Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hey Debbie,
I'm so sorry for your loss. 8 years old is way too young to die, though every soul is born with its death scheduled (I'm told from sources I deeply trust).
What we have in our hands are choices. When we learn more, we can do better the next time around.
What I'd suggest now is:
1. find a NR breeder of these dogs, one who's avoided vaccinating the breeding stock, feeds them balanced raw food, and uses pest controls that aren't poison for fleas and heartworm.
2. Be sure you're on my course wait list and looking for an email about my Natural Rearing Roadmap Course. In it, I teach you how to make all the best nature-based decisions for a new pup, from conception to 1 year of age. Currently in line for a late May enrollment opening.