Petmania!

[Troubadour]

Thanks, Molly. My friend (& his partner) are really committed to their new pup and making her feel at home as soon as possible. I'll do my best to keep you updated on how Macy is getting on!

While we're in a doggy mood, I'm going to show off Jake (my sister's dog) a little bit more. She sent me a DVD of photos the other week and I thought you might like to see them!

As a pup...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake8weeks002.jpg

With his 'dog', Monty! ;)

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake8weeks013.jpg

In the snow last year, up in the Cotswolds.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake8weeks034.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake8weeks038.jpg

[Z]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/DSCN0011.jpg

That is priceless!!! How on earth did she get in his lap without tipping him over?

[ticky]

Lou, Jake is a beautiful dog!! and it's obvious that your sister is crazy about him and he's a very happy and loved dog.

[Molly]

Jake is gorgeous, Troub! Such beautiful eyes! I love it that he has his own dog.

Z-Hey Stranger! It seems Ditka has been letting Gracie into the pool when I haven't been around. By now, they're old pros.

I was against the whole pool thing. It's an above ground pool with the standard issue ladder as the only way of getting out.

Sure, it's easy for the dogs to get in-but one of the men of the house needs to be around to lift them out. I can't do it by myself.

We have a deck with a gate so I've preached and ordered that the gate remain closed at all times so we don't find a dog in the pool when they're not supposed to be in.

For the record, Zoe has gone in once. She wasn't thrilled.

[TimothyBFan]

Love all the doggy pics everyone. I need to get on it and get some new updated pics of Rufus on here. He is looking pretty darn healthy now days! He is just such a great dog. So thankful he made it thru everything and has become such a great part of our little bunch here.

[Prettymaid]

Jethro in the conservatory


Sounds like you're playing a game of Clue! :hilarious:

[sodascouts]

Jethro in the conservatory with the rope... sounds about right to me.

Ah, these dogs are so adorable!!

Z - I was just thinking about you earlier today! Speak of the devil... ;)

[Z]

Z - I was just thinking about you earlier today! Speak of the devil... ;)

Should I be nervous? :razz:

[Prettymaid]

Troub, Jake is gorgeous. But I need to ask - he looks like a totally different dog between photos 2 and 3 - where did the brown coloring go? (Probably another question for EV.)

[TimothyBFan]

Messing with my new phone and so I tested the camera on my dogs.

The Rufus-you can still see where they shaved his left leg for his iv.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/pets/Rufus3.jpg

Rufus and Pickles in the background
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/pets/Rufus2.jpg
and again...
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/pets/Rufus.jpg

and Pickles.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/pets/Pickles.jpg

[Molly]

Willie -such faces! I'd see those mugs staring at me and I know I would be heading off to the cupboard to get them another treat every time!

[sodascouts]

Should I be nervous? :razz:

It's just your appropriation of "Z" makes me think of you whenever I see it prominently displayed! In this case it was scratched into the door of a bathroom stall at Purdue...

[Molly]

It's just your appropriation of "Z" makes me think of you whenever I see it prominently displayed! In this case it was scratched into the door of a bathroom stall at Purdue...

Z! I've told you a million times to leave those college boys alone!! :thumbsup:

[Troubadour]

Troub, Jake is gorgeous. But I need to ask - he looks like a totally different dog between photos 2 and 3 - where did the brown coloring go? (Probably another question for EV.)

I'm pretty sure it just looks that way because the third and fourth pictures are in greyscale! You can see the same markings... They're still brown, from what I can remember ;)

Willie, Rufus & Pickles are beautiful dogs. I'm so glad that Rufus has settled into your home so well.

[Z]

It's just your appropriation of "Z" makes me think of you whenever I see it prominently displayed! In this case it was scratched into the door of a bathroom stall at Purdue...

Well.............I guess being thought of in the bathroom is better than not being thought of at all...... :wink:


Z! I've told you a million times to leave those college boys alone!! :thumbsup:

Sheesh!! You are NO fun!! :nahnah:

[Koala]

TBF, Rufus and Pickles are truly cute dogs.
Troub, Jake is also a very sweet dog.

[Prettymaid]

TBF, thanks for posting the pics of Rufus. What a handsome dog he is! And Pickles is adorable! Looks like your new phone takes nice pictures!

[Molly]

Well.............I guess being thought of in the bathroom is better than not being thought of at all...... :wink:



Sheesh!! You are NO fun!! :nahnah:

I mentioned this to hubby and he pointed out that Nancy would have seen this in the women's bathroom. So that shoots my theory out of the water.

[sodascouts]

Glad Rufus and Pickles are getting along!

Molly - nothing gets past your hubby! ;)

[Koala]

Unfortunately, I have no pets, these three dogs owned by my neighbours However, they are by me every day! They are also a bit like my dogs.
Dina and Charly are Golden Retrievers, Anton is a Bernese Mountain Dog. Dina is about 14 years old. Our neighbours have found them some years ago. She was set out on the highway!

Dina
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Jannesdogs009.jpg?t=1261507690 http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Jannesdogs012.jpg?t=1261507701

Anton

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Jannesdogs015.jpg?t=1261507763 http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Anton.jpg?t=1261507801
Charly
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Jannesdogs007.jpg?t=1261507737 http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Jannesdogs018.jpg?t=1261507753

Anton & Charly
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Jannesdogs010.jpg?t=1261507714

[Prettymaid]

Beautiful dogs Koala, and perhaps you have the best of both worlds - you get to play with them but you don't have to pay for them!

[sodascouts]

"Adorable" is a response I find myself making a lot in this thread... but what can you say? They're all so cute!

[MikeA]

Now THAT is a picture! I want that dog <LOL>

http://mvabercrombie.net/Anton.jpg

[Koala]

Beautiful dogs Koala, and perhaps you have the best of both worlds - you get to play with them but you don't have to pay for them!
You have absolutely right about that! I have the pleasure and others pay! Thats cool! :)

[glenneaglesfan]

Sounds like you're playing a game of Clue! :hilarious:Lol, PM!!

Molly, that picture of Gracie in the pool is priceless!!

Z, good to hear from you!

Troub, Jake is gorgeous. Love him playing in the snow. It's good to hear about your friend adopting Macy. I hope he soon settles in.

Willie, Rufus and Pickles are lovely. I know haven't been here often enough but I remember you acquiring him, and his health problems, and he looks a picture now! Looks like a classy new phone you've got.

Koala, your three friends are cute - that last picture of Anton and Charly would make anyone melt!

[Koala]

Koala, your three friends are cute - that last picture of Anton and Charly would make anyone melt!

I totally agree with you , the picture is really adorable, it is my favorite picture of the both. :heart:

[Troubadour]

I'm with Mike - that picture of Anton is enough to make anyone smile!

[Koala]

Thanks for your nice comments to "my" dogs.
I have Anton told you find him cute, now he is more conceited than before! ;)

[Prettymaid]

Thanks for your nice comments to "my" dogs.
I have Anton told you find him cute, now he is more conceited than before! ;)


:hilarious: Yeah, those compliments really go to a dogs head!

[sodascouts]

lol!!

[Prettymaid]

Snapped this one of Gracie this morning. She likes to help me make the bed. ;)


http://i510.photobucket.com/albums/s348/chilca0001/My%20Cats/Gracie003.jpg

[EagleLady]

Awwww, That is so cute Cathy

[Prettymaid]

Animals are so lucky - they're just so cute without having to work at it! :lol:

[TimothyBFan]

An awwww from me also! Too cute!

[Brooke]

Very cute!

[sodascouts]

My cat likes to "help" too - or more like, attack the sheets as I'm trying to put them on.

[GlennLover]

She's too cute for words!

I have a terrible time trying to change the bed! Since I have five cats I usually have at least 2 "helpers" attacking the sheets.

