Hi Moon_Beam, As always, I appreciate your king, concerning words. I know there are MANY people out there hurting financially, etc.. These are trying times, times whereby the middle class is on the brink. For me, none of 'my' problems help a bit in me trying to heal from Steffie being gone. I know you can surely relate from what life had dealt you, and in an untimely fashion. Its TOUGH! Its HARD. Off and On, daily, I will think of certain things about Steffie, and it just kills me that she is gone. I think of you often Moon_Beam, and your beloved Noah. For your sake, I hope that Noah will be with you for many more years.

If my Business related problem doesn't work out in my favor, it won't really matter, because business hasn't been very promising for some time now. I will survive, but, I don't know what I will do from here out. It really wouldn't be that bad if Steffie was still alive. For me, in my lifetime, I have done many things that I enjoyed and wouldn't have done it any other way. I lived a frugal lifestyle and will continue to do so. But, as you know, our companions are our 'Ace-In-The-Hole'. You remove them from the mix,........Not Good.

Please don't take this out of context, but, since Steffie has been gone, I really and truly would not try to fight a serious illness if I ever contracted one. I need to stay healthy(which I Am) while my Parents are still alive, but, after they are gone, my roots will be severed. With the way our world is today, just people in general(thats not saying there are some good people out there still), I'm literally a square peg in a round hole. I was brought up at a very young age hunting and fishing with 'ONLY' my Father. We NEVER killed anything UNLESS it was to be 'Consumed'. I never hunted or fished with ANYONE ELSE my entire life. I quit hunting and fishing back in 2002 when my Father did because of his health.

So many things I used to love to do, but no longer because of the EXTREME costs of things, and I know I'm not the only one in that boat.

If ONLY Steffie could have lived AT LEAST another year. I can't get it out of my mind how she was cheated, BUT, I also know how LUCKY she was to live another 3.5 years with CKF. I NEVER forget that.

You and SummerHolly are ABSOLUTELY the ONLY two people I can relate to, and I don't even know either one of you. Theres not another single person I know thats fits the exact same profile as you, SummerHolly and myself, especially given the fact that each one of us has loved and cared for our companions for many reasons others cannot relate. Being single your whole life is not a cake walk, and far from it. Then as time goes by, you get older, you loose your Parents, etc., things change. Everyone will find themselves 'alone' in their later years, irregardless if you were married or single. 'Alone' meaning, not just without friends, but, alone without anyone that shares your exact same philosophy. Usually our Parents.

Thanks for all you do Moon_Beam. I hope you and Noah have had a peaceful weekend and an upcoming week.

You were smart to have found you a farm etc., whereby you are not living 10' from your neighbor, etc.. I'm sure you did it for your sanity. I live in somewhat the same type environment with no homes, people stuffed up into me and around me. If I want to test fire a weapon, I simply do it here with no worries from some 'New Age' AH, etc..

As I told Moon_Beam, I'm a square peg in a round hole in this New Age society in which we live. The only people I EVER had anything in common with, have either passed or not far off. My Parents and my companion have truly been my roots. That is my true happiness. BUT, Steffie was my main anchor, guiding light.

Maybe, Just maybe, Someday,....somehow, someone will finally admit that our animal kingdom(I exclude the human race) has always been way more intelligent than the human race couldn't ever have hoped to be.

Hi, Earl, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I am so smiling at what you share with us: "Maybe, Just maybe, Someday,....somehow, someone will finally admit that our animal kingdom (I exclude the human race) has always been way more intelligent than the human race couldn't ever have hoped to be." Throughout my life, even as a young child, I often commented to my family members that our non-human residents on this earth - - both wild and domestic - - are far more smarter than humans could ever hope to be. This was not well received by my parents and siblings. I have often told each of my beloved companions now with the angels, as well as my precious Noah, that I wish they could tell me how I could be a better caregiver for them instead of having to endure through my limited human intelligence.

I also personally can relate to how you feel when you share with us: "Please don't take this out of context, but, since Steffie has been gone, I really and truly would not try to fight a serious illness if I ever contracted one." I fully understand this is not an expression of a "death wish" or a contemplation of suicide. Throughout my life I have always been the "one left behind" - - and as one gets older, the resilience to pick oneself up after a loss becomes very thin and the Spirit becomes very weary. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, that somehow in some way you will find a renewal of your Spirit which will offer you encoruagement to endure through your remaining earthly journey.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Yes it is nice living where you can enjoy the peace and space and avoid people if I choose and my farming neighbours are nice. Most people I know would probably hate it LOL. I understand about the shared roots. Our family unit travelled and I went to 12 schools. My childhood was quite different and I have no shared childhood experiences in the country we finally landed in on a more permanent basis. So my parents and sister were it as far that is concerned. When my mother passes it will be like a complete severing of all of that. I really dread that day.

