Tell me about your good boy or girl

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GophersInIowa

GophersInIowa

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I'm feeling extra down and emotional this morning after having to put down our good girl yesterday. You don't realize how much they're a part of your daily routine until they're gone. So I need a pick me up.

My wife adopted our girl just several months after we started dating over 14 years ago. So she's been a part of our relationship pretty much from the beginning. My wife decided recently to do a DNA test and found out she was mainly chihuahua, jack russell & parson russell terrier. She definitely looked like a terrier. We believe she was around 17 years old.

Every day for nearly 14 years my day has started with a walk with her. Just her and I getting the day started. Not doing that this morning was very hard. I've calculated that I've gone on probably 7-8,000 walks with her overall. She avoided toddlers as best as she could but when our oldest daughter (turns 8 next month) got older, it was amazing to see them grow into buddies. Over the past year, our girl slept with our daughter in her bed almost every night. She was not a good guard dog at all as she was excited to see anyone and everyone that visited. I joke with my daughters that the reason I'm losing my hair is because she licked it off. If she got close to your face, she was getting as many licks in as she could.
 
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GophersInIowa said:
I'm feeling extra down and emotional this morning after having to put down our good girl yesterday. You don't realize how much they're a part of your daily routine until they're gone. So I need a pick me up.

My wife adopted our girl just several months after we started dating over 14 years ago. So she's been a part of our relationship pretty much from the beginning. My wife decided recently to do a DNA test and found out she was mainly chihuahua, jack russell & parson russell terrier. She definitely looked like a terrier. We believe she was around 17 years old.

Every day for nearly 14 years my day has started with a walk with her. Just her and I getting the day started. Not doing that this morning was very hard. I've calculated that I've gone on probably 7-8,000 walks with her overall. She avoided toddlers as best as she could but when our oldest (turns 8 next month) got older, it was amazing to see them grow into buddies. Over the past year, our girl slept with our daughter in her bed almost every night. She was not a good guard dog at all as she was excited to see anyone and everyone that visited. I joke with my daughters that the reason I'm losing my hair is because she licked it off. If she got close to your face, she was getting as many licks in as she could.
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First things first. Let me give you the words of one of my old wise sage mentors, who used this phrase regarding girlfriends, but the same applies to dogs I firmly believe, possibly even more so:

"Nothing gets your over the last one like the next one"

Get another dog, and soon. You won't regret it.
 

GophersInIowa said:
I'm feeling extra down and emotional this morning after having to put down our good girl yesterday. You don't realize how much they're a part of your daily routine until they're gone. So I need a pick me up.

My wife adopted our girl just several months after we started dating over 14 years ago. So she's been a part of our relationship pretty much from the beginning. My wife decided recently to do a DNA test and found out she was mainly chihuahua, jack russell & parson russell terrier. She definitely looked like a terrier. We believe she was around 17 years old.

Every day for nearly 14 years my day has started with a walk with her. Just her and I getting the day started. Not doing that this morning was very hard. I've calculated that I've gone on probably 7-8,000 walks with her overall. She avoided toddlers as best as she could but when our oldest (turns 8 next month) got older, it was amazing to see them grow into buddies. Over the past year, our girl slept with our daughter in her bed almost every night. She was not a good guard dog at all as she was excited to see anyone and everyone that visited. I joke with my daughters that the reason I'm losing my hair is because she licked it off. If she got close to your face, she was getting as many licks in as she could.
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I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Dog's are gods gifts to humans, they are truly everything that humans should be - non-judgmental, love unconditionally, they are there for you always when you need them and just want to be loved and love back.

The love of a dog is so real, and the loss is so painful.

Our first dog was a Siberian Husky who we just adored, she joined our family before we had kids and then our kids got to grow up with her until she passed. My wife and I took her in to help her cross over the rainbow bridge and it was brutal, but she let us know it was time.