[Troubadour]

Gracie is adorable! Great pic.

[Prettymaid]

I love this thread, but everytime I post a pic I feel like one of those mothers with the accordion style photo holder - "and here's my Gracie in the bathtub..." :rolleyes: :lol:

[Koala]

Very cute, nice pic from Gracie!:-)

[TimothyBFan]

The newest Rufus picture from the other night. Like I've said before, it's an every night ritual for Rufus to visit Dad's lap. This particular time Larry had just sat down and Rufus took a flying leap into his lap, knocked the chair back and almost went off the other side, that's why Larry has a hold of him like that, to stop him going completely over the other side. That's also why it's a bit blury, he was still moving and I saw him coming so got ready to snap the pic. Check out his huge paws-remember, he's only 10 months old and since we've gotten him he's gone from 61 lbs to 80 lbs. If his huge head and paws are any indication, he could still have a bit of growing to do. Lord help us!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/pets/Rufus4.jpg

[MikeA]

Lordy Willie!

He looks like he's pretty glad to be with you guys!

I see the aquarium in the background. Goldfish? Or something more exotic? I stocked one of our watergardens with goldfish....Komets, some with fancy tails and all in a rainbow of colors. Several of our relatives have set up either water features or indoor aquariums and stocked them with fish from our ponds. They are very "hardy" and tend to over breed the pond. A few years ago, I drained the pond and netted OUT almost 300 fish and released them into a lake in our neighborhood. I don't know how well they fared in that lake though...lots of Blue Herons fish that lake and we have trouble with them sampling fish out of our ponds too.

My Son-in-law has taken up making aquariums and has three that are monsters. He has stuck with fresh water fish so far, but I expect he'll go saltwater before long.

[Prettymaid]

Oooh, an action shot! Good one TBF. And Rufus is not only getting bigger, but more handsome too. That's one lucky dog!

[GlennLover]

TBF, glad to hear (& see) that Rufus is so healthy! Yes, he certainly is lucky to be taken in by your family. If he gets much bigger I pity your poor husband :lol:!

[Molly]

Gracie does the same thing to Ditka. The other night she jumped up on his lap and bent his glasses.

[MikeA]

I found a picture of my aquarium. This is a few of the fish that have managed NOT to become Blue Heron snacks. It's sort of funny...If I walk out there either with or without a can of fish food, they body surf to the edge begging. But if I go out there with a net they disappear! Fish are NOT supposed to be smart, but I've never figured out how to catch them without draining the pond down to the point that they have no place to hide!

These are all goldfish. The largest is around 7"...maybe an inch or two longer depending on how flattened out their tail is. Most are in the 2" to 4" category. Well, that's not entirely true either. There are probably 200 in there that are less than an inch. I don't count them until they get up to around 2".

https://www.eaglesonlinecentral.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=14&pictureid=533

[GlennLover]

I think most animals are more intelligent than what we give them credit for. That's a great shot of your aquarium, Mike!

[GlennLover]

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss232/1Cdn/ImportedPhotos00028-1.jpg


Here are 2 more of my five - Molly & Lucky(foreground).

[EagleLady]

Awwww they are so adorable Ann

[GlennLover]

Thanks, EL. Not the best picture of them. It's hard to get a picture where there eyes look right.

Here's lucky sunning himself

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss232/1Cdn/ImportedPhotos00002.jpg

And Molly waiting for a treat

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss232/1Cdn/ImportedPhotos00005.jpg

Sorry about the size

[Brooke]

They are beautiful, GL!

And your fish are cute, Mike!

[Prettymaid]

Oh GL, if only I could put my hand right through this screen and pet them!

[GlennLover]

Lucky would love it! He's such a big baby. He's a real lap cat & sometimes cries to be picked up & carried around. Molly is very shy, a real dainty little lady. She doesn't like to be picked up but, she has her times when she wants to be patted.

[Koala]

I like the Petmania thread, I love the pictures from your cute pets!
GL, nice pics from your cats.
TBF, Rufus looks very happy.

[TimothyBFan]

Mike--it's a fresh water tank with Gouramis, Tetras and Mollys. It's kinda dying out now. We've had it for a long time and are in no replace mode now. They can become maintenance nightmares and we just don't have the time. When we lived in our apartment before we got married and bought the house, we had several tanks that were just beautiful. Larry loved doing that.

[MikeA]

We did have a fireplace. Now it's a watergarden :hilarious:

Seriously: The chimney didn't "draw" right and I couldn't fix it though I made several attempts. So, I just plugged the sucker up, installed some florescent lights inside it, put a container where the hearth was and caught a couple of fish and put in it.

That's as close to an aquarium as we'll ever get. The ponds we have are very mature and require little to no maintenance other than thinning out the lillies and cattails. It's a self contained eco-system.

But I do know the work that goes into maintaining aquariums. I love to zone out watching the fish in them.


Mike--it's a fresh water tank with Gouramis, Tetras and Mollys. It's kinda dying out now. We've had it for a long time and are in no replace mode now. They can become maintenance nightmares and we just don't have the time. When we lived in our apartment before we got married and bought the house, we had several tanks that were just beautiful. Larry loved doing that.

[glenneaglesfan]

We have had a new addition to our family. Kenko was orphaned when her owner died, and dear hubby offered to adopt her. She is a chocolate Oriental shorthair, 8 years old and full of attitude! Jethro has been a complete gentleman so far, but secretly is a bit frightened. Hopefully lots of canned tuna will ease the passage.

Kenko
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/Glenneaglesfan/Devon/IMG_6383.jpg

Jethro
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c96/Glenneaglesfan/Devon/Jethro.jpg

[Prettymaid]

My, what a handsome cat Kenko is! I'm sure she and Jethro will soon be fast friends.

[Molly]

Awww, Jethro, we still think your macho!

She's beautiful, very regal. How wonderful of your family to take her in!

[GlennLover]

Kenko is a beautiful cat - and Jethro is handsome! So kind of you to take her in!

[GlennLover]

Here is my #5. This my "handsome boy" Sam.

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/ss232/1Cdn/ImportedPhotos00064.jpg

[Koala]

Awww, beautiful cats! http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Tiere/smilie_tier_117.gif

[Prettymaid]

Ann, the picure you posted of Sam definitely has "Awwwww" all over it!

[TimothyBFan]

gef--you old softy you!! Love these stories!! Kenko is beautiful!

Love the pic of Sam also. So content!

[Brooke]

Awwww, I love all these kitties! They are gorgeous! :)

[Molly]

I just had to "rescue" the mailman from my viscious dogs. :hilarious: Poor guy, he was just trying to bring me a package that didn't fit in our mailbox (my Jason Kendall bobblehead...woo hoo!)

We have two mail carriers...a guy who hates dogs (today's victim) and a woman who owns 3 labs herself and brings my girls a handful of treats and lots of snuggles and hugs every day she brings the mail.

Today's victim just didn't understand that they weren't barking at him to be mean...they just wanted their snacks.

[Troubadour]

Aw, lovely picture of Sam! I love this thread. Seeing your F1 DVD reminds me that I need to get another copy of my own... I was settling down to have an impromptu video chat with Ticky, WildThyme and GA the other night, when I realised disc one had an enormous crack down it! :-( I have no idea how it happened.

[GlennLover]

Lou, did you notice HFO underneath F1? They're never very far away, to hubby's chagrin. Hurry & get another copy of F1. I think that I would be having (more) panic attacks if I knew I couldn't play it whenever the mood struck (and it strikes quite often) LOL!


Thanks for all the compliments about Sam everyone. :)

[Glennsallnighter]

My My GEF, Both Kenko and Jethro are gorgeous kitties. I hope they do indeed get on soon. I'm sure with such a kind 'Mammy' as you they will indeed!
Ann, Sam is gorgeous too and I also noticed the Eagles dvd's in your pile!

