I've decided to continue Paz's legacy and am getting a new doodle

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi all,

As most of you know, this past Tuesday, my beloved Paz lost his courageous 6 month  battle with lymphoma.  I can't begin to describe the emotional pain I am experiencing, as Paz was such an important part of my life.; my apartment feels absolutely empty without his presence and I keep looking for his face everytime I open my door.  I've decided that I want to honor Paz's memory by continuing his legacy of helping the youngest victims of violent crime and towards that end, I've placed a deposit with a very reputable labradoodle breeder (ALAA and ALCA member) who will be breeding one of her standard size labradoodles within the next few weeks; this breeder's mission is to breed Labradoodles with the health and temperament that maximizes their potential to be trained  as therapy/service dogs; in fact, many of her dogs are service dogs, PTSD assistance dogs and so forth.  I interviewed several breeders and this breeder truly impressed me;  all her breeding dogs must pass extensive health testing and she is encouraging me to reach out to individuals/organizations that are using her dogs as service animals.  She also wants to get input from the Pet Partners trainer I will be using, when the puppy selection moves forward.  Additionally, based upon mounting evidence which links early/spay neuter to the development of lymphoma and joint disorders, this breeder conducts a partial spay/ neuter on her puppies, so their hormone production is not disrupted;  I can have the entire spay/neuter completed when the dog reaches maturity.  If all goes well, I should welcome a new ball of doodle fur in November.......of course you all realize, that since I am getting a new puppy in November, New York City will probably experience the worst winter in history, replete with 0 temps and 10 foot drifts!  There I will be, walking my doodle puppy in the middle of the night, with the winds fiercely blowing  and the snow rapidly descending.  FYI, standard size doodles from reliable breeders are difficult to get because apparently, breeders are responding to the demand for smaller doodles, and not breeding the larger standard size doodles.  Paz was a 65 lb standard labradoodle and I loved his large size, so it was a challenge to find a reputable breeder who was focused upon breeding standard size labradoodles.  I know I can never replace my beloved Paz,  however, there is room in my heart for another furry doodle who hopefully, will help alleviate the horrific pain and loneliness I am now experiencing without Pazzie at my side.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Thanks for the explanation of partial spay/neuter--I had never heard of it--and SO very sorry about Paz--what courage and devotion you have to start over with a new pup---good luck to you!!

[Stella]

So pleased you have found a good breeder to get your next four legged family member from. Paz's legacy will certainly live on with your new baby.

I have been looking at a lab breeder (I've always wanted a lab, but not sure if I can stand the shedding!) that actually requires you to wait until 18 months to spay / neuter, if you do it sooner your health guarantee is invalidated......how times have changed, for the better!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Charley, I am so very sorry to hear about Paz. You two have been such an integral part of DK and ambassadors for the good that dogs can do in this world. Thank you for the training and love you poured into your sweet boy. You were heroic in everything you did to beat his cancer. I hope and pray the puppy will meet the needs for you and for the many you serve. Sending you hugs and doodlekisses. 

[Nancy & Echo]

What an awful experience to go through!  I know Pazzie cannot be replaced, but I'm glad you can use some of that grief and pain to try to continue his legacy.  What a legacy it is!  I think you have come up with a fantastic plan, and am all with you on it. 

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Im so sorry to hear about Paz's passing. I know the new puppy will help to heal your heart. There is nothing sweeter than Doodle Kisses!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Charlie, thank you so much for that information.  I really had no idea!  You and Paz were such a special team that I know you will have that again with your new pup.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

So happy to hear that you have found a breeder you like and are moving forward.   I look forward to watching him/her grown and become a wonderful therapy dog and follow in Paz's footsteps.   I was curious though when you mentioned about the spay/neuter program.  I know that I've read a lot of the early spay being a possible cause of the urinary incontinence of many puppies.  Will this partial spay not have the potential to cause that?  I know I didn't want AnnaBelle spayed as a newborn for that reason alone.  I wasn't aware of the requirements by the ALAA and ALCA  for this maybe because I don't have Labradoodles.  Not sure if it is the same for GD's or not.  Mainly just curious.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Oh Charlotte, I'm so sorry. I have not been on DK for a while and now I read that sweet Paz crossed the Rainbow bridge. That's so heartbreaking! His work as a therapy dog was amazing and you guys truly inspired me to do the evaluations with Monty. Sending lots of hugs your way. I know you can never replace Paz, but I'm sure he would like his legacy to continue. So happy to hear you found a fabulous breeder. I can't wait to read about all the adventures with your new puppy.

[Amy and Annabelle]

I am happy for you that you have found a breeder. It sounds like you are well on your way to a furry ball of energy soon. I would get some doggy boots for him/her for the freezing NY temps and dealing with ice and salt. I think November is a good, it will allow you time to grieve Paz and be ready for the new one. This gives you hope and something to look forward to. My heart breaks for you over losing your beloved Paz, but this is a nice tribute to his good dood deeds.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so happy to hear that you have found a breeder and will be moving ahead with planning for your puppy.  I can only imagine how much you're missing Paz, and I hope planning for your new Doodle baby helps.