I'm new to this forum and thought I'd reach out...
My wife and I have had Goldens as family members for the past 45 years. We've lost all but one to some form of cancer, and most were under the age of 10. We just lost our precious Molly to Histiocytic Sarcoma at the age of 7 1/2.
We are devastated and wonder about changing to a different breed or not having a dog at all. But we've always had Goldens and can't imagine life without one..like now with such an empty house.
We are thinking of adopting another Golden puppy but are so fearful about another heartbreaking bout with cancer.
I'm sure that many of you have been through these heartbreaks and have had similar thoughts. And I also know there is no answer to what seems to be a Golden cancer epidemic.
I'd love to hear your opinions about how we go about adopting and raising a new Golden. Do we look for cancer history in a puppy's pedigree? Coefficient of Inbreeding? The longevity pedigree? Or eliminate some toxins like topical tick & flea treatment? Or different nutrition? Or is cancer in Goldens just a random stroke of bad luck?
As I said...I know there is no clear answer but would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks in advance!
My wife and I have had Goldens as family members for the past 45 years. We've lost all but one to some form of cancer, and most were under the age of 10. We just lost our precious Molly to Histiocytic Sarcoma at the age of 7 1/2.
We are devastated and wonder about changing to a different breed or not having a dog at all. But we've always had Goldens and can't imagine life without one..like now with such an empty house.
We are thinking of adopting another Golden puppy but are so fearful about another heartbreaking bout with cancer.
I'm sure that many of you have been through these heartbreaks and have had similar thoughts. And I also know there is no answer to what seems to be a Golden cancer epidemic.
I'd love to hear your opinions about how we go about adopting and raising a new Golden. Do we look for cancer history in a puppy's pedigree? Coefficient of Inbreeding? The longevity pedigree? Or eliminate some toxins like topical tick & flea treatment? Or different nutrition? Or is cancer in Goldens just a random stroke of bad luck?
As I said...I know there is no clear answer but would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks in advance!