[GlennLover]

Ann, Sam is gorgeous too


Thanks, GA! Sam was 10 on Saturday. I guess he knows it because now he is sleeping in quite late. He thinks he is a kitty of leisure now (not that all cats aren't creatures of leisure anyway :laugh:).

[Koala]

http://mvabercrombie.net/Anton.jpg

I think some of you still remember Anton, I have sad news about him.
We were last week with him at the vet,
because he no longer wanted to eat and go correctly (he did not burden one of his legs).
Now we got the diagnosis, he has a malignant tumor in the knee. He is getting pain killers and cortisone.
His vet says one operation is no longer appropriate, since he is already 8 years old and because is have already strewed metastasis!
　

[EagleLady]

Awww I am sorry Koala, Anton is adorable.

[TimothyBFan]

So so sorry to hear about Anton. I hope he's comfortable with the meds. :hug: to you Koala, I know that it is extremely difficult to see a pet ill.

[GlennLover]

So sorry to hear that, Koala!

[Brooke]

Koala, I'm sorry too. Hugs to you and Anton.

[Prettymaid]

Koala, of course I remember Anton! How could I forget this picture of him with Charly? So cute! I hope Anton is able to be made better and more comfortable. I hate to hear when an animal is sick!

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/Jannesdogs010.jpg?t=1250792911

[sodascouts]

I'm sorry to hear about Anton, Koala. :hug:

[Molly]

Koala, I'm so sorry to hear about Anton! Hug him all you can in the time you have left.

[Koala]

Thanks, for your warm words! :grouphug:
It really was a shock when we heard the diagnosis,
with the Meds he feels better now, I hope it stays that way!
It is so hard to see that Anton is serious sick, that makes me very sad!

[EasyFeeling]

Koala, I'm so sorry to hear about Anton... it always breaks my heart when I read about sick animals. :-(

[Glennsallnighter]

Awww Koala, I too am so sorry to hear about your beloved pet. I hope he is comfortable and not in pain. Hugs to you. It must be a shock. :hug:

[glenneaglesfan]

Koala, I'm so sad to hear about Anton. I hope the vets can make the rest of his life as happy as possible.

GL, Sam is gorgeous!

Kenko has settled in well and is mistress of the house now. She had a check up at the vet and it turns out she only had three teeth, two at the back and one huge 'fang' sticking out of the side of her mouth. That one fell out yesterday! It doesn't stop her chomping her biscuits though. Jethro is just resigned at the moment!

[Koala]

Thanks again, for your kind words! That means a lot to me! :grouphug:

[TimothyBFan]

I saw this and HAD to share it. Figured this was the best thread for it. How amazing. Especially the leopard mama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G6aJC3zYMQ

[EasyFeeling]

OMG... this is just too cute. Thanks for posting. :)

[ticky]

AWE!! well now I wanna go adopt em all...

[Brooke]

That is so sweet! Thanks Willie!

[MikeA]

Sorta makes me want to go out and get another dog.

[Troubadour]

I'm sorry, I'm just catching up, but I wanted to say how sad I am to hear the news about Anton. That photograph is priceless! He looks like such a sweet dog. My thoughts are with him, and I hope he still has lots of good times ahead. Hugs to you, Koala.

[Koala]

Thanks!
Its a hard time, at the moment Anton does not feel so good, he may not correct go and also he does not want to eat properly, again. Anton mostly lie the whole day and sleeps most of the time, when he burden the diseased knee he howl because of the pains.

[GlennLover]

Aw, it breaks my heart to hear about an animal suffering! :-(

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Koala - I also want to say how sorry I am about Anton. I know how hard it must be to sit by and be so helpless. I will keep you both in my thoughts.

[eaglesvet]

Oh, Koala, I'm very late in reading this. It doesn't sound like Anton is doing so well. I wonder if there might be some other medications they could try for him. I don't know if you have something called a Fentanyl patch in Germany... ask your veterinarian. It's a transdermal patch that gets applied to the skin and releases two pain-killers (one a narcotic) continuously for 3 to 5 days, and can be re-applied. It can be combined with some other oral drugs...ask about Piroxicam and Gabapentin. (I'm assuming they may have already tried Carprofen and Deracoxib, but if not, those would be the first oral drugs to try.) The patch works wonders for many cases, though.

[sodascouts]

One of my very good friends had to put down her cat this weekend. She feels terrible because the vet told her that for $800, they could do a surgery that would tell them if they could possibly remove the tumor that was killing her cat. They weren't sure if the frail cat would even survive the surgery and the odds were that the tumor couldn't be removed, so my friend decided not to do it since she doesn't have $800 and would have to go into debt to pay for the surgery. I told her she did the right thing - her cat lived 15 happy years and the surgery would probably not have been successful - but she's wracked with guilt now that it's done. :( Any suggestions on how to make her feel better, ev?

[Koala]

:grouphug:
Thanks Dreamer for your warm words.
Many thanks EV , I'll ask the vet after these medicines.

[EagleLady]

My Darling Smokie is trying to catch a little bird that is on the window outside :hilarious:

[Molly]

I put this Frankenstein monster that a friend and I made years ago in front of my house every year. He's 7 feet tall, made of wood, heavy, and kind of falling apart after 20 years.

I love him, but apparently Gracie doesn't. She "attacks" him every time she goes outside. Here she is giving him a piece of her mind!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/DSCN0234.jpg?t=1257004136

[Troubadour]

LOL! That picture is priceless. I love the fact that you've had the 'monster' for 20 years! It's great.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Good for Gracie - she's not about to let any intruder's get past her. Too cute!

[Prettymaid]

I love him, but apparently Gracie doesn't. She "attacks" him every time she goes outside. Here she is giving him a piece of her mind!


And rightly so! Good girl Gracie! Attack the bad man that's not supposed to be in your yard!

[Koala]

Molly,I really like the picture from Gracie and Frankenstein! http://www.smilies.4-user.de/include/Halloween/halloween_smilie_129.gif

[Brooke]

Too cute, Molly! :rofl:

[TimothyBFan]

Molly-that's hysterical! :hilarious:

[Koala]

Oh, Koala, I'm very late in reading this. It doesn't sound like Anton is doing so well. I wonder if there might be some other medications they could try for him. I don't know if you have something called a Fentanyl patch in Germany... ask your veterinarian. It's a transdermal patch that gets applied to the skin and releases two pain-killers (one a narcotic) continuously for 3 to 5 days, and can be re-applied. It can be combined with some other oral drugs...ask about Piroxicam and Gabapentin. (I'm assuming they may have already tried Carprofen and Deracoxib, but if not, those would be the first oral drugs to try.) The patch works wonders for many cases, though.

We asked the vet about the meds you mentioned, Anton gets tablets with same active substances, as in the tablets which you meant.
we naturally also asked for the patch but the vet said she can not be used by Anton because they would not hold at the point on the leg.

Anton feels quite well for the moment!

[GlennLover]

Glad Anton is feeling better!

[eaglesvet]

We asked the vet about the meds you mentioned, Anton gets tablets with same active substances, as in the tablets which you meant.
we naturally also asked for the patch but the vet said she can not be used by Anton because they would not hold at the point on the leg.

Anton feels quite well for the moment!
I'm glad he is feeling better. But I don't understand what she means by the patch not holding at the point on his leg. The patch can be applied at different places...such on the foot just below the ankle and wrapped so he can't chew it (it could be on one of his good legs), or on his back in a place he cannot reach too easily (or he could wear one of those collars to prevent him from chewing it.) Please explain if I am misunderstanding you.

