hortfurball

Oops, you added more. If Wylie has an issue with this, is it an option for him to come inside too?

The only info I know about Shibas is from reading an article (possibly posted by you) called The Misanthropic Shiba so not much but I'm going to suggest a couple of things from a general perspective. You asked if rescue remedy would help. I'd say give it a shot, it can't hurt. A dog who is 8 is entering their 'older dog' stage, no matter the size of the dog. (giant dogs can be old at 6 and some don't make it past 8) It doesn't mean death is imminent, just that they are not as young as they once were. Loki may be feeling the cold more than he used to, might be craving his creature comforts more. If he's coming around to the front door, I'd say he's telling you he wants in at night. Give it a go. It will give you a rest from the escaping and the barking and can't hurt. It might be worth getting a crate and leaving the door open so he can come and go at will. He may decide that it's a nice safe place. If he sleeps inside all night peacefully with no accidents or trashing of valued items, maybe don't bother with the crate unless you get the impression he'd like the security. Good luck.

Mona, that was a beautiful poem you wrote for Jed I think she went way beyond that. Me too. Threw personal safety completely out the window by the sounds of it. I'm guessing the only reason she didn't go back in yet again was that she physically couldn't. Doesn't the government have bravery awards? No fear of that. I had much the same issue and I've never even met Jed or her animals. I can only imagine how much harder this is for those of you who are personally involved. Hugs to all of Jed's friends and family. After last night's bawling session I woke today looking like Ella did when she got a bee sting, puffy swollen half shut eyes...such a good look. I had to drag out the eye makeup for the first time in years. No it didn't make any difference, just had puffy swollen half shut eyes with brown lids. Thanks for all the updates and photos today Steve, Toohey and Goldchow. So good to hear that Jed 's surgery went well. Just touching on an earlier point made by a few people about how this tragedy has touched so many...when my housemate found out that I was off to the bank to make a small contribution she added her own to mine. She is not a DOL member and had never heard of Jed until a couple of days ago... Steve (or whoever is receiving the cards), just a thought - when the cards start coming in, might be an idea to save them until after Jane's family have broken some of the sad news to her, I offered sympathy for her losses (no names though) as well as get well wishes, so wouldn't want that to get to her before they'd spoken with her.

Yes, he was definitely the symbol of hope we were all clinging to, wanting there to be some good news for Jed when she wakes. This is just too much. Tonight's news just broke my heart, I can't begin to imagine how Jed will possibly cope with it. I have been crying non stop since reading Goldchow's update...just can;t turn off the tears...keep seeing that pic of him in the floppy hat in my head. Oh cripes Jed I'm so so sorry. This too.

Another here who has always valued Jed even though I've never met her - from the time I first joined DOL, Jed has been one of the stand out posters due to her absolute good sense, no nonsense style, great sense of humour and obvious love and understanding of dogs, particularly her own. So devastated to read that such a terrible thing has happened to such a great person. Wishing with all my heart that Jed recovers, that Magnus is found safe and sound, that the other surviving dogs are not too traumatised and that the emotional toll is not too much for Jed to bear. R.I.P. those who perished, I hope your journey to the other side was swift and pain free. To all those organising, supporting and keeping us updated, heartfelt thanks. Those of us further away really appreciate your efforts. To those who know Jed personally, family and friends, and are struggling to come to terms with this dreadful tragedy, hugs from the other side of the country. A card and a small donation will be on their way tomorrow...

That was probably me. :D They have their own fork and that gets washed in the laundry tub as well, and I don't let them lick the human plates. Yet I kiss them on their foreheads, go figure. As to Bub's question, I'm undecided. If I hadn't ever met the dog before, then a definite no. If I knew the dog, it didn't smell, breath didn't smell, no drool and the food was covered with a lid or in individual lidded containers....maybe. It's one of those things I wouldn't know until I was standing in front of a basket-carrying-dog. The other thing is I don't eat anything unless I know what it is, and you can't ask the waitress in this case. :D

:D That shows a total disregard and lack of any trace of empathy for the pain and suffering inflicted on your auntie's dogs (and any others hers has attacked) not to mention the emotional trauma to both your auntie and her dogs. How anyone could be so uncaring and unconcerned by their dog attacking another is beyond me - that woman must be a sociopath. Definitely not the sort of person who should be at the end of a leash, especially of a large powerful dog. Hope your auntie's boys recover quickly and have no lasting effects in body or mind. Please tell your auntie we are thinking of her and sending hugs. Agreed.

