I might have found a Doodle!

[jzissler]

For those of you who have answered my questions in the past, you probably remember that I've been wanting a doodle for a long time, but my Terrier was quite ill and the timing wasn't right. Well, she has taken a turn for the worse and we are putting her down tomorrow. It breaks my heart but she is hurting so bad is it the right thing to do. Doesn't make it any easier though.

About the same time this all happened, a local Labradoodle breeder I had been in contact with e-mailed me that he has a one year old Labradoodle boy who was returned to him because the family runs a daycare and they ended up keeping him in his cage more than he wasn't. They wanted better for him so they returned him to the breeder. He's only about 45 pounds, so the size is right, and the price is even better! He is just adorable with blond curls. He isn't fixed, though, so that will need to be done. I'm a strong believer in things happen for a reason.

The only problem is another couple is asking about him, and unless we take him quickly, we may lose him. Given my family's grieving situation, I need to make sure everyone is on board with moving forward and ready to give a friend a forever home. If it's meant to be, he'll be there for us. If not, I'm sure there's another out there somewhere!

[Raleighsmom]

Sending prayers and hugs your way to you and your family for the strength in dealing with your beloved terrier tomorrow..most of us have been where you are right now, and the pain is unbearable..but you will get thru it...just know that she will be pain free, and if she could would thank you for your last act of deep love for her...and like you said, if the new doodle right away is meant to be, then it will happen...and help heal all of your hearts...(((((((((((((jzisseler)))))))))))))))))

[Maureen]

JZ, I have so much to say! I'm so sorry about your suffering and grieving being potentially compressed. And I don't want to minimize your sorrow over your sad, sick failing old Friend. I'm so sorry for your loss but the small comfort is, of course, that her suffering will end.

Now, about your Doodle-search, this looks so promising!!! I hope you find out soon, and that you don't have to be dog-less for long, at all!!!

Keep us posted, of course..........

[tuffystar]

Only a little over two years ago we had the decision to make you have and I know that sorrow all too well in the past few years. You are so wise to be sure everyone in ready. I hope if you are ready you get this dog but if not then the right one will be there when the time is right. Every dog we have had in our home came into our life at just the time that was right for us. You are in our prayers! Keep us posted!

[cindy456]

I am so sorry to hear about your dog, but knowing her pain will end, I hope, will give you some comfort. I dread the day I have to make that decision, it will be horribly sad. I hope that if you are meant to have this doodle it will bring happiness and love into your home. My heart goes out to you and your family in your lose.

[Jac]

Today will indeed be a day of deep sadness for you and your family. You are making one of the toughest decisions anyone will ever make, and yet it is a decision of love and so I hope that you find peace.
Speaking from experience, as hard as it is to go through this type of loss, getting a new puppy or dog does ease the pain and no good is gained by continued suffering...so if you are able to get this dog, embrace the joy that he/she will bring to your lives...you deserve joy...and this dog deserves a loving, attentive home.
No dog will replace your dear pet, but it will find it's own pathway into your hearts and help you heal.
Best wishes to you.

[lindamarie]

Oh Lord. This makes me want to cry.
I was in the same position a year ago in last November when we had to put our so loved Springer down.
One of my very first posts here was regarding this very painful experience. I was also looking at doodle's immediately.
It was the only way for me to heal. Jac is absolutely right! You don't replace your dog, you move on to the next and let that one make his/her way into your heart.
I am so sorry for what you are going through right now. It's awful!
You will be in my thoughts and prayers that you accept what can't be changed. Hug and love your buddy today and let your buddy go tomorrow. They can't talk, but I'm sure they know. They tell you when it's time. My Springer sure did. I couldn't stand seeing him suffer anymore, and he couldn't speak for himself. So, you are the brave one to help him through this.
We are here for you 100%
((((((((((((((((((MEGA HUGS))))))))))))))

[jzissler]

Oh, my gosh everyone! You are all so kind. I very much appreciate the support. My family and friends at work are all there for me, and it makes it easier. I had a very bad night last night, worried I wasn't doing the right thing. Then this morning she woke up very sick, and having trouble breathing. I think it was Gods way of reassuring me it is the right thing to do. I leave in a couple hours to take her in, and I feel much more at peace with it now. I'm just worried about my kids right now. But they understand she's been sick for a while now.

