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6839387 tn?1385678093

Kidney failure - specifics

Hi everyone,

I am glad to have found this supportive place even though I hate becoming a member of the renal failure club.  I know there are lots of threads here on renal failure and I am reading them all, but so many seem to lack specifics.  I am hoping someone here can respond to my dog's info and give me some idea if a dog with these numbers has ever stabilized or if I am looking at days of quality time instead of months.  I am also hoping for support here because I am am not very social and I don't have many human friends and I know I am headed for awful awful times.  I am terrified.

My dog's name is Zeus.  He is a big fluffy golden retriever / sheltie mix who loves everyone.  Always happy.  Always the sweetest dog.  He is ten years old.  He has two "siblings", a whoodle who is 9 years old named Gracie, and a small fierce sheltie mix named Pearl.

I did not know Zeus was sick.  He was drinking and peeing more, but I thought that was normal for a 10 year old dog.  Zeus had a stroke as a baby, so he has always been a little wobbly and odd, so I did not notice anything extra odd going on.  He went for a dental Friday (11/15) and it apparently exacerbated an underlying kidney issue.  As I said, I did not know he was sick, so I had not had blood work done before, so I do not know when this all started.  But on that day, 11/15, his creatinine was 5.8 and his bun was 90.  

It has been such a horrible long week.  

He was eating fine until the dental.  Now getting anything into him is such a challenge.  He has high calcium levels so I cannot use Tums, so he started an aluminum phosphate blocker yesterday.  He started Pepcid AC a week ago.  And he has been on anti-biotics.  Those end tomorrow.  I have prescription diet stuff for him, but he will not touch it.  Sometimes he will eat some hamburger and rice, sometimes some chicken and rice, sometimes some limited ingredient duck and potato treats.  But never enough of anything.  I tried adding tripe because I had heard good things, but he does not want that either.  He seems to like eggs, so he gets egg sometimes.  Overall, I would say I am getting about a third as much food into him as I should on a daily basis.

I started SubQ fluids on Friday 11/22.  

All throughout this time, he has had tons of energy, goes for walks, plays with his toys, and seems like himself.  Just not eating.  

He threw up a few times after the dental.  My vet had started him on Enalapril and I do not think he could tolerate it.  I took him off it - with her approval - about a week ago and he has only thrown up once since then.

Can anyone help me get some perspective on this?  Could he stabilize and live a year or two?  Or is that out of the question?  Can I count on him getting some appetite back and at least having his current quality of life for a few months?  Or am I looking at weeks?  I know there is no formula for this, but if anyone has anecdotal evidence of a dog around this age with these numbers doing okay for any length of time, I could use the inspiration.

Also, on of the things that sometimes inspires him to eat is if I call the food "treats" and give these "treats" to his "sisters".  The competitiveness sometimes makes him eat.  Of course, I only give the girls very small amounts while trying to get him to eat larger amounts.  But I am wondering, is there anything about the canned LP diets or about the homecooked stuff that could be bad for my girls if they eat it in small amounts daily?  Usually, they all eat Natural Balance limited ingredient Duck and Potato food.

Thank you for any help you can lend.  I really really appreciate having somewhere to share this.

Melissa

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6839387 tn?1385678093
Thanks, Tony, for sharing your experience.  I am picking up Zeus' remains tomorrow and I think I will be able to do it without getting emotional at the clinic.  Right now, I am in a phase where every reminder that he is gone just makes me mad.

I will not be scattering his ashes.  I will be keeping them.

Thanks, again, for all of the support.  You make me feel better.  I am sorry for your loss, too, Tony.

Have a great weekend,

Melissa
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1916673 tn?1420233270
I know. Some people find it comforting - others find it a reality crash. I had the same experience with BBs ashes. Suddenly, it was all too real and it hurt like hell. Take someone with you when you pick them up, because it can be very emotional - though most vets do this all day every day, so for them it's just business. If you are going to scatter the ashes, keep a little back in a small container - then, if you decide in the future to move or go somewhere else or have a different plan, you still have some ashes to take with you. Just remember, the ashes are only Zeus's physical being. His love, loyalty, companionship and character are safe in your heart, and will be there forever. Tony x
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6839387 tn?1385678093
The vet just called to say that Zeus' ashes can be picked up.  I want to scream and break things.  I hate that my best friend is ashes!!!  :(

