Three years ago my father in law passed away ,my mother in law was left with the dogs Ludi ,the nutty German pointer ,and Lucky the calm and beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback,we  had to rehome Ludi as my mother in law could not control him (he was an absolute head case allbeit a gorgeous one )he went to live in the wilds of Scotland and is still having a wonderful time (we still keep in touch ) but this morning Lucky passed away ,it was all very peaceful and she died in her sleep ,we have been dreading this day as Lucky was 11 years and we knew for such a big dog she was a good age (still running through the fields yesterday in all that rain ....and loving it !) but my mother in law is devastated ,she is  an oap , extremly fit and active  walking the dog twice a day everyday ,but as a family we think she needs another dog ,she also wants one ,we have been talking about this for some time ,i know it sounds hard ,but my mother in law is a complete drama queen and we have been dreading this day ......so the question is,what dog next? we all agree that a dog of at least 2 years would be best , can anyone help here ? anyone else been in this situation ? Bye Sue & Lola xx

Hi Sue

I'm so sorry your Mum in law has lost her beloved pet :(  It's just a thought, but if she is fond of bigger dogs, what about a retired/rescue greyhound?  I've never had one, but have met a few and they seem a gorgeous breed, plus there are so many of them needing new homes. My thoughts are with you as you mourn the passing of a much loved dog, but how lovely that she was blessed with slipping away in her sleep after a lovely day of doing what dogs love best :)

Lesley

Hi Lesley ,many thanks for your  kind thoughts, i shall miss lucky very much she was a beautiful dog ,quite timid ,but just so gentle and loving ,my brother in law also mentioned Greyhounds ,but we have to be fairly careful choosing this next dog as should the worst happen and anything happens to my mother in law ,it will be us who would take on the dog ,i know this all sounds so hard and calculating ,but as i have said she is an extremely fit oap but i dont want to be in a situaton that should the worst happen that the dog has to find a new home ,i would want to take on that responsibility,so i am back to looking for dogs that shed little ,and not too large (even though she has been used to handling a Ridgeback! ) i think i shall take a trip back tomorrow to the Rescue centre we found Lola they were very good ,Take care Sue & Lola xx

hi sorry to hear of your sad loss , what about going for a nice retired from the show ring type you can usually get them from breeders when they havn't met up to their expectations or sometimes if the owners have bred a litter they want to rehome then,i don't agree with this myself but thats what some kennels do to mantain showing stock - i have rotties and a nice male rescued rottie might be just the ticket as they are very loyal and if she's had a ridgeback before she'll be used to the negative vibes from people anyway also they are good house dogs and don't need a load of exercise if your not up to it.

Hi Maxisleep, that sounds a great idea  i never thought of retired show dogs ,as i just posted we will be looking for a dog that doesn't shed too much ,and this time not too large ,Lucky was very docile and gentle so allthough large ,she was very easy to control unlike Ludi the pointer ,he pulled her over on two or three occasions ,she just could not handle him !,its strange you saying she must have been used to negative vibes ,she only ever seemed to draw posative people to her (maybe all the others just stayed away )she was always very protective of us all and if anyone she did'nt know (or like)came too close she could be quite intimidating ,but you know, she used to smile ,..! .we knew it was a smile because thats how she greeted us ,but to others it looked quite scary , oh dear i am going to miss that smile ,and her treading all over my feet god she was soooo awkward .....but that smile............. Bye Sue & Lola xx

HI Sue, so sorry to hear about Lucky. It is responsible of you all to consider the new dogs future if the worst should happen not calculating at all. Breed rescues might be another avenue to consider, like CKCS or Border terrier for example. Will your MIL let you know when she feels ready to have another dog,or has she done so? I imagine its like losing any family member and people differ in their responses, some want to  fill the gap right away others need more time to mourn. Thinking of you all.

Hi Lorelei,yes she has said she wants another dog ,this has all upset me so much ,as i am the one to deal with everything ,two strapping great sons and everyone passes it all over to me ,she is not the easiest person in the world to get along with ,so usually everyone chooses not to bother ,but she lives on her own and apart from the companionship ,also she needs to feel secure and safe ,something she always did with Lucky (mind you the way she barks at people she scares people off more than the dog did !! )as i have said because she is such a strong personality ......and VERY VERY dramatic(she is Italian )we have been talking to her about the time when Lucky would no longer be with us ,and trying to explain  what a wonderful life Lucky has had ,and also that she was a good age and not a sick day ever ,well anyway i shall start making discreet enqiries tomorrow ,Once again thanks for your help Bye Sue & Lola xx

How about a Whippet. They dont cast(mine don't) and are good watch dog's . They are loyal and can keep you warm at night. Don't cost a small fortune to feed. They can come in small ie 16lbs in weight,to big 32lbs in weight. There is a lot to choose from at whippet rescue and better still come in all colour's. Not all chase cat's ect and walk on the lead nicely.
Hope your mother in law find's a new dog soon . Susan

My grandad was the same he had a pom for 18 yrs lost  it 2 yrs ago he wont get another one thou. mabe you could take her to a show or somthing there has to be one breed she will fall in love with
Heres a website with breeds and pictures take a while to have a look you might see somthing you like http://www.dogbiz.com/group-index.htm

Dont suppose labrador would be any good to you would it? My friend has just informed me she hasn't got the time to look after her dogs anymore, 2 labradors, pretty sure they are bitches and approx 3 year old, one cream coloured and one chocolate, both pedigrees, my friend lives in wideopen, near Newcastle upon Tyne, if you are interested I can put you in touch with her.