I suppose I am also definitely a square peg which is why I like living where I do, however I do enjoy it and as long as I have my dogs I am quite happy.

My take on it is that us humans squander our intelligence. We could actually be capable of great things, but unfortunately greed and power and the need to control seem to be winning and laying waste to the gifts that we have and the planet that we call home.

Animals can also be great opportunists and it is pretty cut throat out there and I see the feral animals lay waste to our beautiful native animals, sadly it is humans that have often laid the path to these inbalances. We can be incredibly smart and incredibly dumb.

I understand how you would feel like you do about serious illness but you wouldnt really want to go down that path, I hope you can find a way through this. I am not much help in that department because I still feel very resilient and I love listening to music, reading books by the fire and enjoying the sunsets and wild life around me and of course my dogs.

I do miss my Holly so much though. I thought about her all today. Now she was totally pure of spirit and had such a love of life. I defintely liked her more than most humans.

Hi Moon_Beam, The overall problem for me, is, there are just TOO many people now. Lakes and rivers and coastal areas are infested with people. My Father's boats that are here haven't been used in a long time. I have no desire to ever use them myself again, for many reasons, but, the main one being that my Father wouldn't be there while fishing. Just registering BOTH the 'trailer' and 'boat' is ~$120.00/yr.

Actually, a person doesn't own anything anymore,....thet rent. Especially your property/land. If you are middle class, it has become, literally, survival of the fittest, at the hands of local/state/federal politicians & lobbyists. Of course, this is what they want, 'The Rich' & 'The Poor'.........'Third World'. Our Grandparents would turn over in their graves if they knew what was happening, let alone knowing that one is only getting ~0.25% interest on your money at a bank, not to mention % on CD's that most depended on after going through the depression.

Yes, with all this pure insanity that surrounds us these days, our companions are still(and always have been) the only sane thing left. We ALL know their short longevity ahead of time, but as time goes by, we ALL fall into that trap and ignore the inevitable. With Steffie, for me, it WAS the ultimate knockout blow. It 'Is' what it 'Is' for me, and I don't expect any other person to understand my reasoning. As I've said before, and most would disregard this as total inaccuracy, but, it is not far off where having a companion will be considered a 'luxury',....'That Is', if you provide 'Excellent' non-ending care for your companion for it's entire life. It happens quite frequently where owners have their ill companions put to sleep at a premature age because they can't afford Vet expenses! I could NEVER think of such, let alone do it! Simply cannot believe ANYBODY could do this!? But, this is where people like yourself, SummerHolly and I enter the picture. Our 'TRUE' happiness is our companions. As times have changed, I personally know of no other form of 'Happiness'.

I was very observant of things in the wild while hunting for many years. Discrimination among ALL breeds of wildlife. Watching Snowgeese and Canadian Geese and Speckled Belly Geese ALL landing in SEPERATE areas of a rice field and NEVER intermingling. I watched Whitetail Deer NEVER associating with other Exotic Deer, and the same with exotics with other exotics. Same thing with Ducks, and you can go on and on. But, our local/state/federal governments say that ALL cultures are the same and that WE MUST intermingle or we shall be punished for it.

I simply find today's world a massive conglomeration of idiots and fools, traveling in a constant circle, not knowing how to get out of the way of their own feet.

Moon_Beam, I Thank You for much, but mostly for who you are and what you represent. I hope you and Noah have a blessed and peaceful day, evening and remaining week.

With my reply to Moon_Beam, I pretty well summed it up as per how I preceive today's world, let alone being a square peg. I watch these shows on tv dealing with people that have moved to Alaska. I can understand their reason(s), but, I don't think I could live in the apparent squalor they are living in. Especially not having an indoor bathroom.

Yes, not a day goes by that I don't think about or see something that brings Steffie to mind. I find it cruel though, that as time goes by, that, time is playing a cruel game by distancing the last time Steffie was alive and here.

Theres a lot to be said about 'Time'.