I miss my boy.
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1916673 tn?1420233270
Absolutely. In the past, I have worked in boarding kennels, shown dogs at Crufts, been a dog groomer and worked in pet stores (where lots of backyard breeders sell their stock). Those experiences taught me many lessons about the dog industry - sadly called, but accurately called - not least that breeders are in it for money and money alone. I am not saying some don't love their dogs and care appropriately for the puppies produced, but unlike shelters, they are rarely in it for the betterment of the dogs - just for the financial betterment of themselves. Xxx
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6839387 tn?1385678093
I feel compelled to add that the Humane Society website says, "The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized."  When people adopt a pet from a breeder, it gives that breeder an incentive to breed more.  The fact that Jane helped out an elderly dog who had a prey drive that was probably well honed during his time living hungry and possibly outside does not mean that shelter animals are more prone to problems than breeder animals.  Most of us can attest to the opposite.  There are many many stories online about people adopting animals from breeders that had a wide array of genetic problems and behavior problems from being bred irresponsibly, weaned too early, raised without socialization, etc. etc.

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6839387 tn?1385678093
Hi gang,

I was just replying to the thread in general, not to anyone specifically.  And of course I was not attacking anyone, that is ridiculous.  I just posted some info about my experiences.  

Melissa
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1916673 tn?1420233270
I know what you mean. I thought when I was putting the tree up, hell, it only seems like yesterday I was taking it down. Ha. It's been a busy year for me, mainly working on our house - which is a massive DIY project and much needs doing - and I'm starting to feel my age. Two steps forward, one back, kind of thing - and a bit of a rest is needed between the steps.

The new addition - Sally the Greyhound - is settling in well, though incredibly mischievous and very cheeky. I think she learned a few skills in her kenneled racing days, like how to steal food, because you need eyes in the back of your head with her. But she's a real character, all the same, and a great chum for Giro who's as submissive as ever.

Glad you approve of the dog food article. I've done a few recently, partly to prevent myself repeating things on the forum - it's easier just to ask people to 'read this' than go through the same information from scratch each time. I keep wanting to do something on kidney disease, but it's so enormous a task, I keep backtracking it.

Sorry to hear about your twin sister ... but happy all worked out well in the end. See you in the threads ... Love, Tony x
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462827 tn?1333168952
Hey Tony...Maybe I'm reviewing the "wrong one"! I personally don't see a threatening one, but was trying to narrow it down.  :)  No, Your comment was excellent as usual!
Thank you, Our Christmas was delayed for 2 days.....The gathering is at my twin sister's house & she woke up deathly ill Christmas morning....We had to put all our food on hold which was a little different.....We celebrated Friday evening and all went well....
Happy New Year Tony, to you and your crew! Hard to believe another one is gone, huh?????  Love, Karla

P.S. I LOVED your article on dog foods.....You knew I would agree didn't you?  :)  
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1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Karla. Okay, maybe someone pressed the wrong button because the message I was referring to says from tashainpeterborough To: MelissaLovesDogs. That said, I still don't get it. Have you written something I can't see? If not, I think my comments still stand as I can't see why anyone would think any message here is an attack on anyone else ... perhaps some folk just got out the wrong side of the bed this morning. Hope you and yours have had a lovely Christmas. Tony x
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462827 tn?1333168952
For the record:  MelissaLovesDogs comments  (In question) were to "ME", NOT to Jane........

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1916673 tn?1420233270
Hello Jane. The trouble with texts, emails and many other forms of non-person-to-person communication is ... we often misread or misinterpret things. When you can't see people's expressions, the tone of their voice or the body behavior, and then read a message sent perhaps too quickly without letting what has been written sit there for a while, while it is thought about and absorbed ... it can lead to the wrong conclusion.

I don't believe MelissaLovesDogs has written anything to you that should or could be interpreted as being an attack. In fact, quite the opposite, I think she is saying exactly what I believe is right, that rescue dogs are by far a better option than going to a breeder. And it isn't necessarily the kind of dog, it's behavior, it's health or any other aspect of the dog itself that is at issue (all dogs are different, some are healthier than others and some are prone to bad health juts because it's the genetics of the breed or its parentage) ... but there is a certain difference .... rescue centers only want to find a loving home for those in their care, whereas almost all breeders want to dispose of their pups so they can bank your payment.

