Tara and Sam

I am hopeing to look after mum's cav when she goes to hospital OH doesnt know that yet , but mum also needs help with her dog as she is very much mum's dog , but has bonded with me also over the time Tara has always been my shadow and when I not home then Sam's shadow I wouldnt get a puppy at this stage or even next year as I beleive that Tara wouldnt cope well particularly as she cant hear and has catarachs ? on her eyes I woudl consider a teenager or older maybe fostering is a good option also to consider lillysmum I am wondering how much more I can cope with before I crumble down panics are back bigtime at moment I can not imagine having no dogs in my home after all these years I am glad I woke her up so she could take the chance to say goodbye ( I learnt that on DOL that some need to have that chance so they know ) and she did come back to him , so yes I think she did realise what happened I just took her outside for last time tonight , she wont go onto lawn by herself unless I walk out with her she just walked around the yard and I followed with my little torch , she whent right down the very back where Sam always whent , she just sniffed around all over that area I stayed down the back area when she started walking back to house , and she looked so lost and was looking around everywhere , once she noticed me she came running back to me so that has answered my question she cant be left outside by herself Thanks for the replies and hugs and well wishes for mum much appreciated

Thanks for the kind words about Sam I am gutted mums health issue and then looseing one of my heart dogs the next morning dont think I have any more tears left to cry Toys and Blankets etc , she not overly interested in , she prefers our company or the running around with Sam OH said yesterday he didnt want to come home and find a puppy here I did state not this year but next year I would like another dog mum will need to go to hospital soon for a breast cancer op , and will probally looking after her cav while she there so that hopefully will help Tara abit Tara and Sam were good together although they didnt cuddle up as some do , but he was always here for her Tara has some issues herself as she has lost over 2 kilo in a few years ( apparently due to muscle tone as she gets older , according to vet ) he says some dogs as they age can actually loose weight I queired him so much over the loss of weight issue and her little legs tend to give a bit when walking since she was clipped for summer she looks skinny as much as I would like company for her everything is so much up in the air with mum and all her tests needed before Christmas and then the passing of Sam I have been spraying around Bush Flower Emergency Essence which helps both myself and Tara a little JulesP I have also had the same thoughts and fears this could happen myself Tara actually didnt look too good about two weeks ago when we had that horrible hot humid weather here just reminded me a friend around the corner has a small dog but she herself is in hospital and someone is looking after her dog for her OH and I have just talked and she wont be left alone by herself we will work around appointments etc so someone is here with her to watch and keep her company

Sam passed away yesterday and I am finding it hard to cope myself at the moment but am worried about Tara ( both were / was 14 years old ) When we found Sam had passed away in his favourite spot in the laundry Tara was still in her bed ( she is deaf so didnt hear us moveing around , since her deafness she has become more insecure ) Before Sam was taken to the vets I woke Tara to take her outside for a wee and to see Sam if she wanted to as she came back in she walked around him and then stopped and turned back she came closer to Sam as I patted him and also patting her at same time she started shaking so much she then backed off and whent into kitchen area she has been shakeing a lot the last two days and is walkig around outside looking and sniffing the air for him they have lived together for 14 years and hardly ever apart Tara has never been left home alone as there was always us or Sam with her I am keeping her routine as per normal but any other tips Please as I dont want her fretting I am worried how she will cope home alone both were normally left outside do I leave her inside when more secure for her or outside where she might be looking for him P.S I have seen threads before but cant seem to find them