Yes not having an indoor bathroom in Alaska in the winter would be a challenge! I can relate to not wanting to go to places because of the crowds. I stopped going to many places I loved years ago, once only a handful of hardy people went there. Now with all the mod cons in situ and a lot of large shiny SUVs they are overflowing with people, often with very little idea. I have had to rescue quite a few people bogged on remote tracks and beaches. The rubbish that gets left behind and the general disrespect for these places is what puts me off too.

I also hate that time starts to distance us from Holly and Steffie. It is a strange feeling as it dulls slightly the acute hurt but it also makes it harder to hold on to their reality. I was just thinking about that.

"I also hate that time starts to distance us from Holly and Steffie. It is a strange feeling as it dulls slightly the acute hurt but it also makes it harder to hold on to their reality. I was just thinking about that."..............Everyday, I'll take time off and on to visualize Steffie, her doing certain things, the way she would trott along, every AM when I would sit down to eat breakfast, she would have the timing down perfect by listening to me in the kitchen when I was getting ready to finish my toast with honey. For years, I would cut four corners out of a piece of toast then put honey on it for her. She loved it. That.....I miss and it kills me now everythime I eat and do not hear her coming.

All of this is simply a crude form of punishment, not having them here anymore. It all just hurts like hell. I don't think its possible for two humans to love each other as much as you can your companion.

Yes I visualise Holly often, all the little things that she did that were so familiar. I find it still difficult to think that she is gone. I had never imagined a life without Holly in it. I think it would be difficult to love anything as much as I loved that dog. Still I feel lucky to have had her in my life and I love my other dogs, so I will just have to deal with it really. It is hard though as I want her back so much.

Yes, my exact feelings. For me, with the kidney failure in the ending days and months, my memory has been playing games with me as per trying to get her to eat, as if I didn't try hard enough. Then I of course remember all the desperate little details along the way that disproves such thoughts. There is simply nothing more enjoyable than seeing your dog eat ALL of their food with excitement AND wanting more. There is NOTHING worse than them showing signs of anorexia.

The one friend whose dog lost a bunch of weight and diagnosed with protein loosing nephropathy, is still eating, but the friend has been buying chicken in mass quantities for the change in diet. His wife tripped on a dog bed in their bedroom a week+ ago and broke her femur and will be released from therapy shortly(This is her dog). They have three dogs, but this particular one is his wife's pride and joy. All of this reminds me of exactly what I was going through at the absolute wrong time while I was trying to keep Steffie going. As with you, I'm sure you can relate. Its just so mind wrenching.

I'll never have my spirit back that I once had.

As with you, I Loved Steffie more than anyone could possibly know.

Yes the things we will do. I was in the supermarket the other day and they had chicken breast on special and I found myself buying large quantities and am now having to mash pumpkin and grate carrot and think about fat content when making up food for my dog with a suspected suscebtibility to pancreatitis. I spend more time cooking for her than I do me. Fortunately at the moment she is a young healthy and very sassy little dog and I hope to keep her healthy although pancreatitis can be unpredictable.

I just try to forget the bad details around the time leading up to the loss of Holly. They are very upsetting and there is nothing I can do to change them. For you it would be even harder because your battle for Steffies health was long and sustained.

Yes I fractured the head of my fibula and fractured a verterbra in the weeks preceding Hollys death which is why I wasnt on top of the situation and missed the signs I suspect, because I was in so much pain myself. Very bad timing.

Believe me, I feel for you. I hope your puppy pulls through. Having to make special meals becomes a priority and you usually forget about yourself. As we said before, as per all those negative things occurring at the very worst time, why.....why then? No doubt that you had it bad. You need a break, and I just hope for both, your puppy and your sake, that you are able to get the pancreatitis under control.

For me myself, I'm just trying to find some form of peace in my life. Every week my Sister informs me of something about my Parents thats upsetting. I have to depend on her for the correct story, not from my Parents. Parents are just a step away from assisted living. Then of course this idiotic 'ITAR' fee case that I sit here not knowing the outcome YET. It seems, everyday, I find it harder and harder to accept that Steffie is gone, and this isn't good.

Hang in there with your friend. I hope there is a positive outcome.

I am pretty positive I am on to it early, so will be dilligent and it should be fine. She is very full of energy.

Yes parents are a worry as they get old, my mother has been hit hard in the last few weeks with shingles. She has always been very fit and healthy and I forget sometimes how old she is and things like this can knock her around.

It is hard to accept they are gone, even me who is always pretty upbeat and positive still find it very hard to come to grips with Holly being gone, and I have my others to keep me company and sane so I can well imagine what it is like for you. Not so good at all.

