persephone

Most of you will know the feeling. My eyes haven't stopped watering , and my heart aches. To make matters worse, I have a huge bag of all sorts of yummy gels/mousses/creams etc that I bought for when she came home with a sore mouth . The Boss surprised me - he saw it & said ..."Oh - that's good , you can use that for your kitten " ! Yes- I am thinking of the future , and how difficult it is to be a crazy cat lady with no cat . Tallie will be an impossible set of pawprints to fill though - we were meant to be together , and I really thought we'd be oldies together No hurry ...I'll give the universe a bit of time to make plans . I have nice memories of her at the vets anyway - exploring the consult room with tail up ...sniffing the scales, looking behind the computer...jumping up onto my knee she was as happy as I could hope for, and I will treasure that last few minutes with her . Thank you everyone .

Heartbroken. Shattered, bereft. No more warm body on the sore and paining hip at night - nor companionable purring from the pillow's edge. Neither the soft warmth behind my knees, or those green eyes in the morning light. Clive has no-one to play chasey with inside, and I won't get live mice dropped on my face at stupid o'clock , or find bird feathers on my sheets from an impenetrable outside enclosure? Tallie- you were so placid and friendly even at the vets, left to roam the consulting room , they loved how you rubbed on their legs, jumped onto the benches and explored , and then sat near the computer . I was happy to leave you for blood tests and a dental with some teeth out as you weren't eating . I came home and there was a phone call asking me to phone back . I knew then what the news was to be ,but it was worse than even I thought , and felt my heart crack open. I gave the lovely vet permission to send you over the bridge , and you will be buried with others from the clinic in a big paddock out of town - sadly not at home - but as your spirit is free, that part doesn't really matter. Love you Tallie -thank you for the 7 years of soul-sharing companionship and purr-therapy . I will miss you terribly every night as I try & sleep ...

So sorry, kenDol... Just popped in to send thoughts of whatever to help you & your poor Mum.

I can only imagine your pain .... and offer my sympathies. You do so much for these frail little old doggies

What a lovely, special photo ...

This a fantastic story and great video clip! LINK HERE

Oh No ...Mezza has gone to join the Angel Oldies now too I am so very sorry . Poor Sooty will be lost . Your heart must be in many pieces.

We have shot labs(not ours) for killing our sheep ANY dog requires work. Those breeds bred to work obviously will have a higher drive, and so will need more of your attention Crosses are less predictable , and can sometimes carry with them the not-so-desirable bits of the breeds Why not seek a purebred dog of a nice settled line ..whose family are quiet .... ? Or an adult rescue who is used to country life ?

Both these pups will be quick-thinking / high energy dogs .If you have animals on yr acreage, expect them to be chased/herded. What is the cattledog crossed with ? Excellent fences and LOTS of training are musts !!

yes! My gorgeous Mitchell had fearful aggression ....always had to be managed , but he was fantastic for the most part

You poor thing ! That is a scary experience, and your fearfulness does transmit to the dog ... people will NOT keep their dogs under control It is so sad I am SO VERY GLAD you are getting a vet behaviourist out Ask HEAPS of questions ..even those you think might be a bit silly . They more you know, the easier things will become , and the more you and Henry will understand each other. At present , you are sending each other the wrong messages Please keep us updated- I will send positive vibes!!!

Oh! One teenager is rebelling ! You just have to be a firm parent - NOT a 'punisher" ..and many many people have terriers as a first dog I did , at age 7 best and most faithful little dog , but feisty as all getout! As Tierdix said, there are things you can do to reinstate your leadership status. being threatened by a dog IS scary - and they know it . The trick is to take detours- to not let things get to that stage - to learn more of WHY dogs do it ! I think you are taking the easy decision - to rehome. It is not the most responsible decision - rehoming an apparently aggressive dog I can understand WHY you think it's the best decision for you - but is it, really ? What will your next dog be? How will you train it differently ?Passing on problems to someone else? Hmmmm. We have a few 'ratbag' dogsin our pack - it usually means they have a good brain, and know how to use them! Ratbags are the ones who are good at learning tricks - the ones who learn to read their humans well, and who respond amazingly to the right training NILIF is brilliant - takes a bit of thought, but boy, does it pay off- as the dog WANTS to do the preferred thing for the "resource guarding" (pegs/cat poo, etc ) have read of this https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/resource-guarding-treatment-and-prevention I would also strongly advise ONE - just one, consult with a reputable trainer ( not a flashy franchise) to talk about the problems ...then make your decision. Remember- rehoming an aggressive dog is not a terribly responsible decision . I wish you the best , whichever path you choose,,,

There's that handsome boy :D I hope all goes well on Monday - that you both have fun, first & foremost! Scout & Chase both look so happy .

otherwise known as a Fine Needle Aspiration ;)

Dear old boy - what a treasure, and how wonderful that he got to have his last time with you . I'm sure his grin will live on . Run free now fella

hi Gosh - I remember when your 'puppy' WAS a puppy - how time flies!! My Mitchell was COVERED in lipomas by the time he was an old boy- he had been on long-term steroids, and I had been told to expect something like this ..I didn't bother with vet checks anymore, as the others said - by feel I could tell what they were ( I had worked with dogs, and at a vets for years , too) , and just let them be - but he felt like his his skin was stuffed with M&M's, & some larger ones . As they din't impair his mobility or anything, we just left them there ...& he was just Old Lumpy! I hope you can find a vet who can carry out the procedure to satisfy you at a much cheaper price !

LMO - glad you have repairs nearly finished, and Mezza almost sorted as well! What a busy and stressful time !

Didn't he grow into a handsome boy ? I love the one with his chin on the ground Thanks for the update!

Simon is a handsome man!

Ginger Gertie

Eye removal removes the PAIN . Really . The vet I worked for did quite a few - and it was amazing just how well dogs coped, and how much happier they seemed to feel without that ugly sore eye ! ... . And , as long as her nose works well, and she is 'with it' , being severely vision-impaired is not the worst thing . She can find things by scent Shecan wear a "halo" to help , too

Poor old girl perhaps ask the vet for alternative treatment if it is too distressing ... ? Ulcers can take a long time to treat , too. have you tried offering her the BEST treat at the same time ? Like have the treat there as you put in the drops ..and let her eat it immediately ..roast chicken, or some smelly fish ...something very different she can't resist ! That might help a bit

Ho,. Ho,. Ho Happy Season's Greetings & all that . yes, I guess it's "that" time of the years again At least now you have a good plan which will help. Hoping the Wet brings lots of green, and not much itch!

Love it

Oh, Jules- how lovely ! She looks beautiful - and will be a lively addition to your little family.! Welcome, Stephie!