Another Pyr or not?

by Linda Hindes
(Sequim, Washington, U.S.A.)

20 years into our marriage my husband was diagnosed with highly aggressive cancer and he decided to retire early. We researched and got our very first dog together. We always wanted one but did not want to leave it home alone during our working years.

My fear is the short life span of this breed that we truly love and are connected with.
Dog #1 died at 2 years from bone cancer. Dog #2 died of same at 4-1/2.
The female companion was rescued and outlived both but died at age 11 with cancer of the muzzle. Her memorial plaque reads: You Saved Us.

Dog #4 rescued August, 2019 came from an abusive male owner. We always socialize our dogs and did same with Nick. We taught him to feel safe.
Sadly, he was diagnosed with IMHA (Hemolytic Anemia) and died within 4 days - Memorial Day weekend. We are devastated.

I am beginning to feel like the Halfway House to Heaven. Our grown children have never loved this giant breed as we have. Our lives are empty without one and we realize that these magnificent dogs need a loving home as well.
We are in our 70s and they are just our speed. Not a dog for everyone but we know how to socialize them, talk to them, and teach them their boundaries with love. And, yes, they are quite loyal, intelligent and make their own decisions. But, they learn to trust our direction for them. We live on 1/2 acre with enclosed 6 ft. fence.
We talk to our animals. Even my possessive 24-year Congo African Gray parrot looks down the hall for him. Where could he be?