A picture of a cat ~ in each room
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I’m giving up and going home 
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I appreciate all the replies and suggestions. I guess I better be patient. The reason I am so depressed right now because everything has come to a standstill. All my exercise and dance classes are on hold until the end of September. I only leave the house for groceries. I guess I allowed Colton to fill most of my time. Morning walks for potty breaks, Playing catch and retrieve in his dog run with his ball, catch the frisby in the big field and agility in my indoor arena. We worked through cones and he would jump the in and out I had set up for him. He also had zoomies carrying the lunge whip running circles with flying changes to change direction
In the afternoon we had our off leash walk in the back forty. His recall was excellent. In the evening we would watch TV together where he would keep my feet warm.
Now I play a lot of solitaire while listening to oldies on the radio, doing a lot of thinking about my exit. I don’t like this person.
Did force myself to go out and do some much neglected yard work, trimming the overgrown jungle that has developed due to all the rain we had.
End of todays maudlin.
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I missed your previous post about Colton, @Cat_Tap, but I wanted to give you my condolences. You did your best for him and loved him and that’s what matters to animals.
I think the right dog is out there somewhere. I know how quiet a house can be without pets. I’m also between dogs right now and it feels like something is missing.
I also find it difficult to navigate the application process for rescue dogs. I’ve had more luck finding dogs through word of mouth. Are you very active on Facebook? I found my last dog on there.
I believe you’re in Ontario. I’m up north, but if I see anything I’ll come back here to let you know.
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glitterless I think I bought a rainsheet from you many years ago while on a Canadian board EMG
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@Cat_Tap, I have been dogless for 2 years next month. We lost both of our dogs to old age within 4 months of each other.
We do have inside cats, but they are not the same as a dog. My neighbor fosters for 3-4 different rescues, and she had a Shih-Tzu, who could have been perfect, except for our open concept house with open concept stairs (open backs on the treads and lack of railing on one side). We seriously discussed the Shih-Tzu, which is a breed we had before and absolutely adore, but I could not bring myself to pull the trigger.
My lovely neighbor, in her infinite wisdom, told me the Shih-Tzu just must not be my dog, and I will know my dog when I see it.
If it is meant to be, you will know your dog when you see it.
Sending cyber hugs your way because you deserve them!
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We have been adopting more senior dogs from Collie rescue for the last twenty years, and it has worked out very well. They are already housebroken, and really glad to have a home. The downside is that of course you lose them sooner than you would a puppy you raised, but we always have two so home isn’t quite so desolate when one goes. Really I recommend it. I just can’t face life without a dog.
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That’s possible. I was on EMG frequently. I miss having a Canadian forum. It was nice for chatting about local info.
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Hi @Cat_Tap, I am sorry about Colton, you made the best decision but I know how it hurts.
I’ve found myself without a dog several times, and it sucks. I never thought I would ever get a small dog, but here I am with a 6 months old miniature poodle. And she is a riot. Soooo easy, smart, and entertaining.
Before her, I had medium sized dogs, very manageable too.
I second those who say to build a relationship/file with a few rescues, and see what comes of it.
My vet also has contacts of adoptable dogs in my area, in fact, there was one ( youngish shepherd mix, medium size) that sounded wonderful.
I would definitely bypass the puppy stage, if I were you, and give an adult dog a home.
Good luck, the right dog will come along when you’re not looking (like mine did) 
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Apologies if this has already been mentioned, but can you foster a dog? The rescue can pick a dog that’s in need of fostering (which prevents you from having to “choose” from a sea of sad faces) and it’s not a permanent situation, in the event you decide fostering isn’t for you.
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Yes, we use these out at the barn (even on our medium-sized dog) and while I don’t know they’re effective (neither has been attacked yet), they LOOK like they would be. Unfortunately they only work well for barn use during the fall/winter/spring; they are simply too hot for summer.
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Be open to easy breeds. Maybe a middle-aged lab? Someone that doesn’t need too much grooming?
