I would like to think that I could take in a pet that needed a new home, and ensure that it was happy and healthy, and didn't miss its previous owner, and hats off to you that you have done it. I think what we're saying is really that often this isn't how it happens, and shouldn't we be looking at ways that it can be avoided?

As I said in an earlier post, I had 2 dogs for many years. They were mother and daughter. When I had to let the mother go aged 19 years, the other one went from a happy and still very young at heart (and body) dog, to a very old, frail, and finally very sick creature, very rapidly; within 11 months I had to let her go too. From the day she lost her mum and lifetime companion, she never even barked again, not once. She was a lost soul. It broke my heart to watch.

Don't tell me they don't have feelings

Not got an answer for that pet.

I would take them with you if at all possible. Your ten year old will survive. Dogs are for life, not always possible I know, but if you love them find a way.

There isn't an answer.

My only consolation was that I knew that I had done all I could for them, from the day that I made the commitment to have them. They had happy lives and I have no regrets. I "put my life on hold" and any plans included proper thought for their well being.

I can never have another one though, and often I wish I could.

This is all very good in theory but if anybody wants a 5 month old Chi that eats it's own shit and nips you with needle like teeth, let me know.
Also, if any other owners have odd socks the dog may have missed, can we get together to make up some matching pairs......

I actually wanted to leave our old Border Collie cross behind .....I thought he was way too old at 11 () and thought that spending 3K (Pounds) was a bit extortionate on something that would be dead in a few years ...oh dear

Of course I was very wrong, the day we picked him up was one of the best and made our house feel like a home again. We all loved him to bits and he especially loved the beach.

He went on for another 5 years, passing away in August.

Bring the dogs, you'll feel rotten if you don't.....

Thanks for lightening it up! What colour sock do you have? I reckon I can help.

She loves my wifes knickers too. It is only a matter of time before she struts into the lounge with a pair, when we have company.....

OMG. That triggered a happy memory! Exactly that; she'd whipped them off the clean linen pile on the bed, ran into the sitting room with them stuck firmly over her head! You've been warned!

I dream of the clean linen pile. Sadly the dirty linen basket is more accessible.

Ahh, well, when you're only a very small Bichon, the dirty linen basket is too big a mountain to climb........

A Bichon is a monster compared to my wee lass

I had the 2 dogs in uk, 11yr old girl and 7 yr old boy - my sis in law asked for the boy which was a huge weight off my mind, but i had to let my old girl go to sleep, she'd had a stroke and was blind in 1 eye - the vet said (and i know it was) it was kinder to let her go to sleep than put her through the trauma of the flight and quarantine.
It was the worst and hardest part of emigrating.
Due to unforseen circumstances my sis in law couldnt keep my boy and rehomed him with her friend at christmas - hes doing just fine and is spoilt rotten.

I got a lil girlie last sept as i found it so hard not having a dog - shes now a huge beastie and a massive part of our family.

Bichons are certainly monsters, I'll agree!

Well known fact mate...dogs take after their owners!!!