Hi Spotty dog ,i wish i could take them both ,but unfortunatly my daghters asthma puts paid to many breeds i would love ,thanks for the thought though ,maybe your friend could contact The Lab Rescue ,i hope they can rehome them together ,Thanks anyway Bye Sue & Lola xx

I have mailed you Spotty dog :)

Lucy

Hi Spotty Dog,does your chosen name on here have anything to do with Dalmations ? i have wanted a Dalmation ever since a friend had one many years ago ,a complete nutter but i have never forgotten him ,but daughters asthma is a problem with their coat,but a bit like Irish Setters when i see either of these breeds i want to just hurl myself at them and <<<<<< Hug>>>>>> ,mind you that goes for Boxers ,too,and Danes ,and.....omg i'm off again Bye Sue & Lola xx

Ihaven't  read all the replies you've had so far so may duplicate what has been said - I stopped at the Greyhound bit.

I rescued a Greyhound some years back and he proved to be the most gentle, easy to handle dog I have ever met.  I had not been a fan of the breed til I went with a friend who was looking to replace her old dog when it died.  I came across the greyhound and just couldn't leave him there so he came home with us that day.

He did love his walks and was an absolute gentleman with every dog he met.  I had a couple of cats at the time but he never chased them - he was more likely to curl up and sleep with them.

They don't need long walks - just a good free-run to burn off some energy then back home to curl up and sleep.

But, there are hundreds of dogs needing homes in the rescue centres out there and another breed could fit the bill perfectly.  Just pick the temperament carefully to suit the lifestyle.

Sorry to hear about your MIL pet, i would sujjest a retired grayhound.  Likly to be perfect and it is what we have looked at for my great nan who has a 12 year old boxer, and so i would higly sujjest a grayhound as we have looked into them

Rox

Hi Everyone ,well i went to Battersea (windsor) today ,i could not believe it at least 3/4 of the dogs in there are Staffies !when i asked at the interview why are there so many, she said they are the fashion statement for young guys at the moment ,but once reality kicks in and they actually have to take care of them,guess where they end up? ,dog rescue ! also they have an unbelievable amount from puppy farms ,she told me one guy bought two pedigree poodles from a guy in Wales ! after one phone call they agreed a meeting place ,motorway garage !!!!!!!...exchanged money for pups and bobs your uncle !...the following day he took them to Battersea ....apparently he bought them for his mother ..and guess what?she didnt want them !..the lady from Battersea said the amount of dogs /puppies from puppy farms is heartbreaking ,and these dogs have not been socialised and are often very difficult to rehome,i saw a beautiful little Beagle pup, but they have had to send it to Beagle rescue as it needs such a lot of help !! so not a lot of luck today ,at the moment i have just registered our names as it takes a while getting home checks etc done ,you know ,up until today i have always felt very strongly about  dog rescue ,giving a dog a second  chance ,and have been lucky with both of our dogs,but when you see the problems there are out there ,all down to greedy, selfish ,miserable b******s trying to make a quick buck ,it just breaks my heart ,Thanks for all of your help will keep you informed as and when Take care Sue & Lola xx 

theres a shar-pei needing a  woman only home-----its a touch afraid of men, poor things in rescue and not doing well, theres a picture of it on a website if you want to see it,

Hi Dizzy what site is it on ? i can always have a look,thanks Sue & Lola xx

I know how the shar-pe feels.

Hi Emma , "How you doin"? as long as your little face does not end up looking like the Shar Pei 's you should be ok lol Sue & Lola xx

Somebodies face looks like he is chewing a wasp after the leap Ive made.

ive sent you the details for the shar-pei------theres also someone having to rehome yorkies as two bitches now hate each other and would fight to the death, -------- if the yorkies are of any interest get in touch and i'll give  you a contact

  emma------i felt really bad for you reading your post   :(           it will get over, ------chin up.

Sue have you tried Stokenchurch rescue.  They are good

Hi Emma ,where abouts in Stokenchurch ? and do they have a tel no ?  if i could telephone first and explain situation it would be easier ,i find it quite hard visiting these rescues ,no matter how clean etc they are ,its just those little faces ! oh god and the eyes ,i take friends with me and they supply the tissues and hugs ....i know i am stupid ,i wish i could be a bit more grown up about all of this ,when i found Lola they were all very close to her and made me promise to send them photos and take her back to visit ,i just have not been able to do it yet (its been nine months ),in fact i may go after lunch ,and take her with me  and have a chat ,!! will let you know how we get on ,take care Sue & Lola xx

Stokenchurch Dog rescue is off the A40, near the M40 motorway junction.
Depending which way you are coming from.
If from 'Stokie' you need to turn right onto the A40 towards Oxford and it's
just down on the right, practically opposite the place that sells/buys the palettes.
If you reach the kennels/shop on the left hand side you've gone too far!

There's also another Rescue I think in Stadhampton.
I think the Stokenchurch one advertises in the Bucks Free Press.

Kind Regards
Kirstine