Good to hear your buddy is doing good. You definitely need 'Positive'. We take it for granted when we simply put some normal food in a bowl for our dogs to eat, then they devour it. Its not a good feeling when we have to start a specialized feeding program, because, now, we are walking on pins and needles....technically.

Yesterday, I finally got to printing out some permanent pics of Steffie, to frame. There is one that still, just tears me to shreds. Everytime when we got back home from riding in the car, after I pulled in after opening gate, when I would get out of car, Steffie would always 'nose me' on my back as to 'hurry up and get out', so she could go sniffing for any unwanted entries while we were gone. This one picture was 10 days before she was gone, and she didn't get out of car. She just sat there with no desire to get out. Everytime I see that picture, I've always thought of how I wish the Vet would have taken care of me, the same time as Steffie. For the life of me, I just cannot get past Steffie's age! I would presently be doing a whole lot better, and I am really, BUT, I can't kick the age deal. I've tried, and I've tried to find an exit to this, but NOTHING seems to deminish it. Why I had mentioned before, that no one or any professional could do anything to eliminate it. Actually, I think it is a direct complication from allowing oneself to be consumed into the 'false hope' thing, when they have lived longer than you ever dreamed they would,.....in other words, immortality. I just pity anyone that has had to endure through the same set of circumstances.

I do know this,.........'IF' I 'EVER' got another, and 'IF' it was a purebred puppy,.......there is NO WAY I would entertain such if I detected 'INBREEDING' on the inheritance sheet. Yow, I know.......probably impossible this day and time. SURELY there is STILL a breeder out there that still believes he or she wouldn't mate with a human family blood line let alone breeding a canine family blood line!

As with you, I'm technically getting better, but, for me, I'll never have the zest for anything I once did. Its just 'It Is What It Is', and I'm older now, and once this type of damage is done, there is just no way to hide the permanent, noticeable scar.

Keep up the the positive progress with your Buddy.

I do understand the age thing, the scars from losing my father way too young are still there and particularly with my mother. I even think I lost Holly too young, I expected her to still be with me as her breed commonly is a very long lived breed and 16-21 is not uncommon. Friends of mine with great danes commmonly lose them around 8 yo.

It would be unusual to find a purebred pup with no inbreeding. It is also a very common practice among working dog breeders as they try and fix desirable working genes. It can be done successfully if as a breeder you are also breeding for health as a priority and really understand how to use inbreeding and not just chasing ribbons based on a certain look.

Sadly crossbred puppies can also have severe problems. My mothers poodle cross had health problems all her life and she was from a random cross and a friend euthanaised a mix she bought from a pet shop with severe hip dysplasia. My working dogs all have an element of inbreeding and they are exceptionally healthy and strong dogs, but come from breeders with very good proven working dogs on the ground. My dog with pancreatitis is a rescue dog so the details of her breeding is scetchy.

Some breeds seem to have had a higher level of poor breeding practices than others and I know where I lived the kennel club has moved to make health testing of certain conditions mandatory in some high risk breeds based on the large number of complaints coming from the public purchasing pedigree puppies. I renewed my membership recently as I compete in dog sports and for the first time I had to supply photo identity as apparently banned and suspended breeders are trying to register under different identities.

It does seem that there are more and more potentially unscrupulous breeders out there not to mention people taking advantage of the designer dog craze and operating puppy mills and charging big prices for crosses from dogs of debateable health and temperament, again certain laws have come into place by the government to try and stamp that out. Not sure how successful they will be.

I think it is just a fact that as we age we do become less resilient to loss. As youngsters it would seem that our whole life stretches out in front of us and we are busy with living. Age brings us closer to mortality eapecially when we start losing friend and animals. I have several friend who have lost the fight or are battling life threatening conditions and it really does hit one hard.

I was looking at my dogs yesterday and thinking that they are all of a similar age and that it is going to be hard work to say goodbye to each of them possibly fairly close together and I will be that much older. So I can only let myself think about that briefly and make sure I enjoy their living years.

Photos can be difficult especially ones taken just before you lose them. With Holly the ones taken very shortly before her death when I didnt know anything was wrong are particularly hard. I find that they are the ones that make me sad because they are closest to when you lost them. The ones of her as a young dog doing the dog sport she loved or running on the beach are the ones that make me smile.

There is no answer really to any of this. I will keeping missing Holly and some days will be worse than others. I will also keep loving my other dogs and be very grateful I have them despite the fact that I will one day have to say goodbye to each of them.

