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Archive through August 29, 2005

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Jun. ~ Aug.: Hairball Haven ARCHIVES: Dogs (ARCHIVES): Archive through August 29, 2005 users admin

Author Message
Lumbele
Member

07-12-2002

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 1:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Great pen, Saxy. The girls are growing fast indeed.

Speaking of training, I need to find a video/CD for dh to train Charlie a bit more. Any recommendations?

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 1:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Awww Saxy! They're so cute! I wish I had one of those outside pens! Wouldn't help much with my Beagle though-he would just howl his little heart out until someone came to hang out with him! I read in the facts that your little ones were digging into you walls? Buddy did that for awhile. I have no idea why! He dug one hole that is HUGE and the others I was able to fix no problem.Oui.

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 1:23 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Silly, my dusty did that, I had to get her a pal. Now if I am not home so much, I don't feel bad that my four legged babies are home alone because they have eachother, and they LOVE eachother.

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 1:34 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Mocha's are very good at sitting. :-)

Saxywildcat
Member

05-30-2005

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 1:57 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Lumbele: I think that there is a DVD to go along with the book, Family Dog. I have not seen it, nor have I gotten very far into Family Dog, but my vet spoke VERY highly of the book and I think just as highly of my vet!

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 2:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
And this is a horrible thing maybe, maybe not. If I could find good homes for my pups, I would let them go, I just am not home enough to spend time with them and it isn't fair. I love them both, they were my first babies, and I feel so guilty about that, but what can I do?

Sillycalimomma
Member

11-13-2003

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 3:58 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I know what your saying Escapee. I know that if I decided to go back to work FT I would have to get buddy a little friend or he would be one depressed little pup. I just couldn't do it to him.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, August 18, 2005 - 6:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
A dilemma:

My sister has an 11 year old Irish Terrier she rescued about 6 years ago. This dog was great with kids, but as she is aging, her bones are hurting (you can tell cuz she winces from time to time and moves slowly, etc...) and now she is not so great with little kids.

My sister also has an almost two year old and a newborn. She used to be able to keep toddler and dog separated. But now with newborn, she can't do it as well. And this morning the toddler was doing something to the dog and the dog snapped at toddler's face. No skin was broken, but it totally is a wake-up call. No doubt about it, the dog can't really stay there anymore.

Of course my sister is a wreck. I can't take the dog as she is an alpha dog, plus I watch Ella (my niece who is almost one year old and LOVES my dogs to the point of irritation.) My other siblings can't take the pup in cuz they all either have young kids or travel too much.

Any ideas for her? Irish Terriers generally live to be about 13. Is it cruel to put her to sleep? Is it cruel to put her in a humane society--where the chances of her getting adopted are slim to none?

I think it is a no-win situation. She is going to call an Irish Terrier Rescue group tomorrow (though I don't think there are any in her area...) So I am just posting to see if anyone out there might have any advice????

Thanks!!!

Cinnamongirl
Member

01-10-2001

Friday, August 19, 2005 - 9:18 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Personally I think its too cruel to put her to sleep or leave her at spca...but thats just me.

Is the dog on any medications to help relieve pain. Alot of older dogs get pain from aging and theres so many good medicines available. Maybe she should talk to her vet first.

Kstme
Member

08-14-2000

Friday, August 19, 2005 - 9:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Cinnamon, I was going to ask the same thing. Julie, could some of the aggression your sister's dog is experiencing come from the pain she's in? If the vet can help the Terrier alleviate even some of it, she would be a much happier pup. I would definitely speak with the vet first before doing anything drastic. jmho



Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Friday, August 19, 2005 - 9:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Actually she is at the vet as we write. She is not going to do anything quite yet. She has put calls/emails out to three shelters. the first one responded with a we can't take a dog that is known to bite... Which is what she expected. There are just so many docile dogs put to sleep every single day, that shelters don't really want to try to place a dog with a biting history... (who can blame them.)

