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Hello from Alpharetta, GA

498 views 7 replies 7 participants last post by  TonyL 
#1 ·
Hi Folks:


Unfortunately, I lost my third GR to cancer last night. I am thankful that this one was 12.5 (which I know is a good age). His brother was only 8. I don't get this. All top-bred dogs, ate premium micro-produced food, etc..


I would love another one, but I am scared to death.


I watched PDE on the BBC (documentary), and that was very disturbing. Sorry for my first post being so down. I guess I am looking for answers and next steps.


Thank you for reading.
 
#3 ·
Hello TonyL and welcome from Brisby and I in Ontario, Canada.

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your boy and your 2 previous dogs to this horrible disease which almost seems to be felling Goldens like a plague.

I totally understand your reservation, as I too lost my previous GR to cancer ( hemangiosarcoma).

For me, once having a GR I knew there was no other breed for me, although I love all dogs and animals.

The best we can do and what I am trying to do for Brisby is to do all I can from an environmental perspective to give her the best chance possible to lead a long, healthy and cancer free life. My approach is to feed only natural home cooked & raw, natural treats, limit over vaccination by running titers, limiting antibiotics/drugs unless absolutely necessary, using natural non toxic methods to deter ticks/fleas in lieu of feeding neurotoxins, using natural cleaning products etc. I have no idea if this will do anything to prevent this dreaded disease we as GR owners all are too very aware of, however at minimum I know I have done my best to limit if not eliminate any catalyst that I am aware of that may act as catalyst.

Also many thanks for the mention of the documentary PDE ( Pedigree Dogs Exposed). It was a difficult watch, however very interesting despite being extremely disturbing.

For those interested in the do, here is a link:

https://vimeo.com/17558275

Again my deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious boy.
 
#4 ·
Welcome!
So sorry to hear about your loss. It's always a punch in the gut when you lose them.

I know all to well the struggle with cancer taking our dogs.

Our trainer was a breeder of champion Goldens for many years, but after she lost her last few to cancer she pretty much gave up on the breed because of the cancer rates. She loves them - but she just can't breed them anymore...

We lost our girl in June and struggled with the idea of getting another but are currently in the process of getting approved to rescue - perhaps a golden from Turkey. We hope that if that works out we may get a cancer break. We also struggle for answers - we've had puppy mill dogs and well bred dogs - one was a rescue who didn't even spend the first 5 years of her life with us... all gone at 10 to Hemangiosarcoma and we wonder "what is with this curse".

We all wish we had the answers - regardless it's a great forum to share - post a tribute over in the rainbow bridge section, tell funny stories in the Share Your Golden Memories thread. Hopefully you can at least find some comfort here.
 
#5 ·
TonyL

Tony: Welcome to you and I am so sorry about the loss of your two Goldens.
If you want to email me their names, your name and the date and year you lost them both, I will add them to the Rainbow Bridge Lists.

Karen
karenvans@comcast.net
 
#6 ·
Am so sorry to read of your loss. It's never easy to lose our fur-kids. It's so gut-wrenching. Cancer is so rampant in this breed that it's scary. However like most of us on this forum, I'd get another golden. It's the only breed I'd get. Love them, spoil them and enjoy every moment while they're with us. Again, my condolences.
 
#7 ·
I am so sorry about your loss.
 
#8 ·
Wow! What a wonderful, warm, and consoling group of folks. What should I have expected from GR lovers? There really is no other breed for my wife and me. I spoke at length to my breeder in PA (I am originally from NYC, Queens, Bronx, LI), and was telling me that less than 30 years ago, GR lived until 16 to even 17. Presently, 12 is considered decent age. As all have mentioned, you can just do all that you can and enjoy ever moment while you are with them.


Thank you again for reading, your support, and condolences.
 
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