AboutTammy Colbert, CMG, CAH Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to owning, training(obedience and protection),agility,tracking, earthdog, grooming,and traveling with your Bedlington Terrier.
Experience I have owned and bred Bedlingtons for 15 years. I currently own a blue male. I have done obedience work with my dogs and have done earthdog with my dogs. I am currently an AKC Earthdog Judge at all levels. I owner/handle my dogs in conformation. I am also a Certified Master Groomer of 20 years.
Organizations I belong to Bedlington Terrier Club of America, Bedlington Terrier Club of the West, Southern California Professional Groomers Association, International Professional Groomers, National Dog Groomers of America Association, Miniature Schnauzer Club of Southern California, Western Fox Terrier Association and the Smooth Fox Terrier club of America.
Awards and Honors I have won many grooming awards in the grooming industry.
Question A friend of mine is moving and has asked me to adopt her Rat Terrier. The dog is 13 years old with no apparent health problems. I have 2 children, ages 10 and 13 and they would love to have a dog. I was told that the dog had another 4 to 7 years to live, but my concern is that the dog will become incontinent, suffer health problems etc. within a couple of years. So - I am a little concerned about taking on a dog that will soon suffer health problems. What is your advice?
Answer That's too bad that this person is getting rid of a dog in his/her senior years because he/she is inconvenience in her life. Does this person have children your kids ages? If not, then it may stress the dog out to be around kids.
Unfortunately there is not a crystal ball to say how much life is left in a 13 yr old dog. Ask yourself if you have the money or time to take care of an aging dog. Its your call.
