[Muppet]

Back story:

I adopted a great dog a this spring that died of a neurological disorder. Bentley was perfectly healthy (under 2 years old) and just started seizing during a walk. When we got to the hospital, they were unable to find the problem. He declined rapidly and after countless tests and medications, he had to be put down. It has been so hard. It could have been a syndrome or a tumor, they had no answers. I have a picture of him smiling at me 30 seconds before this all happened.

Anyway:

I am considering getting another dog. I am not sure if it is too soon, but I do not know what the right time line should be for me and it feels right. I know there is no guarantee (obviously) but for my own sanity I need to have a dog that has a great chance for a healthy life. Bentley had no signs of bad health, but I am starting to get worried about the next dog I find.

I went to the shelter and met a few new pups. One dog that I was interested in was 3 year old German wirehair pointer and has spent the first part of her life being bred. We are not sure when she had her first litter or how many she had. I am starting to get worried about what kind of health consequences there are for that type of life.

Is there anything else I should be looking for? I met so many dogs that were sick or special needs and they were all amazing, but I do not think my heart can take another loss so soon.

Thanks!

 

[Amaryllis]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sudden losses like that are traumatizing, I know. My last dog was fine on Friday when we went to bed, then so sick he couldn't stand up Saturday morning, and I had to put him to sleep Monday. So now when my new dog sneezes, my heart stops. I know just how you feel.

There is no guarantee to anything. You could buy a puppy from the best breeder on the planet and it could die a week later from parvo, 2 years later from cancer or 15 years later of old age. You could adopt a dog used for breeding, fed crap food and generally neglected and she could be healthy and live to a ripe old age. Or not.

It's okay not to take a special needs dog if you don't want to. It's okay to buy from a breeder as long as you pick an ethical breeder. You do what you are comfortable with.

As for the specific dog in question, take her to your vet and ask him what he thinks. I doubt a short period of time breeding (and it would have been short, she's only 3) would have a debilitating effect on a dog. A quick search shows that GWP are a healthy breed, being subject only to hip dysplasia (all large breeds are), cardiac problems (again, common in larger breeds) and Von Willebrand's type 2. A quick search on VW2 shows that, if she had it, she'd likely already be dead from the breeding, but again, you could have your vet check that out.

Good luck!

 

[Muppet]

Thanks for the response. Bentley's death was so dramatic and awful, I do not think I have gotten over the panic. He was such a special guy.

I decided to foster this lady and we will see if I am ready for a dog again.

 

[Abbylynn]

I am so very sorry for your loss.

PLease keep us posted on your foster ... and if by chance you should keep this lady.

I was/am traumatized by Leeo's death ... and I found that rescuing another dog in need has greatly helped with beginning the healing process ... though it is going to take a very long time. Another animal in need was a way of honoring my little heart boy.

It is a personal decision though ......