You came into our lives in November 1996 at 8 weeks of age and weighing 5 kilos We got you from the Dogs Pound We had our journey home in the car and then we introduced you to your new home , at first you were reluctant to walk down the back yard you explored the inside of your new home walking from room to room you then decided it was time for a sleep , you chose the laundry floor as it was cool for you each days for the next few days you decided to become braver and venture further down the back yard one night when going out for your last nature call you headed towards the back fence only to be confronted by a big shadow on the fence which scared you and you came running back barking at that strange thing on the fence , only to be told it was your own shadow In April of 1997 along comes Tara only 7 weeks old and weighing 2.2 kilo by this time you were weighing 20 kilo I bent down with Tara on my lap as you came over to be introduced , you took one sniff and look and then whent running away LOL , finally you came back and introduced yourself Tara was much smaller than you , yet you were so gentle with her You never caused much damage to things , you had your toys and your teddy bear which you often brought out from the bedroom into the kitchen and play with You and Tara loved playing amongst the Pea Straw in the garden You loved doing circle 8 zoomies around the garden chaseing Tara You always stood back to allow Tara to eat from the biscuit bowl waiting until she had finihed if Tara took your bone you never growled at her you just stood by and watched her with your bone until we came and got it back for you You were a Gentle Giant You loved climbing on chairs and just sitting there You certainly loved sleeping on our bed and on the lounge next to your humans You loved haveing a lower back rub and would often back up to us for that back rub , or back up to shrubs to get a back rub You enjoyed haveing your ears rubbed and would groan with pleasure You loved going to the park with your human dad , but never strayed far from him Ohh and how you loved sitting in the car with human dad , just being together was enough for you You absolutely loved the Broom chase around the garden from your human dad , he would run towards you with the broom and you would take of and come back for more In summer cool nights you loved laying on the lawn watching over your back yard You had three holes in the back yard where you layed in summer time to keep cool , the main one under the Frangapani tree near our bedroom window , you laid there and waited for us to come home as you could see us come up the driveway , the hole in the shade house was yours and the one under the pergola you shared with Tara Sadly as you got older you developed Hip Dysplasia and then Arthritis as the years moved along you started slowing down and was becoming difficult to walk easily , you could'nt jump up on your favourite bed or lounge , and had to be helped up into the car , but you seemed to still enjoy life you were sleeping more and last summer knocked you around as it was so hot , but you found your favourite cool spot in the laundry No more will I wake up to see you looking at me waiting to greet me or hear the thump as you flop down on the floor next to the bed No more will I hear you snoring next to me No more will you be in the garden with me , the gentle coming over to me and kissing my neck as I bent down to do things ,or the gentle nudge that you wanted a pat or cuddle No more of the comfort and company of you under my desk , even though at times the wiff was bad You protected Tara , if she yelled or was in trouble you always ran to check on her You never complained when she pinched your bone you just stood and watched until we got it back for you You loved the rolliing around on the lawn after dinner time You loved the Christmas tree as always knew there was something special for you , yet never attempted to touch them until given to you Our first Christmas together you climbed up under the tree and layed there You were our Christmas present to OH and myself We knew that one day the time would come , it came to quick for us but I had the feeling you waited for human dad to get back from holiday before you gave us the sign we knew we had a decision to make when your back legs would not take you more than a few steps I knew when I laid with you on the ground and gave you your ear rub , you gave me a different look this time I sensed you were telling me something You waited for OH to pat you and talk to you on his way to bathroom about 3-00 am Sadly 11th December 2010 in the early hours of the morning your body decided it was time and you passed over to Rainbow Bridge You looked so peacefull in your favourite place in the laundry that final morning You are pain free now and at peace I wait for you to knock on the door to come in , I wait for your nudge for a cuddle , I wait for you to put your paw on my leg or to snuggle up on human dad's arm I walk out the back door and glance over to your favourite places and dont see you You are so very missed and our hearts are breaking but our memories will never fade with our Heart dog Tara still looks for you as we do We love you and always will My Heart breaks as I want you back even for one last cuddle and kiss Your body has left us , but you will be back Christmas week with us to forever stay in our home and hearts Run free my darling Sam R.I.P Sam 11th December 2010 aged 14 years 3 months ;) :D ;)

thanks for the replies mum was saying yesterday she bought some new treats that were fish ones and the brand was something starting with K ( she wasnt near the packet to check full brand name ) and they were made in Thailand Alarm bells started ringing with me , so asked her not to give to her dog until found out some more thanks for the links , will check them out

What was the name of the dog treats that caused harm or death to some dogs ? I thought they started with a K and made in China or Thialand I cant seem to find the thread on them Thanks

Geez I comeing up your way for a holiday with two Empty suitcases one for each size :laugh : they are gorgeous such lovely colourings

OMG tears of laughter with that post you really need to write a book on their antics so Glad there was a good outcome with the river scare

