[AZME]

I am new here. And would like some feedback on my future yorkie. I just lost my faithful buddy Louis at nearly 15 years old. My heart is broken and I have known this has been coming on for some time. My vet was great helping me extend this little guys life for as long as possible and he stayed active and happy despite failing senses and other old age issues. I am trying to make some good decisions for the future. I know I want another Yorkie. I don't think I'll be ready for a couple of months as I will be grieving this loss of such a faithful charming little buddy. Lou was a found dog and through him I have fallen in love with the breed. I can see from reading here that there are a lot of Yorkie experts and that I will get some sound advice. I am on the fence as to whether or not to seek a rescue or get a new pup. I loved my male but I am unsure whether to get another or a female. I do have a health issue and may consider a dog that could be trained to awaken me and become a service dog for me. I have limitations driving because of my sleep disorder but am otherwise healthy very active (walk an average of 3-5 miles/day) and happy. Having a dog that could be a service dog would offer me more options for travel and while this is a consideration for both myself and my next doggie it is not my primary consideration. I live part of the year in Arizona and part of the time in Maine and have great Vets in each place. My Louis was a fantastic traveler and flew back and forth with me jumping in his carrier as soon as I took it out of the closet. He never needed any medication for traveling it was just part of our routine. He would start to cry when he smelled the ocean every time we came back to Maine because he loved the beach so much…makes me tear up thinking of that. I appreciate any feedback anyone here can give me on rescue or rehome vs. pup, male vs female and anyone who has a Yorkie as a service dog or training a dog for specific tasks. Glad to be here with kindred spirits.