[Koala]

I'm glad he is feeling better. But I don't understand what she means by the patch not holding at the point on his leg. The patch can be applied at different places...such on the foot just below the ankle and wrapped so he can't chew it (it could be on one of his good legs), or on his back in a place he cannot reach too easily (or he could wear one of those collars to prevent him from chewing it.) Please explain if I am misunderstanding you.

I don't understand it too, because I've read somewhere that it does not matter where the patch sits.
But unfortunately, we need not more worry about it.
Anton died last night!
His condition worsened dramatically in the last 2 days! He could not eat, not walk and his intestine and blister had he also not more under control and he had great pain, thats why Anton was euthanized yesterday evening! Shortly before his owner has gone with him to the vet I saw him one last time and was able to say goodbye to him, that was very difficult and sad.
I have not slept much, Anton was not my dog but I saw him every day and I knew him since he was 8 weeks old!
How difficult it must be then if it is your own pet?

[sodascouts]

Oh, I'm sorry, Koala. :hug:

[EagleLady]

Oh No! I am so sorry Koala :hug:

[GlennLover]

I feel for you Koala! I know what it is like to lose a pet, even if you aren't the owner. Very painful! :-(

[Molly]

I'm so sorry to hear that Koala.

He sounds like he was a very loved dog. I'm glad he didn't suffer long.

[Troubadour]

Thinking of you, Koala. :hug:

[Freypower]

Koala, I am very sorry. I went through this just under a year ago and I know how hard it is. :worried: But he's at peace now and no longer suffering.

[Brooke]

I'm so sorry to hear about Anton, too, Koala. I've lost many pets and it's never easy. And yes, even when it's someone else's it's hard when you know them. Remember the good times.

[Koala]

Thanks so much for your warm words! :grouphug:
Anton was such a lovable dog :heart:, I will really miss him!But I am very glad that he had not long to suffering.

[eaglesvet]

I'm sorry, Desiree.

[Koala]

Thanks!:hug:

[Prettymaid]

Koala, I just now read about Anton and I'm so sorry for you and Anton's owners! Euthanising a pet is often a very difficult decision, done out of love. I'm sure you will remember the joy Anton brought to your life.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Koala, I am also so sorry to hear about Anton. I know you will miss him, but, hopefully, you can take comfort in the fact that he is now free from his suffering.

[Koala]

Thanks again for your kind words!


Euthanising a pet is often a very difficult decision, done out of love. I'm sure you will remember the joy Anton brought to your life.
Koala, I am also so sorry to hear about Anton. I know you will miss him, but, hopefully, you can take comfort in the fact that he is now free from his suffering.
oh yes, it was a heavy decision for us, as we have decided us for the euthanize but we knew that it for Anton the best decision are, so that he still more suffering does not have.euthanized

[Troubadour]

My sister and her boyfriend have come down for the weekend, so I got a couple of new shots of Jake. They're a little grainy as they were taken on my phone - but I think they're pretty cute.

Apparently I wasn't playing ball...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake14thnov.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake14thnov2.jpg

Jake playing with my mum.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake14thnovpaw.jpg

He's definitely helped to make me feel better!

[Koala]

Awwww, Jake is really a cutie!

[Prettymaid]

Well c'mon Lou...quit taking those silly pictures and play ball! :hilarious:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/Lulabelle_/jake14thnov.jpg

So cute!

[Prettymaid]

This just broke my heart.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34117457/ns/us_news-the_elkhart_project/#sp-vi/25370775

[EagleLady]

That is so sad. How can anyone just careless toss a cat out of the window like a piece of paper?

[sodascouts]

Poor things.

[Koala]

Those poor pets!

[TimothyBFan]

I won't even look at this link because I can tell it's bad. I turn off those damn commercials when they come on showing abused animals also. I just can't watch them because they make me physically sick. I want to take them all but I can only do so much and have a house full right now and really shouldn't get anymore. A person that will mistreat animals is an evil person that can't be trusted. JMO but I'm sure most of you here will agree.

[Brooke]

On a happier note:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y63/desperado74/Extras/thanksgiving.jpg

[TimothyBFan]

:hilarious: Very cute Brooke!!

[sodascouts]

Precious!

[Prettymaid]

I think I remeber that pic from last year - so cute!

[GlennLover]

Lucky, Molly, Sam, Katie & Copper are fighting again! :)

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/9iCMEPd1IezGeDZf

[Brooke]

:lol: Too cute, GL!

[Prettymaid]

Your cats throw a pretty mean snowball, GL!

[Molly]

We had a bad scare this morning (in the middle of our blizzard). Hubby left the house in a hurry this morning as he knew he had a long, trecherous drive on bad roads ahead ofhim.

In doing so, he left a closet door ajar, and Gracie somehow managed to knock a nearly full container of pills off a fairly high shelf. It's an amino acid supplement that can be given to dogs periodically to keep their urine from turning your grass yellow. (Hubby's idea, not mine)

Of course, they're chewable which means to the dogs, they're like treats.

I figure Gracie ate about 250 of the bottle of 300 before I discovered it (I was in the shower).

So...call doggie poison control at 7 am to find out how toxic these things were (hurry off to the animal emergency clinic 20 miles away-during a blizzard- as opposed to just making her vomit at home).

I had to make Zoe vomit also, as I couldn't be sure whether or not she got into any of them.

After nearly an hour on the phone and sending poor Tom out into the blizzard to get a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide (didn't know an opened bottle could go "flat" and therefore be useless) and a bottle of Maalox -we took the dogs out into the elements and started inducing vomiting.

It appears (yuck) that Zoe did not take any. Now I have to watch Gracie closely. While the pills arent' lethal, they will raise her ammonia level in her body, and she may experience stomach issues, incoordination, hallucinations, fatigue and possible seizures. In other words, she'll be like an alcoholic detoxing.

So far, Miss Cast-iron Stomach doesn't seem to be having any ill effects of her adventure. Not one symptom so far. I think I'm feeling worse about all of this than she is.

And the doggie "closet" has been moved to the highest cupboard in the house. I have to climb on a step stool to even get into it.

I adore Gracie, but she is proving to be naughtier and nosier than all the other labs we've had combined.

[Prettymaid]

Molly, what a scare! Sounds like you knew just what to do (after calling poison control.) Good for you, and hopefully there won't be any residual effects to Gracie. Silly girl! (Gracie, not you) :wink:

[TimothyBFan]

Molly--how scary and I bet hubby is feeling really bad also. Glad she seems to be doing well.

Ann--how'd you manage to get all your cats outside to play in the snow? :hilarious: That is so cute!!!

I am having a very hard time this morning sitting at the dining room table on the computer, I finally turned on the webcam so I can show you why....

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/8123_1158752561537_1009445053_30378.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/8123_1158754841594_1009445053_30378.jpg

First I will feel one paw on my leg and then another and then he has both paws on the table (don't know how many times he's turned on the dvd on my laptop by hitting it), papers scatter, toys are dropped in front of me, he's knocked over my coke & stollen my pen while I was doing my ledgers. He's in rare form right now and I don't know why. He's about to go play in the snow.:hilarious:

[Prettymaid]

How cute Willie!

As we speak Buddy is sitting in front of me on the computer desk rubbing his face into mine. Might have something to do with breakfast time!

From another day...

http://i510.photobucket.com/albums/s348/chilca0001/My%20Cats/Buddy001.jpg

[Brooke]

Cute pictures! Aren't our furry friends just adorable?! :lol:

[GlennLover]

Aww, so cute! Animals want our attention WHEN THEY WANT IT! I am trying to use the laptop with Lucky curled up on my lap.

Molly, glad to hear Gracie is OK. What a scare!

[TimothyBFan]

Is there such a thing as a cat that isn't lazy?

