Loving my Oldies

The worst thing about DOL is how the years are catalogued as they pass by so quickly by the dogs we knew as xrays and suddenly they are middle aged. Beautiful girls and Soda. Always lovely to have your updates, K.

I am not surprised!! You are one naughty boy.

Three things come to my mind. 1. Who ruled 30 minutes? . I see you have reduced the length of walks, because that was going to be my first suggestion. Dogs are individuals and a 30 minutes walk might be just right for one, too long for another and not nearly enough for another. Do you allow your dog to walk at his own pace? Do you let him stop and sniff, look around, enjoy himself? The walk is supposed to be for him and his needs. I live on a street that is in a very popular walking area; so many people seem to think a walk is one where the ambition is to get from A to B in the shortest time possible. Poor dogs. 2. Your comment, “Shoes are definitely not made for him,” made me laugh. Reminded me of the person who took her new puppy out for his first walk. She said that he didn’t like the lead and wouldn’t walk and never took him out again. What dog is born knowing what a lead and collar are? And in your case: what dog thinks that wearing shoes is a good idea? LOL. 3. I don’t like the idea of those stick on pads, particularly when your dog seems to have very sensitive feet anyway. But this is the first time I have heard of them so my opinion is based solely on looking on your link. But if rubbing alcohol needs to be used to remove any adhesive, I would be giving them a big miss. I think you need to find a nice, soft, grassy surface for your dog to walk on. Good luck.

Hmmmmm, don't underestimate Aunty, Snickers. She might be a wake up to your machinations by now. But, I have to agree - buffets can be amazing.

Size, I would imagine. Huge head. Big jowls. 260 pounds = VERY LARGE dog. Imagine a horse coming up and sniffing you. Hopefully you can turn things around, but the worst thing you can do is force it.

OMG!! Snickers, you are one naughty doggy. Welcome to you and Natalie.

Words are powerful.

So true, @asal. I recall my first vet telling me the story of people boarding 4 Maltese with him. Insisted they be kenneled together, all friendly and loving. He went in one morning and one had been mauled to death. What a truly ghastly experience. Dogs don't understand "thou shalt not kill." But we used to kill humans who killed (I know we are supposed to know it isn't right) and some dogs aren't fit to be around others because of breeding, mistreatment or whatever. Those who are stronger, ie humans, have a duty to those who are put in danger by these dogs. I am so over journalists who just want to sensationalise everything. They are supposed to report facts. Long out of fashion, sadly.

And I am pretty sure most people of this forum would feel it too . However hard and you will continue to feel so, it was absolutely the right thing to do. Sadly, Rebel might have been fit physically, but wasn't mentally. I feel deeply for anyone who has to go through this and many of us here have, so we can truly empathise with your sad situation. So glad Sam seems to be okay and happy.

First thing that crossed my mind, @~Anne~ LOL

Dogs eat grass because they like it LOL. I have noticed that they particularly like the long soft type. I knew one dog who, when let off the lead, would race to a patch and spend ages just having a wonderful time munching the grass and jumping around in it.

From listening and reading, I realise I am pretty well on my own, but one of my "pet hates" is calling children kids - LOL.

What a great story and the chap - so laconic, but very much aware of how precious this story is. Loved the dad with the list of jobs.

In this chaotic era of social media, the old adage, “Sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but names will never harm me,” has long been way out of touch. Names DO have meanings and consequences, even if subconsciously, that affect people’s actions, reactions and treatment of others. If not, why would millions of people march and demonstrate for them? Disabled people were called retards, or spastics. Gay used to mean happy and bright. Dogs were given all sorts of derogatory names To call a woman a “dog” was an insult Ms / Miss / Mrs. I remember the time when if Mary was married to John Smith, she was addressed as Mrs John Smith !!! Vets are now called Doctor. The list is endless. The point I am making is that, with some people, to call your dog your furbaby can take away its “doghood” and consequently these people may fail to understand the needs and drives of a being that is first and foremost a dog. Here endeth the lesson.

That made me laugh. He knows you have a proper dog: one who has you wrapped around his little paw

I know. Red heads wear red LOL.

Leilah relaxing and “at home.”

Leilah (new name) doing Nose Work

I am getting a bit better, but it is hard to hold a squirming dog and give her an injection at the same time, but she is such a good little girl. She forgives me very quickly as I have her food at the ready. Have a look at my post in Photos

How lucky we are to live in a time of instant photographs and videos. First up Shala and Lilo (foster) then out of the bushes comes Bunches and then Beatrice. Lilo has to stay behind to make sure she can sniff everything and then bolts for home.

"I'm sure I'm immune to calicivirus and all the goat, sheep, and cow diseases now... hahaha!" Well that is good to know

That was an interesting and informative read, thank you @Boronia. I have to go basic shopping today, so I’ll be picking up some foods to try for Lilo.

I have googled and googled but cannot fine a home made diet for a diabetic dog. Mostly sites for selling the cans and kibble come up and when a homemade diet pops up, for as many people who agree with it as many disagree. Every body argues about the various ingredients including rice and carrots !! When my latest foster arrived, she came with about 10 days’ worth of Satiety (despite being a little underweight), but these cans are hugely expensive and she has one a day, so that isn’t really sustainable. All I was told at the vet the other day when I went for injection lessons was no red meat but Adult Kibble would be fine. I would like to make my own so the little girl can have the correct, nutritious and enjoyable diet, but need some help.

I was so upset when the first people brought her back, they didn't last even a few days before the said it wasn't working out. Normally, I'll just go an collect the dog, refund any monies paid and no hard feelings because it does happen, but Winnie was a different matter. I'd been over there a few times with her to get her used to them, I had extensive notes written down, etc etc. She is so sensitive and has been mucked around so much, I was sick to the stomach thinking how she must be feeling. But this second family - well a match made in heaven. In fact, had we not already agreed to the first family, I would have much preferred the second, but sadly, at Winnie's expense, I learned a lesson. @persephone, your confidence in my injection prowess shows you don't know me . My second name is Clumsy and, yes, with the first attempt, I managed to get my finger - luckily I didn't press the plunger. This morning's attempt was a little better although it is difficult to fool dogs. As soon as the bottle and needle were brought out Lilo was off and running. I am sure I am hurting her . Hopefully in very little time, I will be an expert and she won't be feeling the needles, because she is on them for the rest of her life. She is very sweet - no messes in the house, absolutely no fear of or aggression towards the other dogs, but mine are so laid back that would be hard to imagine. She is very biddable, but loves to explore and someone is going to get the dearest little girl. She is quite large for a L/H Chi - weighs in at 4.9kg and her bones are sticking out so she needs to put on a little bit of weight.

I hope so. First one coming up in 15 minutes.