We are looking into getting our first four legged family member

What I dont know is dog life length? I know it's differ. for small and large dogs but I dont know how?

Thanks

Nana~

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!

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

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.

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!

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.

OHHHH she is a doll!!!!

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.

To answer the Thread Opening Question:

How long do Dogs Live?

There are two answers:

Not long enough.

In your Heart forever.

THAT IS SO TRUE

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

Paladin - I just saw your question... yep Sasha was a White German Shepherd! Sooo Pretty with those big brown eyes. She was a great protector.... but she let my 23 lb Cocker Spaniel(Krissy) boss her around! What a sweetie! We planted wild flowers on her grave on our property.... I gotta admit that I talk to her when I'm in that area walking my Krissy! I know I'm nuts, but when you have an animal that long, they are family!

I was reading your reply and feel like your not at all nuts, I feel you would be a pretty cold person if you did not talk to her. That is so true animals are sometimes more like family than family. Go figure.........