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/downsized_1214092133.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/downsized_1214092134.jpg

[Koala]

Cute pics!

[GlennLover]

Aww. So adorable. Reminds me of my Lucky & Katie who love to cuddle up together.

[Prettymaid]

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/downsized_1214092133.jpg

Willie, how did my Buddy find his way all the way up to your house??!! :hilarious:

[Troubadour]

Adorable pictures!

[Koala]

Here are the latest pictures of Dina & Charly

Dina
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/dogs058.jpg?t=1260903454

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/dogs060.jpg?t=1260903522

Charly
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/charly.jpg?t=1260903492

[EagleLady]

Awww, they are adorable Koala

[Glennsallnighter]

Willie and Koala, they are all so cute.

[Brooke]

Very cute cat and dog pics everyone! :rofl:

[Prettymaid]

How precious Koala!

[GlennLover]

They are all soooooo cute!

[SweetHolly]

Here's Oscar.
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w313/SweetHolly1310/Pet%20Sounds/Oscar.jpg

Here's Augie. My mom and brother found him in April.
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w313/SweetHolly1310/Pet%20Sounds/Augie.jpg

[EagleLady]

How Adorable

[sodascouts]

So cute!

[Troubadour]

Adorable, Holly!

[EagleLady]

Sorry to rant, but When I see those ASPCA and Humane Society commercials, I get extremely angry to think that Careless idiots could hurt an animal. Maybe some people should feel what it's like to be abused and Maybe then they'll have a change of heart

[TimothyBFan]

EL---I know what you mean--I have to turn away. My hubby has gotten to the point that when those come on he turns the channel because they upset me so much. Throw their a**es in cages stacked on top of each other with nowhere to move and see how they like it! :-(

[TimothyBFan]

We are getting hit extremely hard (see How's The Weather thread for more pics-YUCK!) with lake effect snow this weekend. The dogs.... and hubby LOVE it! Crazy!! :hilarious:

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/P1010009-1.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/P1010005-2.jpg

Poor Pickles has to pretty much stay in the paths that others make when the snow gets this deep.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/P1010006-2.jpg

[Brooke]

Ha! Too cute TBF!

[Prettymaid]

Great picture Willie! BTW, after hearing the story of how Rufus came to you it was nice to "meet" him when we stayed at your house. He's adorable! (So are you, Pickles!) :hilarious:

[TimothyBFan]

Thanks PM-I know you're being nice because Rufus was obnoxious, as he usually is when meeting new people. He thinks everyone wants an 85 lb dog in their lap when they sit down. :hilarious: As far as Pickles, if I remember right, you had basically the same reaction as everyone does when they first see him, laughter. :hilarious: Poor vertically challenged puppy! :hilarious:

[Prettymaid]

Thanks PM-I know you're being nice because Rufus was obnoxious, as he usually is when meeting new people. He thinks everyone wants an 85 lb dog in their lap when they sit down. :hilarious:

He doesn't realize he's an 85 lb. dog - he thinks he's still just a little guy! :hilarious:

[sodascouts]

Such cuties!

[Glennsallnighter]

Awww Willie, Rufus and Pickles are both adorable. And hey! What snow.

[Koala]

This is really not my year so far!
Today Dina has died, she was not ill and did not have to suffer, she was just old. It's better this way before she would have to suffer.


http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss120/wall_e_2009/dogs/Jannesdogs012.jpg?t=1263220945

[TimothyBFan]

Oh Koala--I am so sorry for your loss once again. You have had a very rough few months! I certainly hope things improve for you VERY soon! :hug:

[Prettymaid]

Koala, I'm so sorry. Dina looks like a good ole' girl. As you say, at least she went quietly and didn't have to suffer.

[sodascouts]

I'm sorry, Koala. :(

[Koala]

Thanks Ladies!

I certainly hope things improve for you VERY soon! :hug:
It can only get better,I think, it can't come actually still more worse!

[GlennLover]

Aw Koala. I hope from now on you only have great news to report. You've had enough losses to grieve :hug:.

[EasyFeeling]

Koala, I'm so sorry to hear :sad: It's always so sad to lose a beloved pet.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

:grouphug: Koala. Keep your chin up sweetie - things are bound to get better for you soon.

[Troubadour]

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry, Koala. Here's hoping things get brighter soon. Big hugs to you!

[Stars]

Koala, I was so sorry to hear about Dina. I am so glad you shared a photo of her with us, as she was a real beauty.
I am glad she didn't have to suffer. I am sure you will always have lovely memories of Dina, and carry the love you have for her in your heart always.:heart:

[Brooke]

I'm sorry, too, Koala. She looks like a very sweet dog.

[Molly]

Koala, I'm so sorry about Dina. My family has been thru a rough patch losing pets, too -but as others have said -brighter days are ahead. And there are just so many animals out there to love!

Willie, we used to have a vertically challenged dog, too. She and I were soul mates as I tend to see a lot as asses and elbows, as well. She (Lucy) was such a diva -she would have never gone out in that much snow unless someone was ahead of her with a shovel.

Looks like I'll be taking our Zoe back for another surgery. It was one year ago this week that she had her left knee reconstructed. She's limping badly again, and after another vet visit today -she now needs her right knee reconstructed. Thank goodness she only has the two knees at $1200 a pop!

Good news -her front legs (her "wrists") have straightened themselves out nicely with excercise and proper nutrition and just plain time. The surgeon also said her hips look good -so maybe we're close to having all these orthopaedic issues behind us and we'll have her pain free (finally!) for a long, long, long time to come.

[Koala]

Many thanks for your kind words!:grouphug:
Yeah, Dina was really a lovely dog, fortunately, we have still Charley, the poor dog is now back quite confused,first he is always looking for Anton since yesterday even Dina!

Molly, good luck with Zoe's knee reconstruction.

[Prettymaid]

Yes Molly, I hope Zoe's surgery fixes the problem.

[Brooke]

Oh my! :shock: I'm sorry Molly. I hope this does the job for Zoe.

[sodascouts]

Here's hoping the operation is successful, and it's the last work Zoe will need done for a long while.

[GlennLover]

Best wishes for Zoe!

[EagleLady]

Good thoughts heading Zoe's way

[Molly]

Zoe is one week post surgery and doing pretty well. She's putting some weight on her leg but I imagine it's still quite tender.

She's a trooper taking her medication and letting me put cold and hot packs on her leg. Yesterday, we started our "phycical therapy".

Gracie really hovered over her when we first brought her home. She didn't leave her side for the first 24 hours. Now I think she's bored with not being able to play with Zoe and jealous of all the attention Zoe's been getting.

Here's Zoe snoozing on her first day home with Monkey.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/DSCN0281.jpg

[EagleLady]

Soon We'll be adding a new addition to our household, a little Male Shitzu

[Koala]

I just read after some time in this thread, Molly, I hope Zoe is doing well!

[Molly]

(Sigh) she was doing well. Over the weekend, I noticed she was licking her wound more (that's a no-no) and she, of course, managed to get one heck of an infection in the wound.

Luckily, we had an appointment with the vet/surgeon on Monday afternoon and by then what I thought might be an infection was obviously an infection. It sure didn't take long to turn ugly.

Poor baby -she shrieked and shrieked when the doctor examined her knee and pressed on the wound. Zoe is a very stoic dog -she seldom makes a sound. Everyone in the waiting room looked horrified by the noises she made.

Sooooo, she's on mega uber antibiotics and now she's wearing one of those collars so she can't lick the wound (tho she manages with some effort to cntort and get her let up to her face and still lick). I've been trying to watch her closely and I think the wound is looking better.

[Prettymaid]

Poor Zoe. Too bad they didn't put one of those collars on her to begin with.

[Brooke]

Molly, good luck with Zoe. Any wound they can get to to lick can be a tough situation. I hate those collars, but hopefully it will help.