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-a...3-1225929661309 THE Law Society and animal welfare groups say pet shop owners should be given the power to reject customers who clearly would not be able to care for an animal. Law Society animal welfare committee chairwoman Joana Fuller said the society wanted changes to stop pet dumping and abuse as part of a State Government review of laws covering the industry. The law would work by allowing pet shop owners to refuse to hand over an animal to a customer who mistreated an animal in the store, who said they could not afford vaccinations or medical treatment or who otherwise indicated they would not be a good pet owner. "Often the pet shop owner can form a view about how well the customer will look after an animal or if they are an impulse buyer who will soon dump the pet," she said. "The change would also give the pet shop owner the protection and peace of mind to be able to decline a sale." Ms Fuller said the new power would not be forced on pet shop owners but would give those who wanted to do the right thing the power to refuse customers. Conservation Council of SA chief executive Julie Pettett said pet shop owners should be required to ask a list of questions to determine if potential customers would be responsible pet owners. "There would have to be a right to natural justice and the right of appeal independently of the shop, but we would support it wholeheartedly," she said. Animal Welfare League communications officer Brenda Champion said the reality of the real cost of having a pet hits soon after buying on impulse. "Pets are for life, not an impulse buy, and people need to consider all the costs associated with keeping a pet," she said. "It is essential that pet owners consider the lifestyle and financial aspects of pet ownership." Georgia Nash, 16, said that, when she was on work experience at Northside Pet Superstore last week, she noticed some people bought pets without considering whether they could look after them in the long term. "This puppy (pictured with Georgia) was returned a few days after she was bought because the lady didn't think she would be able to look after her," she said. "People should really research breeds before they buy dogs." Ban dogs in pet shops, I say it was also on chanel 7 this morning

You took the words right out of my mouth Sir WJ! I still think you should write a book Jed, you have such a way with words! I would be one of the first to add it to my library! I also wanted to say to Toohey Jed is very very lucky to have a friend like you. and you took the words out of my mouth ;) Glad to hear you comeing along Jed and what lovely gesture for 3 pups to you take care

Sorry Jed, but I had to laugh at that! Dignity? What dignity? I also had a smile on my face and thinking to myself Why oh Why couldnt I have seen that lovely reunion :D Dignity or not it would have been lovely to watch and I bet the tv crew had huge smiles on their faces thinking of you the pictures are delightfull to see :D

Well it was bad enough for me - maybe I'm just ...soft. No you are not soft, just a nice dog owner sadly humans have a lot to answer for. I classed myself as niave years ago Well I was niave when I got my girl from a PP 14 years ago , she was "whim" when I whent shopping that day , yet my other dog came from the pound " Yes Dear she is pure cocker spaniel " even saw the gardener on tv recomend the kennel she came from in Vic and thought to myself wow she came from a good kennel little did I know back then ! I started to notice her coat wasnt pure cocker spaniel coat she is poodle cross I think After getting mum's dog from a Ethical Registered breeder who recommended DOL Joined DOL and then realised my girl came from a Puppy Factory cost me a fortune with her illness when just 8 weeks of age I looked at the site where she came from and broke my heart and often wonder about her mother and what she whent through so to me the show last night opened up my eyes and glad it was aired to help stop other niave buyers like I was all those years ago

I thought it came across very well links to the show are now in my outgoing emails my OH even asked questions about what he saw after it aired

Derryn Hinch is not backward in what he comes out with so think he is a good spokesman I missed the tv with DOLers http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/17/3015062.htm High-profile broadcaster Derryn Hinch says shops should stop selling pets in order to shut down the "cruel and brutal" puppy farm trade keep ringing his radio talk back and bring up the subject and he will continue to broadcast it around

