My baby only has a week or two

Thank goodness for reading this today. I'm struggling with a bad day,,,and was afraid to come here to hear that Cole was worse,,,so thanks for the great news and all those smiles.
I think the new puppy is a great idea!  For ALL of you, Cole included.  It is NOT disrespect for Cole,,,but happiness!    Years ago when my Sammy was failing because of getting old,,,,I got Cindy so that I wouldn't feel I was replacing her after Sammy was gone...Well, Cindy added years to Sammys life I am sure. In fact, Sammy almost outlived Cindy,,,but that was because Cindy was a giant breed.   But that means a new puppy can only help Cole, not make him worse!
Keep enjoying and loving him...and please give him a kiss for me!  

I'm so glad to read that Cole is doing better. I don't think it's wrong at all for you to keep the puppy. If it makes Cole feel a little better and younger, why not? And the memories of Cole's days you have of him will now be filled with smiles of watching him play, not of him laying around hardly moving.
 
I think our babies love us so much and worry about how we will feel after they go that they make the effort to show us those things so that we have happy memories, not just painful ones.
 
Cole knows you are not trying to replace him, no one could ever do that. Cole just wants you to be happy and the puppy was sent as a way to ease the time of Cole's passing a little bit. Give all your fur kids big hugs from me and give Cole a big ol' kiss on the top of his head.

So glad to hear Cole is doing well.  I wanted to share my thoughts on cremation and the new puppy.
 
We cremated Tonka because it is unlikely we will live in the house forever, and I need him to be with me always.  I've also found that I get comfort with his ashes in the house because I talk to him, and also carry him to different spots, like in the sunny spot on the carpet he liked, or even out in the yard with me if I'm reading.  When my husband was out of town for several days, I even slept with the urn wrapped in a blanket near me.  I know it sounds crazy to many people, but that is how it is for me.
 
As for the new dog, I don't have personal experience, but just this morning I talked with my friend, who has a Basset Hound with an incurable condition that will likely cause her death in just a few months.  Her husband has been insisting on a new dog so when Zoie is gone, it won't be the awful empty house (like we are coping with now).  My friend is overwhelmed with the heartache of waiting for Zoie to reach a point where they think she needs help to the Bridge, so her initial reaction was "no" to a new dog.  As it turns out, they got TWO yesterday!  They found a pair of cocker spaniels brought to the Humane Society as a pair, and they couldn't bear to separate them.  It's only been 24 hours, but the 3 dogs are doing well, and as you said, the new dogs have caused Zoie to perk up.  Also, they're keeping each other company, as opposed to one new dog pestering Zoie when she feels crummy.  They are about 3 or 4 years old, so no puppy issues.  It sounds like it's going to be a good thing for them, so I'm guessing you'll have the same result!
 
Hugs to you and Cole, and the new family member, too!  Take care!

Thanks to all of you for your advice. I feel we made a good decision with the puppy. Cole does perk up when she's around. Her name is Sadie and I am hoping to get her to the vet tomorrow, they were closed for the holiday. She is a little on the skinny side but she is eating well. Cole seems to be having a slow day today. He plays with the other dogs and the puppy and then has to rest which is understandable. But when we came home from the movies today Cole grabbed a bone and met us at the door wagging his tail.[] He use to do that all the time and he hasn't in the last week and a half. So that is good news. however his belly looks a bit larger but he is still "normal". I hope everyone had a great holiday.
 

I think you did fine with the new pup.  Sequoyah came here when Dancer was 16+.  She's now 17, and they greet each other like a grandma with her grandbaby.  It's the sweetest thing.  Sequoyah seems to know that Dancer is frail, and doesn't mess with her, but is aware that she is very important! 

Hello - Just found and joined this forum today. I am crying uncontrollably as I read every response about Cole's story.  Glad he seems to be doing a little better with the new puppy. I have often heard a new puppy gives life to an older dog. I can thoroughly understand what you are going through and my heart is breaking for you, your family and Cole. What a pretty dog he is too. Give him a big kiss for me too please.
You are a great mom in my opinion and you will know when the time has come.
Every one here gave such great advice about talking to him and telling him it will be ok.