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Aw Molly - that's too bad about Zoe, but, hopefully, she is on the road to recovery now. I don't like the looks of those collar things either, but sometimes I guess they really are necessary. Get well soon, Zoe.

[sodascouts]

Poor Zoe! Hopefully the infection will go away soon.

[Koala]

Molly, I 'm sorry to hear that, hope Zoe is recovering soon!

[Molly]

Zoe and I appreciate the good wishes.

Her knee is looking a little better again today. I should be hearing from the vet tomorrow with the culture results. Then we'll know if we have to switch antibiotics again.

She and Gracie just finished a game of tug-o-war, so I know she's finally getting back to feeling herself.

We're up to $2000 so far on this little adventure -but she's priceless to me so I'll suck it up.

No trips for me for a while, I guess.

[TimothyBFan]

Molly--So glad it sounds like Zoe is feeling better. The things we do for animals huh? But they are members of our families and priceless!!

[sodascouts]

Yes - I would pay anything I could afford to help my cat if he were suffering. Glad to hear Zoe is on the mend; hope she doesn't have to switch meds again.

[MikeA]

I've just crashed in here to get caught up on the Furry Friends side of The Border and saw what you have been dealing with with Zoe, Molly.

Sorry that it happened, but look at it this way: You and Zoe were very fortunate that something could be done for Zoe. So many times, the prognosis is so bad that there is no cure and you are left facing the guilt of having to do the right thing or just throw money at the incurable knowing it has no long term benefit.

Regardless of the cost, I am relieved to hear that this time, money and compassion could work together to correct the problem!

[Molly]

Thanks to all.

We're in the home stretch, I think. She's certainly feeling better and the skin on her leg is resembling the skin on her tummy-so I think it's healing well. A game of chase with Gracie thru my living room this morning nearly sent a lamp flying, so in other words...things are back to normal.

It turned out to be a Staph infection...worse than the normal run of the mill Staph infection. Another $100 worth of antibiotics yesterday. Ah, well. I probably would have just spent that money on something foolish. (No Valentine present for Ditka -Ha!)

I'm following Zoe around with blankets and towels so I can wash whatever she's been laying on easily. And hey, I even have the boys in the house diligintly washing their hands!

[Molly]

My niece sent me this Valentine's card. :hilarious: She and her husband have no children (except for the two pictured below). No idea show she got them to sit right next to one another since they aren't exactly buds.

So, in honor of Valentines Day and Daytona 500 Sunday, I thought I'd share.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mollycinder/bristolanddaytona.jpg

[EagleLady]

Awww How precious!

[Brooke]

:lol: Too cute!

[TimothyBFan]

That card is priceless!!! Love it!

We went to Pet Smart yesterday to pick up a refill for the cat's scratching board. It was adoption day. I thought Larry was going to turn around and throw me back into the car when he saw the sign before we ever made it to the front door. :hilarious: Big chicken---I reminded him that he's the one that has brought home the last 2 critters. I just wanted to take them all home. There was a dog there that was so skinny and they said they had taken her in from another shelter and were trying to put some weight on her and a couple of cats that just stole my heart but Larry wouldn't let them take them out of the cage for me to hold. :hilarious: Very wise man he is! I did leave with a toy for each of our critters, cat nip, refills, litter, dog food, cat food .... I told him were starting to act like a couple of old people who's children are leaving home so we are treating our pets as our children. I may actually become the crazy cat lady some day! :)

[Molly]

Well, Willie, you'll have good company since I'll be the crazy dog lady.

I've stopped short of signing up to be a foster home for our local lab rescue since my family isn't sure we can afford the amount of medication it will require every time I have to let one of the foster children go to their forever home.

[Prettymaid]

Cute card Molly.

TBF, we all know what happens if we hold them... :inlove: :lol:

[sodascouts]

I've stopped short of signing up to be a foster home for our local lab rescue since my family isn't sure we can afford the amount of medication it will require every time I have to let one of the foster children go to their forever home.

You have to buy meds? I got my cat from a foster home and he had several medical problems, all of which I had to buy the meds for! Not that I minded - I knew Milton was sickly and that was why the foster "parent" couldn't find a home for him, which led to me taking him - it just surprises me that it's different for you.

But then again my friend could never have afforded to be a foster parent if she'd had to buy the meds. Milton had so many problems she had to keep him locked in the bathroom so he didn't get the other cats sick (to this day, he gets upset when I go into the bathroom and close the door, leaving him outside of it - he tries to open the door and "let me out" I guess - I just leave it open now since I live alone). She was a poor grad student, so maybe they gave her a pass.

[Prettymaid]

I thought Molly meant that the meds are for her, to calm her down when she has to let the dog go to it's new home! lol!

[sodascouts]

Well, that explains the whizzing sound I heard after I read Molly's post... it was her joke going over my head!

:blush:

[Molly]

Well, that explains the whizzing sound I heard after I read Molly's post... it was her joke going over my head!

:blush:

Awwww...Nancy you should know my sick humor by now!

Yea, I'd probably be an emotional wreck every time I had to let a dog go.

Actually, my understanding of the Lab rescue site I belong to, I would have to pay for the medications/vet bills if I took in a foster dog that had the need. The organization helps defer costs as much as they can with donations. Currently, what I'm doing is "sponsoring" dogs and sending money to the organization to help off set the foster parents costs.

I'd like to think that if I had known at the time how much Zoe was going to end up needing in medical care, I still would have taken her. I certainly could never have done it when our kids were little, though. I believe the family that surrendered her had 3 small children. I imagine her impending medical bills were a big part of the reason they gaver her up. I'm sure it was hard, but they did the right thing.

When I'm down, Zoe is right there to give me a kiss and pick up my spirits. When I'm at home, she's always by my side. Can't put a price on that!

[Glennsallnighter]

Yeah, its like having another kiddie really. You just don't know if they'll need meds or not but somehow you find the money somewhere. The hugs are worth it!!

[TimothyBFan]

I'd like to think that if I had known at the time how much Zoe was going to end up needing in medical care, I still would have taken her. I certainly could never have done it when our kids were little, though. I believe the family that surrendered her had 3 small children. I imagine her impending medical bills were a big part of the reason they gave her up. I'm sure it was hard, but they did the right thing.


Isn't that the truth!!! We say the same thing about Rufus and the whole heartworm thing. Again--I can't say thanks enough for the donations we received to help us out. With 2 kids, one going into college, Larry's paycut and everything else, we really had no clue how we were going to handle it, but we always seem to find a way. That wasn't the first animal that we have put major $$ into to save. We have adopted a parvo puppy, a cat with a shattered bone in her leg, my persian put a nail threw her eye, etc.... many, many more. Our vet says that chances are that is why Rufus had been "set free" was because his old owner knew he had heartworm and couldn't afford it. It makes me angry that they would just let him go instead of taking him to a shelter or something else. I figure he was on that tracks when Larry crossed them for a reason!

[Peekaboo]

I must admit that this is a thread that I very rarely visit because I haven't had a pet of any kind since I was 13 years old but I wanted to get some other opinions on this. I just recently fell in love with the cutest little puppy ever. My niece, Natalie, just got a new puppy and it's such a little cutie. I didn't want to let it go. It's a little Yorkie Poo and she named it Skittles. It's so tiny that it literally fits in the palm of my hand. I'm pretty sure it weighs no more than 2 lbs. Did I mention how cute this little puppy is?

My sis-n-law says the lady they bought it from still had 3 left. I'm seriously thinking about getting one for myself. I've thought about getting a little dog for some time but i've always decided against it because I live in a one bedroom apartment which is not really ideal to have a pet. And I've always wondered if I could really take care of a dog the way a dog deserves to be taken care of. I think I could do it. I know it's gonna be some work, especially in the beginning, but I think I can do it.

