We lost our 5 mnt old puppy due to a very rare virous and after a week of heart ache we are desperate to get another can anyone please help us.Please ring me on 07766 200629.

Many years ago when my breeder bought her first Elkhound, it contracted Distemper, and died. She couldn't have another dog for 9 months, as the virus persists for months on the premises.

I would be very wary of bringing in a new puppy to your home for at least six months, and then preferably a fully vacinated one. A good breeder would understand and be willing to get this done and keep the pup to 14 weeks and socialise it, though you would be expected to pay them a little more for this.

Seek your vets advice about how to lessen the liklihood of the virus hanging around.

You may have to sterilise the ground in your garden using lime and dig it over, treat your house with a disinfectant that kills viruse (like that used during the Foot and Mouth crisis) etc etc!

Someone I am aquainted with had Parvo virus on her property, and at the time it struck her youn bitch had been staying with a friend while in season. She was away for 3 months after her brother died, and her Dam recovered, but she contracted it on her return, and also died.