That is why I hate stores that sell dogs, puppy mills, etc... Why do people need to create more dogs when there are so many good ones already out there who are doomed?

Kstme
Member

08-14-2000

Friday, August 19, 2005 - 10:08 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Julie, as a breeder of a rare breed dog, we will breed to keep this breed alive. We are very picky about 'who' owns these dogs and the contracts that go with them are heavy enough to compete with a phone book. Some of the pups will be neutered/spayed, but most are not. As owners, we will always take back any dog that doesn't work out...no matter how much time has passed! The Sussex was one of the first 10 breeds recognized by the AKC and yet, the breed almost became extinct in the 1940's. There are just over 500 in the US and less than 2200 worldwide.

There will always be responsible breeders and those who are not. Legislation is trying to change the way a breeder breeds, which is going to hurt the responsible breeder...that's another story, though.

Kstme
Member

08-14-2000

Friday, August 19, 2005 - 11:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Here are some new pics of the kids...

Cami and Norman taking a snooze under the kitchen table.
camiandnorman0805

Norman
norman0805

Norman and Ollie sleeping on the couch...

normanandollie0805

and finally the whole gang, oldest to youngest. Ollie in front, Mags, Cami and Norm in back.

thewholegang0805

Wendo
Member

08-07-2000

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 1:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Puppies!!!!!

They look great Kstme. What fun!

Supergranny
Member

02-03-2005

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 7:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
It looks like Ollie has completely accepted Norman. I am jealous..you have four dogs and I only have two.

Julie, it really is sad about your sister's dog. Do they have Paws in your area? They do not put dogs to sleep. Instead they put them in foster homes if they can't be adopted.
My children will tell you that I probably would have chosen the dog over them. They always have tales about their lives growing up with a cattery full of persian cats and all the other menagerie I have had. I tell them it made them better people.

Saxywildcat
Member

05-30-2005

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 7:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh, Kstme!! How WONDERFUL! And since Ollie and Norm were sleeping on the couch together, it looks like they are doing well together! Norman is so much smaller! He looks big in his own picture, but then next to Ollie.. They are BEAUTIFUL dogs!

Kstme
Member

08-14-2000

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 9:39 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Thanks so much, Wendo, Supergranny and Saxy! I wish I could say it was always so peaceful around here! Norm is Ollie's double when it comes to causing trouble! Norm is starting into the terrible two's early and thinks everything and everyone is HIS! I swear, he loves to sit and bark just to hear his own voice. I, so well, remember this period with the monsterboy! :-) Although, with Norm, when we put him into his kennel, he will quiet right down after three or four woofs. Sometimes, you just look at Norman's face and you can see the devil in those eyes! One positive thing...he has learned to use the dog door without any trouble, at all! Norm is going to be a handful all his life, just like Oliver! :-)

Nan
Member

09-25-2000

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 12:15 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Julie,
So sorry about your sister's dog. Just wanted to say that sometimes I think we need to look at things from the dog's perspective. This dog has lived with the same people for years, this is what she knows. Even though a shelter may treat her very well, she will still be in a different environment....possibly having fear and anxiety, she doesn't know why she had to leave her home. If she is in pain or discomfort, she needs extra love and kindness, she may not get that individual attention all the time at a shelter. Shelters are wonderful, but busy at times.
If a kind and loving home can't be found, I think your sister should not feel wrong in "putting her down." SHe may continue to have more pain and discomfort, and needs someone to take care of her.
We had to put our dog down....I know in my heart it was the best thing for her...not me...but her. There is something to be said for passing in peace with those you love around you.

Mocha
Member

08-12-2001

Sunday, August 21, 2005 - 9:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Jb, send the dog to Pamy.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Monday, August 22, 2005 - 9:40 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
If the dog is in pain, they need to find the source and treat it. If the pain is incurable then it may be a kindness to have the dog put down (but only after exploring solutions that kill the pain).

Problem dogs who are "placed" often have very sad life histories after that point, sad to say.