It makes me laugh because even though I'm 26 years old, there's just some things that I still can't resist to ask their permission. It surprises me that I asked them if they would be okay with me getting a dog but I didn't ask them when I got a tattoo, decided to take a break from school, or when I started planning the upcoming road trip. Unfortunately they don't think I should get a dog. They say that I don't have the time because I work nights and sleep during the day. It's true that I work all night long and sleep during the day but I think I can make the time to take care of a dog.

I'm gonna take tonight and tomorrow to think about it. One thing is that I still need to call the lady to make sure that she still has some puppies left because it was a week ago when Nat got hers. I'd like some feedback from those of you with dogs. I could really use some advice. Thanks.


This is Skittles
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c95/Pekahchu/Nathernewpuppy.jpg

[Perfect Little Sister]

How is your situation any different than people who work days and sleep nights? You simply walk the dog when you get home from work, before you leave for work, before you go to sleep, whatever. Be sure to provide toys for the dog to play with when you're not there or it will find something of yours to chew. lol I had a friend who lived in an apartment and "litter"box trained her Norwegian Elkhound. A yorkiepoo would be much more appropriate for living in a small dwelling w/o a yard. Research and know what you're getting into before you adopt.

[TimothyBFan]

I've never been without a pet of some sort. Even when I moved away from home and had apartment that didn't allow cats or dogs, I had a guinea pig. They are always great companions.

That being said, remember that they need a companion also. You really need to weigh how much time and attention that you will able and are willing to give an animal, especially a new puppy that will need to be trained.


Remember also, when you go away for vacations, short overnight jaunts, whatever, that you need to have someone you can depend on to take it in and watch for you or will need to board it, which is an additional expense.

You also need to weigh the expense of a pet, vet bills are expensive, even for general stuff, at least a small dog wont eat you out of house and home. And if you would happen to have problems.... well just ask Molly or myself about the bills that can be racked up on those.

I know I sound like a downer... but it's something I feel very strongly about and I know it's really easy when you see a puppy like that, to act on impulse and not think it through and some times that can be detrimental to the animal. Glad to hear you plan to think about it for a day or 2 before jumping into it.

Just one more thing, even tho it sounds like you really have your mind set on one of these particular puppies, if something should happen and they are all gone but you still decide to get one, may I suggest checking a shelter or refuge place instead of a breeder. There are millions of dogs that need homes in these places and they usually aren't full breeds but make just as good a pet as breeder dogs. Sometimes they end up being healthier also because many breeders you will find so much inner breeding that causes health problems. Without people to adopt from these shelters, many dogs can't be saved and end up being euthanized.

Now aren't you glad you asked for advice? :hilarious: This is just a subject I feel so strongly about. Good luck Jess!

[Prettymaid]

:applause: Well said Willie!

I'm one of those people who once had a dog from the time it was a puppy until it died ten years later, and although I love dogs and actually prefer their personalities to cats, found that I was not the right kind of person to have a dog. I didn't like taking it out when it needed to go, felt guilty going to work everyday and leaving it penned up, and didn't like having to board it when I went out of town. Cats work much better for me for now. Who knows? Maybe someday when I'm retired I'll choose to have a dog again.

[Molly]

Jess, dogs adapt very well to whatever routine their owner has. But that's the key -teach your dog your routine and stick with it. Routine, routine, routine.

I totally agree with Willie on her thoughts of going to a shelter for a dog. Besides the great reasons Willie listed here are a few more things to think about:

Adopting a dog that's past it's puppy phase and is already housebroken will help with getting the dog on a schedule more quickly.

Adopting a dog that past it's adolescent phase will help prevent the chewing when your not home, anxious when you leave and the crazy play with me now phase when you're trying to sleep. There are plenty of laid back already trained adult dogs that would just be thrilled with a head scratch, a walk and then ready to snuggle.

You can adopt from most shelters for around $100. A reputable shelter will make sure the dog is already spayed/neutered and up to date on its shots (very expensive stuff so a deal for $100). Our shelter even gives a voucher for a free trip to the vet.

Do some homework on those puppies you're in love with. What traits is that breed known for? Hyperactive by nature? Prone to medical problems?

Take someone who knows dogs with you whether you look at the puppies again or go to a shelter. Ask a ton of questions.

Good luck!

[eaglesvet]

Jess, I don't have a lot of free time to post right now...I just happened to check in here this am, when I rarely do. The best book ever on getting a new puppy is called "Before and After Getting Your Puppy" by Dr. Ian Dunbar. It's a quick read initially, but then great to refer back to as the puppy ages. He's a behavioral veterinarian, so he's not only into the medical stuff, but also into the temperament and behavior issues. That is the number one reason pets are given up to shelters and/or euthanized. Also remember that fact when considering adopting an ADULT dog from a shelter...what was the reason the previous owner gave it up? Often, you may be taking on a behavioral problem that is much more difficult to treat than a medical one. I'm all for shelter pet adoption...I've obtained 3 of my 4 cats in my life that way...but consider the age/previous history. If it came from a home situation, you have to be critical in finding out why it is at the shelter now. You may be better off with a YOUNGER shelter animal, that hasn't had time to develop a problematic temperament or behavioral issues.

The issue with your schedule is probably not an issue. Most people sleep at night, so do their pups. Yours will be sleeping while you work. You may need to cut short your daytime sleep a bit at first, just like other owners need cut short their nighttime sleep...in order to get the house-training thing started right. I usually say most puppies should be able to do one 5-hr stretch in a proper size crate during their night. Then, during the day, you should plan on getting her out every 2 hours at first. So, depending on your work and sleep schedule, you may need to get neighbors or friends (or worse case scenario, dog walkers), to help you out a bit the first couple of months...but that doesn't last forever. The book I mentioned goes into quite a bit of detail on this.

The big thing is getting the pup socialized to everything she will need to be accustomed to in her life, esp. between the ages of 8 and 20 weeks. This is the "window of opportunity" for socialization to other dogs, to people, to environmental situations. If you can introduce her to as many of these things (again, see the book for extreme detail), you will avoid many behavioral issues in the future, and have a much better fit with your dog as an adult in all aspects of her life.

The other thing to consider...although kittens are not "no work," they are much less work, if you discover your schedule at this time will not accomodate a dog. And as they grow into cats, they really seem to become rather self-sufficient. Might be a consideration!

Hope this helps!

The American Kennel Club website used to have a questionnaire that helped narrow down and rank breeds that would be a good consideration for a particular person/family. I haven't checked in a few years. If you can narrow it down to a few breeds, and want to PM me, I can give you my opinion as to whether I think you are asking for a medical nightmare in terms of the diseases those breeds are prone to and how likely they are to occur (and cause you to visit the vet!)

[sodascouts]

A lot of people don't consider themselves "cat people" but I must say I've found owning a cat a LOT less problematic than a dog. If I'm going to Chicago for the weekend or something similar (like West Hollywood lol), I just need to leave Milton enough food and water, and he's set. If you must go away for longer, it's much less of a burden to ask a friend to check in on the cat once a day rather than having to ask a friend to walk him several times a day or board him for big bucks.

Most cats aren't as overtly loving as dogs, but they will still snuggle with you at night and nudge you for petting during the day. I have some friends who have extremely affectionate cats, but I think those are rarer.

[GlennLover]

I must put in a plug for cats too. Both my husband & I had always had dogs & considered ourselves "dog people". After we got married we wanted a dog but decided that because we were at work all day & out a lot that it wouldn't be fair to the dog if we did get one. We never even considered cats. Then one day about 10 years ago we found a kitten under our shed & we were hooked. that one cat has become 5 now & we don't know what we would do without them. They give us hours of amusement & love. It seem the more attention that you give them the more they want. I know there are exceptions to this & many cats like to be by themselves a lot, but not ours. And by the way, that kitten we found 10 years ago is still one big baby. He's contantly on my knee & loves it when sombody sleeps in with him. Now that I'm not working he is getting really spoiled (as if they all weren't before) & is quite unhappy when I go out.

