FRENCH WORD-A-DAY

Hi Krist and Jean-Marc,
Thanks for your post today!
It is so difficult to lose a much loved pet. We went for 10 years without a dog after our Labrador Buster passed. You will know when it is the right time and you will find the one or the one will find you!
We have a lovely, sweet Rottweiler named Tank now and he's a big love!
Have a lovely weekend!
Eileen

After having two wonderful Goldens in your life, it may be difficult to consider another breed (and yes, there could be major differences in energy levels and trainability). That being said, adopting through a breed rescue or at a shelter is a fine thing, and the staff are usually quite honest about what you can expect if they have had time to observe and work with the dog you are interested in. Two English dog trainers who have numerous Youtube videos and workbooks under the name of Absolute Dogs have a lot of free information online and through their website. They have a workbook available for free at the moment about welcoming a shelter dog into your home. Best of luck, however your new friend comes to you. My vote is for a puppy, as Jean-Marc has the time now to train her and establish a close relationship for all.

Beautiful post. I have the same dilemma, having lost my faithful, loving companion of 14 years last September. She was everything to me. I’m not ready to consider adopting another dog at this point for all of the reasons you mention in your heartfelt post, and because I just don’t think I can handle the heartbreak of inevitable loss. That said, if/when the time comes, or an opportunity presents itself to welcome another dog into your family, your hearts will guide you to a good decision.

We have two dogs from responsible breeders who had each worked with friends and chose the dogs that fit best with our family. We have adopted successfully as well in the past. I agree that the right dog will find you! It is a long term commitment - do what is right for you <3

I've had reasonable success with rescues, mostly cats these days due to what was my work schedule. I think "listening" to them is important. Dogs especially have eloquent body language.
Learn to read what they like/dislike/ want and work with that. Once you get to know each other you can start asking
them to adapt. I honestly haven't really tried to train any of my critters, we just go for peaceful coexistence. E.g. trying to brush my long haired semi feral cat... he takes the brush gently in his teeth, removes it from my hand, and rests his head on it. Grooming session is over.
For dogs, I believe choosing a breed or mix whose characteristics work with your lifestyle is critical. I really admire border collies but I fear I am way too sedentary, have nothing to herd, and they may be a bit smarter than I am. I myself have not figured out what "come by" means yet.
The pup that finds you will be a "lucky dog".🐶💕

Definitely adopt!! As JM states, many of these dogs have suffered at the hands of people and a lucky animal could have the benefit of you, JM and your mom to have a great life. Maybe you could give a senior dog who doesn't require a lot of energy a wonderful retirement or get a puppy but please don't go to a breeder!!!

Please, please consider rescue. A good rescue group will work with you to find the right dog for you. I have rescued a few over the years and never had any problems that a little patience couldn’t resolve. I currently have a sweet setter mix from Turkey. She led me to working with transporting mostly sporting breeds on their way to foster or adoption, as a way to give back to those who helped get her to us. Good luck, I know you can find the right one.

After obtaining one Golden Retriever from a breeder and thereafter adopting rescued dogs to be part of our family since 1992, and being involved with Golden Bond Rescue of Oregon and Washington (an an-volunteer organization), I can assure you my family's experience with rescued dogs has been entirely positive. I have been amazed at the resilience, strength and gratitude shown by rescued dogs who have endured horrible conditions before being rescued by an organization such as Golden Bond and then by their foster and forever families. I would NEVER obtain a dog from a breeder again. If you would like me to elaborate or have any questions, please feel free to be in touch with me.

We've had good experiences with both shelters & breeders.
When first married 30 years ago, we tried to catch a stray running around our NYC neighborhood, but never could grab him. We called all the shelters, and found one with the dog's description. When we arrived, it was the wrong dog, but he was going to be euthanized the next day, so we adopted him. A Shepard mix. Hunter. Best dog ever. We were lucky to have him for 10 years.
After he died, we waited 3 years we were so heartbroken. Next was an unadoptable senior pitbull. No one wanted him because he was so old. But we had him 4 wonderful years before cancer took him. He was a gentle guardian to our toddler son.
14 years ago, we looked again, because I feel a house without a dog isn't a home. My husband picked the saddest, sickest, scrawniest dog in the place, Handsome. It took 2 years to train him, he was terrified of everyone. Since he was half starved when we got him, he's had health, diet, skin issues ever since. But 14 years later, he's doing better than ever and is part of the family. Six years ago, when my son left for college, we bought my husband a Brittany puppy. My son thought Dad would be lonely and Shadow has kept Dad on his toes ever since. And he's a good influence on Handsome, keeping him young with his energy and antics. Every dog requires patience and training, but most shelter dogs have some already and save the time of training a puppy. Each one is a different investment of time and energy (and often money! ) Best of luck making your decision. Any dog would be lucky to join your family!

I have had one of each now - a rescue dog and a puppy, not from a breeder, but a puppy from an unwanted farm litter, so not strictly a rescue dog. (Although I understand that two of his siblings have had to be rehomed as their new families didn't realise how much work a puppy would be!) My first dog was two or three when we rehomed him from the rescue centre - he had been a stray so we had no background information on him and didn't even really know his age. He was the most loyal dog to me and my best friend, but incredibly unpredictable and I really did need to have my wits about me when we were out and about in case he did anything naughty.

The dog I have now is a joy to walk, not unpredictable as I've had him from seven weeks old so he hasn't had time or opportunity to pick up any bad habits! But ..... he's been a real handful. I know that's the puppy stage which is exhausting. When I lost my first dog, I waited a whole four months before welcoming Domino into my home - I had fully intended to wait a full year after losing Finn, but I was contacted by a family member, letting me know about this unwanted farm litter and would I like to have one. I said no for about two weeks before finally giving in!

I honestly don't remember life before dogs now - they're such wonderful companions, but also a tie. I've had to decline offers of holidays, etc, because I never wanted to put Finn back in kennels - even for a weekend - although Domino has stayed in kennels once in two and a half years, and didn't even give me a backwards glance as he was led off to meet his new room mates!

I wish you every luck in making the decision. The fact that you're taking your time making this decision shows how thoughtful you are with regard to taking on an animal or not. All the best x

Please don't forget Lili in all of this! perhaps your new doggie and Lili will be pals so that that sweet aged kittie doesn't have to flee her home!