Escapee
Member

06-15-2004

Friday, August 26, 2005 - 8:54 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Get out the kleenex before this read. Maybe it's hormones, but I was balling like a baby. I will be going home tonight, bathing both my muts, and loving them like crazy.}

A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan, took a $7000 full page ad in the paper to present the following essay to people of his community:

HOW COULD YOU?

By Jim Willis

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was “bad,” you’d shake your finger at me and ask “How could you?”- but then you’d relent and roll me over for a belly-rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more Perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because “ice cream is bad for dogs” you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home At the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a “dog person”; still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her.

I was happy because you were happy. When human Babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. She, and you worried I might hurt them, and I spent more time banished to another room, or in a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a “prisoner of Love.” As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch; because your touch was now so infrequent. I would’ve defended them with my life if need be. I'd sneak into their beds, listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for sounds of your car in the driveway.

There was a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered “yes” and changed the subject. I had gone from being “your dog” to “just a dog,” and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You’ve made the right decision for your “family,” but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of Dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.

You filled out the paperwork and said “I know you will Find a good home for her.” They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with “papers.” You had to pry your son’s fingers loose from my collar as he screamed “No, Daddy! Please don’t let them take my Dog!” And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.

You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked “How could you?” They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind-that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief.

The prisoner of love had run out of days. As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured “How could you?” Perhaps because she understood my dog-speak, she said “I’m so sorry.” She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn’t be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself—a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my “How could you?” was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

Kstme
Member

08-14-2000

Friday, August 26, 2005 - 12:18 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Escapee. this gave me the chills.

Saxywildcat
Member

05-30-2005

Friday, August 26, 2005 - 12:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Escapee: Made me cry too. That's so sad.. especially after having to put my little Bacon to sleep yesterday. He was sick though. Thanks for sharing.

Seamonkey
Moderator

09-07-2000

Friday, August 26, 2005 - 6:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Makes me cry. To me a pet is a lifelong committment.

I have placed a few dogs but only in good homes where they were very much wanted, with the clear statement that if it didn't work out, I would of course take them back.

We needed to find a home for my dad's dog and when he knew he might have cancer he asked me and asked my brother and we both had to honestly say we couldn't take him.. each having cats who would not want a dog and honestly not liking that dog ourselves but we promised we'd find him a place and we did. Lucky for him he was a small dog; they are actually in some demand. Some people who called had no clue but several were excellent placements and the one I chose.. well all I know is that he lived out his life a bit budgier than he was with Dad and their daily walks, but he found out that some people let dogs on the bed and feed them toast and his last years were happy, though he had to get over losing his home and his humans.

That story, all too true, and all too often, just makes me cry and cry.

Saxy, that was a very different story for your little Bacon.. that was a loving act..

Mizinvanccouver
Member

02-22-2003

Monday, August 29, 2005 - 4:06 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Hi Everyone,

I don't have a dog (I have a cat) but I love all animals and quite often come here to read about yours.

I have a question for a friend of mine who has a Japanese Lap Dog (Chin??). Her dog is just short of turning one year old and he was diagnosed with Hemolyphic Anemia (Auto-Immune one). His name is Milo.

Milo was diagnosed with this last week (Wed). He was vomiting and had diarehea (sp?) (Started Sunday) which brought her to bringing him to the vet. They didn't find out his diagnoses right away, at first they gave her antibiotics. So then the next day when he was peeing blood she brought him back and they ran more tests.

His blood count kept dropping and she ended up bringing him to emergency at 1am on Thursday. They gave him a blood transfusion. He is now on presodoyn & mexa..something. He was at the emergency till Sunday. His count is up again and things are so far so good but she'll need to go every day to have his blood count checked until he's out of the woods. They think he's doing well due to the fact that he's so young and his heart, liver and kidney's are so strong. From what I read this diagnoses is mostly found in middle aged dogs and not this type of breed.

Has anyone here lived with a dog with this diagnoses? Does anyone have any recommendations for my friend? Would be greatly appreciated.