Thanks for the replies much appreciated always good to hear other opinions Our Vet is away today so will get a appointment tomorrow for him and our girl ( they are both due for their vax's ) I mentioned Demntia as it came up in comversation last visit for our girl she doesnt bark much but her whining is getting so bad since her hearing has gone she is food obsessed and always whinged for food Good point Shell about the lack of sound he use to run up and down the fenceline with our side neighbours dog and they would bark with each other ( they did this together for about 13 years ) since she passed away about 8 months ago I have noticed he kept looking at the fence for her he even lays on the lawn faceing the fence just "watches" it ( 2 dogs at the back of us are annoying barkers most of the day, been there about 18 months , he has nver been interested in them and cant get to the back fence as I placed a inner fence as their dogs keep trying to get under the fenceline ) Seasonal change also may be a idea as noticed also this last 2 weeks he laying on the damp lawn or a damp hole he has in the shadehouse like he does in summer so maybe his body clock or he is getting hot yes I always have a fresh urine sample for vet when he comes so can be tested my 2 dogs have always loved the rain and would lie out there if I let them we all love our dogs and is sad to see them as they get older yes Paddy forever my nan was like that also , so sad Sam had a problem with a disk in his back which the meds seemed to help and also stoped the weeing inside , apparently that was all combined Thanks for the replies , knew I could count on some other suggestions as to what it could be

I am posting here so can get more opinions and advice before getting the vet out our male dog is 14 yrs old this month he has HD since 3 yrs old and recent years Arthritis other than those problems he has been in good health last year or so he has been loosing his hearing sometimes he hears us and other times he doesnt a whistle or clap of hands he can hear if we want his attention sometimes outside he barks at nothing this last week he has been barking at night times over theyears it has been to let us know he wants to go for wee ( he did have a problem with inncontience few months back , that was linked to the HD and back problem and has stopped now ) his barking at night is almost as though he trying to tell us something , but we just cant work out what it is I took him out three times last night thinking he needed to wee , which he didnt he also has been coming up to us and just standing there and pushes his nose into my leg or OH"s leg and wagging his tail for pats or cuddles I would'nt say he is confused as such or lack of memory he doesnt seem lost in the house or yard he does sleep more during the day ( understandable for his age ) and noticed last month or so he is wandering around at night he doesnt appear to be anxious eating well and drinking fine last year or so I noticed he is getting abit narky towards the cocker (who is 13 1/2 years old , deaf and going blind if she happens to walk past him and knocks him ) he jumps up with a bit or growl towards her It certainly sounds like Dementia and he acually eats dirt ( connected or not I dont know ) any ideas or tips to advise or has anyone had good results with medications etc ? Thank you

Any thoughts of trying sedatives in food or water to try and calm him down before catching him Vet recommendation of sedatives to use

Thinking of you Jed hope things are getting better for you each day

I check in daily but havent posted for awhile Glad to hear you are makeing progress ;) Keep moveing forward Thinking of you

http://www.petclassics.com/Cedar-Stairs/1-...-stairs.12.html http://www.petclassics.com/Cedar-Stairs/2-...-stairs.13.html I remember seeing these before and thought they were ok as could also place in boot of car and someone handy might be able to make them for you

I considered a ramp but thought my dog wouldnt walk up it , he seemed better with something to step onto I bought a Cube box from Bunnings ( Target Big W also keep them ) a thick heavy duty plactic box ( people use them for kids toys , ,storage etc ) turned it upside down and can cover it with carpet or non slip matting and he steps up into the car via the "step box " he is 40 kilo dog and seems to be able to manage that well it is not heavy and could be placed in the boot of car

Mum's dog lasted till just over 17 years old and she had Pal can and dry food most of the time , mum cooked up mince and vegies as other meals she was fit and healthy and lasted all those years on Pal we have 2 dogs also raised on Pal can and dry food , also mixed with other meals of home cooked mince and vegies and both about 14 years old and according to the vet very healthy dogs ,( apart from old age setting in ) we dont have table scraps left over , certainly not enough to feed a 40 kilo dog or a guts of a cocker spaniel

Thinking of you Jed ;)

We use a mobile vet he has 17 years vet experiance he charges about the same as a visit to the vet surgery he comes here so can see how the dogs live and surroundings normal consult is from half hour to a hour I have been haveing him come here for about 4-5 years now and very happy with him we use to use a vet clinic for many years , then changed to this vet I recommend him

to Lynda Very impressed owner is very happy had some great tips how to care and groom his boy was advised what sort of brushes to use tips on feeding etc so would recommend her ;) Thank you DBT for the recomendation yes recently moved to Strath and started grooming business back up also did find out Petes Mobile dog wash does Strath area also ( would have been our 2nd choise )