[Sliver]

We recently, suddenly, and tragically lost our beloved golden of 8 years to hemangiosarcoma. For the past couple of days I've been doing research on golden breeding practices, genetics and cancer as I consider finding another, which brought me here to this forum.

I also found a local golden retriever rescue shelter, and it is truly heartbreaking. Most of the available dogs are over 8 years old, and reading through the histories for each dog is heart wrenching, I wish I could bring all of them home. I get that there are people who just aren't dog people, but I just cannot fathom how someone can live with a golden for a decade or more and then nonchalantly abandon it. Over and over I saw stories such as "owners were contacted and did not want dog back" or "owners were sick of taking care of the dog". I don't understand what kind of cold, heartless, empty person could not let such wonderful animals into their hearts after all that time, what kind of people could do this and live with themselves. It makes me feel ashamed to be a human.

So now my dilemma is between a new puppy, which my son is craving (and me too of course, who doesn't love puppies!?) and giving one of these beautiful older dogs who got the short end of the stick in life a couple years of happiness before ultimately breaking our hearts again. I feel guilty already for even considering a puppy while these great dogs remain homeless, but it also seems like emotional abuse to put our family through this again so soon.

 

[Faith's mommy]

so sorry for your loss.

just a warning, this forum is probably the wrong place to ask that kind of question. we'll have a rescue dog in your home faster than you can blink.

i suggest doing both - puppy and older dog :yes:

 

[missmarstar]

Get both!!

 

[MyMaggieGirl]

I was going to suggest the same - puppy and older dog. So sorry for your loss, that dreaded "c" is just evil. I've only had two dogs in my adult life and got them both as adults so I"ve never experienced puppy breath nor have I experienced chewing, housebreaking, etc. I am an advocate for the older dog, just my opinion! Either way, it sounds like you have so much love to give that whichever way you go, that dog will win out in the long run. Good luck!

 

[Tahnee GR]

I'm with doing both Honestly, I find that the mix of a puppy and an older GR is just great, as long as the older dog is not seriously ill or incapacitated.

 

[sammydog]

I am very sorry about your loss. I am not sure what you should do about another dog. I just love puppies too much to not start there.

I also know what you mean about people... I was at Petco and some local rescue groups have cats there to adopt. They each had their stories posted on the cage. It was just heartbreaking, I left the store on the verge of tears.

Good luck with your search...

 

[mdoats]

How old is your son?

 

[rosemary]

i personally would be quite happy with one of each

 

[Sliver]

Wow thanks for all the quick replies. My son is 10 years old, we've had this dog since he was a toddler and he's taking it pretty hard.

Two dogs isn't out of the question, but I also don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

 

[GoldenHeart6-2]

We recently, suddenly, and tragically lost our beloved golden of 8 years to hemangiosarcoma. For the past couple of days I've been doing research on golden breeding practices, genetics and cancer as I consider finding another, which brought me here to this forum.

We lost our Samantha at 8 also tragically to hemangiosarcoma last month! Please read my thread~~ Our angel Samantha was only 8!

I understand EXACTLY what you are going through because we are too!!!!

 

[jlc's mom]

First, i'm so sorry for your sudden loss. I'm so happy you are able to think about adding another golden into your home. I would go for the rescue but that is just me.

About the older dogs going into rescues I have to say at least they found a rescue for them. I don't agree that the owner should of put there older dog (or any dog) in there I think that is just the most ^&$*#&$*&( thing to do to them. Our new addition was found just wandering the streets ready to be hit by a car. Looked for the owner and they were no where to be found so they just dumped her in the streets.

 

[Penny & Maggie's Mom]

Those who work rescue are angels. They see this callousness day in and day out, and are committed to finding these sweethearts loving forever homes. I know we'll always have at least one rescue in our home. Take the time to decide what's best for your family...... perhaps a younger rescue would fit the bill????

 

[Sliver]

We lost our Samantha at 8 also tragically to hemangiosarcoma last month! Please read my thread~~ Our angel Samantha was only 8!

I understand EXACTLY what you are going through because we are too!!!!

Yep I read your thread, in fact that thread was my entry point to this forum after Googling for hemangiosarcoma. You have my condolences, sadly it seems one thing most golden lovers have in common is heart ache.

 

[cubbysan]

We currently have an adult Golden that we got from a very reputable breeder as a puppy. Once I came to this board, I at times feel so guilty for not rescuing.

Now that Brady is an adult, we are looking to rescue. We started by looking at young adults, because I too do not want my children to go through the pain of losing a pet so soon. In the past few years we lost 3 elderly dogs and one elderly cat. We now are currently trying to adopt a 12 week old puppy that was rescued.

Talk with the rescues, and they will try to find a match for you and your family. I say go for two dogs too. Goldens love playmates.

 

[Bob Dylan]

so sorry for your loss.

just a warning, this forum is probably the wrong place to ask that kind of question. we'll have a rescue dog in your home faster than you can blink.

i suggest doing both - puppy and older dog :yes:

I totally agree, I now have two older rescues and keep thinking about puppies but the joy my older ones have brought into our home is priceless........

 

[sammydog]

Wow thanks for all the quick replies. My son is 10 years old, we've had this dog since he was a toddler and he's taking it pretty hard.

Two dogs isn't out of the question, but I also don't want to bite off more than I can chew.

If getting two is not out of the question, then what about starting with an older rescue and then once things have settled in begin a search for a puppy?

 

[mylissyk]

How about adopting a Golden puppy from a rescue? They do come in occasionally. Golden Ret Rescue of N. TX currently has two female puppies 3.5 months old. Check with the rescues near you, you may be able to adopt a puppy from rescue.

http://www.grca-nrc.org/state_listing.html

 

[Evil Eagle]

Sorry for your loss. I too had that decision to go through. I had two poms growing up and we had to have the bigger one put down, so 6 months later of course the small one passed away. Ultimately I chose to go the puppy route. But I am sure which ever decision you make will be the right one.

 

[Jackson'sMom]

Rescue is the way to go!

 

[missmarstar]

If getting two is not out of the question, then what about starting with an older rescue and then once things have settled in begin a search for a puppy?

That's what I would recommend... an older (well behaved) dog can be an invaluable tool for helping teach a puppy the right and wrong ways of behaving as well as proper doggie language.