Lando went to doggy heaven

[ShinyGreenApple]

Last Friday, I was given an 8-week old Miniature Dachshund puppy (http://customerssuck.com/board/showthread.php?t=49323) by a former coworker, and Wednesday he started vomiting and showing signs of dehydration and lethargy. I took him to the vet, who vaccinated him and gave him some dewormer, but told me he was suspecting parvo and to 'keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best.' By yesterday, I was positive that's what was wrong with my baby, and we buried him this morning. He's resting in a shady spot under the trees beside my old Border Collie, Murray. I know that most of the time, Parvo is a swift and deadly killer, but I still feel like I somehow failed this little guy. I keep remembering what his happy little face looked like when he'd stare up at me and wriggle his whole little body when I first got him, he only weighed 3 1/4 pounds. :(

The worst part of it is, I see that former coworker nearly every time I go to the store and she always asks about him. How on earth do you tell someone that the puppy they gave to you is dead? :cry:

Requiescat in pace, my sweet little guy.


EDIT: Angel picture courtesy of a member of the dogster.com forums
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/hobbitpirate/Furries/lando.gif

[tropicsgoddess]

I'm so sorry to hear that. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[RootedPhoenix]

*offers hugs* That's awful. :(

[draggar]

I'm really soffy for your loss but...

The worst part of it is, I see that former coworker nearly every time I go to the store and she always asks about him. How on earth do you tell someone that the puppy they gave to you is dead? :cry:

If the puppy was given to you last Friday then either

1) She knew damn well the puppy was sick - so she gave it to you to get it out of her hands.

2) She knows nothing about breeding or wasn't paying attention to the puppies. Parvo gives symptoms as early as one week.

Parvo doens't just jump up and hit you in a week or two.

I need to leave work now but I'll post an article about puppy diseases written by Fred Lanting when I get home.

[ShinyGreenApple]

I'm really soffy for your loss but...



If the puppy was given to you last Friday then either

1) She knew damn well the puppy was sick - so she gave it to you to get it out of her hands.

2) She knows nothing about breeding or wasn't paying attention to the puppies. Parvo gives symptoms as early as one week.

Parvo doens't just jump up and hit you in a week or two.

I need to leave work now but I'll post an article about puppy diseases written by Fred Lanting when I get home.

I was reading some articles online for the past two days, and I understood you can see symptoms 4-5 days after coming into contact with the virus? I had just assumed that he might have picked up the virus a day or two before I got him, since he started the symptoms on Wednesday. They were full blooded mini Doxies, and it was a litter of five. I think she might have bred her dogs and then didn't realize how expensive it would be to provide the proper care for the puppies, and I think her husband might have been starting to get annoyed with them in the house. He seemed really eager to show them to me so I could take one home. She's an older lady and was always very sweet; we worked together for over two years, so I know she didn't do this to be purposefully malicious.

And I will here and now admit that I did bring home this dog against my own better judgment. Don't think I haven't beaten myself up over that for the past three days, I really and truly have, and it's changed forever the way I look at getting a new pet. I'm still living at home, and I didn't ask my Dad if it was ok to get the puppy. In March, I'd planned to drive to NC to visit my sister and adopt a young dog that a friend of hers had, and he didn't know about that, either. A week before I was supposed to leave, someone pulled out in front of me and I crashed my truck. I think a higher power is trying to tell me something :rolleyes:

I've decided that, should I get anymore dogs, I don't think I want one under 12 weeks, if not completely grown so we don't have to deal with this Parvo crap. I will not be accepting anymore 'giveaway' dogs. I will not be taking animals from friends, as it's far too awkward in situations like this where the dog ends up dying. I really should have told her while I was in the store today, but I couldn't bring myself to even approach her. Although I am curious if any of the other pups have died as well.

[draggar]

Here is his article:

http://pupworld.com/?p=46

Parvo is the second to last section (just above herpes).

You had the puppy less than a week - he should have shon some symptoms when the breeder still had him.

"Full blooded" doesn't mean anything either. I've seen plenty of "full blooded" dogs with tons of defects (temperamental, genetic, and enviromental) - just look at most "AKC winning" German shepherds - those hips will give out by the time they're 8-10 years old.

If you do get another dog - thoroughly wash ANYTHING that this puppy used - Parvo is contageous and can stay active for a while - even while it's dormant / not in a host.

As for 12 weeks - the youngest you can safely adopt puppie sout is 8 weeks (but that can vary a little - our Finish spitz puppies would have been fine at 6.5-7 weeks but we still kept them for at least 8. Parvo can strike any dog at any age - puppies are most susceptible because they're immune system isn't that strong and it mainly strikes between the times that they are off the mothers immune system (though milk) and as they build their own or are immunizied. Plus, puppies as old as 6 months can still be a "high risk" with Parvo.

