persephone

:)he's ageing fairly gracefully - 8 now . (he's a Cocker X Koolie )

I am of this mind as well Old dogs often lie in the sun ..and may get a bit warm with a coat on , perhaps? I think this old man is well catered for , by the sound of it

yes, I have the same thoughts/memories. Mind you it wasn't all skipping along in the sunshine - dogs/pups with true aggression, or severe health problems were usually killed - so those things weren't passed on down the line ...but good dogs lived a long and reasonable happy,active ,social life

because This does not happen... kids do not grow up with the freedoms we had. Neither do dogs Everything is controlled - and so neither party gets a chance to just 'be' . Discipline has changed... Like you- if we teased a dog and got a fright when growled at,or even bitten - it was our fault. And we were probably whacked as well ;) If we walked into someone's yard and got chased out by a dog - then - we should not have been there. It was all a lot simpler...perhaps not 'better' ,but certainly uncomplicated. Dogs bit. Kids knew that and respected that.. Most dogs were in yards to protect the house. Everyone- from kids to posties, to police accepted that , and acted accordingly.You just did NOT accept that someone's dog was friendly on first meeting. Dogs were used to kids/streets/other dogs .Kids had everyday free contact with neighbourhood dogs of all temperaments, and learned (all by themselves...no DVD's or books) about dog body language and behaviour It was a time of ... packs of kids & dogs , pushbikes ,vacant blocks ,parks .... My aunties collie used to wander during the day, as did most dogs locally ..and we had to hang a sign on her neck "Please do NOT feed me" ..as she would go to the bakery, and get cakes and pasties most days. She would also go down to the butchers and bring a bone home.

If a non dog person said to me that they'd never leave their kids alone with my dogs I

provided the sides are higher then the dog ..then it sounds fine ! he's a lucky boy.

Seeing as how this lady is a reptile - oriented lady, then rodents would probably end up snake food ;)

IMO ;) those cute & cuddly labs one sees as guide dogs, or toilet tissue testers had to be trained- same as ANY dog. I have worked with labs who were not the sort to have around children-,and I have seen ACDs and GSDs who were the softest and most patient (indeed- the dog who was my nanny and constant companion as a toddler was an ACDX) That said- apart from the fact labs shed 25 hrs a day, and often attempt to eat anything smaller than them and not nailed down .. and have not much 'finesse' - I do recommend them for families .. and love them to bits! I hope your friend does not get a dog while she has this belief- - keeping a dog & kids totally separate would be a nightmare :(

a trampoline bed is a very cold bed, IMO I think the best bed for him would be something SOLID .. with at least two high sides, and a flat solid draft proof base . The cold air can cool the bottom of the tramp. bed ..and flow all round it and over it with no barrier even an old fridge .stove carton .. with two sides left on (no roof if he hates kennels )..and lots of newspaper layers to insulate the floor - plus some light cuddly blankets /polar fleece or wool cheap ,and cardboard is surprisingly warm and a good insulator! you can have10 blankets on a dog bed- but if there are no sides- it is still cold .....

it's good to win something so useful!

Sounds like a UTI ... hopefully the vet visit goes well

The barium sounds a very good plan now - I am so sorry he has come to a standstill again

photos of your girl would be very helpful .. ones with her standing . I would suggest a specialist vet . Oh - and I would be VERY concerned at getting an emaciated pup from a breeder!! That should just not happen

Hope she is Ok now That would have been scary Glad we don't have them (yet) perhaps when Sally is out & about ..she could wear a nice soft plastic basket muzzle? They are great for stopping inappropriate gobbling of nasty things! Hamlet still wears one sometimes if I think there's stuff around he should not get to. A correctly fitted basket muzzle allows for proper mouth opening /panting/drinking ..and they are light, and fine in warmer weather/exercise

Sharpei is my favourite It's nice seeing them scanned!

What are they called? In future- you may want to discuss the medications with the vet/nurse, so you know what you are giving you dog ;) I'm sorry you're having trouble washing the sore spots... and agree with another vet visit to shave /show you a way of cleaning it . If the dog is struggling, and tense, that will not be helping his sprained back Hopefully he's already started to feel more comfortable, with all your care

You're lucky having those flowers/shrubs nearby !

I hope you have been to a doctor!! That hand wound will probably need some treatment .... tetanus jab and antibiotics spring to mind. Also - by going to a doctor ASAP and giving info- the bite is recorded should legal action be needed /taken at some stage ....

:(

it is like bonding - getting to know and to work together .... camera works in a way I am not used to, and vice versa ..It's interesting :p

Ohhh, R I P Nova . He looked a gorgeous boy .

I'm not 100% sure- but I think this rodenticide is a registered poison, and is not for use in residential areas. AFAIK it is for broadacre use only. With other poisons/anticoagulants ... yes, it's true- with many, a mouse only needs to have one feed to get a dose high enough to start the process of bleeding to death. BUT... this takes some days, and the mouse continues to feed ,until it is too ill to walk. So would this mean the mouse could have a bellyful.. and a liver full ?

I am glad she got her dogs back -

Thanks - Thee are some things I like about the DSLR - and a lot I don't BUT we do sometimes create something nice to look at

practice ,practice,practice , and definitely focus on EYES You have gorgeous subjects ... who look as if they are happy to sit & be looked at thru adoring eyes ... so encourage them to 'stay '.. and then play with focus . ;)