Saying this is not an attack on you. It's just a fact that buyers of new puppies should and need to be made aware of. While lots of people still buy from breeders, even when reminded about rescue shelters, is something I can never quite understand - but that's their decision, and that's fine. As I said before, maybe it's because they want a particular breed, or a young puppy, or .... whatever. But while we line the pockets of breeders, we encourage more dogs to be born - and ultimately, more dogs to become abandoned and end up in shelters.

It's a hotly debated issue on this forum - and certainly no reason for falling out with anyone. So, please either join the debate and enjoy crossing swords (but without getting angry or irritated about it), or just move on to another subject if you feel that one has been exhausted or is going no where.

I'm sure MelissaLovesDogs will respond in her own way and in her own words - but I would be shocked and surprised if she thought she was attacking you in any way over what you decided about buying from a breeder. We all have different opinions (thank heavens), and we are all just trying to help and be supportive in any way we can.

Tony x
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Avatar universal
Hi Melissa,

You don't seem to give any credit for the 4 rescues I do have.

When I adopted bailey, I first asked if I could bring him home first to see how he got along with my cats.  They said no.

I could not surrender him back to the humane society. It was not a nice place.   I tried re-homing him through foster home based rescues.  No one would take him. The foster homes were all full.   The one who considered taking him if I could get his teeth done, would have tried, but as you read in my previous comments, he had cancer and was euthanized.

Before I adopted Bailey, I did go into foster home based rescue sites, and the dogs I did like were already on hold, or had a long list of possible adoptees, or very old and had lots of health issues ($$), or behaviour issues.

I tire of your attacks on me.  I am ending my posts to you here and now.

jane.
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1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Jane and Sammy. That's a heartfelt story and well done to you for giving Bailey at least some comfort and affection at the end of his life. But it's also a lesson ... that we should get as much info as we can when adopting ... just as MelissaLovesDogs says, ask and find out first whether the dog has chasing issues, cat issues, etc. and always introduce new members to the pack of other dogs and cats slowly and in a territory-free zone.

Your experience may not have been the best, but it was just one experience ... and I have never had anything but rescues throughout my life. All been good, albeit except one that I just couldn't help despite trying ... and most have been the most amazing companions and best friends anyone could wish for. Some rescues are so grateful for their new life, they seem to want to repay you every day by drenching you with affection and loyalty. And my last rescue, BB, who passed away a couple of years ago, was truly one in a million.

Our latest rescue, Sally the greyhound, is proving to be equally full of character, though far more mischievous, which we put down to the fact that although she is now almost 5yrs old, it is the first time in her entire life she has lived in a house and not a kennel. Despite some issues, she is amazingly good with other dogs - and loves to go introduce herself to even the smallest of toy dogs on the beach.

Like you, I would take every dog in if I could, but you are right ... we have to be realistic and sensible about things, sometimes. We have just the two, but they are enough for me to handle, because if I had more, I just wouldn't be able to take them out for runs and walks on my own. Tony x
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Avatar universal
Hi tony,

Yes, one year ago, I adopted a 12 y/o lab / hound cross.  He was all curled up in his kennel, skinny, shaking with an untouched bowl of food.  I took him out back for a little walk, and then I introduced him to my Yorkies, who happened to be in the car.  they got on fine.   No problem.  He had a hard life.  Sometime in his past, infection caused the vets to remove most of his tail.  It was bad to the bone.  When he was found the last time, he was tethered to a post next to a train track.  He was such a nice dog.  I decided to adopt him.  I didn't want the alternative for him.  And I wanted him out of that noisy kennel. I also knew that old dogs are hard to place.  I took him to the front desk, filled out the paperwork and paid for him.  Right then, he put his front legs up on my shoulders.  He was thanking me.  I loved my Bailey boy.

Unfortunately, Bailey wanted to eat my cat.  Not just chase. He was vicious.  I tried several trainers, and contacted behaviour specialists as to how I could get him to get along with my cat.  No one held out much hope for him.    He was old and set in his ways.  And he had hound in him.  

I took him to my groomer for what I think was his first groom ever.  He was not used to being handled like that, but did let them bathe him.

I had to separate the house so that my cat, whom I had for 11years, wouldn't get attacked.  My poor cat lived underneath my guest bed for 2 months.   It was awful.  It was stressful.

One lady at a rescue here suggested that I get his teeth cleaned, which clearly he had never had before.  I was willing to pay whatever to get him adoptable.  I made the appointment.

