Marlene,

My heart breaks for you. The breeder my parents got their dog from when I was a child made them promise to NEVER give her rawhide.

When my hubby and I got our first puppy, Jerry Bear, we did some research, and decided it was ok as long as we watched him. The rawhide, however, made his poop really soft, and he tore through the bones so quickly, we couldn't watch closely enough. We decided to stop giving them to him, and now he only gets Kongs (the best toys made for aggressive chewers). He also gets a giant beef bone every couple of months (that's how long it takes for Jerry Bear to chew it down).

I hope you get another dog, one that can not only replace the hole in your heart, but can preserve the memory of your lost love. There are many puppies/dogs in pounds and shelters who need a second chance.

God Bless,

Rhonda