We waited two years to get our current dog Agassi, an English Cream Golden Retriever and she's everything to us. Her disposition is amazing, a gift she was born with. We are actually going to get her Therapy certified so she can volunteer at hospitals. Her disposition is perfect for it.

We waited two years in between dogs, I don't think I'd wait that long again as the joy a dog brings to a household is immense. We now run a dog sitting business (well my daughter does) and we have a rotation of about 8-10 households who we care for their dogs while they travel. These dogs range in size and breed, they get along with our dog well and they become part of our family as well while they stay with us. It's been a lot of fun.

I hope you all cherish the memories you had with your Good Girl, it sounds like you showed her an amazing life.

Go Dogs!!
 

Ogee Ogilthorpe said:
First things first. Let me give you the words of one of my old wise sage mentors, who used this phrase regarding girlfriends, but the same applies to dogs I firmly believe, possibly even more so:

"Nothing gets your over the last one like the next one"

Get another dog, and soon. You won't regret it.
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My wife says she wants to wait. I think it's pretty emotional for her right now. And I think she'll feel guilty for "replacing" her so quickly. Which is ridiculous of course and she'll be the first to say it's ridiculous. We also have several trips planned over the next 6 months so I do think it would be better to wait a little while. My guess is once the emotions have died down, she'll change her mind a bit. I think in this case it would be fun to have the girls involved in finding a dog.
 

BleedGopher said:
I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Dog's are gods gifts to humans, they are truly everything that humans should be - non-judgmental, love unconditionally, they are there for you always when you need them and just want to be loved and love back.

The love of a dog is so real, and the loss is so painful.

Our first dog was a Siberian Husky who we just adored, she joined our family before we had kids and then our kids got to grow up with her until she passed. My wife and I took her in to help her cross over the rainbow bridge and it was brutal, but she let us know it was time.

We waited two years to get our current dog Agassi, an English Cream Golden Retriever and she's everything to us. Her disposition is amazing, a gift she was born with. We are actually going to get her Therapy certified so she can volunteer at hospitals. Her disposition is perfect for it.

We waited two years in between dogs, I don't think I'd wait that long again as the joy a dog brings to a household is immense. We now run a dog sitting business (well my daughter does) and we have a rotation of about 8-10 households who we care for their dogs while they travel. These dogs range in size and breed, they get along with our dog well and they become part of our family as well while they stay with us. It's been a lot of fun.

I hope you all cherish the memories you had with your Good Girl, it sounds like you showed her an amazing life.

Go Dogs!!
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Dogs are the best.

That sounds amazing!
 


I thought this post was something else from the title.

But you are right. Losing a dog is like losing a close friend. They are there every day good or bad. Never was a pet person but had a dog that we had to put down. Hit me harder than I thought it would. Sorry for your loss.
 


Dogs ask for very little yet they give you everything. Their loyalty and unsolicited affection has a personalized value undefinable with words.

I've had to take the last car ride with three (3) Goldens in the past 20 years. Wept like a child each time. It's saying goodbye to a security blanket that doesn't give a shit about anything else as long as you're around.

Take Ogee's advice...don't wait long to get another. I waited a year after my last dog passed and I can tell you, the "replacement guilt" was the same as it would've been after just a month. I just delayed the healing part.

At the end of the day, it sounds like that little terrier couldn't have had a better home and family to share it with. That's a lucky dog.
 

Oh Lord, the timing on this. Had to let my dad's dog Lilly the Lab go today. We knew the time was short and a couple hours after your post my dad emailed that he was taking her to the vet. Just gutted right now, even though we got an amazing 12 and half years out of her, include a full 10 seasons of great hunting.

Thankfully she was incredibly healthy pretty much up to the end. This photo was just year ago, taken when my brother and I needed a break from grouse hunting. Even at eleven and half she did not approve of sitting still.

Especially tough since my dad just had major heart surgery 2 months back. Going to be so tough for him not to have the morning scritches. I'm just gutted myself.