I just lost my beutiful boy. my  9 Yr old Shepherd Sam a few days ago to adverse reaction from a drug a new vet had given him . I am devasted to say the least. No testing or information was given to us and he went downhill rapidly in less than a week and I had to make the decision to end his suffering and let him go in peace to the Rainbow bridge. The guilt and remorse I feel for not doing more or being better informed is racking me.
But when the time came I was able to be there and soothe him, holding his hand and stroking his face and letting him know how special he was and that I would always love him and treasure the joy and love he gave me.

What a blessing it is to see such warm and loving people in this forum. Wish I had found you all sooner.

You and Cole are in my  prayers.

Sam's Mom
[linkhttp://www17.brinkster.com/beausam1/images/Sam.jpg]http://www17.brinkster.com/beausam1/images/Sam.jpg[/link]

beausam - I PMed you...
 
How is Cole doing?  I hope that pup gives him more time with you guys...

I read the first post a few days ago, but couldn't post.  I'm glad Cole is doing so well.  Beautiful dog.  I had my first basenji cremated.  I imagine when I die there be bunches and bunches of little doggy ashes in boxes.  When my first basenji died, my husband was in a different state and we'd travel to see each other.  I used to drag that little box of ashes with me (and the 3 living dogs) to visit DH.  A little silly, but I couldn't bear to leave her home by herself.  Anyway, take care of yourself.  Be patient with yourself.  And if you feel like you have to do something that non-dog people wouldn't begin to understand, that's okay too.  People here will.

Hey Everyone,
   Sorry I haven't posted in a while I have been very busy. Cole is doing GREAT!!! I don't know if it is the meds or the new puppy. I think it's the puppy. [] He has more energy and is playing and loving on me. It is great. I really hope this lasts for a while. At least I know he is not hurting. The puppy is doing great. She has become a part of the family right off the bat. She chases Jasper around the coffee table over and over and over to get a toy. It is so cute. She sleeps between me and my husband on her back and under the covers. Last night she got in bed, layed on her back and I grabbed the covers to pull up and she grabbed them with her mouth and layed back pulling them over her. it was so cute. I am so glad I can come here and talk about postive things now and not so much sad stuff. I am so glad Cole is doing great. Thanks for the prayers and love.
Love the Walker Clan all 7 furchildren and me and Chirs. Thanks[]

That is wonderful news! I am so happy to hear Cole is doing better and the new baby also. I think you are right. Cole has a purpose to show the new one all the things he wants her to know before he crosses over.
Hugs to the both of them for me please.

I have been thinking about you every day, wondering how Cole and you are doing!  I can't tell you how happy I am for you.   I hope it keeps up for a long time and I know that it can....so much is attitude. Thanks so much for reporting in and letting us know,,,,it is a good way to start the day for a change!
Hey, got any pictures of them all? New puppy sounds like a riot!

Hi
 
Also so very glad to hear Cole is doing well and enjoying the new puppy.

You are in our prayers

That is so great he is doing well.   I think there are dog angels that bring us little surprises when you least expect them.   I too stumbled upon a little stray that was thrown out a car window.   I couldn't keep him with 4 dogs already but I found a very good rescue center not far from where I work.   I am donating food and I want to help volunteer there.   He is really coming out of his shell.    My Frosty dog is the one with colon cancer.   I think he is going to need some further surgery because he can't go to the bathroom really well.  They can't get all the cancer so I didn't want them to cut into him again...but the next procedure is cautorizing the cancer as much as they can so he can be more comfortable.   I pray our guys have many more good days.  Take care.

I've jsut finished reading the story about Cole.  I'm so glad he is doing better and the pup seems to have brought his spirit back.

Cole is stilling going strong. I am so glad []. I got a new camera and I have been taking pictures of him like crazy. the only sad part is when I see the pics he looks so old and thin. He has loose skin and very little meat on his back and face. Here are some pics of the boys and the new puppy Sadie. Hope everyone has a great day!!