First off I haven't not had a Golden in my life and household for over 25 years.

My current boy Finn is a young-senior rescue Golden I've now owned for 7 years.. He has been diagnosed with lung cancer. He is breathing heavier and frequently clearing this throat and lungs. I suspect the tough decision will need to be made within months. I hope he proves me wrong!

I have been looking at breeders for both Goldens and Leonbergers. Leo's seem to be oversized Goldens to me, and I can't believe I am considering changing breeds after Finn. I'm afraid the only way to settle this will be two dogs. A Golden and a Leo... I better start shopping for a new vacuum as well.

Welcome to the forum! I'm so sorry that Finn isn't doing well, you will find (sadly) that you are in good company on this forum because so many have been down that road. We would love to see photos of your boy and hear all about him whenever you feel like it.

You'll find this place to be a great resource for checking on new golden breeders (or maybe rescue ?). I've learned so much here.

I have to tell you that I absolutely love Leonbergers My best friend had one and he was the biggest love, just a big goofball. He suffered from hip dysplasia and only made it to about 9. I imagine you will have to be very careful if you choose to go that route. I've met a couple at dog shows and they were just as sweet and fun as my friend's dog.

Start shopping for the new vaccum!

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Ellie and Mack

Always happy to share photo's and stories of my Goldens. I had two that grew up together as my oldest kids in Hawaii. They lived to be 13 and 16. Shortly after Bonzi, my 16 year old boy past away, we rescued Finn from Sooner Golden Retriever Rescue (SGRR). A great outfit that was recently in the news with Tanner the blind GR.

Here is Finn a few months after we rescued him.




A much more recent photo... Is is rather spoiled before being diagnosed, but now that the family is aware out time with him is getting shorter, I'm getting a bit jealous of his attention.

Love the pictures!! What a sweetheart!

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-Valerie

Finn looks like a real doll. I'm so sorry he's been diagnosed with that doG-awful cancer. I became friends with a woman on another forum who has a wonderful, sweet Leonberger, Cleo. I am quite enamored with this gentle giant. If you go to the Leonberger Club of America (google) and look at their breeder referral you'll find a well respected breeder in North Texas. I've looked at their website several times. She may be a good contact person for you. I hope your sweet boy does prove you wrong and that he has much more quality time. Please give him an ear rub from me.

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Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

I've been all over the LCA site, and I'm on the "LEOLIST" msg forum. I've already receive offers from members to transport puppies from Michigan to OKC because they had a familly member in my area... Truly dedicated owners.

I've been to the Kalahari site a few times in the past year, and also recieved an email from an owner of one of their very successful offspring with nothing but praise and recommending I get in touch with Julia about future litters. They also happen to be the closest breeder. I've heard from others around the country, but I would much rather face to face, and face to puppy breath during the process.

Thanks for the reply and concern for Finn!

Keep us posted!!! Our prayers are with Finn and your family. He is blessed to have you to walk this final journey with him.

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Betty and the Dallas crew


“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” A. France

Thanks for putting up Finn's pix... they are both beautiful shots and he just has a look about him. Such a soul looking out at you.

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Ellie and Mack

Your welcome..

Yes, He is a very easy dog to read. My previous Goldens where owned 8 weeks to passing of old age. Finn being a rescue was different. He always just seem more thankful for every little thing you did for him.

To this day.. I get licks to the face when I bendover to fill his water bowl, and he is not a face licker.

He never gets enough attention, you can pet him for an hour straight, but the moment you stop he is going to be less than subtle about his wishes that you continue.

I gotta quit typiing this!

Ahhhh, He is so going to be missed and irrereplaceable!

Hi and welcome,

Finn is so beautiful, I am so sorry to hear about his health. I am one of those who had to let their 15.5 yr. old boy go last year- knowing the inevitable will come even though you think you are prepared, is very difficult. My thoughts are with you and I hope Finn surprises you by deciding his time isn't for quite awhile yet. Cherish each and every day you have with him, as each moment is a very special gift.

I agree, the Rescues are so very thankful for everything you do for them and give them, but especially for the love and home you give them.

My two current goldens are both Rescues-I adopted my girl through one of the GR Rescues in my state, she is a former puppy mill momma with a long story and an even longer journey and I adopted my boy last year from my County Humane Society after we had to let our old guy go.

I hope you will keep us up to date on Finn, he's so precious.