Hello everyone,
I'm not sure that everyone knows me. I have posted on the general board and on the newf board but I have not posted here. I was the proud momma of a golden pyr mix who died of a stroke at the age of 10 about a year and a half ago. I've also fostered for a great pyr rescue here in my area and have rescued a poor neighbor's pyr. My rescue experience with pyrs has been rough. The neighbor's dog that I rescued turned out to be the love of my life and my biggest heartbreak. He was a sweet boy, but would just freak out sometimes. The mystery was solved when he turned 14 months old and one of his knee caps popped out of the socket. He received surgery and recovered well. However, about 3 months after the surgery his other knee cap popped out. I had an appointment to get that one looked at. In the meantime the knee cap that had be operated on also failed again. When the surgeon saw him (I took him to a different vet) he said that the little fellow had the worst knees that he'd ever seen and that he was probably in constant pain. That is why he was a little "wonky" personality wise sometimes. He advised me to put him to sleep. I agonized for a few weeks, but as Coop's pain got worse I realized it was the best thing to do. He passed away in my lap at the age of 19 months old. I still see his face, and I still cry about it. Despite the pain that he was in he was my happy go lucky boy. For months I couldn't get the image of Cooper lying ther out of my head. If I saw a pyr I would burst into tears. It was awful. A friend suggested that I volunteer with a pyr rescue group. I did, and I think it was the only thing that got my to accept and be at peace with Coop's passing. Some of the foster dogs that I saw come through the group had been badly mistreated and were very distrustful of dogs and humans. It seems to me that a pyr is like an elephant. He never forgets. I volunteered at some of the foster parent's houses trying to rehabilitate dogs with positive training. It was very slow going with some of the dogs. They were just so sad and leary of anyone of anything.
About 1 year ago I started to miss having a BIG dog around. So a researched several big, friendly type dogs. The newfoundland hit the top of my list. For some reason the stars have not aligned and I have not been able to get a newfie. That's probably good considering that I'm still on the fence with the whole "high upkeep" coat issue. My pyr was very easy to care for. Brush him twice a week. If he got muddy let the mud dry and then brush it out. Easy!!! Newfs are NOT like that.
So I turn again to what I think my heart is calling my to find... a pyr. Now I am wrestling with myself. I'd like to get a young puppy 6 months or younger. I would also like to rescue the puppy, but then the issues I've had with temperment and health or back on the table. This is my question to all of you savvy pyr owners. Knowing the history that I have with rescyed pyrs... Is there a way to get a good pyr from rescue? Or do I have to go through a breeder? This last question just puts my stomache in knots. If you go on petfinder there are so many pyrs that need homes. It seems selfish to go to a breeder. However, I do not want a repeat of my history. I also want a steady temperment. My golden pyr was rescued at the age of 5 and he always had dog aggression issues. I currently have 2 goldens and I can't tell you have nice it is not to deal with those issues.