Regarding the doodle, I am waiting to hear back from the breeder to see if we can meet him Saturday, if he's still available. I am hoping that it's a sign that he's needing a forever home at the same time we need some doodle-healing!

One question about the doodle. He turned one on St. Patrick's Day (same birthday as my son ) and he hasn't been fixed. Do you think that will be a problem? I know it's never too late, but I don't want to get into a problem with marking and stuff like that. Does anyone else have a late neutering story?

Sorry to bring back the hard memories you all have about your beloved pets that have been put down over the years. Group healing!!!

[MaxandMe]

wow so much going on in your life from sad to happy

1. neutering a dog around 1yrs old is not late......now if he were over 2yrs old yes
2. can't wait to hear if its meant to be or not (as per stated above)

will wait to say congrats......good luck with today hugs to you and your family

[Jac]

Regarding the Doodle and neutering question...it all depends on how the dog was raised. If he was raised in a home where he was potty trained and if he was not used to marking, you won't have any issues...if he was allowed to mark, it becomes a habit and even when neutered they may continue...but it is a matter of training and will take time and a lot of observation but should be okay. I would ask the breeder to have him neutered before you get him...you could offer to pay if they will take him in. That way, you won't need to worry about getting it done just when the dog arrives and he will probably have an easier transition.
If not and if you do have a marking issue, you can use belly bands to help control it while you are training him.
Where do you live? (State) ... in case the rehome falls through... (I hope not, but if so, maybe we can help you find a dog...)
If you have not already told your children that you are putting your dog to sleep, maybe (since they know he has been sick) you could just tell them that he passed away, without the details...
I hope that these next few days pass quickly for you and you can begin to heal...

[jzissler]

Jac, thanks for the info. If it's all a go, I'll talk to the breeder about that. I've never heard of belly bands, of course I've never had a male dog before either! I am in Michigan, close to Grand Rapids. Regarding my kids, I have warned them already that I'm taking her to the vet for testing, and that she may not survive the tests. The reason I'm approaching it this way, is my son was very adamant that we let her live as long a life as possible on her own. I mentioned to him once when she started getting sick about putting her to sleep, and he had a fit. This way, it's on the vet, and he won't blame me. I debated about how to handle this, and knowing my kids, this may be best. We'll see tonight....

[tuffystar]

Hugs on this very hard day! We neutered Buddy (not a labradoodle) when we got him from a shelter at 1 1/2 years old. He did fine. We did have a marking problem for a little bit but we worked with him and he doesn't do it anymore! Labradoodles are so smart I am sure you will do fine if you get this dog or any dog. Keeping fingers crossed that what is best will work out. Good luck!

[jzissler]

UPDATE: Well, the doodle we were hoping for was adopted yesterday by another family . Talk about insult to injury! I am so happy he found a good home, but I was so sure there was a reason he became available right when my dog got so sick! I know things happen for a reason, and it could be there is another dog who needs us more then this one did. My oldest son took Jessies death very hard, and kept saying the house feels emply without a dog. I assured him we would start looking for another friend right away. Sorry for more depressing news, my friends! I'll start digging through idog and the other pet finder sites out there. Hey Gene? Have any nice foster dogs?

[Jac]

Oh, I am so very sorry...it would have been so lovely to let the excitement of a new Doodle help ease the pain of your loss.

Please do contact IDOG because they often have Doodles that need good homes and you might want to try to contact some of the local breeders in your area to see if they have older pups that they are trying to place. Sometimes older pups are discounted.

I strongly suggest that you hold out for either a rescue from IDOG or that you save up and buy from a good breeder because if you just try to find a Doodle and you end up getting one from a puppy mill or back yard breeder, you may get a good price but you may also be setting yourself and your family up for more heartache because these breeders don't test their parent dogs and often produce puppies with severe genetic problems.

I am going to send a PM to you, look above at the menu and you will see that you have a message.

[tuffystar]

I am so sorry that you have gone through the loss of your dog and now don't have the one you were wanting. Jac is right you need to be careful of where you get your next dog. Getting a rescue from IDOG or a pup from a reputable breeder is much better. Good luck and we are here for you if you need us.