Benji's Mum

Here here Sheridan. I'm not going to mention breeds at all anymore, due to BSL, so I am going to try something else. I have now found 3 special someones this week, so I am going to try and look for some patterns (excuse me if this sounds foggy, howling since 6am, OH swearing, scool hols). All 3 little dogs had collars. The 2 old dogs did not have tags, making it a longer process to return them. The young dog had tags. Perhaps a crackdown on dogs having tags will at least save taxpayers money by rescuers being able to return them using the phone, saving Rangers time to get on with their job.

Even though he can't get out, he still has to be kept away from things he could eat that could make him sick. A dog run would ensure that he cannot get near anything. It is expensive, I understand your trepidation. I just live with the destruction and my backyard looks like the moon.

Is there someone with another dog living nearby who she could play with when you walk her? Could you ask another local dogowner to accompany you when you go for a walk? A regular neighbourhood doggy friend might like to come and play to cheer her up without the added responsibility of owning another.

Can you buy/build a dog run? Some pooches are Houdinis, it's not easy. He could get sick eating things he's not supposed to and that means vet bills....you are right to be concerned. Big bones are good to keep them occupied, but don't rely solely on them.

Consistency is also key. My training was being undone when the staff turned up in the morning and cuddled her when she jumped on them, so now - new rules - don't go near the dog! It has helped a lot as I found she was getting very confused. It was becoming dangerous as the next person in the yard was my 4yo daughter, who had trained her to sit but others stuffed it up...

Bell, my teenager, sits and is friendly until when you go to leave, then jumps! She's got nothing to lose since you're leaving anyway. We'll get there eventually....

My sincere condolences to you both.

My rescue heeler pup never runs away - unlike my previous terriers. But she is pretty destructive..

Can you crate them separately, near each other? They can get hurt even more if they are in together.

Maybe an early morning hot water bottle with a cover on the crate and something to chew, quiet radio - or my standard never-fail solution - a rescue dog to keep him warm and happy.....

Does he need to go to the toilet or is he cold? With small kids I am up early too. Join the club. I wee the dogs early and put them back to bed - which they are happy to do as it's so cold here in the mornings. Wait till you have kids!

Fair enough, my rescue pup is older and I only did it few times but it worked really well in the beginning to stop her jumping all over me. I use NILIF and she sits beautifully every time she comes near me.

Noise therapy for pups - carry a piece of metal quietly and as soon as he does something wrong, throw it on the ground, bang it, scream your head off and walk away. He'll work it out. Give him something else to chew on and play with.

If he's dangerous and gets out then there are new laws with a $55,000 fine - ouch. My OH reckons 'ABOUT TIME'.

You'll know. I've had heaps of oldies, and trust me, if you're that close, you'll know. This may sound strange, but I feel relief when the struggle is over, knowing that the end was painfree and not alone. I worry when they are doddery that they could get away and get hurt and lost even more than when I own a healthy dog, esp when they are reliant on meds. Give her lots of cuddles and try not to get too upset in front of her, they feel your upset and I find that upsets them too. Be strong for her. Big hugs to you, you'll need them.

RIP DAS Dogs and hugs to you Muttly.

I am shocked at how young your dog looks in the pic - no grey at all. How devestating for you. No wonder you are heartbroken. It is a special gift to be able to know when an animal is not right and perhaps you could consider using that gift in the future to assist elderly dogs to a comfortable end. We did a lot of it before our kids came along and found it extremely rewarding and have been getting back into it lately, when we can afford it. Recently, we rescued 'Rebel' an 8yo Blue Heeler from Qbyn Pound. Week 1 got him desexed(!), Week 2 noticed the wobble, vomiting and 5 days later the vet put him down with a grapefruit sized tumour in his tummy. We were happy he had a great 3 weeks out of the Pound. Perhaps you could offer dogs a similar happy ending since you can 'spot the wobble' as we call it. Once you stop crying of course. You poor thing. I cried for a year when my horse died and a war veteran friend said she cried for 2 years when her dog died. Take it easy for a looong while.

My neighbour's new lonely puppy got out 4 times last week and even managed to survive a walk on a busy road. I suggest an older more settled dog if possible as your first dog, then add a pup later so the newbie could have a reliable friend to show him the ropes and keep him company. Could end up with Double Trouble though - choose very carefully. How wonderful to have a neighbour that is so helpful to offer to look after your dog while you're at work. :p