sorry to hear this sad news Rick. My wife preaches rattlesnake vaccines to every dog owner she comes across (she's a veterinary technician)

I sent her your story and I'm sure it will touch her deeply. Personally, I would be crushed. Please don't punish yourself...your dog loved you to his last breath

Good for you Rick! I have lost two dogs suddenly, both at 7 yrs of age.... one to Cancer & one to a rare fluid disorder in the spinal cord.... I was torn the first time because I felt it would be disrespectful to Rebel to "replace" him so soon... but a friend told me it was just the oposite... it was a show of respect to want another... and it would remind me of Rebel & the good time we had to train another puppy... she was right & I applaud your looking through windshield instead of the rear view mirror.....

I lost a female lab almost 3 years ago to diabeties - she went blind first.... Horrible. I had to put her down after discovery of huge swollen lymph glands on her neck. I waited almost 6 months before we decided to get another dog - Grizz. The moment we made the decision, all of our grief was gone, and we were able to think ahead of getting a new puppy. "puppy fever"! My first reaction was that I did not want to raise another dog and that no one would take Grizz's place. No one. But, my wife kept pushing me and I said the only way I would consider it was if we could get another pup from Grizz's father - Trip. Lo and behold, pups are almost ready.

As to Grizz loving me to his last breath, that hurts because its so, so true. He was trying to make it back to us in the boat and he went down seeing me swimming to him...

Thanks everyone for your insights and kind thoughts. This subject is still very hard for me to write about so I think it time to end this thread.

Again, I thank all of you for allowing me to share my grief with you and for all of your support.

Rick