Thanks, but Kuges has been on Joint Guard for about three years, twice yearly cartrophen injections for about six years, and has had Carprofen (Rimadyl) on the bad days for about the same. I'm giving his Carprofen every evening right now, which normally in the past I tried to avoid because of the possible liver or kidney damage (I can never remember which) when used too often. At the moment, the possible side effects are the least of my worries as I don't think it'll have time to be an issue.

JulesP, so sorry to hear about Fern. Big hugs from one loving dogmum to another. 15 1/2 really is a grand old age. Moosmum, you made me laugh! Just as well I knew what you meant! Just a quick update...good days, bad nights. He is if anything even stiffer than a few days ago, but is still happy so far. During the daytime, when it's a bit warmer, he is a bit less stiff. In the evenings and at night, he seems to be getting progressively worse. My ex came over this evening and even though he saw Kuges trip over his own feet and nearly face plant it, ex said he still seems happy so it's not quite time yet. I can only presume he may be stiff but is not in too much pain or he wouldn't seem so happy. I guess if it becomes too painful, I'll see the signs, but I'm guessing I wasn't too far off after all. I'm thinking it's a matter of weeks at the most. I've thought for years that it couldn't be more than 6 months off, I never imagined the heart meds would buy 4 more years! he's had a couple of incidents that I thought might be it in the last couple of years - the IVS scared the crap out of me but he recovered...mostly (hence the occasional loss of balance and falling over) and he reacted badly to a bee sting over the christmas break and I thought his heart would give up (his first bee sting in his life had to be when he was old and vulnerable - up until then I'd just presumed he didn't react, but somehow he'd managed to avoid being stung almost his entire life, go figure!) In January he had a really flat day where he didn't move and didn't wag his tail and I was in tears thinking that was it but he bounced back the next day as if nothing had happened...

Thank you all again for your support, without DOL this would be SO much worse. It wasn't until finding DOL that I heard the belief that it is the greatest gift you can give your best friend, to set them free before they suffer too much. Knowing that will take away the guilt factor and ease the pain somewhat. JackieW, trust me, there's no way I'd be driving either! When his heart condition was diagnosed 4 years ago and the vet told me he had a 50/50 chance of making it through the week I was an absolute mess...silly vet told me at the reception desk and promptly had a hysterically bawling woman on their hands so took me into one of the consult rooms until I calmed down. My best friend couldn't drive us either 'cos she'd be no better than I would. Anyway, I think I've decided on having them come to the house now, be it my regular vet or a mobile vet, it'll be best for Kuga's peace of mind too. Thanks Loraine, I do still have your number but there's nothing much anyone can do really. The bolded bit is exactly what I was thinking when I started this thread. Just so she knows... Thanks Willow, a lovely thing to say, he told me to tell you he thought you were pretty special too and give the bestest cuddles (well, second best after his mum but he's biased). Showdog, if his legs get too bad, I wouldn't be able to get him in and out of the car on my own anyway - like you say, the logistics of a large breed can make things a little more complicated. Erny, thanks so much for sharing your story. What I meant when I said we don't have a rapport is that they seem a little clinical. After three years, you'd expect some rapport but they just don't seem 'warm' to me so I think I might call the two mobile vets tomorrow and see which one I warm to over the phone. Well Kuges was all happy and waggy to see me when I got home and I'm in the usual quandary...when do you really know? Best friend came over and said that apart from the obvious difficulty walking and getting up when he's been lying down, which could be temporary if he's twisted his leg or fell over awkwardly (he has been falling down occasionally in the last couple of months), he seems too alert and waggy for it to be his time, so after jumping the gun and causing nearly 24 hours of rather stupidly crying my eyes out off and on, I'm going to wait a couple of days and see how he goes. If his leg/s don't improve, then I will have to decide if I think he's uncomfortable or in pain enough for it to be time, if things get better, then I'm back to playing by ear, but realistically, not for much longer with the colder weather on its way. Sorry, this just became a bit 'boy who cried wolf' but last night I really thought it would be today or tomorrow. Spoke to the vet today and they said if he's still eating, drinking, wagging his tail and is aware of his surroundings and what's going on then it's not time yet. Also said that they do house calls but were limited in the times they can come out but that the mobile vet whose number I have is very nice and compassionate and might be a better option in terms of flexibility. At least I'm now organised for when it IS time. Will let you all know how things go, thanks again and sorry for the more than likely false alarm...feel like a bit of a d***head now. :D

