tdierikx

I have a Staffy/Dane girl who is around 33 kgs... a whole large chicken carcass daily keeps her at that weight. When she used to get kibble, she got fed about 500g a day to maintain her weight/condition. I'd probably give your boy a frame for breakfast and dinner, and maybe a bit of kibble in the middle of the day - if that's feasible for your lifestyle (if you are at home most days)... and adjust the amounts as needed to maintain a healthy condition/weight. T.

We all have a number of dogs that suits us to a tee... mine is 4 (but I only have 3 now - - but 2 foxes can count as another dog, yes?)... and your number is definitely 5... *grin* T.

Get your husband to feed her at least one of her daily meals... most dogs tend to like the humans that feed them... *grin* As for the other behaviours, I think some intensive obedience training with both you and your husband might be beneficial, so she learns that her boundaries are not negotiable. T.

1. How many dogs do you have, and what are their names, ages and breeds? 3 dogs - Trouble (Lab/Dingo) 11, Pickles (Camp Dog) 6.5 , and Harper (Staffy/Dane) 4.5 2. Do you have plans for a new addition? I'm hoping to add an Allerzeit Rotti in the future... maybe when one of the current 3 passes to the Bridge... as i want to be able to give him the time and attention heneeds to grow up into a great canine citizen 3. Did you have dogs growing up? We always had a dog from the time I was 10 onwards... 4. Do you have names saved for any future dogs? I'm thinking Atticus for my Allerzeit Rotti... that could change if it doesn't suit him 5. What is your favourite breed? Big and boofy... technically the basic description of a male Rotti 6. What is your favourite group? Rotties are in the Working group, yes? 7. Is there a breed that you admire, but probably wouldn't own? Great Dane 8. Do you compete with your dogs in any discipline? Nope... I have very little discipline myself... lol! 9. Have you had an achievement, large or small, with a dog that you're particularly proud of? Trouble has 99.999% perfect recall 10. What games do your dogs most enjoy playing? Who can get prime position on the couch 11. Are you drawn more to male or female dogs? Depends on the individual dog, but I've found most male Rotties to be more placid than the females 12. What are your favourite coat patterns or colours? I do love a nice brindle... so many different shades and patterns 13. What discipline or sport in the dog world do you find most interesting? Agility is great to watch 14. What would be your dream household of dogs? Wall to wall Rotties 15. Where is your favourite walk? From computer to kitchen... for a cuppa 16. Does your dog have any funny habits? Oh dog... where to start with this crazy bunch? 17. Do you have a favourite piece of dog gear? Lead that plugs into the seatbelt clip 18. What are your goals for your dogs? Just that they are happy and healthy... 19. Have you had what you consider to be a heart dog? Yes! And I still cry when I think about her...she passed in 2004... *sob* 20. List five things you love about your dog a. unconditional love b. loyalty c. silly antics d. extra warmth in winter e. just being here Trouble Pickles Harper T.

I get the half frames when they are in stock... a lot less fat on them... T.

Our oldies give us such frights sometimes... and then they recover and pretend it never happened... Zeddy was pretty darned healthy (apart from a touch of arthritis) right up until a couple of hours before it was her time... no lingering illness or severe frailty to get me used to the fact that she was getting near the end. Sometimes that is "easier", but at the same time it's so quick that we aren't exactly well prepared for the end to happen. Fingers crossed that Feather doesn't give you too many more frights like that! T.

Love it! T.

My local wholesaler in Bankstown, Sydney sells frames for $10 for a 10kg box... and recently I bought boxes of half frames for $5 a box (10kg)... T.

What a beautiful tribute to a sweet little man... I hope going through the photos gave you lots of smiles at all the great memories... T.

There are some cracker quotes to be had in that article... *grin* The message is completely disturbing, but 100% correct IMHO... T.

Fly free with the angels now sweet Scottie... Woosie and Zeddy will show you the best sunny napping spots, and where the best bunny chasing can be had... @Scottsmum- you have given Scottie the best 3.5 years and most dignified end... even though it's costing you so much emotionally. Massive hugs to you and yours... Remember him with smiles for all the funny things he did... not with tears... he'd like that I'm sure... T.

I think that the fact you are thinking it may be time means that you are actually putting his needs before your own... it breaks your heart, but you know that he'll be at peace when the time comes. If/when you have to say goodbye, he will know that you do so with so much love and a broken heart... but he will always live forever in the beautiful memories he will have given you over the years you have shared your lives together... and those memories will be a source of smiles, not tears, OK? T.

The fact that you are thinking it is his time shows your great love for your "little hoodlum"... go with your heart and know that your decision is the right one whatever that decision may be. There is no guilt attached to taking away what is making his life harder... giving him peace is a gift from the heart. Whatever you decide in the coming days, weeks, months, know that we here understand what you are going through, and fully support you... Sending you massive virtual hugs... T.

It can also depend on the kenneling setup, and how long the dogs are in them each day... if they have yards that the dogs exercise in for numerous hours during the day, then that's not the same as dogs only getting out of their kennels for the minimum required time (as per law)... but those setups are few and far between I agree. If the OP's dog is relatively social with other animals, then I don't see why a foster home wouldn't be the first option for any rescue... and I wouldn't advise kennels for a dog with severe hip issues - the weather is getting colder overnight, and he needs soft bedding and no draughts... T.

Sounds like you have a plan... and all is well in hand @Zena's mum... feed as often as you feel comfortable feeding... and keep trying not to overthink why some things happen, OK? T.

My 3 dogs and 2 foxes get fed once a day... late afternoon or early evening, depending on what time I am home. I think certain illnesses/diseases just happen, regardless of how careful we might try to be with how we care for our dogs... try not to overthink it - and certainly do NOT blame yourself! Certain breeds can be more susceptible to certain issues though... schnauzers with kidney issues, for example... so in that case, lower salt content would be a good start. T.

Many of the good/reputable rescues have foster carers that have the foster dogs in their own homes... not kennels or a shelter situation. If your boy is good with other animals, then there would be no reason for him to be kenneled... T.

You could invest in a pool cover... ... or chicken wire around the inside/outside of the fence to a height the dog can't jump/climb over... cheap, but effective. T.

Good girl Molly! T.

9 years of beautiful memories... remember them all and smile, OK? Zena wouldn't want you to be sad... T.

What a stunning lad... I'm sure the perfect forever home is not too far away... T.

You gave her an awesome last 8 weeks @Zena's mum... and she will never be far from you really - just look into your heart and she will be there to give you beautiful memories to smile about... T.

Try Fairford Rd Vet... they run puppy kindergarten and may have a list of recommended in-home trainers... http://www.vetfriends.com.au/animal-hospital-bankstown T.

Fly free with the angels sweet Zena... my Woosie and Zeddy will show you the best places to chase bunnies and to rest in the sun... Hus to you and your family @Zena's mum... you gave Zena the best life, and a dignified end... T.

Fairford Rd Vet Clinic does puppy kindergarten... and may have a list of recommended in-home trainers... http://www.vetfriends.com.au/animal-hospital-bankstown T.