On the day of the dental, he sat in the front seat of my car.  Sat up pretty.  He loved car rides.  I took him into the vet and he trotted to the back with the vet tech.  That was the last time I ever saw my Bailey boy again.

IThey had to anaethesize him in order to handle him.  I let the vet take xrays of his hips, just to check them out, then on a hunch, they moved the xray machine up to his abdomen where they found cancer.  His hips turned up to be fine.  But the mass was palpable.  My bailey boy was euthanized while he was still sleepiig.   His last bit of happiness was the car ride.  I took some comfort in that.   I had given him probably the best 2 months of his life.  BUT it was at the expense of my cat.

So that is my experience with adoption.  I have 7 other animals here, 4 of which are rescues (no dogs tho)  and I just cannot take that risk again.

The puppies at the rescue would be adopted    I know that.  Puppies are adoptable.

So,, that is my story.  That is why I chose to get ``Chewbakà``

It was so sad.  I had the very best of intentions.  I would adopt the whole world of dogs if I could.  But I just have to put a limit on it.

gotta run,
Jane and Sammy,
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6839387 tn?1385678093
My dogs all came from rescues, but one was donated to the rescue for a fundraiser.  That one came from a breeder.  She is the only dog I have ever had from a breeder and she has had BY FAR the most problems of any of my dogs.  Behavior problems and physical problems.  I got her at ten weeks and have owned her for 8 and a half years and have accepted that many of her issues are with her for life.

The reason rescue dogs are such a great opportunity is because in many cases they live with foster families.  So you can learn a ton about them before deciding if they are a fit.  Things like whether they dig in the yard or jump fences or chase cats or chew furniture.  You can learn whether the dog is shy and nervous or bold and aggressive.  All that is such great information that you cannot get from a breeder.  Breeders have a vested interest in you buying their product.  Rescues are trying to save lives.
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462827 tn?1333168952
Hello Jane,

I too, wondered about "The Support". My questions are still the same. This:

"Each puppy is the same price.  There is far less paperwork to buy chewy than to buy a rescue, which I do understand."

caught my attention only as curious to what it meant. As a "director of the Rescue board" I always try to better our options. I understand the extra paperwork (Although ours is simple, some are not), but Rescues have good reason for this. We/they feel that any dog that comes into rescue has already been through enough trauma and we don't want it to happen to them again with their next home! So, paperwork and background checks are vital to insure that the dog is not dumped, abandoned, beat, neglected, starved, tied to a tree and left, or caught on fire ever again! Been there, done that type of thing!
I was more curious to price. I had no idea you could buy a puppy for the same price as an Adoption fee from a rescue! That was what I was trying to figure out!

However, our Rescues are up-to date on everything,  no matter what age, which includes: Medical wellness exam & written evaluation, All vaccines, All worming, Heart worm Test, EKG to check hearts & Spay/Neuter before we let them go.....Our adoption fee is $95.......If anything medically comes up after adoption, that we feel like may have started (Before adoption), we pay that medical bill also.....We don't feel that anything can compare to this as opposed to purchasing from a breeder , paying the fee, then up to new owner to get all medical evaluations, shots, worming, spay/neuter, etc. as another added expense. Again, I truly was only asking for added knowledge to make betterment of our program, certainly NOT to offend you!

I figure when people come here to ask questions, they want us to be honest which is what we strive to do....

Any decision you make will be the right one for you.....Good luck and enjoy your new guy/girl........Take care, Karla

P.S. "She is not a professional breeder that turns out one litter after another."

She CAN'T be a professional breeder because a "Shorkie" is not registered as a Breed. With any mix-breed, it's still a mutt! That makes her a "Backyard Breeder" and you should use caution!








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1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Jane and Sammy. Not entirely sure what you mean by 'I was really hoping on getting your support.' I don't think anything I or Karla have said should be taken as unsupportive. Maybe it doesn't agree with what you think about dog breeders, or your particular dog breeder, but then what is it you want us to say ... we can't just agree with things people say, just because they say them. Sorry to be blunt, but I would have to reiterate my statement here ... I don't trust any dog breeder, because they are more often than not only in it for the money.

I know there are lots and lots of people who get puppies from dog breeders ... particularly if someone is looking for a specific kind of dog or/and a young dog, but every puppy bought means there is one in a shelter or rescue center that's probably going to be put to sleep at some stage because no one has come forward to help them (but has gone to a breeder for their next best friend instead). It's heartbreaking, and never straightforward, but that's my view.