Thank you all for your kind words, sympathy and advice and big hugs to those of you who will be in this position all too soon. I didn't even think of that. I think I was slightly in denial yesterday and trying to think of anything BUT him, trying to busy myself with the details and not the emotions, for either him or I. Didn't work, I have a very unattractive puffy eyed look today. He has never been overly fond of going to the vet. I'm sure he'd rather be at home. Having said that, he's moved house with me about 6 times and we don't have a big tree that he's known his whole life. We've only been here a year and a half and have only had the same vet for about three years, so we're not long term clients and I don't have an enormous rapport with them and nor does Kuges. Hard call whether I get them to come out or go with the mobile vet. He does tend to have a preference for women so perhaps I'll take that into consideration. I'm pretty sure we'll do it at home, it's where he'll be happiest. Ella is very bonded to him, he's fairly bonded to her but not as much as she is, she's 8 and has never known anything but having him in her life. No change this morning, I'm going to see what my friend says this arvo after work.

Sorry....long post 'cos I ramble even more than usual when upset. My boy Kuga is 15 1/2, I've known he couldn't have too much longer for a while now so have been trying to be a good mum watching for signs but he has been happy and mobile so was just playing it by ear. He has been off his food for a few months so I've added fresh raw mince, brown rice and vegies and it has made a real difference and he's now keen on his yummy food, but lately he hasn't been drinking much (could be the cooler weather), he's been a bit stiffer with the cold weather too so I reintroduced the Rimadyl for his arthritis just over a week ago, but today he was really dragging. His rear end is so stiff he was really struggling to get up, and even to walk. I don't know whether he's just twisted his leg or whether this really is the beginning of the downhill slide. He did manage with some difficulty to get up onto my bed though (with the help of the ramp I built) and is lying there at the moment, snoring his head off and apparently dreaming of chasing rabbits. I called my best friend (his auntie) tonight and asked if she would come over tomorrow, possibly to say goodbye (she was my housemate for the first three years of Kuga's life and loves him almost as much as I do, so we both had a bit of a cry on the phone ) and she said that until recently he always seemed happy, alert and spritely, but when she came to visit a week ago, she noticed a change and said he'd really slowed down. I already kind of suspected he wouldn't make it through this winter. I'm going to see how he is tomorrow, but just in case have researched a pet crematorium, chosen his box and got all the numbers I'll need ready, 'cos there's no way I could make these decisions once it was definite. At the moment I'm still hoping he'll wake up better in the morning but I'm probably fooling myself. Anyway, they had a link to a mobile vet and it got me thinking, if this needs to be done tomorrow or in the next couple of days, the only decision I haven't yet made is whether to take him to my usual vet, or whether to get a mobile vet out. My other dog, Ella, absolutely adores Kuges. I'm thinking she might need a vet to come to my home so that she can see him after it's done and know he's gone. To DOLers with multiple dogs who've had to make this call, what did you do? Or if you haven't had to yet, what would you do? Is it a good idea to let the other dog sniff the body rather than just wonder why their friend didn't come back from the vet with you? All opinions appreciated.

So much for my near-certainty that it was a car. :D OMG! Poor guy actually seeing that happen to his dog, you'd just be so horrified. I'd like to say in his shoes I'd see red and rip the head off the person that did it, but I'd be too busy rushing my dog to the vet... Sometimes I really hate people.