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Well, we have a four year old Cocker Spaniel. If you have ever dealt with the breed, they are the most cheerful and merry dogs around. They are up for anything, and just want to be included.
He lives with a Maine Coon cat, his best friend, and a teenage boy, who is his world.
Time goes fast with kids and dogs.

I do think this might be my last one. I love him, and the way he fits the family, but I'm not super young, the kid will be off to whatever, and a dog needs a schedule.
You are a smart guy, you know whether you have another 12 year commitment in you.
 

I will add this, just from personal experience; and this can vary dramatically depending on what stage you are in life, your available time, your environment, and perhaps even your financial situation.

I don't know that I will ever go the route of a puppy again. My two current Labs, a yellow and a black Lab, both just turning around 6 years old, were what they call "started dogs"; I got them from a reputable dog breeder/trainer in SW Colorado at about 10 months old. At that point, they had a really good foundation of not only standard obedience, but also bird hunting and retrieving that I like to do.

It cost a couple bucks, and I missed the "ooohhhh, puppies are so CUTE!" stage (not a big deal to me), but I'll never go back. No puppy hassle, no house training, no bad habits, nothing.

First week I had the first one back home; I'm walking to the mailbox, a rabbit runs by (shitload of rabbits in my part of town) and the dog takes off after the rabbit. About 40 feet away, I yelled "Doc, HEEL!!"; that 10-month old dog stopped, looked back at me, and returned to sit right by my side. I said, "Holy shit, that's worth it right there"
 

Frink said:
Oh Lord, the timing on this. Had to let my dad's dog Lilly the Lab go today. We knew the time was short and a couple hours after your post my dad emailed that he was taking her to the vet. Just gutted right now, even though we got an amazing 12 and half years out of her, include a full 10 seasons of great hunting.

Thankfully she was incredibly healthy pretty much up to the end. This photo was just year ago, taken when my brother and I needed a break from grouse hunting. Even at eleven and half she did not approve of sitting still.

Especially tough since my dad just had major heart surgery 2 months back. Going to be so tough for him not to have the morning scritches. I'm just gutted myself.

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I'm so sorry.

I knew it would be hard for us but man I've been a mess. I don't want to get rid of all her stuff or anything but there's stuff all over the house that constantly remind me of her. I would usually lay out my blanket nicely on our bed because she likes to lay on it. I did that this morning without even thinking about it.
 




tikited said:
I can't imagine life without pets. In fact, I've never not had a pet. Almost every childhood picture of me has a dog or cat on or near me.
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Mrs. Ogee has said once or twice that these will be our last dogs. Not sure if she's kidding or not but I look at her like she's from Mars when she says that. Besides the family/companion aspect of it, along with not seeing myself not hunting anytime soon, I love it for home security. I would be shocked if my dogs have not prevented numerous people from entering the house that were unwelcome.

To anyone approaching the front door, they sound like blood-thirsty trained killers. Although the second the door opens, it's game over; at that point they are so welcoming they might has well have opened up the door for them to come in.
 

Ogee Ogilthorpe said:
I will add this, just from personal experience; and this can vary dramatically depending on what stage you are in life, your available time, your environment, and perhaps even your financial situation.

I don't know that I will ever go the route of a puppy again. My two current Labs, a yellow and a black Lab, both just turning around 6 years old, were what they call "started dogs"; I got them from a reputable dog breeder/trainer in SW Colorado at about 10 months old. At that point, they had a really good foundation of not only standard obedience, but also bird hunting and retrieving that I like to do.

It cost a couple bucks, and I missed the "ooohhhh, puppies are so CUTE!" stage (not a big deal to me), but I'll never go back. No puppy hassle, no house training, no bad habits, nothing.

First week I had the first one back home; I'm walking to the mailbox, a rabbit runs by (shitload of rabbits in my part of town) and the dog takes off after the rabbit. About 40 feet away, I yelled "Doc, HEEL!!"; that 10-month old dog stopped, looked back at me, and returned to sit right by my side. I said, "Holy shit, that's worth it right there"
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As much as our girls would love a puppy, there's no way we could do it right now with how busy we all are. If/when we get another dog, we'll adopt again for sure.
 

