Off topic...

El_Toro

El_Toro

Joined
Oct 6, 2006
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... but thought I'd post here, since this is where I hang out most often in these forums. Anyhow, my 8 year old Chocolate Lab, "Cody" passed away unexpectedly last Saturday. The big lug just fell over and died in less than a minute. According to the vet, it sounds like he had a heart attack. Since he was really big for the breed, at about 105-110 lbs, his heart just gave out after all these years of lugging that big body. Was quite a shock because there was no warning, he was very active and didn't have a grey hair on his chin. Even though it happened so recently, the house feels real empty without a dog around. Within the next few weeks, my family probably be getting a new puppy and I was wondering if any of you have a Chesapeake Bay Retriever? If so, can you give me some input on what they are like, or point me to someone (or a good message board) who does? Also does anyone know of a good breeder within driving distance from the San Fransisco bay area.
 
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Sorry for your loss, pets are always tough.
 
Sorry to here the bad news. I had a mother and son Black lab that lived 16 and 15 years. Been over 5 years and I will always miss them.

Thanks for sharing, He was a good looking dog, and like most labs I'm sure he was a great dog.
 
I have had a Chessie for the last 7 years.
Best dog I have ever owned. Excellent hunters, very obedient, fiercely loyal . . .

Be warned though: they are VERY stubborn dogs! And wicked smart too. If you aren't a strong "master" they will walk all over you.
But if you clearly establish who is boss, and keep the dog trained and obedient, it'll be the best dog you have ever owned.

Chessies are VERY protective of their "family." Be sure to expose it to other dogs, and small children while its a puppy . . . once it is "used" to you, your family, your house, etc . . . it will be VERY protective of your family and your stuff. Leave your truck open, with your Chessie in it, and you can rest assured that it will be there when you get back.
Let your kids play in the yard with the dog, and a stranger walks up to them . . . your kids will be safe.

What they are exposed to as a puppy is very important to how they grow up. If you let them play with other dogs and kids, and train them well, you'll have a great dog.

If you don't, they will be VERY aggressive to new things . . . especially dogs, and other things which they see as a threat to you (the alpha male) and/or them (the alpha female/beta male).

Finally, Chessies are ONE OWNER/MASTER dogs . . . they don't take orders from other people very well.

They can be a finicky dog, but these quirks add character. When I lose my dog, I'll get another Chessie. Period. I'll never own a different breed again, and I've had labs, Vislas, German Shorthairs, Huskies, and Malamutes.

When you see the Chessie "smile" at you for the first time, you'll be sold.
 
sorry for your loss. my family's black lab is about 2 years old and tipping the scales at 110lbs. should i be concerned? he's not "fat" he just has a large frame. he gets plenty of exercise too.
 
Sorry for your loss, Cody was a beautiful dog !


I'm currently playing nurse for geriatric pet, again. Hard as it seems, you were blessed.
 
Sorry to hear it. I never get used to the fact you always outlive your furry pal. It always hurts deeply.
 
Very sorry......Beautiful dog! So hard to lose that piece of yourself and family!
 
I'm sorry to hear that. What a cool looking dog! I had to put my 14 yr old setter down last week. It sucks. It was easier to have her put down then to watch her suffer; she was sick and also had arthritis. She was deaf and near blind, so it was time.

I don't know anything about those dogs you mentioned, but I've had experience with a family member's Dalmation and I think I might just get one. They're great with kids from what I've seen and extremely athletic/energetic.
 
Thanks everyone. Even though I miss him, in a way I'm glad that it happened the way it did, very quickly and no pain. Before this one, my family had two other labs who lived to be older, however they both started having problems in their old age and in the last few months were in a lot of pain.

WVHILLS said:
sorry for your loss. my family's black lab is about 2 years old and tipping the scales at 110lbs. should i be concerned? he's not "fat" he just has a large frame. he gets plenty of exercise too.
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I wouldn't really be concerned. This is exactly how mine was, with a large frame. You may ask your vet if there's a certain diet or something that promotes heart health as he gets older. However, there's really no way of telling when these things will happen. Cody was spunky and seemed perfectly healthy right up until the end. It comes down to just enjoying your time with him as much as possible.
 
They're just not with us long enough. I guess I wouldn't want them outliving us either. Someone pointed out to me once that "yeah, but if they lived 20-30 years imagine how attatched you'd be then."

Loss is loss. I have to think about it now that my guy just turned 10. He's the most important thing to me, so I can truly imagine what you're feeling. My heart goes out to you. God bless.
 
I feel you, bro. We lost our 11 yo Havanese last week after a 6 month battle with cancer.... He suffered terribly at the end. I know he's leaving a hole in your heart but, if there's a blessing in this, it may be that he went quickly.... I pray you find peace and let time heal the void.

Ken
 
beaut of a dog. I know how it hurts to loose a family member.
 
That's terrible news.....
I'll ask some of my clients and see if they know any Chessie breeders in the
San Fran area. Definitely check out the lines; I've treated some really great Chessies, but some can be hard to handle.
Mike
 
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