I'm with you...should be one charge of willful murder, and one of attempted murder, and carry similar jail time as if the victims were human. Having fleas in the past is hardly an indication of mistreatment. Especially when they go on to say that the dog is "actually quite a healthy little guy". Whoever dumped the dogs is a scumbag, but it's silly to just assume it was the dogs' owners and that the dogs have been mistreated all their lives. For the dog to be malnourished, it would take more than a night or two - that would suggest long term mistreatment (or at least neglect). His fearfulness would be another indicator of possible mistreatment/neglect. There is a difference between a few fleas and the sort of infestation that would cause bad enough scarring to show that he's 'had fleas in the past'. I think they'd have a better idea from seeing him in the flesh than we do from reading a couple of articles and seeing one photo. Centitout, I'd be more concerned that the child is at home with the perpetrator of this crime. It strikes me that the clothes were cast offs chucked in to muffle the sounds of the dogs or as some sort of bedding? Weird to give them bedding when dumping them but who knows with these people. My concern is that the sort of person that could do this would more than likely not win parent of the year.

I can hardly see through the tears to type...I fear I'll be facing this all too soon myself. :D I have no idea how we can cope with the loss of these creatures we choose to spend our lives with, I have been asking myself the same thing for the past few years as my boy advanced into geriatric territory. I sincerely hope he goes peacefully lying in the sun so that I don't have to make that call, because no matter how hard I'll try not to, I'll be bawling my eyes out when the time comes and everyone says that you shouldn't show them that you're upset. How is that even possible? You're among like-minded people here, take some comfort if you can from our understanding of what you're going through. Sending you hugs and strength to make it through this... R.I.P. Miko Another beloved baby waiting on the other side...

Out of curiosity, what do you define as a lot of serious health problems? Kuges has had two knee ops (luxating patellas), an op to sew up a bad cut on his leg, an op to sew up a bad cut on his tail, an op to remove a lump on his tail, front dewclaws removed during one of those procedures seeing as he kept fracturing them. (BTW, by 'op' I mean under anaesthetic) He's had arthritis since about 7 or 8 (managed with cartrophen injections, Jointguard daily and a Rimadyl on the really cold days) and a heart condition for approx 4 years, he's had 10 or 12 teeth removed due to a tendency to bad teeth regardless of bones and regular cleaning by me and professional cleaning by the vet during all those other ops. We also suspect he has testicular cancer but at his age and with his heart condition more than likely wouldn't make it through an op so nothing has been done re that. I'd consider all that to constitute fairly serious health problems and yet he's still with me and nearing 15 1/2. Kudos to you, hotfurball for sticking by Kuges and Kudos to Kuges for having been thru so much and yet he is still with you. Give him a big hug for me Awww, thanks. I just realised I forgot to mention he's been on medication for the four years of the heart condition or he wouldn't be here. He had annual vaccinations up until a few years ago when the vet said at his age, they really wouldn't benefit as his immunity's pretty much a given. I think Gillybob hit the nail on the head - dogs need love to live a long life (I doubt an unloved dog would want to hang around for a long time) but unfortunately it isn't the only answer and can't save them from unfortunate accidents, disease or inherited conditions.

Out of curiosity, what do you define as a lot of serious health problems? Kuges has had two knee ops (luxating patellas), an op to sew up a bad cut on his leg, an op to sew up a bad cut on his tail, an op to remove a lump on his tail, front dewclaws removed during one of those procedures seeing as he kept fracturing them. (BTW, by 'op' I mean under anaesthetic) He's had arthritis since about 7 or 8 (managed with cartrophen injections, Jointguard daily and a Rimadyl on the really cold days) and a heart condition for approx 4 years, he's had 10 or 12 teeth removed due to a tendency to bad teeth regardless of bones and regular cleaning by me and professional cleaning by the vet during all those other ops. We also suspect he has testicular cancer but at his age and with his heart condition more than likely wouldn't make it through an op so nothing has been done re that. I'd consider all that to constitute fairly serious health problems and yet he's still with me and nearing 15 1/2.

My deepest condolences Horus...just stumbled upon your sad news... Hugs to you. R.I.P. beautiful Ellie.

Wow, did you just age me another 20 years or so? I didn't say "In the old days", I said "When I was a kid" and I'm most certainly not kidding myself about anything at all. I know for a fact that the dog was not PTS, because I hid the bite behind my hand for an hour or so because I knew I'd done what I'd been told not to and was sure I'd be getting in trouble. By the time anyone realised what had happened, said dog was long gone, never to be seen again, and the owner probably never knew either. Me and the dog were the only witnesses, but nobody demanded a witch hunt to PTS the vicious dog, they just accepted that I'd been a naughty child and had well and truly been taught my lesson. If a dog is unstable enough to bite a child because it feels threatened, it should be watchfully attended by the owner at all times so that the risk never becomes reality. Humans can and do react to being startled or scared by punching someone in the face. In some circumstances it is acceptable (in your own home if you were to encounter a burglar, or in a park at night and you think you're being mugged), in other circumstances the offending person is locked up. Do we kill them? No. So why is it ok to kill a dog in the same circumstances?

