When looking for your next dog, please do me a favor and remember: You're getting a new, unique dog—not a clone of your last one. Plus: Winners of our naming contest!
Also, re: personalities: I grieved for months when Poodle #1, Peanut, was stolen in 2020. When Poodle #2 , Lulo, arrived in 2022 I had to deal with the guilt that he was so much sweeter, calmer, and more affectionate than his predecessor. He is closer to perfect than any dog I have ever had, and when he is gone, I probably should not have another because there will be no comparison. If a rescue came along, however… All bets are off.
This is so true. When our last Boston, Buster, passed away, we knew our next Boston(s) would be totally different, and they are--and that is a wonderful thing.
Thank you for this important message here that as always, you have expressed beautifully. I have had many BTs in my life, all different in many ways, but as you say, our job is to get to know each pup and deal with their little character issues and idiosyncracies accordingly. I have one big boy we've now had for 3 years who has given us many growling, pulling, and separation anxiety challenges, but he is our quirky, funny, odd boy and we work around his behaviors and love him to Mars and back!!!
This is all so true. We’re on our 7th Cavalier and yes, at least two of them were direct grief replacements. But I would kinda feel like it was a betrayal of the first one if the traits that made him special were carbon copied in another dog.
What? There’s no reason to avoid getting a dog of the same breed you have loved and lost! Dogs are all different, regardless of breed or breed type. Anyone who doesn’t understand that should stay away from dogs. And anyone who clones their dog should spend eternity in a dog pound. A really horrible kill shelter.
I’ve had five (adopted from rescue) dogs of the same breed. While certain traits and behaviors recur, in this herding breed, the dogs were as unique as snowflakes. All dogs are a combination of genetics, epigenetic factors, socialization, trauma (too often, sadly) and training.
Wow, thanks so much!
Also, re: personalities: I grieved for months when Poodle #1, Peanut, was stolen in 2020. When Poodle #2 , Lulo, arrived in 2022 I had to deal with the guilt that he was so much sweeter, calmer, and more affectionate than his predecessor. He is closer to perfect than any dog I have ever had, and when he is gone, I probably should not have another because there will be no comparison. If a rescue came along, however… All bets are off.
♥️♥️♥️
This is so true. When our last Boston, Buster, passed away, we knew our next Boston(s) would be totally different, and they are--and that is a wonderful thing.
I only wish more people understood that!
Thank you for this important message here that as always, you have expressed beautifully. I have had many BTs in my life, all different in many ways, but as you say, our job is to get to know each pup and deal with their little character issues and idiosyncracies accordingly. I have one big boy we've now had for 3 years who has given us many growling, pulling, and separation anxiety challenges, but he is our quirky, funny, odd boy and we work around his behaviors and love him to Mars and back!!!
Exactly! Thank you, MA!!
My 80+ year old mother is now on BT #5 over the years. Each one has had a different personality.
I love that!!! 💕
Julie you made my day - dogs are my love language and there was something so special and human about Worm. 🐾♥️
Message me the signed book of mine that you’d like! ♥️
So hard to choose!
You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness
Such an honor--thank you Julie! PS-Worm is the white/grey dog in my picture--Zoe is the black minnie.
My address: Susan Gilder, 31 Pettom Road, Norwalk, CT 06850
Fabulous! I’ll get it out to
You!
This is all so true. We’re on our 7th Cavalier and yes, at least two of them were direct grief replacements. But I would kinda feel like it was a betrayal of the first one if the traits that made him special were carbon copied in another dog.
That is a good way to look at it!
What? There’s no reason to avoid getting a dog of the same breed you have loved and lost! Dogs are all different, regardless of breed or breed type. Anyone who doesn’t understand that should stay away from dogs. And anyone who clones their dog should spend eternity in a dog pound. A really horrible kill shelter.
I’ve had five (adopted from rescue) dogs of the same breed. While certain traits and behaviors recur, in this herding breed, the dogs were as unique as snowflakes. All dogs are a combination of genetics, epigenetic factors, socialization, trauma (too often, sadly) and training.
What?! I never win anything! Dogs make the world a better place and so does your newsletter. Thank you 🐾❤️
Hooray! You’ll be upgraded asap! Now you have all access and we can get this party started!!!♥️