Our malinois breeder has been doing it for decades - they've never had a parvo case. Same with out German shepherd and collie breeders. We had none with our 8 puppies. Breeders can do some things to help prevent it - keep the puppy area clean (harder than it sounds - trust me!), wash their hands and clothes often especially if they get puppy poop on them. Keep the puppie sclean and don't let them eat poop (again, harder than it sounds - they see mommy doing it so they think they should do it).

Breeders like to get their puppies out at 8-10 weeks though (usually "sold" before then but they don't leave until then) because most puppies leave their cute stage close to that (usually around 12-16 weeks if the breed has one) and they go into the "puppy uglie' stage where they aren't cute anymore but are't a good looking adult - like our pre-teen to early teenage years where we're diproportionate and ugly).

Also, 8-10 weeks can be a critical time in their development with some puppies especially if the breeder doesn't socialize them a lot. 8-10 weeks they're still young enough to be able to easily " go with the flow" and adjust but the longer you wait (until full adulthood which can be 2-3 years with some breeds) raises the chances of social issues. Don't let one bad experience deter you but also let it be a good learning experience. Learn what to look out for when you're looking at your next puppy and whatever you do - do NOT go to a puppy store!!

[jedimaster91]

Ziggy's litter got parvo when they were very young. Still too young to have even started vaccinations. The daddy dog got it first, and then passed it on to the litter of 6 puppies and the other two dogs. Our friends were very fortunate in that they only lost the daddy dog and one of the pups.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your new friend. :(

[wagegoth]

I'm so sorry. We lost three puppies to Parvo, after the parents were unknowingly exposed. The vet did everything he could, but we lost them anyway. Puppies are just so susceptible and it affects them very quickly.

[hinakiba777]

Oh, no. That's horrible. He was such a sweet looking little guy, too. It really is unfortunate. It's always tough losing a pet.

Also, that's a really lovely memorial picture you made.

[ShinyGreenApple]

Also, that's a really lovely memorial picture you made.

Oh, I can't take credit for that. A very nice person on the dogster.com forums made it for me.

[hinakiba777]

Oh, I can't take credit for that. A very nice person on the dogster.com forums made it for me.

Oh, that was very nice of them. Always good to have support when you lose your animal family.

[ShinyGreenApple]

Indeed. Dogster is a very nice little community, although some of them are a little on the fanatical side about their dogs.

[draggar]

I don't think I would be welcome there - I'd start a "American" German Shepehrd vs. "Real" German shepherd war. :D

[Fufu487]

Im so sorry for your loss :( It's always so hard losing a pet. Be it an old friend or a brand new companion. It's part of owning pets though, the understanding that our lives are much longer than theirs and we will, eventually, have to part ways. It's unfortunate that your lil guy had so little time in this world, but don't let it discourage you from bringing another friend into your life :)

[Miyon]

Im so sorry to hear that. Losing an animal even if you only had them for a short time is still very hard.

Just be thankful that you got some time to spend with an adorable baby and that you gave him a nice happy place to live and took care of him the best any of us could.
He went to puppy heaven with a glad heart because you loved him :)

[Miyon]

And dont give up, there are so many dogs that need a happy home. Go to the pound or human society, They make sure their animals are vaccinated and tested for Parvo and Heart worms.
Also, maybe look for an older dog. When I adopt I always go in asking for the animal thats been there the longest. The puppies and kittens come and go in days but the older ones few people want but they can be the best animal you will ever find.

Im moving soon, I thought it was going to be an to another apartment but I found out today my uncle might buy a condo and Ill rent from him. He is a huge animal lover so I might be able to get a dog again, finally, since he wont mind.

[draggar]

Too add onto Miyon's comments:

Also look into rescue organizations and (reputible) breeders looking to rehome their dogs as pets - many aren't good enough to be show champions but still make great pets.

Check out locka dogs shows and ask around.

[dendawg]

Words fail me. I'm sorry. :cry:

[BookstoreEscapee]

I can't take any more of these threads! :cry:

I'm so sorry. He was such a cutie. :hug:

[ShinyGreenApple]

Too add onto Miyon's comments:

Also look into rescue organizations and (reputible) breeders looking to rehome their dogs as pets - many aren't good enough to be show champions but still make great pets.

Check out locka dogs shows and ask around.

