poochmad

Before we got our air con upstairs, we used to put wet towels in the crates and aim a fan at the beds. That seemed to keep them cool. Another good idea is to get a cool mat (the same people who make cool vests), but the good thing about getting the cool mat, is that the dog can scrunch it out of the way should they get too cold, which they can't do if they are wearing a vest. We were told that by our breeder and it made sense.

I had a blenheim as kid and still have a soft spot for them. Although I do like the tri and the black and tan and the ruby colours.

It's a terrible thing I agree, but I guess some people don't regard dogs as highly as we do - to them they are easily disposable. Can I just ask that you remove the 'p' word from the title and change it to something more appropriate like: @$%!! as we have young people on this forum and everyone will know what you mean.

I too understand. I don't have that problem with the dogs I have now, but I have definitely had it when I was younger. I had a Basenji when I was a teenager and we just didn't click at all. Unfortunately (or fortunately, whichever way you look at it), she was rehomed. At that time in my life I needed a dog that was a cuddler as I was going through some terrible things and I needed that support. It's great that you are sticking at it. He looks like a beautiful Dobe in your signature block (or whatever it's called).

How cute, I love how they were 'checking' up on you. I always get a kick out of the dog's reactions when one of us goes into another room or up the stairs and they great you as though they haven't seen you for months. It really is a lovely feeling that they can miss you so much.

Dogs really are man's best friend. So sorry to hear of your problems, hope things will get better in the not to distant future.

We used to toys for the dogs, but they have so much fun, they don't toys. We do send their beds with them though, they are high backs and are comfy.

Awww, they're adorable. So squishy.

He looks like a real sweetie.

You don't see much of this breed, so it's nice to see some photos and they are great.

Wow, how scary. Most likely your dog picked up on your fear. Dogs are amazing creatures; thank goodness you had him with you tonight. I would call the police though, as they might have done the same thing to someone else. What breed of dog do you have?

So sorry for your loss, he looked like a lovely boy. RIP Caesar.

So tragic to lose one so young. RIP Tequila.

Our dogs stay at Rover's Retreat which is fantastic. There they allow the dogs to run together and at first I was quite nervous about it, but because they are a small kennel and they know all of the dogs personally, they know which dogs to mix and which to not. Our dogs love it, they are such social butterflies. Although I would be less willing to allow the dogs to play with other dogs at a different kennel, I would consider it, especially if the dogs are supervised and, if I think logically it is the reputation of the kennel on the line and the last thing they would want or need is an injured dog due to a fight. Not sure what the rules are, but it would be good to know your rights.

My first dog was a Cavalier King Charles - fantastic dog. Then my sister didn't want her Sheltie, so I ended up with her as well. With our current breed, the Field Spaniel, I was actually looking at a Labrador, but the house we bought had stairs and a smaller garden so I didn't want a Lab in that space (or going up and down stairs). 12 years ago we looked at a Field Spaniel, as I really loved the write up of them, but they were only relatively new to Australia and therefore breeders were building up their lines. Once I realised we needed a smaller dog, when we bought this house, I called a breeder for a Field Spaniel and lo and behold, she had a bitch who was due with puppies and put me at the top of the list. The attraction to the breed was the look, soft coat, floppy ears, soft temperament and calm/docile way. However, the next breed of dog that we will look at will be a Lagotto as I love the look, temperament, and coat (no more hair everywhere) and they are a little bit smaller, but one of them is years and years away.

She's adorable. Looks like she's quickly finding out how good life is, i.e. the couch. :p

That sounds terrific. Sometimes, there is nothing better than to fill the void with more love (but only if you are ready). Glad you are looking after a dog in need...and who knows where this will lead?

So sorry for your loss. He sounded like a great little dog. :p

Condolences for you and your husband; each day it will get a little easier.

Oh, I just saw this. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. And so sad for your recent pain when he came home to you. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Oh my god, you wrote such a beautiful piece, I have tears in my eyes. You are truly inspirational and I'm so glad he found his home with you, if only for a short while. Hugs to you and your family.

So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful looking girl. RIP Zara.

So sorry for your loss, it's so hard to lose a pet.

Nope, but it's pretty cute.

He's adorable. Love the first photo!