JD...Iam so sorry to hear of the loss of your companion.
He is pain free, young and happy and waits for you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. I love this poem....and it has given me comfort. Perhaps it will comfort you some.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Hugs to you and your new "doodle". You may be surprised to see a lot of traits that were dear to you that your old companion exhibited in your "doodle".........
I believe our old companions watch out for us, even after they are gone-in whatever ways they can.

Leisa

I can't answer any of the questions just yet. I'm still in the process of attaining a dog. Hopefully, I'll be able to start my training over the summer.

Anyway, I'm excited to see this sub-forum here. Now I know where to go to share and learn.

JD...

I'm so sorry about your heartbreak....and they do break our hearts everytime, don't they? Some people (those who don't own their own dogs) simply don't understand how painful it is to lose a beloved companion. FWIW, I do understand.

My dear sister did the most loving thing for me when Shelby Khan, my soul-dog, died. She called me and said to gather up all my photos of Shelby...all my writings/poems...all my memories/stories...and she'd come over so we could talk about Shelby all day long, if I wanted/needed to. She drove the 45 minutes to my house, completely prepared to do just that.

Of course, I didn't need all day....but boy, it sure was nice to know that someone was willing to do that for me when no one else understood.

So I would like to extend that same gesture to you. Please feel free to come here and tell us all about your life with your dog...post pics (if it's allowed?)....whatever you feel comfortable doing at this point. I'm sure after all those years, you have many warm and wonderful stories to tell.

How's the new pup?