How long do dogs live?

I have a dobie she is 15 years oldactually almost 16. She is part of our family we keep her inside. She was rasied with both of our kids (playing, sleeping, eating).She has grieved right along with my husband and I when both of our kids went off to college. She is just as excited when they come home as we are.

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Surgery Date 6/27/06
Dr. Longhi

In April we adopted a Saint Bernard from the local St. B rescue. She is 1 1/2 and just a big (120lb) baby. My DD's 7 & 11 love her. We have invested in some very good training and a fence, but she really is a lot of fun to have. Lifespan is tough to deal with, but we get to enjoy her for now. We debated the puppy thing, but I just didn't want to deal with the chewing and "potty" training.

Good luck with your new addition. A dog also makes a great exercise companion.

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Banded 9/12/06
2day Pre-op -3
Week 1: -9
Week 2: -4
Week 3: -3
Week 4: -2
Week 5: -1
Week 6: -1
Week 7: -1
Week 8: +4 (vacation)
Week 9: -4 (first fill 1.5cc / 4cc band)
Week 10: -1
Week 11: +2 (Thanksgiving)
Week 12: -3
Week 13: -2 (second fill .5cc)
Week 14: -0
Week 15: +2 (Christmas)

I really think it depends on the dog and environment. We just had to put our beloved Sasha down last year. She was a White American Shepherd (60 lbs) and was 16 years old. The entire family bawled like a bunch of babies. I still miss her to this day, and it took a couple of months for me to get used to not seeing her. I walked in the door saying "Hello Sasha", forgetting that she wasn't there....

I also have a American Cocker Spaniel that will be 13 in November. She is soooo spoiled, but I wouldn't have her any other way. She always seems to know if I'm upset and climbs into my lap to give me a big ole sloppy kiss!

I also have a mutt that I saved from being, shall we say, "the neighborhood tramp". When I first met her she belonged to a mentally challenged neighbor who wasn't really able to care for her. She had a big ole chain wrapped around her neck(no collar) and he would give her food and water, but she couldn't reach it because of the chain. Slowly I got to where I asked if he minded if I walked her.. I got her a collar, fed her, etc. Then he decided to let her run loose.. I had to rescue her from the pound and get her shots. Next thing you know she was pregnant. I had to give all the puppies good homes and had her spade. Eventually the neighbor moved away and wasn't interested in taking Daisy with him.... His loss, my gain! What a sweetie! She went from that big ole' chain to living in my house with all the love and attention she can stand...

I'll probably not get any more pure bred dogs in the future, there are so many mutts and rescues out their that need good homes.

Way to go Nana, I'm soo glad you are helping a rescue! Your kids will love them! Dogs rule!

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Since Pre-Diet:-136! Since Surgery:-124!
Banded 05/26/06 - Dr. Rose, Chattanooga
08-29-06 1.25 cc / 10-26-06 2.0cc Fill / 02-13-07 2.5cc / 05-16-07 2.75 cc /09-04-07 3.00 cc/05-13-08 3.25cc

Want2lose.... I love Saint Bernards! I had one growing up, her name was Heidi! What a sweetie! Congrats on your 120lb bundle of joy!

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Since Pre-Diet:-136! Since Surgery:-124!
Banded 05/26/06 - Dr. Rose, Chattanooga
08-29-06 1.25 cc / 10-26-06 2.0cc Fill / 02-13-07 2.5cc / 05-16-07 2.75 cc /09-04-07 3.00 cc/05-13-08 3.25cc

Kim, you & your family have a heart of gold, not to mention your a Smoke fan. ;) I would have more dogs if my DW would let me. It does take money when you take care of them properly by giving shots, heartworm/flea meds, and high quality dog food. Last but not least, there's the dog license.

When you say White American Shepherd, is that a white German Shepherd? 3Loves had one growing up named Hitler von Ross. He was already named when they adopted him. I know he lived for many years. Will have to find out how long. He was very protective of the entire family. Great dog from what I hear.

Nana, do you have your dog/dogs yet?

I'm not sure if it was me you were asking about my pets. But yes I do have a Shih Tzu who is 5yrs old and the love of my life. If not for him over the past 5yrs I don't know what I would have done. Due to my weight and other factors I have been unable to work for the past 5yrs. And he has been a great comfort. I also have 2 cats, a siamese and a all white cat, both who are great company too.
So best of luck with your baby,cuz that is what they all are.

To answer the Thread Opening Question:

How long do Dogs Live?

There are two answers:

Not long enough.

In your Heart forever.

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The National Government will regard it as its first and foremost duty to revive in the nation the spirit of unity and cooperation. It will preserve and defend those basic principles on which our nation has been built. It regards Christianity as the foundation of our national morality, and the family as the basis of national life.

I had my Carin Terrier for 17 years after rescuing her from the pound the day they were putting her down! When she died it was a family member that I lost. It is strange that reading these posts still can make me cry and Tanya has been gone for 4 years!! You will never regret the decision to bless your life with a four legged friend and they will never ask for money or the car keys!!!
Best of luck and congrats!

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~Patti~

T O M, so true!

I can't resist...here is my little dog. I love her so much. Small dogs have a bad rep. She loves people and is so easy going adn she gets plenty of exercise in our yard. AND her poops are the size of tootsie rolls! Less yard clean-up.

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OHHHH she is a doll!!!!

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~Patti~

The smaller the longer

Nana, We were given a Mini Schnauser when she was 7 yrs. old. We never had a family dog before. She stole our hearts, and only lasted 18 months after we got her. Her former owners never took her to a Vet, well, we did. 4 thou$ later she passed of kidney disease. She was mid-size about 21 lbs. We now have a Toy Schnauser, 8lbs. We love her but little dogs really yap!!!!

Nana, I forgot...Terrier breeds don't shead.

THAT IS SO TRUE

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Carol
surgery date: June 7th,2006
band: V.G. band 11cc
fills: 4-last one @6.5
fill taken out to 5.5

:faint:

My babies... Iggy - the big brindle boy, and Bella - the little black female.

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06/14/06 Cobourn H 295/S 280/C 206.5/G 160