I know I would hate being dogless. I miss the breathing. The happiness…
Is there an animal control or humane society near you? Some of those types of places would hear your story and know just the dog for you.
I second looking at Craigslist or on Nextdoor or FB marketplace. I have gotten good dogs that were posted for various reasons…none of them through any fault of their own.
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If you feel that your life is too empty without a dog - why not foster? Rescues are desperate to find fosters, you can trial the dog as long as you want and you can do meet and greets to see what you feel comfortable with. If it isn’t a marriage made in heaven there is no shame in saying “No - this isn’t quite what I want. I need something smaller, younger, older.”… Like taking a horse on an unlimited trial. Check around and vet the rescues/ humane societies so you don’t end up with a whackadoodle, but there are certainly plenty that really want to get a dog into the right home and have a foster fail.
I mean - you don’t expect to marry the first guy you date, so take your time checking out the eligibles.
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@Cat_Tap I don’t think the experience that you had with your dog running you down, etc was typical. I have seen it happen with young dogs but not often…
Maybe a five year old lab? Cute, big enough to walk in the wilderness and pretty sane by that age and minimal grooming.
Are you comfortable saying the area where you live? Maybe I can do a search for you?
I realize many people here are anti-small dog, but I’ve had and known many wonderful smaller dogs. Not every one is a yappy stereotype. Maybe a smaller, older rescue dog might be a confidence-booster after such a heartbreaking and frightening experience? An older dog’s personality is also more of a known quantity.
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I have no advice to offer other than be kind to yourself. After something like what you went thru happens, it is easy to feel the way you do. I get it. I give you a hug and tell you I feel that the right dog will come along for you. (((((hugs)))))
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Thank you, I live in southern Ontario, Canada. We had several labs in the family growing up. They were great dogs. I have owned Toy poodle, 6 Bouviers, 1 Bearded Collie and 1Golden Retriever. Loved them all. I am not set on any particular breed right now. Looking for a medium size dog.
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I have joined a few rescue groups, checking out local shelters on Facebook, afraid to go to a shelter and look at all those poor animals. Not sure how I feel about fostering, looking after an animal and then having to give them up. However would consider foster to adopt myself.
Just keeping an open mind right now, waiting for the right dog to come to me??? Lacking in confidence at the moment.
Two positives of being doggless, house is staying a lot cleaner and now when I have to go out I am not in a rush to get home for the dog.
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I have four friends who have just adopted mid-sized dogs from Portugal, called Podencos. They are apparently an ancient hunting breed.
There are adoption agencies that are importing them along with Galgos (Iberian greyhound-like sighthounds.) These organizations decided to bring in foreign dogs because when not being used for hunting, they are killed or abandoned.
The friend that just recently adopted, found a 7 year old male medium sized mixed breed Podenco that is just the sweetest thing. This dog is timid, and takes a while to warm up to people, but is smart and easy to handle. The dog is grateful beyond words and worships her.
The most well-known rescue organization is Galgos del Sol and they work with organizations that were former greyhound racing dog rescue organizations. I don’t know whether there are any in Ontario.
It is a really good deed to adopt one of these dogs. No matter the situation, it’s better than their previous lives.
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@Cat_Tap, you are an exceptional owner, caretaker, and steward. The dogs in your life have lived in the house and slept on the couch, and have an outdoor kennel which is great for when manure happens. The dogs can still be safe and cared for.
Your dogs have enjoyed real exercise, enrichment, and professional training. You have access to multiple vets. You can and did make the hardest and most responsible decision for the sake of the dog and the public’s safety.
Different seasons for different reasons. Whether you choose to take a break, turn to something different, find a Bouv, or discover a new breed, those choices are all available to you. None of those choices are because you are lacking anything as a dog owner.
(If I was asked how to find the next dog, I would pursue your local dog show community. While the people are equally crazy , the dogs are more known entities and the hoops to jump are fewer than rescue groups.)
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