I've often wondered if those that get Great Danes, if they are aware of their short life expectancy. My nephew has one.

The whole thing with any breeder today is their 'costs' with litters, let alone what method they are using, such as frozen semen, etc.. All of them go into a litter with 'costs' at the forefront of their plans. Those that are going the frozen semen direction are most likely not inbreeding. Most of the good breeders have since retired. Irregardless, there are at least 500 known genetically transmitted diseases as a result of inbreeding.

Theres no eutopia, you just have to lesson the odds. Theres no doubt that 'Pet Stores' are your worst choice, then there are shelters. In this part of the world, heartworms are your number one threat as per getting a rescue/shelter dog.

Unfortunately, I'm at a crossroads due to my age. My Parent's ages and health, loosing Steffie at a disgraceful age after a long battle........theres not a blue sky presently or ahead, other than my health is good at the present. I definitely couldn't sustain another financial strain like I experienced with caring for Steffie. I often think back to 2011 when Steffie was diagnosed, and they asked me if I would permit a kidney biopsy for $1,000.00. I was already at ~$3,000.00 because of ALL the many tests that had to be run to 'rule out' ALL potential causes, not to mention all the return visits to monitor medications etc.. I would have gladly paid the $1,000 but it wouldn't have made any difference in the long run. In the last month/weeks, my Vet suggested doing a test for Addison's Disease, just to rule that out. When the test came back negative and while talking to the Vet, she even told me, "I hate to see you spend any more money".

Its just simply no fun to get old. Everything has to 'count' and 'last'. Pot holes to most, are Grand Canyons to the elders. If only Love could have saved Steffie.

Yes it is difficult but there are healthy dogs out there. I guess my sheepdog breeds have proven to be pretty good and there are working breeders breeding good healthy dogs. One of the breeders I know well imported semen to provide some good outcrossing but instead introduced hip dysplasia into her lines, so outcrossing also has its hazards. It really is about having a very good historical record of all the dogs and their offspring. I have no problem with the use of inbreeding to fix excellent working traits as long as it is done in the right way. However working breeders are not precious about putting say a splash of kelpie into a Border collie breeding.

Inbreeding in show lines because their obsession with looks and breed purity is very different to that of a working dog breeder and I dont really understand how some breeds can be allowed to become so narrow in its genetic base without the ability to stengthen genetics with the use of a similar breed. Or the obsession to produce a certain, often bizzare looks at the cost of the animals health, or to breed dogs that cant give birth naturally because a certain look is required. Humans are just plain weird at times.

I could never own a breed that has a short life expectancy, it would be too heartbreaking.

Yes I understand the age thing and dislike growing older, however I need dogs to help me run my farm, so for as long as I am farming I will have dogs, hopefully well into old age is the plan. Trying not to let age get in the way of what I enjoy, I fight it every inch of the way LOL, no ageing gracefully for me, not as long as I have my health! Fortunately also the breeds I love generally have very few health issues.

If you ever decide to have another companion just take your time and do your research. I usually always insure mine for the first 2 years while I assess their health. My pancreatitis dog is insured and the others I have let lapse as they showed no genetic or other issues except my elbow dysplasic showline cattle dog and insurance paid for her extensive scans and surgery when she was just 9 months old.

Yes sadly love is not enough to keep our companions always with us, but to have loved them is still precious.

Hi, Earl, stopping by to say hello and to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Indeed, love will not give our beloved companions physical immortality, but love is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Because love is eternal, our beloved companion's sweet Living Spirit is always with us - - whatever we do and wherever we go - - both during their earthly journey with us and when they precede us to the angels. It is the adjustment to their physical absence that is so very, very difficult - - and is one that we never entirely are successful during our remaining earthly journey - - particularly as we get older. As you say, "It is what it is" when we get older - - each of us do what is best for us in order to have a good quality of life, and holding onto our treasured memories of our beloved companions hopefully brings comfort and joy to our hearts.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

There is no way I could own a breed knowing ahead of time that they always had a short life span. I saw a young Great Dane this morning and the owner was a young guy. The dog was beautiful, but, my first thought was his pitiful longevity. I guess my nephew will figure it out later.

Yes, I've considered insurance if I 'ever'. I see 'pros' and 'cons' with it. I haven't done an ehausting type research of it, but, I'd appreciate knowing what company you use, and what they don't cover. I know theres been many of pet insurance companies go broke.