I'm kind of intrigued by what you say about not wanting to risk your 7 other pets with a rescue dog? It sounds like you had a bad experience with one in the past ... hat happened? Some rescued dogs do come with 'baggage', quite naturally, but many make the most extraordinarily loyal pets once they have settled. I really hope your one bad experience didn't put you off, because you can just happen to have a bad experience with a dog from a breeder too. As I said before, it's a bit of a lottery, dogs are not (should not be) chosen for their predetermined and expected off-the-shelf qualities but for the unique individuals they are and for the loyal trusted and loving companions they can become.

I've gone on too much, sorry. Whatever your decision, if it's right for you, then that's fair enough. I am happy to continue supporting with info if you wish, just please don't necessarily expect me to agree with something when I don't actually agree with it - because I'm definitely not that kind of person.

I really hope things work out just as you expect and you are able to offer a loving home to a new friend, wherever it is from. Have a lovely day. Tony x
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Avatar universal
Hi Karla and tony,

What I mean by buying from a home breeder rather than a rescue is that one has to jump through many hoops, red tape, with interviews and probably a home visit before I can buy the puppy. Also, there is no way to see their mother or father.

She is not a professional breeder that turns out one litter after another.  I have had 4 previous dogs from home breeders with no problems at all, until I got Tasha and Sammy.  And as I said, my daughter educated me in the ways of genetics so I understand what went so wrong with them..

I have spoken many times with the breeder and last night we met.  If she did not feel comfortable with me, or vica versa, then this purchase would not take place.
I have good instincts which I trust.  And the fact that an owner from a previous litter was buying another puppy from her is a good sign.
I had a very bad experience with a dog that I got from a humane society and do not wish  to repeat that experience.
We are meeting at our mutual vet tomorrow morning.  I will have the puppy checked out there.  He has been dewormed 3x and will get more shots at 10 weeks.

I saw his 2 sisters and his mum and they all looked healthy.  I cannot see into the future, but from what I already know now, he should be a healthy dog.

Karla, you volunteer at a rescue so I can understand where you are coming from, and tony I understand where you are coming from.  I have 7 other pets here and cannot risk another rescue for their sake.

I do plan on volunteering at a local humane society.  I will do my part for homeless pets.  I have already got 4 other rescues.  I have done my bit.

I was really hoping on getting your support.

Jane and sammy
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6839387 tn?1385678093
Thank you, again, for your support.  It really helps.  I am slowly making my peace with things.  In the morning, before Zeus died, I played with him with his rope and I took some pictures.  I am having two of them printed on stretched canvas and they should be here soon.  I want them badly.  I want to see him.  I miss him so much.  I miss my baby.  Thanks for caring.
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1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Jane and Sammy. The bad weather has had me up since the early hours, so half asleep but responding to a few MedHelpers ... listen to the advanced warning from Karla (above). You might have gathered from my earlier posts on this and other forums that generally speaking I am not fond of dog breeders. There are many reasons for this, which would take a long time to fully explain, but let's just say that ALL the breeders I have known (and I have met and talked to a huge number) are in it for the money, not the love of dogs.

So, all potential buyers of puppies should approach breeders with extreme caution, ask questions, and have any puppy closely examined, check paperwork, etc. The problem is, if you become over attached to one puppy (like you may have already done) then it may be too late if you find out bad things about the breeder or the litter. Heart over head is not always a good thing, despite it being totally understandable.

I personally would never buy from a breeder. But my main reason for this is there are just so many thousands of abandoned dogs wanting and needing good homes, I always go to rescue centers. I also rarely buy young dogs, because older dogs are left on the shelf to live a life in kennels - and if I can help just one have a few years (sometimes it's been just a few months) of happiness, love and contentment - then so be it.

One other thing, breeders sometimes let their pups go too early. Pups must be with their mothers until 8 weeks old, at the very earliest. This is so the pups get the in-built protection contained in the mother's milk, and it is also essential for their emotional well-being and to learn about being a dog. Any breeder that allows puppies to be sold before this should be considered suspect.

Happy holidays to you both. Tony
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1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi Melissa,
I am so sorry to hear about Zeus. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
I know how difficult it was to make the decision to let Zeus go. My heart hurts for you. Try not to second guess yourself...you knew Zeus the best, and you only always wanted to do what was best for him. Thank-you for giving him such a good life.