Yay! Someone agrees with me. (ETA: not to discount the people who commented favourably on my earlier post, just a different point here) I think there is a big difference between a dog that approaches with aggression and a dog that reacts to an unknown situation or person, and yet there are those even on this forum who have the 'PTS if it bites ever, under any circumstances' mentality. The argument seems to be that once it has bitten, it can never be trusted. Well I'm sure the dog that told me it didn't like people bending over it didn't go on to become a mad killing machine. Probably never bit anyone else in it's life. No worries, it's all related. I'm sorry that you feel it necessary to walk your dog late at night to avoid the ignorant and judgmental. What a shitty area that people yell 'Shoot it'. Must make you feel gutted when that happens. Give your girl a cuddle for me. Just out of curiosity, was the girl 'bitten' or 'mauled'? The older sister is saying bitten but the media is going with the usual mauling. A snap or a bite isn't the same as someone who's been 'mauled'. Anyone see any pics of the damage?

So I'm guessing the highly trained police dog that bit an interviewer on TV when he leaned over the dog was disregarded, not socialised, and lacking in obedience??? Seriously, a dog is a dog. Sometimes they bite when threatened. The trick is to not put them in the situation where they feel the need to (and never stick your hand in front of one who's aiming for your other dog, as I also learned the hard way ) Not everything can be blamed on lack of socialisation and training and even the best trained and socialised dogs can surprise you.

Pretty sure Kuges would be a BYB mutt, so that doesn't affect the outcome either. I think sometimes you're just lucky.

Nobody suggested the dog didn't have a nice nature, they are saying, 'keep the dog safe'. If the owner knew that the dog was getting out in spite of the temporary fencing then he should have made other arrangements to keep the dog contained for it's own safety so that it didn't get hit by a car or a looney with a star picket. I think you're off on your own tangent a bit here Mantis, Bindii wasn't suggesting it's the dog's fault. BTW, the storm was 4 weeks ago, not a couple of days. ETA: After looking at the video in the second link, I think he had an altercation with a car, not a star picket. The fact that it's a cul de sac and the cars wouldn't get up a great deal of speed might be the reason he's still breathing. Not that I'm an expert or anything but an older car...metal bumper...I don't understand why, when the most logical assumption is a car, that anyone is presuming some weirdo came along and a) noticed the pickets next door and b) bothered to go and get one and then come back again to whack a dog. Looks like just one swipe, which suggests car too.

WTF is wrong with some people?!? There goes my faith in humanity...yet again. That poor family and those poor dogs. Not necessarily. Size does not dictate temperament. Perfect example - the mastiff x that was chained and beaten. Well of course, it stood out like dogs' balls as completely inappropriate and irrelevant to the story. Even I noticed it and frowned, and I'm not one of the usual suspects when it comes to commenting on BSL propaganda. Two murdered dogs obviously have ZERO to do with pitbulls or attempts to crossbreed and shame on the RSPCA spokeswoman (or the powers that instructed her to) for plugging their twisted cause when that poor family is trying to cope with their tragic and senseless loss. ;) Exactly.

Why is it that when I was a kid, and rather stupidly bent over to pat a dog and got bitten on the face, the only focus was on whether or not I'd had a tetanus shot, and now, it's "PTS the dangerous dog!" The dog was more than likely just threatened by an intimidating stance from a stranger, as was the one that bit me, which incidentally was not one of the breeds targeted by BSL. Unwrap the bloody cotton wool people! :D Let's go back to the days when you tell kids "If you bend over a strange dog you're likely to get bitten" and when they do, say "You should have listened to your parents, we tell you these things for a reason, now you have to have a big yukky needle." Society is so damn delicate these days, whatever happened to teaching consequences and taking responsibility for your own actions. Pathetic.