Tabs,
I'm very sorry for your loss. I wish you the best and I know how much you miss your pet, they really are part of the family...

Misty was an Alpha Female and Smart. Misty never rolled over and let me scratch her belly, once in awhile when she was sleeping with four paws up she would allow you to scratch her belly but that was it and that was only after about 6 or 7 years.

Misty was not a Lovie dovie Dog, the only time she let you pet her was when she wanted to be petted. I fought with that Dog every day for the first 5 years, then it became 5 days aweek. She would also let U know what was on her mind, as there were many times when she would come up to me and start barking at me to get up out of the chair.

So what your seeing is the will and spirit of the Dog.

Sorry for your loss.

One solution we have is buying a puppy as the dogs get older.

Our black lab "Midnight" was getting very decrepet at age 16
when we got the yellow lad (below) as a puppy. Chris built a
handicap dog ramp as a Cub Scout peojetc the the combination
allow Midnight another three great years.

The yellow lab (Sunney Delight) is now 13 and we got the
Airedale (Targa III, now 10) when Midnight had to be put down.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1183395058.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1183395086.jpg

For your summertime enjoyment, these images are from our 30"
blizarda last December. Forcast is 100F this afternoon but 5%
humidity.

We are convinced of the benefits of having several animals at a
time. Aside from being part of the family, they are each other's
best friends.

This is partilularly important for us as "empty nesters."

We also have an 18# 3-year old Garfield. He gets distraught if
the dogs are away from the house for some reason. He
constantly searches the house meowing and 'cuddles' with them
on return.

Best,
Grady

Big Henry and Henry's Buddy are sad now. So sorry Tabs. You will miss them both now for sure. Sad ...very sad. Remember the rainbow bridge.

Her you go Tabs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPLWzYwLFrA

In the last few weeks with Misty I started comtemplating getting another Airdale, as I thought it would boost Mistys morale. But I was a little too late in getting that idea off the ground.

Today I am baby sitting a friends Shehpard named Schindler for a coupla days as they have taken a trip to Frisco.

Tabs....get a puppy. Your house will be too quiet without the clicking of toenails. I know the day is coming for me too with Big Henry as he was just 11 years old. He's still kickin' but that day he just stops is coming one day soon. I cannot tell you how bad we all feel her for you. This is just so sad.

Sorry for your loss. Like others have said think of getting a puppy or a rescue dog.

I just LOVE the Dales

Even if you're not ready to "commit" to a new dog, you could always foster one from the pound for a few days. It'd break the silence at your house, and buy some time for a dog that needs to find a home.

Sorry to hear about your dog.....
 

I had to put down my beloved 14 year old Aussie last July, and it was a very difficult time. I too wanted the space and freedom that I thought I would enjoy after the initial grieving.....but I was wrong, I could not stand not having a dog around.
I rescued a beautiful Norweigan Elkhound / Shepherd X from a local rescue, who saved her from a high ratio kill shelter in Ohio, believe it or not, and she has been an incredible dog. Not the same, but every bit as wonderful in her own way.
After 4 months of medical treatment, she lived, and is a fiercly loyal and wonderful pet.......

Best of luck to you in your journey.....remember you can foster and save a dog without the need of a long term committment....

Pics added, my Aussie, and my new girl...Cassie (with her mental doodle boyfriend).http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1183480035.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1183480113.jpg