I've been specifically keeping an eye on breed rescues for the last year or so. When my first dog, a Border Collie I named Murray, passed away last year, I just started casually browsing a southeastern BC rescue group. Wonderful, wonderful people, but since they're extremely selective (and rightfully so, don't get me wrong), I don't think they'd let me adopt where I'm living now because my parents make me keep my BC cross outside in a spacious kennel because they think he's too big for the house, and my Dad keeps his Pyrenees/GSD mix in one as well. Rescues will usually only approve an applicant if they know the dog will be kept indoors.

As far as 'housedogs' go, I love Pomeranians as well, but you really don't see a whole lot of those in rescue, as far as I know. They just have such great little personalities and are really easy to get along with; if I could clone my Mom's Pom, I would, LOL. Shih Tzus are starting to grow on me as well, so perhaps I could look into one of those. I watch the local shelter as well, but in this area, it's mostly filled with Labs, Pit Bulls, and various mixes of the two, and I'm just not into those kinds of dogs.

[draggar]

Get a Finish Spitz. :D

Or a schipperke if you want a real challenge. ;)

[ShinyGreenApple]

Oh my, LOL. Define 'real challenge'. Could it be any worse than a Border Collie crossed with some sort of terrier? Strider has taught me that there's a very excellent reason people don't cross those two breeds on purpose. Or worse than a Shih Tzu that went through her first 5 1/2 years of life with very bad habits and was never taught boundaries? (Seriously, this dog drew blood on three of us the first few months we had her!)

[draggar]

Oh my, LOL. Define 'real challenge'. Could it be any worse than a Border Collie crossed with some sort of terrier? Strider has taught me that there's a very excellent reason people don't cross those two breeds on purpose. Or worse than a Shih Tzu that went through her first 5 1/2 years of life with very bad habits and was never taught boundaries? (Seriously, this dog drew blood on three of us the first few months we had her!)

That all depends - does the dog look more like the border collie or the terrier?

Schipps are mainly mini-Belgian shepherds (Groenedaels (sheepdogs - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgian_Shepherd_Groenendael ) to be exact). Very small - usually around 5 pounds but extremely intelligent (probably the most intelligent "toy" breed). Border colliesa re traditionally considered the most intelligent breed but that's mainly because of exposure, many of the herding breeds are extremely intelligent (Kiri officially has problem solving skills which puts her at #2 or #3 for the most intelligent dog we've ever had in our home - and she WILL definitely pass Suki leaving only Mango at the top, for now).

Finish Spitz are nice - sweet and affectionate but not up your rear all the time (like many herding dogs are). They're independent but still like their "pack" structure. People think they are a fox and they do look very nice. They can have some energy but unless you have an exception (like Dazy was - she sould do schutzhund), most of the will be find with a few minutes of playing and they're done. They can be very bright, but traditionally won't be as intelligent as herding dogs (like your border collie).

[ShinyGreenApple]

That all depends - does the dog look more like the border collie or the terrier?

This is my Strider -
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/hobbitpirate/Furries/IMG_0174.jpg

I've had BC aficionados and breeders alike comment on his appearance and they have all been genuinely surprised when I tell them he's mixed. I never saw his father, but his mother was a terrier, and I want to say she was a Silky, but I only saw her in a photo. She looked like an overlarge Benji, to describe her best. But the people mentioned that their neighbors had a male BC, so it's pretty obvious what happened :lol:

He has the unending energy of a Border, and he will chase after our sheep and not stop until they're in the desired corner or pen, and we never trained him to do this. He just hates to see them out of place. But mostly he just loves to wander and explore, and if he spots a squirrel you'll be hard put to stop him from bounding after it. He doesn't really act quite as 'dignified' as most BCs do. I guess Murray, my first BC and a purebred was an odd one. He was always extremely laid back and never expended more energy that he saw necessary, and wanted nothing to do with sheep. Except for the fact he'd charge after our mare when she was stretching the fence out, he was downright lazy.

[draggar]

I don't think he has any of his mother's genes in him. As for the herding - it's instinct. Our collie hasn't had ANY working (other than show obedience) in at least 15 generation. We took him for an HIC trial (Herding Instinct Cetrification). The evaluator accused us of bringing in a fully trained dog. For the trial, the dog has to attempt to herd (attempt to) for at least 5 minutes during a 10 minute period - his test was done in 5 minutes - he was like a pro out there.

I think AKC allows mixed breeds to compete for working titles - you may want to consider that (if you and he enjoy it) especially in herding.

Herding is nothing more than a hunter-prey game between the dog and the sheep (but the dog knows not to attack the sheep). He's doing the same thing with squirrels.

[Bella_Vixen]

*many hugs*