Jesser04
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Kaysville Utah
Just went through this a few months back it sucks. It sounds weird to say but I brought our family closer together going through it.
Just went through this a few months back it sucks. It sounds weird to say but I brought our family closer together going through it.
Sorry, Greg. I remember meeting her wheeling with you when I had a conference in Grand Junction.
It is always easier saying things from professional view, but what I tell my clients is if the pet seems happy most the time, even if they can't be doing all they did before, then it isn't time yet. When you see that change in attitude/happiness, you will know it is the right time to say goodbye.
Personally, having been through it with my own dogs and horses, it is never easy or as simple decision.
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There's a vitamin for dogs that helps with joint pain and arthritis someone recommend to me for our English bulldog, cant remember the name of it.
Glucosamine
I think this is the same thing but we were giving our Shepherd MSM when she was having hip issues. I feel your pain Greg, I went through this with our GSD, great shape mentally, struggling physically. Unfortunately we came home from the in laws on Thanksgiving to find her stomach had twisted. She was too old for surgery, and we had to put her down. Was a very rough couple of weeks. We are in the same situation, no kids, she was our kid. Miss her to this day, even with the new pain in the ass we have.
I think we are ready for a dog. Leaning strongly toward miniature schnauzer based on some that a few friends have had good experiences with. Any words of caution from those in the know?
Essentially my criteria is as follows:
-no shedding. Dog hair makes me gag, this will be an indoor family member type dog. First choice is a heeler, but I don't think I could manage the shedding.
- smaller size. Grew up with big labs, would like something medium to small.
- good hiking/camping/jogging companion
Open to alternative choices if the schnauzer is a bad choice.....
My brother had a heeler once and had to tie him up whenever he would mow the grass. Crazy dog would bite the tires on the riding mower and not let go, while it was moving. Flopped like a rag doll but would not let go....
Uh, I should have added that to my criteria: No hyperactive nimrods.The only miniature schnauzers I’ve been around are hyperactive nimrods. I have no idea if that’s typical, but 3 for 3 that I can remember
If you don't want shedding, definitely don't get a heeler My life is a constant battle of fur. I absolutely love my heelers personality to DEATH, I really couldn't have asked for a better mannered dog. But the fur is enough to make me probably not ever get another. Bathing and brushing only help so much.
Personally, it doesn't bother me that much, I have gotten used to practically always being able to find a few white hairs on my clothes any given day, even if I am wearing clothes fresh out of the washer/dryer and I haven't even been near my dog or any source of fur yet; but I know it bothers other people. I used to have my heeler ride with me in my truck practically everywhere I ever went, but passengers don't love taking his fur home with them, so I only take him with me on few occasions now.
As far as the breed for him being a hiking/outdoorsy companion, he is great there too. He loves going to lakes, he loves going for runs, loves basically doing anything I'm doing, but, the fur comes with too.