I wish every pet in this world could find a loving home. Weegee is a lucky dog to be a part of your family. I am glad to hear that he is entertaining all of you with his antics. Your house is ready for some happiness...and Weegee is going to give it to you...!  Dogs are great.

Thank-you for sharing your thoughts Melissa. It will help so many people who have to make the same decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless Zeus's Beautiful Spirit and Soul.
Run Free Zeus.

Connie
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462827 tn?1333168952
WARNING: She, (the breeder) should already have had a Vet check (Or 2) on the puppies before they are sold and YOU should be presented w/ A Health Certificate (Signed by Vet). If this is not part of the purchase agreement, RUN!!!!

As an operator of a Rescue, would you please clarify this:

"Each puppy is the same price.  There is far less paperwork to buy chewy than to buy a rescue, which I do understand."

I'm just curious to what this means.....Thanks, Karla  
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Avatar universal
Hello Tony, I guess you are fast asleep right now.  I am on EST.

I just came back from looking at a baby shorkie (shiz tue (sp) yorkie cross),.  He looks like a fluffy stuffed animal that has legs that move.  He was so darn cute.  While I was looking at him, there was another adopter there visiting with their new baby shorkie.  This would be their second dog  from a previous litter.  That previous dog is now 2 and very healthy.   The fact he has come back for another bodes well for my little "chewy.

the owner has the same vet as I.  Even though I have fallen in love with this dog, I am going to get it vet checked, but I am sure he has no  problems.   She is going to meet us there tomorrow hopefully with the puppy.

I was thinking of adopting from a rescue, but I know that those puppies, when they are ready to go, will have no problem finding new owners.  

Each puppy is the same price.  There is far less paperwork to buy chewy than to buy a rescue, which I do understand.  

I did bring Sammy with me and left him in the car.  Mummy dog would not like a male being around her puppies.  But we did bring puppy out to my car to meet Sammy.   Sammy was so sweet, like I knew he would be.  He just sniffed puppy and wagged his tail.  No aggression whatsoever.  I actually think that Sammy will enjoy having a puppy around.

I am going to get a playpen with some sort of lid to protect Chewy from my cats, just in case they think he is a rat or something.  I would worry.

I am excited.   And I am glad Daddy has Tasha.

My daughter is an advanced paramedic who has nearly got her BSc and will be going to med school in the fall.  She explained to me about some of the genetic thing.   Has to do with dominant and recessive genes.   It would seem that both of my yorkies got the recessive genes in this breed. Combined, it was a disaster waiting to happen.  All of my other purebreds, all 4 of them, never had genetic problems specific to their breed like Sammy does and my poor Tasha did.   it was just really bad luck.

And I am so glad that I have your support in this.  Melissa also understands as she now has weegee.

Jane and Sammy and soon to be Chewy.

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1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Jane and Sammy. No, you're not crazy thinking about adopting a puppy, in fact, it's a very healthy thing to do. No newly adopted dog is a replacement of one that has gone, because all dogs are so very different. Adopting a new dog is a nice thing to do. All dogs need good homes. Tasha would be proud of you for doing it, I'm sure.

As for pure breeds versus cross breeds ... that's a massive question, and not as straightforward as you might think. It is, of course, all down to genes. Some cross breeds have bad genes, as do some pure breeds - I don't believe anyone can tell you which is healthier, because it is too generic.

Some good breeders know the genetics of their dogs so well that they may be able to say pups from their dogs are healthier. But, all pure breeds also have their own set of genetic problems. All my dogs have been rescue muts, except one from an early age, so I can't say from experience. I can say which breeds tend to have certain health issue traits, but even that is a generalization that some dogs tend to swerve.

It isn't true to say cross breeds get bad genes from both sides, they will get both good and bad genes from both sides, and in some cases they get mostly good, while others might get mostly bad. In fact, dogs are a bit of a lottery - a bit like humans - and sooner or later a bad gene will kick in, regardless.

I personally tend to feel that the most important part of a dog is its personality. Does it appear overtly aggressive? Does it seem to have too much nervous energy? Does it shy away from other dogs and/or humans? While some of these traits may be a result of being abandoned, in which case good homes and good owners might turn things around - others may have genetic issues, which means it will be much harder to socialize these dogs and have them become safe, happy and healthy hounds.

There's an old saying, there are no bad dogs - just bad owners - and I do tend to subscribe to that belief, for the most part.

Hope you have a pleasant day. Tony x
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