Hello! I have been reading, researching and occasionally commenting on this site for a couple of months now, and have yet to introduce myself, so I thought I finally would.

My husband and I lost our beloved first dog together, Monte, in July right after our wedding. Monte was the love of our lives, and depended on us for everything, including sustaining his life. My husband never had a dog growing up but always wanted a Rottweiler, and when we were dating, I decided to get him (us) a dog for his birthday. Monte was actually purchased off of craigslist from a woman who claimed that her dog accidentally bred with the neighbors dog, and at the time we were younger and naive so we didn't think twice. Also, my husband wanted a Rottweiler, but I wouldn't get a Rottie unless it had a tail, and I think the stars aligned at the time and we found Monte. He was a wonderful dog...very loving, loyal, mild mannered and absolutely beautiful. We would often get stopped on the street to ask what kind of dog he was since he looked like a Lab/Rottie mix. Anyways though, Monte's life was compromised from a young age due to genetic health issues (severe hip dysplasia at 6 months and bad food and environmental allergies). But, when Monte was 4 years old, he was almost killed by a veterinarian and lived for an additional 3 years until we had to put him down this past July when he was 7 years old. Throughout the three years, Monte had suffered from a failing liver that was due to the vet's negligence, and subsequent other disorders, some as a result of what had happened, and some other random issues. We fought long and hard for our Monte, and spent so much money, energy and time fighting with and for him. We live in California where pets are considered property, so you can only get the "replacement" cost if something happens to your dog. We ended up taking the vet to small claims court and won, and also settled with another company that was involved. Monte was a very strong dog, and in fact, is the only dog on record to have survived such a catastrophic medical issue. Since Monte was so strong, we always tried to be strong as well and in the end, it was a very hard decision to make but I know in my heart of hearts that he is no longer suffering, and that my Dad is taking good care of him.

So that brings us to now....I grew up with dogs and always wanted a Golden Retriever, but my parents always got me Labs instead After Monte passed away, my husband and I started researching breeders and the whole process of buying a golden from a breeder (what to ask, what to look for, etc). This site has been really beneficial, and after talking to a few breeders, we picked one we really like. She is a well respected breeder who has been recommended several times on this site. They were supposed to have a litter due in September but the mom reabsorbed the puppies. It was really disappointing for us as we are itching to have that love again, but luckily, one of their other females went into heat a couple of weeks ago and was recently bred. Now, we are patiently waiting (well trying to be patient) for puppies to be confirmed at the end of November. We are crossing our fingers that it works out this time and if not, I guess we will go back to the drawing board, although I'm really wishing and praying that doesn't happen.

My husband and I are extremely devoted, loving, caring and conscientious dog owners who are really looking forward to having a healthy, happy, and wonderful dog that will be part of our family. Getting a healthy dog is really important to us, and I know once we are finally able to get a puppy I will be really anxious about health related issues, and I know at some point I'll need to let that go and trust that our breeder will have given us a wonderfully healthy little guy. Until that time though, I'll continue to live vicariously through all of you and wish every night for a new little one.

Thanks for letting me be a part of this community, and I think it is a great resource that I hope I get to use often in the future.

Welcome to GRF!

That's a shame your Monte suffered for so much of his life. It must have been hard on you and your husband. I hope you can get your dream Goldie. It sounds like you will. Come back and keep us posted!

__________________
Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

Welcome to the forum, I'm sorry to hear about Monte. Would like to see pics if you care to share.

__________________

Thank you both so much for the warm welcomes!=) I really enjoy this site and hope that I will be getting good news in the near future that I can share with you all. I've really enjoyed reading your posts and seeing your pictures and since I don't have a golden of my own yet, I'll continue to live through your happiness and funny stories that come through on this forum!

Thank you also for asking to see pictures of Monte. Here is my angel....

Attached Thumbnails

 

Attached Images

   

So sorry for the loss of Monte. He was a beautiful boy.

Hope everything works out for your upcoming Golden Retriever.

__________________
Dave

Welcome, so very sorry for the loss of Monte, he was a beautiful boy and I know he is greatly missed.

Best of luck to you in your search for your Golden.

Monte is truly a gorgeous boy. I'm sorry he had to go through so much in his short life. I will look forward to hearing about your new puppy!

Welcome to the forum....your Monte was beautiful!!!!

Look forward to seeing pics of your new Golden baby!!

__________________







Reno, Austin, Lincoln & Lexxington on Facebook

Thanks everyone! Monte's vet used to say that all of his good genes went to his looks, and unfortunately, not his health.

We should know if the golden puppies are confirmed around Thanksgiving so I will let you all know. Fingers crossed xx it all works out for us. Both of the dogs have excellent clearances, and actually both have more than the 4 normal ones, and they both come from reputable breeders. We trust them completely, but just want someone to get pregnant

Thanks again for all the well wishes and condolences! We are eagerly awaiting a new addition to our family, hopefully soon!

Welcome to the forum. I am very sorry for the loss of your Monte. He was a beautiful boy.

__________________

9 & half short years in my life but forever in my heart http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...-my-buddy.html
"He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever" - Patricia McConnell

Charlie could watch birds for hours and I could watch Charlie for hours too http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...n-morning.html