A pet gives you unconditional love. As long as you do your research & are able to care for them properly, I highly recommend adopting either a dog or a cat. Just don't make the mistake of being taken in by a cute little face & get an animal before being properly prepared first. Hope this helps with your decision.

[Peekaboo]

Thanks so much for the advice, everybody. I got on here yesterday but didn't get the chance to reply till now. I really took into consideration what was said here. I know that I could take care of that little puppy and give it the proper care and love it deserves but I really thought about and decided that I'm going to pass on it for now...and I stress the "for now" part. I will get a dog eventually but i decided that now is just not the right time. I've called the lady that my sis-n-law got Natalie's dog from and told her that I'm not going to get a dog just yet but to keep me in mind should she get another litter of pups. I still would love to have a little dog right now but I need to get myself really prepared and get the money saved for the dog and all that it will need. Also, I'm going to be going on that road trip soon and I'd hate to have to leave the dog for more than a week with somebody it's unfamiliar with soon after getting it. It was fairly even on the pros and cons of me getting it but it's just not the right time. Someday, but not right now.

[Troubadour]

Sounds like a sensible decision, Jess. I'm in a similar position at the moment. I would love a dog, but I live in a flat and I'm not entirely sure it would be fair on a pup. One day, though!

Oh, and btw... what road trip? :headscratch: ;)

[Peekaboo]

Oh, and btw... what road trip? :headscratch: ;)

Oh, I'm just driving all the way to San Jose, California to see these four guys and meet up with a few people. No big deal. :wink:

[TimothyBFan]

Probably wise to wait awhile. That way it gives you a little time to prepare. I'm sure you will have a new furry friend shortly. You will love it! Just something about pets that make your life seem happier. JMO

[Prettymaid]

I agree. There's nothing like having a pet to meet you at the door after a long day. Talk about unconditional love!

[GlennLover]

Sounds like a wise decision, Peek. :thumbsup: Gives you lots of time to prepare properly for your furry "child". :) I was going to say furry "friend" but pets really are like your children, especially if you don't have any of the "human" variety, LOL.

[TimothyBFan]

Even tho I'm the one that feeds and waters them and am home all day with them, this is what happens when Larry leaves the house.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/pets/downsized_0226001206.jpg

I took this a few minutes ago from inside the back window. He sits and stares at the garage till Larry comes back. He absolutely refuses to come in on his own. I have to go out and get him.

[Brooke]

What a sweet picture, Willie.

Being a cat person myself, I can't stress how easy they are as compared to dogs. My goodness, put a kitten in a room with it's potty for just an hour and it teaches itself where it's potty is and rarely fails to use it. I've had cats all my life and they are so much fun. Especially the kittens. I'll echo what Soda said about going away for a couple days, too. It's too easy. And my Beyonce is very affectionate as long as she decides. Whenever she decides petting is over I get a little nip! She would sleep on my lap for hours on end.

Several years ago our son had moved out on his own and got himself a puppy. A small type of fox terrier. Very active. Adorable. A few months later he decided to go back to college and move away and guess who got the dog? And guess who still has him 5 years later? Yup, us and now he's an outdoor dog! The time it took trying to potty train-we just didn't have the time or the knowledge and neither did our son. He's very happy being an outdoor dog and we enjoy him, but we'd never have a house dog again.

[Molly]

Even tho I'm the one that feeds and waters them and am home all day with them, this is what happens when Larry leaves the house.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/pets/downsized_0226001206.jpg

I took this a few minutes ago from inside the back window. He sits and stares at the garage till Larry comes back. He absolutely refuses to come in on his own. I have to go out and get him.

Ugh! I have the same thing here. Who gives them treats? Who scratches their belly? Who can't resist buying them a new toy nearly every week? Who let's them in and out in and out all day long? Not hubby!

And yet, Gracie bawls like a baby when he leaves and stares forlornly out the window for an hour after he's gone. She shakes and whimpers like she hasn't seen him in a year when he comes home. And when he sits down in his recliner, she's on his lap snuggling like there's no one else in the world that matters.

[Prettymaid]

I guess a dog knows who the alpha male is, huh? :hilarious:

[tequila girl]

You all have such gorgeous pets!:D:D

Here is a little pic of my Charlie http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/carolwayne/charlie/IMGP1326.jpg

[Koala]

Charlie is gorgeous too! :)

[Prettymaid]

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful bird! Does he talk?

[Ive always been a dreamer]

Awww, tg - Charlie really is gorgeous! Thanks for posting that for us - he may possibly be our first Border bird. :thumbsup:

[tequila girl]

Charlie thanks you for the compliments *blushes*

Cathy - Only if he thinks no one can hear him!:laugh:

[sodascouts]

What a beautiful bird!

[Troubadour]

Aw, thanks for posting a pic of Charlie, TG! He's a gorgeous colour.

[Molly]

Charlie is beautiful! What an amazing color he is!

[Brooke]

Wow, Charlie is beautiful! What a gorgeous green!

[Freypower]

Is he a budgerigar or a rainbow lorikeet? Rainbow lorikeets regularly visit our bottlebrush tree. His colouring looks right.

[tequila girl]

Is he a budgerigar or a rainbow lorikeet? Rainbow lorikeets regularly visit our bottlebrush tree. His colouring looks right.
Wrong on both counts;) He's a Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot, almost 8 years old, i've had him since about 12 weeks and he's my baby!:inlove:

[TimothyBFan]

Is he a budgerigar or a rainbow lorikeet? Rainbow lorikeets regularly visit our bottlebrush tree. His colouring looks right.

I can't imagine having these kind of birds just flying around outside all the time. All we get are robins, sparrows, you know, boring birds with an occasional Blue Jay or Cardinal thrown in.

Charlie is beautiful!

[Freypower]

Wrong on both counts;) He's a Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot, almost 8 years old, i've had him since about 12 weeks and he's my baby!:inlove:

Thanks so much for letting me know that, TG. So he still is (vaguely) from my part of the world. He is very cute.

Now Willie, to me blue jays, robins & cardinals are exotic, as I have never seen one. But cockatoos - yeah, they are everywhere. Our own native birds like kookaburras aren't found anywhere else.

[tequila girl]

Freypower;100375]Thanks so much for letting me know that, TG. So he still is (vaguely) from my part of the world. He is very cute.

yeah, he is (sort of) from your part of the world - I have 'cyber' parrot friends from Oz and the wild bird pics they post are amazing! Bare eyed cockatoos and Corella's and Galahs - all gorgeous! and even your pigeons are special!

[TimothyBFan]

Our friend Dave has 2 English mastiff dogs. Simba is 1 1/2 years old and weighs 135 pounds and Nala he just got Monday night and she is 9 weeks old. This picture says it all on how fast they grow.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/Davesdogs.jpg

[Prettymaid]

OMG! That looks like a dog and a cat! :laugh: Cute picture!

[TimothyBFan]

Dave just sent me the newest one from this morning. He's killing me with these--they are just to darn cute for words!!!

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e136/williehoo/Davesdogs1.jpg

[EagleLady]

So Cute!

[Molly]

Willie, those are adorable! I probably wouldn't get a thing done, I'd be following them around all day with a camera!

[sodascouts]

Too precious!

[Troubadour]

Those photos made my day. Too cute!

[Koala]

OMG, too cute!

[tequila girl]

Aww they're both gorgeous! but especially the puppy!!:inlove: