Oh my goodness, I just did it!

[Cookiebaker]

Wow, I found that some of the criticisms here are pretty harsh. I think to each individual, when and how and where to get a new pup is intensely personal. And certainly I don't think that Catnapper is viewing a new pup as a "replacement"....

Kim, here's a {{hug}} and I am sure that the right pup will find its way into your heart at just the right time. And here's to Nicki, and the wonderful life that she has and all the fun times you have had together.

[Husky_mom]

Don´t feel guilty Kim... as Cookiebaker said... it´s up to an individual when and how to add a new member.... and I soooo understand it

In my case I would be devastated if I lost a dog and had no other, not to replace as no dog will ever replace another, but to help me mourn ths lost one.. make me shift my attention into giving love into that other one, and not let myself depress more.... a seond dog will be able to help ease the situation but not forget it and never ever will he replace your lost dog´s place in your heart.... and this second dog would not be just "used"...

when loosing a dog it´s hard itself but I feel personally it´s more painful if you have no one else there to cheer you up as another dog would.... I mean there´s family and kids.... but it´s not the same.... I love my kid very much but he just wouldn´t understand how I felt... and hubby, parents, bro and sis....well.... they would just not get it at all... and a dog is always the best listener and the best furry shoulder to lean on....and cry on....

I so hope Nikki will be fine for the time she has left...and if adding a second dog bothers her more than brighten her up I´m sure there´s always a way of keepeing them separated and still give both of them quality time... the newcomer so he gets adjusted and bonded, and Nikki so she has her lasting moments full of love as she always has...

in Kim´s case, if she lost a cat,(not saying it won´t hurt like hell, but) she has other cats to ease the pain... and if she lost her only dog..... there´s no other dog around....

and it´s not like finding a replacement once the dog is gone, but we know our dogs and know almost when it´s their time.... some may wonder why is Nikki allowed to suffer if no meds are making her better??.... well let me tell you we as humans are selfish and want to try the impossible to keep our pets as long as we can...it´s hard on it´s own to loose them on their terms, but I think it´s harder to loose them on our terms (PTS)... but if needed we will always make the right decision but not the easiest one...

Kim: whichever pup you choose they are lovely.....but I´m leaning also to Millie.... those spots are way too cute!!....

[carole]

Kim whatever choices you make will be the right ones, you and you alone know what is best for your dog, and we all know you as a very responsible pet owner,personally i think she is in very good hands, and very lucky to have such a good mom,if you need to ease her pain,by letting her go ,then you will know when to do just that.

Everyone is different and deals with such things in their own way, if thinking about getting a new pup takes your mind off what is happening with your dog, then it is all good.

It will all work out in the end, and bless you for taking such good care of your dog,here's hoping she is not going to suffer much longer.

[lizbud]

and it´s not like finding a replacement once the dog is gone, but we know our dogs and know almost when it´s their time.... some may wonder why is Nikki allowed to suffer if no meds are making her better??.... well let me tell you we as humans are selfish and want to try the impossible to keep our pets as long as we can...it´s hard on it´s own to loose them on their terms, but I think it´s harder to loose them on our terms (PTS)... but if needed we will always make the right decision but not the easiest one...

Well said.

[Pam]

I brought a new puppy into a household with a 13 year old dog. The senior dog, Pumpkin, was a toy poodle and the puppy, Ashley, was a mini. I did find that the senior dog was not at all interested in playing with the puppy. They got along OK but there was no bonding as Pumpkin was just too old for any kind of play. In your case, a dog in pain might not feel well enough to interact. This is not a criticism but, rather, so that you don't feel that something is wrong if they don't strike up a friendship. My senior dog did live another 4 years after we adopted the puppy. He was never in pain but was deaf, blind from dense cataracts and was developing a serious incontinence problem. It was our choice to eventually help him to the bridge at the age of 17. Had he been in pain, with no remedy for the pain, he would have had to leave us earlier. Each case is different, but I wish you well. Out of the two pictures posted I fell quickly for Millie. Please give Nicki some extra hugs from all of us.

[dukedogsmom]

I totally understand how you feel. If I had different living conditions, I would have had another dog probably in early 2005. But, my living conditions, and the way I felt about Duke, wouldn't let me. In my case, I was wanting another dog for reasons for me. For making it easier when Duke did pass. That wouldn't have been fair to him. In your case, it's different. If Nicki need more companionship that might make her happier, that would be great. I would take the dogs being considered to the house to meet Nicki, if possible, before choosing one. I wish Nicki's pain could be relieved. Like I told you, it breaks my heart to hear that she's not doing well. Please hug her until you're tired of doing so. Those would be from me.

[bckrazy]

Good luck with the adoptions... I hope you find the perfect pup for you and Nicki... or not, depending on your decision.

No one can be a better judge of what's right for Nicki than you. You obviously love her a lot, and I'm positive your decision about adopting another dog will be in her/your best interest. I'm really sorry that Nicki isn't doing well.

[catnapper]

Folks... please remember Nicki is 13 years old. The vet understands that and is aware at her age a few things can't happen: 1) surgery. She wouldn't survive it. so why tests for things that would ultimately need surgery? 2) If she did have something serious, there's nothing we can do other than make her as comfortable as we can, which is what we're already doing.

Now, the reasons why I feel another dog is what she needs.... she "lights up" (if dogs can light up) when she sees Gracie. She wants to play. She wags her tail a mile a minute. She has been depressed since Cameron left and her arthritis has gotten worse since Cam left. Its as if she doesn't want to do anything so not moving has made her stiffer and more sore. She was very active when Cam was here (as active as a 13 year old girl can be) and since he left, all she does is sleep. I know that finding a buddy for her will mean a great deal to her and possible be what ultimately extends her life.

As for her pain. Its merely arthritis. Like my mom said "would you put me down because MY arthritis medicine wasn't cutting MY soreness?" And truth is, mom's meds AREN'T cutting her pain. She has tried several types and dosages and they're not working for her. Why should I put Nicki down if thats the worst of her problems? YES, she has mammoth size fatty tumors. The vet still isn't concerned about them because they aren't interfering with any major organs, bones, or muscle groups. YES she's been eating and drinking more lately.... like I already stated, my vet finds it fruitless to run a bunch of expensive tests that won't reveal anything that can be fixed.

Believe me, if she were even 8 years old, I'd be running the tests and not considering the expense. Look what I did for Pouncer. Most people would have just put him down rather than getting him the surgery. I will do whatever is necessary for my pets after I consider all facts. Tests on a dog halfway through her life... go do them all! Tests on a dog who is within months of her passing? Are you kidding? Why put her through it? You have no idea how stressed she gets going to the vet. Just the car ride freaks her out. Why put her through something that won't mean anything in the end? What would we do different if she did have diabetes? Shove yet another pill down her throat and extend her life by a week? And many of you are saying I'm being unfair letting her live in pain now?

Thank you to all of you who gave me wonderful words of support and encouragement. The above rant certainly does not apply to you. ((hugs))