dee lee

Fantastic! Glad it helped. I use the Calendula but have Zyrtec antihistamines on stand-by. If the Calendula doesn't work, I will use the Zyrtec. So far, after 12 months of hives and other sorts of lumps and bumps, the Calendula has been the saviour and the antihistamines remain unopened in the cupboard. I now have the Calendula to apply at the first sign of an allergy, and the vet gave me a stash of antihistamines - I'm hoping that I will be as lucky as you and not have to use them. Aaargh. I'm torn about this. I agree we overuse drugs- I will always try a natural alternative if I can find it. But... I was just reading the other thread on this and am leaning towards vaccinations- we live in a high density area with lots of dogs and I would hate for Honey to contract something if it could have been avoided by vaccinating her. Another issue is my dog training club and kenneling, both require proof of vaccs. As for worming- Ooops! I forgot anyway!

As an owner of a hairy, cream shedder (also named Honey btw ), I can definitely warn you of the PITA factor of a muddy, wet, longer haired dog. My Goldie is wash and wear, but only when she dries. And it takes a hell of a long time for her to dry!! Every morning after our run/walk at the park I have to spend about 15 minutes drying her tummy off with a towel or she will get a skin rash because the wet fur takes so long to dry on its own. Then there is the half hour I have to set aside for washing her. Followed by the hour or 2 that she takes to dry naturally, depending on the weather. I hold off for as many weeks as I can... Or take her to the local dog wash. Winter is particularly annoying. I imagine any longer haired breed, including the Samoyed, Lappie etc would be much the same. However, having owned a Keeshond, I do know though that the spitz breeds definitely don't shed as much as a GR!! ;)

When I have stayed at dog friendly accommodation, I have contained my dogs inside (in a room they cant do damage in) when I have had to go out with out them. Last time we had a huge backyard but the risk of my dog escaping wasn't worth thinking about so she was put in our bedroom (she is not destructive). If your pom is used to a crate, I'd use that.

I have been reading this thread with great interest. I love gundog breeds and would love one with less shedding for my next dog (many years and a different house away)! Pointers/GSPs were at he top of my list so its been a very interesting read. However, like you, I have serious misgivings about whether I could provide the level of exercise they need. My suggestion is- What about a Smooth Collie?

Nose nudges, a paw on you or her nose under your arm. Honey is outrageously insistent about pats! They are the only thing she wants.

I second this. Both parks can get very full on for little dogs and there are a lot of reckless owners. Though Centennial Park is completely offlead outside the main road so you can usually find a spot that is not so busy. Its a pain that there are no fenced parks though. ;)

I think they can be great places but it is entirely dependent on the owners and dogs who frequent them. Which is why I am extremely wary every time I set foot in one. I have had bad experiences (ie fights/attacks) with past dogs and also with my current dog so of the several offlead parks in my area, I frequent the one with the least amount of dogs in it. I generally know all the dogs that are there (I'm an early regular), we keep moving and dont "hang out". My dog can play if she wants (which is not often) and I am always on the lookout for if she has had enough of that play and needs rescuing.

I wonder if there is some seasonal nasty about? Honey had a similar episode a week ago, though her face was not as swollen as Divani's - it was her tummy that copped the brunt of it. Typical contact allergy apparently- dog sticks nose into plant then walks through it. You are lucky, you were warned about antihistamines and excessive drinking/urinating. I had to mop up 3 accidents before it twigged! If she is like Honey, Divani should be much better in a day. Poor things, they must feel so awful- Honey was sooo sooky with her itchies.

Oh Fleuri, that is so sad. My daughters still cry about our last dog from time to time and its been almost a year since she "went to the farm" (I couldnt face letting them know she was being pts). I find that as kids, their emotions are just so heightened and when they think about it, it seems overwhelming. I was heartbroken too but I couldn't stand to be without a dog and 2 months later we adopted Honey. I think she has been hugely responsible for helping them grieve. Personally, I would put more faith in their resilience as kids and if you want a dog, get one. It wont take long for them to enjoy a dog who is in the "here and now" and ease their grieving. They will always love their other dog but they will learn that they can love another. I think Megan's advice is terrific too: Good luck. ETA: As for rescue dogs - our Honey was an adult rescue dog, I got her from a highly respected breed rescue organisation that was able to match her temperament with us. They did a terrific job- she has been perfect. Some dogs are in rescue through no fault of their own (my dog for example), however some do have issues. With a bit of research and having a talk with different organisations you should be able to find a dog that suits you- that's if you do choose to go that route.

Honey tried to protect me from a statue this morning. She can be very protective if someone makes her nervous. Generally its people in hoodies, obese people, autistic kids and some old people. Yet she wagged her tail at the 3 young hoods up to no good outside my house .

