persephone

Apologies ...you have been doing this for so long now, it has become your life , and I know you are doing everything in your power to keep this poor girl ..but are you really doing it for her, or for you? You know she spends hours unhappy and stressed ...hurting and waiting until she can be with you . You love her company , and hate seeing her this way , and want her to be well .... I couldn't do it to a dog ,(or myself) honestly .... My choice for a dog of mine would be a gentle release, a few seconds of absolute peace and sense of being held & loved before they awake over the bridge , and never have to panic/stress again. ( and yes, I have done it to a lovely little dog with severe, debilitating anxiety)

I am sure there is a suitable dog just waiting for you to find it ...much closer to home :) There are so many gorgeous dogs who you can meet first up and feel that amazing 'click' ..without the anxious to-ing and fro-ing of internet/phone communication ... Best of luck.

Possum's pretty cute for a bush dog :p Not as cute as some in here ...

Dogs sleeping outside find it much easier to pick up habits such as barking at neighbours/possums/cats..... ;)

so sad . Do you really think rehoming would help her ? After 3 years , she is very strongly bonded , and a dog with ongoing anxiety problems may not settle in a whole new environment ..the transition would need to be slow, supervised and orchestrated ... with a real chance of her being very stressed . Leaving her with someone else during work hours is risky, IMO . What happens if she does stress /try & go home? Would her stress levels then begin to show in the car , as she knows she will be then separated from you ? She's a beautiful girl, and you are doing everything you know to help. PTS sounds awful, I know ... however there is her health and yours, suffering , there is the thought that she is not enjoying a great chunk of her life ....and , being in VIC with BSL ... if she did escape or cause harm in a panic .. her looks may go against her , unfortunately

After having to have my boy in hospital to remove an intestinal obstruction , and seeing dogs die from peritonitis etc at the vets when I worked there , I no longer see eating inappropriate stuff as funny, I'm afraid....

and he is only small, isn't he ? If he was larger I would say don't worry too much ... maybe phone your vet? Sometimes it takes a couple of days to get through ....just keep up his liquids , and see what the vet recommends.

:)

:) I'm glad you are planning on doing stuff with your puppy - but yes, she is too young yet for much walking, esp power walking ..it's a bit like a primary school kid doing marathons. ..too much for soft joints/bones. Have you found the 'puppy problems" section yet? CLICK HERE and when you browse through, you will probably see some familiar questions :) Looking forward to more photos, too! :)

Hope she has a wonderful day! She is such a credit to you ! :)

Hi - Archie sounds as if he has very caring owners :) what does Archie's Breeder say about this behaviour?? I will suggest a thorough vet check ..in particular checking joints etc ..in case there is some pain causing him to react when he is, or thinks he is going to be moved/touched in a certain way. IF that is all clear .. I will also suggest enlisting the services of a recommended trainer/behaviourist ASAP . Someone who can see exactly what's happening ..and show you how to manage it. :) In the meantime ..I do recommend NOT touching him when he's asleep ..... and letting HIM control what cuddle time and rewards he gets each day ...ie: you learn to not reward him for just breathing - HE shows, by his behaviour, that he is ready to be loved and cuddled and fed treats :) . read HERE CLICK

Any access to treated pine products or water run off?

Do you have a 'mentor'- a breeder connected to your dogs ,who is helping you? Ask them .. they may have an idea of fertility in the lines ... Sometimes a tie is not even necessary. Slip matings can produce a pregnancy. I was taught one mating ..then a day, then another mating..but each situation is different ..and I guess, in this age of blood tests , etc .. the levels of hormone present tells you the ideal times , and makes it easier :) What happened last time the bitch was mated? Did she need a tie, or how many matings ? You could go by that. ..and, just a thought ..if this is her first time ....it seems very late for a first litter.... but I presume you have done the research and vet checks

Misty rain spots :) They make good effects ! I love the second pic :)

:)

How symmetrical are those markings!!!!! :? Even her nose !!

I have put this on FB ..and spread it amongst friends. Buddy is now ensuring the safety of many other dogs :)

this is what some of our dogs have ...they can lie submerged in the bins (koolie/kelpie - not large dogs ! They hold a fair bit of water ... and are just step in/out fish bins/crates.

Must admit .. if that is 'normal' (aside from mucous) I wouldn't be wasting my money . :0

Oh... Ok ...

What do you feed her? There seems to be a lot of whole grains in there, totally undigested ... perhaps, all that roughage/whole grain may be irritating the bowel, and so the body is trying to encase it in mucous to help get it through safely ? Bowel walls are sensitive ..and mucous is there to help protect them .. I may be very wrong , of course :) Vet is always a good plan .. but I would also suggest giving her much less cellulose /grain and see how she goes. ( that is much like the local fox poo , when they are a short of meat , and resort to eating berries/seeds/insects etc ..most of what they eat comes thru without being utilised )

yes, they are puppy behaviour - but he's not really a puppy ;) what interactive toys does he have for when you aren't home ? does he have/use kongs, tug toys, sand pit, pool, large balls, noisy toys, cardboard boxes etc etc ???

It is, Nic. Such a big chunk of your day-to-day gone :( Take care , make sure you sleep .

does this mean he has access to these other animals? cause 2 dogs will create a lot more havoc if they can both chase the stock. this waves a big red flag at me .... two dogs are a PACK ..and will be much more inclined to chase/harass other animals :( It is a natural instinct . Training can help a single dog ..... but a single dog's behaviour toward other animals will change once it has a pack , and training may well be totally forgotten as instinct takes over

Ohhh Nic. While it is wrenching for you & your mum to lose this link with your dad .. it will give dear Annie peace , and send her straight to where your Dad is calling and waiting .... You know what ? I think of it as the last gift you can give your dad .. kisses on Annie's head as she goes to find him :) lots of thoughts for you and your Mum .. what an awful day it will be for you .