathy. What a tragic way to lose your lovely companion, and so unexpected. I understand how you feel, having been in that vet situation a few times throughout my life. I'm so sorry (((hugs)))

I hope today is a wee bit softer for you, Goose. xx

Just read this thread Goose. I've been through this with a beloved dog and a beloved cat too. Both times I expected it though and it was such a hurt. You didn't expect it and I can only begin to guess at the feelings of loss and loneliness you must be going through. I wish I could give you a hug.

Goose Are you OK? Hopefully, as the days go by, you'll start feeling a little better.

Life drags past in a numbed daze. I miss her so much. Yesterday I (thought) I'd made a decision to get another dog as soon as I can, but on 'sounding out' a few of my dog walking friends, the reaction I got was of horror - 'I was reacting too soon'.
I pick up her ashes on Friday and will scatter them under her favourite tree in the park.
Would a few weeks be too soon to get another dog friend? No dog will ever replace Mystery, in my eyes she was 'the Perfect Dog', but I'm so alone and so like having the companionship of dogs.

Goose only you know the answer to that, but if you have already begun to consider it, then it may be the right thing to do.

Goose, I think you should do what you want to, and if getting another furry friend will make you happy, then never mind what the other dog walkers say.
(((hugs)))

How traumatic for you Goose to lose Mystery so suddenly - no wonder you feel bereft.

I think getting a new dog soon is fine - what is to be gained by waiting?

Can anyone advise me on 'Rescue dogs'? A big part of me wants to consider giving a home to a Rescue dog but I'm worried about a couple of things.

Firstly, because of my age (64 going on 18) will I immediately be eliminated from getting a younger dog, because I might pop my clogs before it?
I've only ever had dogs (I've had 6 in my life, all Border Collies) from puppies. I believe nearly all rescue dogs are older dogs? but I would really prefer a puppy as I enjoy doing training/agility with my dogs and there's something on the lines of not teaching an old dog new tricks. Reading up a bit on the criteria, it seems to me to be a very strident process (I do understand the necessity of making sure any dog isn't going to end up in an unsuitable environment) but I worry that for example, my garden, which is quite small would be deemed unsuitable for a Border (but Mystery was quite happy with it as she was taken out for runs round the park regularly). Sorry everyone, I'm waffling here. Basically, please is there any of you that has experience of Rescue dogs and could broaden my knowledge of the 'pros' and possibly 'cons' of getting one??

I took on a rescue dog (my beloved Poppy, long gone now) She was six months, had no idea of house training or obedience! But within a couple of months she was brilliant. She was a collie spaniel cross.

If you go to a good centre, they will be able to help to match you to the right friend.

Have you thought of contacting Battersea for an initial chat?

Having visited Battersea Dogs & Cats Home a few times I don't remember seeing any puppies.

Your small garden shouldn't be a problem - my sister has a very small garden and was eligible to adopt from Battersea. They know that sensible dog owners don't use their garden as the only place of exercise.

Battersea

Goose , could you perhaps consider taking on a retired greyhound, I gather they fold up small! They don't need huge amounts of exercise and are very loving. I know there are some GNers who can advise you.
oxford.retiredgreyhounds.co.uk/

Hello Goose,

Friends have had a very good experience with Dogs Trust - if you have one in your area go along for a visit when you are feeling stronger. They seem to take time to match dogs to prospective owners and run things like training classes and give back up support once you have adopted a dog.

Goose I have had Rescue and pedigree dogs. My first dog that I could truly call my own was from the Dog's Home, when I was 14. A scrawny puppy who was quite sickly, got distemper (twice) which I nursed him through, against the vet's advice. He was the most amazing dog, very bright, had some collie in his 57 varieties. As he got older, he developed epilepsy because of his illnesses as a pup, and had to stay on medication. Dogs' Homes are more particular about healthcare now, so the pups get immunized. A Rescue puppy would be a good bet.

I would hesitate and find out as much as possible about a Rescue adult dog, whether from a Dogs' Home or breeder, as some dogs have behavioural problems that might not be acceptable to you. It all depends on why they have been sent to be re-homed.

We had a Rescue clumber spaniel who had been show-bred, then left neglected in the breeder's kennels when a better litter came along. She was aggressive with chidren when they had food, and we reluctantly returned her to the Rescue breeder, after falling in love with her. We coudn't trust her after she leapt at a child's face for the crisps he was eating. She was re-homed away from chidren. We then bought a clumber puppy from a breeder with integrity, and she was a delight.

Special Rescue organisations like Greyhound Rescue seem to do a great job, with dogs that are perfect for older owners. Depends what sort of a dog you're looking for.

We've had spaniels, collies and German shepherds over the years, and when I retired I wanted a dog who would be great with my grandchildren. She is a basset hound, patient and loving, perfect with chidren, stubborn as anything, and likes things how she likes them - if I move her manky chewy bone, she retrieves it and puts it back where she left it!

If you get a puppy or older dog now, you will still grieve for Mystery - why wouldn't you after all she meant to you? But a dog is a great comfort and companion, and there are so many dogs in need of a loving home. I hope you enjoy finding one when the time is right for you, whether that's now or later.

Shysal Great minds........!

I have been studying the greyhound rescue site more closely. As Oxford Stadium is closing there is a big demand for adoption. If I didn't have cats I would love one, I liked the sound of Lisa and Bobby.

Hope you are okay . It's early days you will be thinking of nothing else. Take care Anne xx

I know I'm biased but I think a greyhound or whippet makes the perfect companion, although they are very different from most dogs and certainly nothing like a border collie [not much in the way of recall or obedience].Can't really let them loose in open spaces but, keep them on a lead and they will trot happily by your side and don't actually need much exercise [in fact it's difficult to get them out of the house when it's raining, which suits me 'cos I hate being wet and cold]. Daft as it sounds, there is something 'healing' about them. I'd usually prefer to get a puppy but sometimes there's something that feels right about using a sad situation to make good another sad situation.

A lot of like minds here. I have pm'd you goose, but not saying anything very different from the good advice here. In my case, scattering my dog's ashes on her favourite walk was the point where I felt I could move forward and as I said in my pm, found myself trawling the rescue dog websites. You are not "replacing" Mystery or being disloyal to her, so go with your own feelings. When the time is right, there is something so uplifting and healing about a wagging tail. Mystery would not have minded! hug

Goose {{{hugs}}} Only you know when the time is right.

I can't add anything to the good advice already given, so will just send you a virtual hug x

Goose bear in mind that most rescue dogs have a problem area – for example, they may not be safe with children because they have been victims of merciless teasing or they may frightened of all men because one man il-treated them.

My Maximum Dog was a rescue and his problem was food. He wasn't just greedy like any old dog, he was obsessive if he thought there was anything to eat. He would even drink the cats' water in preference to that in his own bowl. This was because he had regularly been left alone at weekends and had obviously eaten all his supply of food on Friday night and then had nothing left until his owner returned on Monday evening. However, he was fiercely loyal and when I was away from home for a few days, the poor boy wouldn't even eat rump steak.

If you feel that you want a new canine companion, go ahead and find the right one – or let him/her find you. Good luck.