Evie came to us to teach me about all aspects of dog ownership. I learnt all about diet, how to train a dog and sadly, how hard it can be to own a rescue dog with issues. Because of these issues I found Dol. Honey came to us to heal us and show us again the joy of owning a dog. She is absolutely my heart dog. Without Evie I would never have had Honey in my life or be able to look after her as well as I do.

I will second this. I tried for two years to help my DA dog because my heart broke at the thought of PTS. I now deeply regret not finding the strength earlier as my daughter developed a phobia of dogs after continuously witnessing our dog's behaviour. She will almost run onto the road if we walk past a dog that barks. Even if her own beloved dog (that she knows to be completely safe) barks she still shakes and covers her ears. If the owner cannot handle the thought of pts (and I can understand this) she does need to be made aware of that she will need to remove the pup form her home asap for her child's sake.

From personal experience, I know that Rescue orgs are generally unable to take on aggressive dogs, and justifiably so. Most are unable to care for them in foster arrangements as fosterers usually have other dogs/families and are unable to take the risk. Plus, to rehabilitate costs money that they cannot spare. If attempted and deemed successful, then there is the possibility that once in a new home, the problem may rear its head again. This raises all sorts of issues of negligence. Its not an easy thing to do, but my advice is pts. I agree with Corvus, its not your friend's fault but the woman who gave her the pup.

Some people just prefer bigger dogs. I know I do. Little dogs can be just as difficult.

I took the OP to mean, that the mum was going to stay at home for 2 weeks, then the dog would be put outside when she was at work and brought inside when the family was home again. Is that right Tess? If so that sounds like a large percentage of Dolers. Not everyone can work from home or not work at all. What's the problem? Also, I would think a couple of young boys could withstand some usual puppy exhuberance. I have a friend who got a Goldie puppy when her boys were 1 and 3. Billy was a typical boisterous Goldie pup. 6 years on, the boys survived and Billy is a lovely calm adult dog who is their devoted pal. I am sure they can be full on but the best thing about goldies is their lovely nature.

;) Me too. My Goldie is calm and gentle, the sweetest dog alive! But all the other goldies I have met have had lovely natures, even if some of the young-uns are a bit bouncy, they still are so sweet and happy. Perfect for kid rumbling. My dog is in heaven when the kids play with her! Honey is a completely inside dog and doesn't smell at all. I constantly ask my non-dog owning friends if our house smells, tell them to be honest and I get a consistent no. If I can feel her fur getting a little less soft I know its time for a bath (about once a month atm). The shedding IS fullon though and I do wear black every day. I get used to the white hairs (and dribble marks) all over me. Usually wears off by the time I get to work. She is active enough to go jogging with me but also will laze about no probs. A half hour fetch session is occasionally all she will get (I hate walking her in the rain- too much fur to dry! :D ) and she is fine. I got her as a adult rescue though so cant help with breeders, I just wanted to give my vote for them as being a great family dog. Well worth the shedding. ;)

My past DA/reactive dog was predictable and she would react every time she saw another dog. Any dog would solicit an aggressive response, even if just initially. Distance didn't help, she would respond to many dogs, especially boxers (she hated boxers) from blocks away. I was extremely alert but at pains to not communicate that (I believe I was successful). The stress was hell- for me and I imagine for her too.

Thanks for all your answers everyone, thats really good to know! I was quite suprised when he said I could use some over the counter products. I will be taking Honey to get her vaccinations in a couple of months so I will talk to him about dosage then. I'm covered for now.

Thanks. :D This time it was a case of "whatever-the-heck-she'd-stuck-her-face-into-and-got-a-rash-from" . I'll be seeing the vet before I buy any, just wanted to get an idea. Oh Nik, poor Jedi. Are his allergies any better?

Excellent! Which brand do you use? What kind of dosage? I will be asking my vet, but I have enough to last me for a while and I like to be armed with extra info before asking vets anything.

I took Honey to the vet to treat a skin allergy today. All pretty much as I had expected, she has a contact allergy and she got a antihistamine shot and tablets. The vet said that as she has had a reaction during winter, that she is likely to suffer quite a bit come spring and I should keep antihistamines on hand. He said that over the counter antihistamines from the chemist are fine. Has anyone else used them? (ps- Erny if you read this- The calendula tea worked a treat for the inflamation!! Thanks! )

Really? What is it?

Today I was sent a link by Golden Retriever Rescue to the RSPCA's campaign to close Puppy Factories. Its an online petition, involves nothing more than stating your name, email and postcode- sign up here Definitely a good cause!

Thanks Erny, that makes sense. This morning it seemed that the rash was drying out her skin, but that may just be because it was inflamed. I'll see how the tea goes and if the inflamation has died down and the skin is still looking dry I will try the cream overnight. Thank you so much for your advice!

From my experience, many rescue orgs recommend that you go either to Puppyschool or to Obedience. I haven't come across any that make you go. I doubt they can.