Kahn

Oh I feel this. I like that you have purchased a special new collar. We also wondered about introducing a new puppy when our dogs were approaching the end (as a way to soften the blow) but I'm glad we chose to just focus on our two old dogs. My kids are 7 and 10yrs old. We had 2 Border Collies aged 16yrs. They were both from the same litter. We had to say goodbye twice, once last year in June for our girl dog, and again this year in Feb for our boy. About a year prior we started explaining to our kids that our dogs are getting old. Just getting them used to the idea that they wouldn't be around forever. The kids could see them starting to struggle with mobility, sight and hearing. We started explaining that we wouldn't have them for much longer. We explained that one day we would have to make the hard decision but that we didn't know when. For each dog the date was different, but both times, once we made the decision and appointment, we only told the kids on the day. There was no point them feeling such strong feelings for the days leading up. Both kids chose to be there in our dogs' final moments. It was hard. So many tears for the whole family. Twice in one year. But it was a very peaceful process and as a family we were prepared (as prepared as you can be). We were so lucky to have both of them and for so long. We have a little sample of fur from each, a keepsake photo and frame and we kept their little blankets and collars and got a special border collie cuddle teddy. Every time I walk past I give it a stroke. The kids get teary now and then but I'm glad we were open and honest with them. We are only now talking about getting another dog perhaps in 12-18 months time. I am glad we will be able to focus on a puppy without trying to give due care to our elderly dogs.

Hehe - I have two border collies (now 2 yrs old) but I remember shedding many tears about ruined garden beds and wasted $$$s. For us the only thing that worked 100% was blocking access by using makeshift fencing/chicken wire etc. However it never looked nice. See pic. Otherthings that have worked (but not 100%) is: 1. types of plants e.g. spikey type plants like yuccas, agaves survived really well as the dogs hated them. 2. dont use blood and bone - I stupidly planted 10 lavenders and used blood and bone. Came home and every single one was pulled out and the roots had been chewed on. 3. cover newly planted plants with mulch - I found that the potting/planting mix was also intriguing for the dogs but if covered with mulch they dogs werent interested. 4. dont plant in the shortest path e.g. the shortest path from our deck to the driveway goes right through the garden bed - when the dogs ran to bark at the post man, visitors, us coming home they always ran right through the garden bed. You have to either block access or will be continually upset at plants in the shortest path get knocked over This worked really really well especially with smarter breeds like border collies. 5. flags - i made little flags (could probably buy somthing similar) out of sticks/wire with white plastic or laminated paper. We trained our dogs by having them on a leash. One person would shake/wack the flag on the ground but keep quiet. The other person would walk the dogs up to the garden bed to within about a metre and then quickly quickly turn around getting the dogs on the leash to follow to about 2 metres away fromt he garden bed and PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE the dogs and give treats. We had to do this morning and night for about 5 days and then they got the idea. The shaking/wacking of the flag was a negative response for the dog and the moving away from the garden bed was a positive response. Worth a try. See pic of our flags and the two offenders.

looking forward to seeing some pictures...I remember that feeling (of waiting to pick up my puppies) like it was yesterday.

That is good news

I agree with all the above posts...wait it out until your appointment in a month's time. I had a similar problem with my girl last year...tooth turned green and took over 3 weeks...but one morning I checked and it was gone. We gave our dogs beef hide chews.

We taught our dogs "Leave it" at only 9 weeks. It took them a few weeks to get 100% obedient to the command though. This is what worked for us. - Hold a treat in your hand, let the dog know you have a treat (let them see it or smell it). - Close your hand and place it about 10cm away from their mouth. Say "Leave it" in your command voice - Open your hand, but keep saying "Leave it" - The dog will undoubtedly go for the treat. Quickly close your hand so they can't get it and say "Leave it" - As soon as your dog either pulls its head back, looks away or looks at you for a few (2-3) seconds, say "Yes" and let them eat the treat. - Praise them Eventually you can get to the point where you can leave the treat on the floor, rather than in your hand. You progress it to use the command so that dont eat "dodgy things" around the garden (e.g. possum poo etc). You can use the command when you are playing with a toy, as Dee-al said. You use the same command when they see the cat (as soon as their ears prick up and their body language changes to show they are interested in something). "Leave it" means I cannot have it until my owner says "Yes" With the cat I think it would be best to say "Leave it" and then get them to come to you and distract them. Either play a game, or make them drop or something.

Our two border collies are 11 months and have just starting running 1km with them, then walk 1km and then run 1km. (By running I mean, me almost being dragged by my dog who is rearing to go). They love it and I am sure would love to run more (good thing I am not fit enough yet because they are still a little young for any more than that).

That is sad at any time of year. I am glad it was peacefully.

I sent an email to animal welfare league today but havent heard from them That would come in very handy if we are able to have it thanks and thanks Miss Party for the Email Done. How do I get it to you?

That is gorgeous...they look like they are having so much fun together.

Free: A plastic dog kennel to suit a medium to large dog. It's in good condition, and around 9 months old. Our dogs don't use it, so hopefully someone else can make use of it for their puppy. It originally cost over $100. Pick up from Greenbank, Queensland (outer south of Brisbane). Send PM if interested.

Haha, let me know when you figure out what works: We have tried the following (none of which has been a miracle solution for us): - filling the holes with poop - burying balloons and filling holes - burying rocks under the topsoil - watching them through the windows (they know we are there watching and wont dig) We havent yet tried making a sandpit for them where we can train them it is ok to dig.

You may already do this but opening up the windows really worked for us. Our dog went from frothy mouth to excitedly sticking his head in the breeze. It sucks in winter when it is cold but it the only thing that worked for us. (Note we have a station wagon and the dogs are in the back so we could open up the back seat windows about half way without the risk of him jumping out)

woohoo. You must be so proud.

Good news - after having that awful green tooth for over a month it fell out this morning. We were playing tug of war with a teddy and I noticed quite a bit of blood. I thought Layla had bit her tongue but couldnt find anything. I gave her some water to get rid of all the blood around her mouth and still couldnt find a cut and then I noticed the absence of the green tooth. Yay. Only thing is I wish I could find the green tooth but it is not on the rug anywhere...