I looks like we will probably lose our loving companion, Dazy, today. She is a 14+ year old yellow labradour we got as a puppy when John retired. She has been such a great dog, has traveled the countryside with us in our motorhome, and has spent her life wanting to please. She loves us, loves kids, and has been a very strong and healthy girl. John is devastated. I don't know how this event will effect him. Many people have suggested I get her another dog right away. That may seem like an answer but, #1 - no dog will ever be like Dazy, and #2 - he's at a point where he couldn't help much with the dog and I would be faced with taking care of him and a dog. While I'm up for that, my fear is for those times that I may need to take him off to the doctor, or be away for an extended period. We do not have the network of friends/family that I think would be needed to "dog sit" and my focus has to be on John. Say a prayer for us that he gets through this loss without a serious down-turn in his condition.

Thanks all for being there,
Terri

Terri,
Sorry for your loss of a treasured family member.
Robin

Terri,

I am so sorry to hear about Dazy. Our dogs are like family members so I do know how you feel about losing her. Seems to me that your hesitation in getting a new puppy is quite sensible under the circumstances, though. I hope that losing Dazy will not be too hard on John.

Julianne

Losing a pet is so sad! You are right not to want another pet now.

So sorry Terri. Do you have friends or neighbors who have a well-behaved pet that could come visit John sometimes? That may help ease the pain a little. Lynn

Terri,
I am so sorry for the loss you will as a family have, you probably won't find another like her and of course she can't be replaced, I am thankful my little 4 legged friend stayed as long as my husband, actually she was fairly young My Jim passed ! She left us last Nov and it was tough! UI do hope it doesn't cause John any problems and as someone suggested maybe someone could stop by with a dog of their's !

Terri,
Frank really enjoyed the dogs when we pet sat for our daughters. I found as Frank needed more assistance and understood less and less, it was difficult to keep track of Frank, tend to his immediate needs, and give attention to the dogs needs. We went walking in the neighborhoor and while I was picking up the dog doo, Frank disappeared, he had fallen over a small imbankment, but I couldn't see him and he was unable to get up or call for help. So sorry to hear about Daisy, but think hard, you have a lot on your plate and it will get more demanding.

Fondly, Gerry

Thank you all so much for your kind words of encouragement. I'm feeling less selfish over my hesitation to get John another dog. Dazy followed me into the vets office with unshakable trust. I think that was the hardest moment of all. The vet concurred that it was time for her to go in peace. While I wanted to stay and hold her through the process, I just couldn't. John's son went with me. John just couldn't go and I don't blame him. Again, thank you all.

Awww, I am sorry and am sending you a big hug. Lynn

I'm so sorry Terri. I allowed ourselves to get PJ, our pug. She helped me get Ted out on walks and was a real love. Her favorite spot was snuggled on Ted's chest when he sat in his recliner. When things got too tough for me, (and Ted couldn't do the walks anymore) our oldest daughter was able to take PJ and give her the love & attention I couldn't. But, I am so happy we had those times with PJ and that she did her part to help. They are a part of the family. I know you miss her a lot and hugs to you.

Jeanted,
Yours is the only reason I would consider getting a new dog. My son said he would take the dog when it got to be too much. Right now, I don't know if I could handle it. We are going to use this time to do some of the things we used to do before we got a dog, such as a ride to the beach for a whole day and overnight in a motel maybe. We have a motorhome but haven't traveled in a year due to the dog's failing health, so I'm planning to get him out in that too. I may consider a new dog in the near future as I know the companionship is very beneficial.
Thanks to all the well-wishes.