I don't think that I can call him a good boy. Part of that's my fault, as it turns out I'm not the dog whisperer I thought I was.
 

I am so sorry. Dog death clobbers your soul. I still get choked up when I think about putting our very good boy down four years ago.

Ogee is right about getting a new dog quickly and puppyhood being highly overrated.

I love our current good boy like I loved the last one and I appreciate every day that he's with us. Dogs just don't live long enough.
 

GophersInIowa said:
I'm so sorry.

I knew it would be hard for us but man I've been a mess. I don't want to get rid of all her stuff or anything but there's stuff all over the house that constantly remind me of her. I would usually lay out my blanket nicely on our bed because she likes to lay on it. I did that this morning without even thinking about it.
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Mine is a 9 yr old, black tri, Australian Shepherd… if she burst into a lecture on quantum physics, I wouldn’t be totally surprised. That Dog knows things.

Got her as a Puppy, 1 week after finding out of about the pregnancy of 1st kid. I had watched her online for weeks waiting for her to be old enough.

We live in Minneapolis. She has scared off at least 3 intruders that I know off. She also stopped a car full of thugs from robbing a girl in front of the house, and chased them down the street.

I like to tell people even Bo Jackson would feel like an inferior athlete. I have seen some absolutely ridiculous things. for example, when she was just a yr old, she kept on getting through our backyard privacy fence to come play in the front yard. Thought there was a hole; turns out she was bounding to the top, balancing, then jumping down from the 5.5 ft gate.

Anyhow, that just a short ancedotes of my Girl. I didn’t want to open the thread, and hoped, in vain that the girl was some breakup instead of losing your dog.

Sorry for your loss and hope that helps.

P.S. one of the guys from Tesla wrote this song about losing his dog:
 

atsgopher said:
Mine is a 9 yr old, black tri, Australian Shepherd… if she burst into a lecture on quantum physics, I wouldn’t be totally surprised. That Dog knows things.

Got her as a Puppy, 1 week after finding out of about the pregnancy of 1st kid. I had watched her online for weeks waiting for her to be old enough.

We live in Minneapolis. She has scared off at least 3 intruders that I know off. She also stopped a car full of thugs from robbing a girl in front of the house, and chased them down the street.

I like to tell people even Bo Jackson would feel like an inferior athlete. I have seen some absolutely ridiculous things. for example, when she was just a yr old, she kept on getting through our backyard privacy fence to come play in the front yard. Thought there was a hole; turns out she was bounding to the top, balancing, then jumping down from the 5.5 ft gate.

Anyhow, that just a short ancedotes of my Girl. I didn’t want to open the thread, and hoped, in vain that the girl was some breakup instead of losing your dog.

Sorry for your loss and hope that helps.

P.S. one of the guys from Tesla wrote this song about losing his dog:
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One of my favorite Tesla songs; had no idea it was about losing his dog. Makes me love it even more. It's a great song
 

Ogee Ogilthorpe said:
One of my favorite Tesla songs; had no idea it was about losing his dog. Makes me love it even more. It's a great song
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I always thought it was one of the genres better songs

I couldn’t find the interview with Jeff Keith. I think you’d dig him telling the story. the internet tells me its an interview from the documentary “Times Making Changes,” but I swear I also saw it on a different Tesla documentary on Amazon Prime.
 

Condolences and blessings to you all! They truly are family.

I've found it helpful for me to dog-sit for all of my kids, friends and neighbors. Get's me my fix and also nice to send them home too. Probably do so at least on a monthly basis, if not more often.

Currently watching my daughter and son-in-laws husky and shepard/pit bull mix. Just had my son and daughter-in-laws great dane. Also watch other daughter's pit bull and neighbors vizsla/lab mix. And of course, they all have to sleep in bed with you.
 

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