This is a hard post to write. We lost a much-loved member of the family last month when Jake, our 12 ½-year-old golden retrievers died of osteosarcoma of the jaw. Jake had served as the unofficial mascot of this blog, and you will find his pictures scattered around where I needed a picture for various reasons.
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Jake had a hard life in many ways. He had a congenital eye issue that eventually after multiple surgeries left him blind. While going blind, he tore his ACL and needed that repaired. But ultimately he was done in by cancer. He lived an average life span for a golden and died of a common cause for golden retrievers.
We bought Jake from a back yard breeder. We were unaware of many the health problems associated with the breed and were overruled by puppy love. We have paid the price with both emotional and financial pain. Jake received all possible treatments for his ailments but better not to have the ailments to begin with.
His death has left a huge hole in our "for two" household hearts that we needed to fill. We are a "dog" house, and we are not ready to give that up. While there will never be another Jake, we are moving on. We have done our research on the health issues and have checked breeding lines. Jake's personality and temperament have converted us to golden retriever people for life.
So the puppies are on the way. Two English Golden Retriever puppies, Lilly and Molly, will arrive home in a few days. We are busy getting cages, puppy toys, dog food, dog treats and the list goes on and on. It takes a lot of energy and time to raise one dog and more than double that initially for two. But we are determined to have two wonderful dogs with separate personalities.
So to our local friends, it is socialization time. Visit this summer, just drop by for a puppy fix and some great pond fishing for the kids. Visiting dogs welcome after we are fully vaccinated.
To my blog friends and readers, you get puppy pictures... lots of puppy pictures. On one of my favorite blogs, Plain Chicken, Stephanie has Meow Monday every week. While I may not do Bow Wow Wednesday (or maybe I will), it may seem like it. Puppies and pictures do go together.
Blog notes: there may be fewer recipes for a while.
Updated
March 14, 2017
Shelley says
Love your dog pics, I have a small terrier because I live in an apt. And she is a sweetie, but love those fun, goofy big dogs and your English Golden's are so beautiful!
Shobelyn says
Having a. Bow Wow Wednesday will be perfect?please do that. I would love to see Molly and Lilly and how they are growing up.
Patti in CO says
Sorry for your loss. Puppies rock and 2 are much better than 1. I have 4 labs and can't imagine a day without them
DrDan says
Thanks for the note. We dog people just need our dogs.
Dan
Brian says
So sorry for your loss! We lost our golden (Angel) of 12 1/2 years last fall due to kidney failure. She thankfully didn't have any real health issues during her life but the breed is prone to many problems. She was our second golden and we agree, their temperament is outstanding. We may be in the market soon as well. Good Luck and enjoy! Looking forward to pics of the pups!
DrDan says
Sorry about your Angel. We are hoping to avoid some of the health problems by knowing the blood lines and health certifications or eye, heart, hips and elbows going back many generations. We are hoping spending research time and a few extra dollars up front will avoid some of that but in the end you get what you get and you love them anyways.
Dan
Nancy says
Fabulous!!!!! Goldens are the "bestest" doggies in the world! You are definitely in for some fun and energetic times! And bring on the puppy pics, for sure! I will enjoy them all!
DrDan says
We so agree on "Bestest" doggies. We have had many dogs over the years (and many cats) but there is nothing like a golden. I expect thousands of "Kodak" moments and can't just let the pictures set on the computer.
Dan
Patty C says
Dr. Dan,
So sorry to hear about Jake! Although we will miss his gorgeous face, we cannot wait to meet Lilly and Molly and will be thinking about him. We shall wait patiently for new posts. Take Care, Bailey and my dog momma, Patty
DrDan says
Thanks for the note. I wasn't going to mention Jake's passing on the blog but I want to share the joy of Molly and Lilly with my readers and many know Jake. He did have a happy life just many unnecessary medical issues.
Dan