Theres no eutopia, you just have to do research anymore, but, in the end you are technically still rolling the dice. Hip Dysplasia should have shown up in prior generations, as a noitice to breeders, but, they probably ignored it for others priorities and goals in their quest for a certain phenotype.

I think my Vet's offer to find me another is not a bad direction to take. But, thats another day in time.

Hi Moon_Beam, I appreciate that, and you are also in my daily thoughts and prayers. Its nice to know somebody does care. Kind of like my Vet texting me on Christmas Day, that she was praying for me. Obviously, she didn't have to do that, but she 'knew' all the history of Steffie & I......she 'knew' 'this one' would be bad.

Moon_Beam, we(as with SummerHolly) had previously talked about being single, free thinkers, etc., all creating a seperate category when dealing with loss, and in particular with our companions. But, you know, theres another dimension that even makes such loss worse than most others on the outside looking in, and that is our age. When you are much older, ALL of your cards are on the table and you're not playing for chump change. In the past couple of years, I've noticed more and more older people with their pets with them in their cars. Their 'Best Friends'. They are usually ALWAYS a smaller breed of dog, and I'm sure, of course, this is for a good reason............'Longevity'. I'm sure the size is one thing, but, no doubt, the owner is hoping that in their remaining good years, that their Buddy will be with them for an extra long time.

I just hope that one day Vet Medicine would have progressed to where they can regenerate the kidneys just like they can with the liver. For Steffie and ALL the other animals that have succumbed to the horrible disease of CKF, I hope that day is very soon. Sure, there are other horrible 'lingering' diseases', but, none are as insidious as CKF, especially, when caught early. My Vet 'knew' 'exactly' what I was doing daily & nightly for Steffie for a VERY, VERY long time. As with her Technicians, they knew at the very last that it would be BAD on me. I could see it in their lack of eye contact with me in the last weeks.

Take care of yourself and Noah, and I hope you both are having a blessed day, and upcoming week.

Regards,

Earl

Yes I have a friend who recently lost her Dane at age 7 from Wobblers, she has since switched to another breed. I have another friend whosw Dane lived to 14 but that is very unusual.

Insurance is a tricky one. I usually take insurance for the first couple of years and then if everything seems fine I drop it. I only have a couple of my dogs insured at any one time. I use PetSecure which is in Canada but I dont know about the U.S. I think it is just very important to check the fine print. I specifically look for coverage of conditions like hip and elbow dysplasias and other genetic conditions that may be relevent to the breed you are dealing with. Insurance companies generally offer a range of plans so you need to understand each one specifically before you choose. Some people have got burned big time with insurance. I have been lucky so far with mine in that they have always payed my claims. Probably a good idea to read reviews. Maybe your vet can help as you seem to trust her.

Yes there is a lot of dice rolling but a breeder who is scrupulous in ethical breeding practices can reduce the risks particularly if they have do health testing and have good knowledge of previous generations and also have feedback from owners who have purchased puppies.

Thanks for the insurance tips. You're right though, I'd probably consider what the Vet would suggest. It all boils down to affordability for many, but, on the flip side it can cost you a lot more in the long run without it. Steady blood tests are a big deal with me and I wonder if most of these companies would exclude them as being part of a wellness exam.

Yes, 14 for a dane must be a record. Kind of like that Weimaraner that was supposedly 16. Either way, when they attain that age, they are no longer active with abilities to jump up into car, bed, etc.. They are just old.

I still visit the Weimaraner rescue sites, I think to test myself, but, nothing really grabs me. Its just a sad thing to go through a bad experience and having such a strong bond. I know that I've never cried so much my entire life as with loosing Steffie.

As far as another dog goes you just have to take your time and do whatever feels right. I still shed tears for my Holly, I still say to myself that I cant believe that she is gone. It just seemed that we were meant to always be together. I have no idea what happens, if anything when we die but I sure hope that Holly is there waiting for me.

So I can understand how you feel about Steffie. It is amazing how strong a bond is that you can form with a dog. I guess dogs and humans have been together for a very long time and I think they have scientifically proven that dogs are very tuned in to everything about us. Shame that we as humans can often abuse this. Thankfully there are still good people in the world who value this love.

I fight it daily, accepting that Steffie is gone. As my Vet referred to it,....'A Bad Experience'. She just simply deserved a better life she never got, and with a better ending. The only thing I can say is that she never had any surgeries.

I hope they are all waiting for us.