Sick Doodles ... Thoughts?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

For many years DoodleKisses was our sole place of communication.  We have over 10,000 members and while we lost a few of our beloved doodles it wasn't an every day occurrence.  I know that many of you are on FB now and a member of Doodle Family.  While I'm not real active there I am still a member on the site.  I see it in my feed and occasionally when I feel I have something of value to add I will do so.  What has been troubling me lately, is the number of sick and dying doodles on the site.  There are only 1714 members.  When you compare the two sites member wise, it just seems off.  Has anyone else noticed this?  I just wonder why?   It is actually a little scary and definitely very sad.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I don't do facebook, nor am I in the health and medical issues group, so I guess I haven't noticed. I can only remember 3 that have died in the 10 or 11 months I have been here. I am thinking that 2 were sick and one was accidental. They were all so sad.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Unfortunately, I guess I spoke too soon. So sad about this.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There are quite a few people who for one reason or another are hesitant to take their dogs to the vet and are looking for someone to give them cheap "natural" treatments for whatever ails their dogs. Here on DK, we have a lot of educated, experienced dog owners and we also have guidelines, so the "apple cider vinegar cures everything" type of advice doesn't fly here. But it abounds in all of the doodle groups on FB, and I think that's one reason you see so many people looking for help for sick dogs there, as well as more dogs who seem to be suffering from health issues. Another reason in the same vein is that here, we're more likely to tell it like it is, and many of these people posting on FB don't really want facts. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I concur with all of that Karen.. 

[Amy and Annabelle]

Back when I was deciding on pet insurance, not one friend or family member thought it was a good idea. They said I would be wasting my money. To a large number of people, Consumer Reports is gospel and when they say pet insurance is a waste of money, then it must be true. One reason I came to DK was to get the support I knew I wouldn't get from them. Everything from food to the health care is all about money to them and Old Roy dog food is as good as Orijen in their minds. So I think a large number of dog owners subscribe the this form of ideology and therefore their dogs whether doodles or some other are getting substandard food and health care. But at the same time, you can do all things right and still have your dog get sick, it's no guarantee but at least you made the effort and did all you could.

[Raj and Teddy]

I agree completely with your comments as that has been our short lived experience. People do look at us like we are crazy when we talk about healthy foods (Orijen), pet insurance, no table foods, using antlers and beef femur bones as chew toys, using lactose free yogurt for probiotics etc. I have now met so many pet owners who go to regular grocery stores and buy food for their pets without much thought.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Possibly it is because of the popularity of doodles now days.  Who would have ever thought a doodle site would grow to be 14,000 members plus. It always makes me sad when doodle owners (or actually dog owners in general) wait around to take their sick puppies and dogs into the vet.  I wonder if they do that with their children too (if they have children).  I suppose it is all a numbers game - the more dog owners you are exposed to the more health stories one hears.  The heartbreaking stores on DK this week have been so sad.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Yes, a very heartbreaking week, not just for doggies. My area is reeling from a fireman being killed yesterday in what appears to be a deliberate hit and run while collecting donations for "fill the boot" for children's muscular dystrophy.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Very sad! Who does that type of thing? Yikes

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

What ..... that is insane!   I haven't heard about that one on the news.

[Amy and Annabelle]

The fireman's wife is pregnant with their first baby too. It happened in Lansing, MI.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

This has been a tough last week on doodlekisses. I'm not sure about the other sites, I don't follow them. I do credit many of our members on this site for helping us all make good decisions from choosing our breeders, to the food we choose, and the sharing of health information from personal experiences.
Thanks to all btw. :-)