My world has caved in

Heaven's Goose, I'm SO very sorry to hear about your dog, what can I say except that my heart goes out to you. I too have lost various pets over the years, but never so suddenly as you - I am sorry.

P.S. We lost a dog years ago when she was 20 months old through a hereditary illness, and, for us, made the mistake of having a new puppy straight away. I would never do that again as the new pup, lovely as she was, wasn't the dog we lost, and to be honest I never totally jelled with her. I think a period of adjustment is needed, before welcoming a new family member - the next time, we waited over a year before we felt ready to 'start again', and this time it worked wonderfully well. Just thought I'd mention it.

Are you new Nigglynellie? If so, welcome to Gransnet.

Frank It's very hard not to give in to the urge to get another dog, but I made a promise that I would give myself a little time before I did. Because I'm on my own, without a car, I was very restricted with travelling whilst I had Mystery (my dog). could only travel on public transport, which Mystery was very nervous of. The nearest kennel is miles away from me, so it was a huge problem if I ever wanted to go away, so I hardly ever did - probably four times over the twelve years I had her. So at the moment I'm taking a few weeks out to just go away for days/weekends to see friends.. In fact I've just returned from a few days at the seaside on my own, but I must admit, everywhere I looked I saw dogs that looked just like her and confess to the occasional private tear now and then Getting another dog is on my List Of Things To Do in August

I think you're right nigglynellie It's like people who rush headlong into a disastrous relationship straight after a divorce. I think you need time to regroup emotionally.

Thank you for the welcome Shysal. Yes I am new(ish). I have been reading the threads for a while now, but have only recently joined in. I am a lady of 'uncertain years'!! with a Hubby, married for 49 years, (that gives the age away a bit!) Two grown up children and three gorgeous grandchildren, aged 13, 10, and 6. I worked for a Care Company for many years, in a former life, but now am enjoying retirement with family, dog (a 10 years old Cocker Spaniel) and our Exmoor Pony, who we drive and my OH rides!! We are both country lovers and book lovers and at the moment are keeping a close eye on a pair of Swallows who are busily nest building in our stable.
I hope you are feeling a little less distraught this morning Goose, it's a horrid time and I do feel for you.

Hi Nigglynellie, welcome!

How lovely to have an Exmoor pony nigglynellie especially one you can drive! We once had a very pretty little shetland who was completely unrideable. I don't think my daughter's ever forgiven me for selling him - it was the day Torville & Dean won the gold medal in Sarajevo so of course every time they turn up anywhere it brings up the pony again

thanks, and hello nigglynellie

Goose

As I now know you are still around I really think it is now time you got another dog if you are reasonably sure you could look after him for his life time.
Your collie gave you some good times and for that reason you can reward him by giving another dog a home.
Your collie will not want you sad and you may have noticed that a vet I knew replaced his dog within a week of his other dog passing away.

Frank

Hello Frank. Yes, I'm very much still around, 'though I've been off visiting exotic places over the last few days. I couldn't have gone anywhere if Mystery was here. Maybe it's a easier having a pet when you're not on your own? I felt very tied down having her, although she was my best friend whilst she was here, it's a release being able to catch up, doing lots of things I couldn't do when she was here, simply because I was totally committed to her. I do appreciate your input.
It's comforting for me to have learned that the Dog's Trust promises to take in any dog if anything happens to you, and they will try and re-home it.

Its not easy. Is it? Being a pet owner.

Its very very hot now where we are and yesterday our very old dogs had their yearly shave. I almost passed out when I saw how thin our eldest had become under her coat. She had an op a year ago to remove some non malignant lumps and came through it really well. However I just cant believe there is now not something really wrong with her given how thin she is around her rear quarters. My eldest is taking her to the vet today and I'm really scared.

Hanoona if your old dog was well and enjoying life before she was clipped, things will be no dfferent today, but you have been reminded that she is old and her body is not as young and strong as it used to be. Better to let the vet check her over and recommend anything that will keep her well, or give her the benefit of not being made to live with an awful illness, but she's with you now. It's something we all dread but can't avoid. I hope you have a bit more time to enjoy with her. Good luck

Good Morning When. are you still up or just up?

Fingers crossed Hanoona that your old friend is simply whizzening with age

Goose if you're missing having a dog around but don't yet feel ready to commit to full ownership, have you thought of fostering for the Cinnamon Trust? They need short term fosterers to cover for people going into hospital and long term for cases like my mum who couldn't look after her beloved Jet any more when she had to move into a care home. It's up to you whether you accept a dog or not and Cinnamon pays vets bills and kennelling if you want to go away.
They also need dog walkers for people who through sickness or disability are no longer able to walk their pet.

Hannoona, I hope the vet finds nothing serious. You obviously had not noticed any sign of her being off colour before the haircut, so I guess she feels OK. Elderly pets seem to become either thinner or fatter, let's hope it is just old age. Oh no! you have plenty of sunshine don't you, so , hope they will not wilt in the heat!

Goose, I understand what you are saying about dogs restricting your movements. For that reason I decided to have cats instead when I divorced, there are so many in need of homes. They have been a great joy and sometimes a worry too. A furry welcome home is lovely.

I a so pleased you are planning to get another dog Goose, it will be great company for you. One Christmas morning our 7 year old Westie, with no apparent health problems, collapsed and died. We never found out the cause but suspected a heart problem. Two weeks later we visited the local RSPCA dogs home and now have Tinker, a black lurcher.

As others have said I can't imagine life without a dog and although even now - it was five years ago - I still miss Whiskey, Tinker is very special. She is a bit of a one off in lurcher terms - scared of cats and other dogs but loves people to pieces.

Best wishes in your hunt for a furry friend.

Thank you all for your welcome, you all sound a very friendly crowd so it's nice to be with you.
Our Exmoor is a lovely boy called Merlin, he's 8 years old and about 13 hands which is quite big for this breed; We've had him since he was 4 years old, having kept Exmoors for about 7 years when we lived in West Somerset. We now live in Wilshire to be closer to family as Somerset was 'just too far' according to our elder Granddaughter!
I remember when I was looking after an elderly lady years ago, that her dog was taken into care by the Cinnamon Trust when she was unable to look after it anymore. Her dog was found a new home with a lovely couple, so it was a happy ending all round, and I think they would be well worth approaching Goose, when and if you feel ready for a newcomer.

Goose

I am on my own but I have got relatives who will look after Andie if I had to go in to hospital etc.
Also they will look after him if I want to go somewhere where dogs can not go so I suppose it is easier for me.
When I go to see my granddaughters / daughters with Andie he takes no interest in me but if I have left him with them for say a day he rushes back to me.
I was in hospital about 4 years ago for 3 days.
After I had been away for about a day Andie was getting upset so my daughters bought him to the hospital grounds and I went out to see him.
As soon as he saw I was ok he did not bother for the next 2 days.

Frank

Hannoona, how are things with your dog? I have been thinking of you.