Pam, what a kind and generous comment to make. I too feel like I am on tender hooks up until this dog is over 3 years of age. The last 2 I had ( one was rescue - the other hubby bought as I was so upset on the death of the last ) showed signs of trouble at aged around 2-21/2 years of age. I won't go into it, but it was to do with the in-breeding which , I've been told is normal in good breeding kennels.

Well, Pam, Me too, I hope I have done the right thing in getting another dog. I remember breaking my heart over the loss of my dog, to a friend...........she said the most wonderful thing to me and I remember it to this day. I will tell you:
"."Mich, God knew that these dogs needed a special person, to love and care for them, as he knew they were not going to be here long..........so he picked you. What better person to give a sick dog to, than you." I thought she was out of her mind, until I thought about just how many pups I had taken home and loved, and through no fault of mine, had diseases they were born with.
I'm not greedy, Pam, I just want one dog to live a good long life, is that too much to ask of God? Just one.