VJB

RIP Rex. Beautiful slideshow, and humorous thread links. He will be missed, thats for sure.

What a fabulous idea. Love it.

Sounds like a good idea. I think if they are tired from a walk beforehand (especially at 20 weeks), he will most probably sleep, but it's not good for your nerves to be worried when you are out about possible scenario's. Just build it up slowly until you feel comfortable.

My dog cannot tolerate bones at all. She always ends up vomiting.

It depends on how well you can predict your dogs behaviour, which can be difficult. I would not have been comfortable leaving Heidi inside alone when she was very young, but she has just turned 2 and has been able to be left access to inside since she was about 15 months old ? or thereabouts. Usually she sleeps, but on occasion I come home to find a toilet roll in the lounge room. She has never done anything else other than sleep that I can think of. I started off by giving her short times in the house alone (while driving kids to school and back), then short shopping trips etc. I built up the amount of time I felt comfortable leaving her alone in the house for. It's worth giving your dog some exercise before being left to make their own amusement.

Wonderful news.

Here's a pic of my husband with Heidi. Not many hanging around of me... I'll have to go hunting for one.

We get about 4 poo's here on a regular day. Nice firm stools are the best, baked in the sun, then really easy to pick up.

I have hooks outside for our leads etc. Inside I have a set of plastic drawers from a discount shop ($25) which stores all Heidi's other things,,, coats, spare toys, medications and all other dog stuff.

I've just come back from school where a conversation took place re tick and flea prevention. Some people only use it for the summer months, others all year round. I've been putting it on Heidi every month regardless. What are others doing?

Some pet stores also bag them up in bundles of 10 or so, and also mixture of flavours.

I don't know what Heidi did to me. Actually, I don't know what DOL did to me. .... but I've learned so much in the last 2 years, I'm amazed beyond belief. Now I suffer the guilts about my other girl (now PTS), who actually had a wonderful life with our family, BUT..... I was not aware of the complete benefits of plenty of daily exercise, and I feel bad that Heidi gets a good hours walk every day without fail, but my other girl didn't get this. Mind you, my kids are now older, and life is different. She suffered anxiety and we got bark busters out here. They told us to walk her and we took her around the block (about 5 minute walk)..... ... sometimes I do my head in feeling bad about not knowing better because I am actually the type of person who gives things 110%. Hubby reminds me about the fact that her life was really one of luxury compared to most (aside from daily walking), and I guess he's right, but I want to turn back the clock and have given her everything I give Heidi. I am guilty of opening the front gate for my old girl to go for a morning walk...... by herself in the morning. She would come back after about 10 minutes. I cannot believe that this was a normal daily event here. I'd have been absolutely devastated if anything ever happened. I remember feeling really proud when the vet asked me what food I feed my dog, and I said "supercoat, the most expensive one" I was not aware back then of 'better' foods. My dog survived on this for her 13 yrs and never had anything wrong with her ever though. Vet use to comment on how healthy she always looked. I am panicked about dog parks and do not visit them, but I would have just waltzed in with my other old girl. I will happily play with other dogs, but not in a dog park scenario. I don't cope with chaotic dog situations. Someone will get hurt, or the dogs could harm themselves..... my brain stresses about it and it all feels so uncontrolled. Thats all I can think of for now.

My dog also reminds us to give her a 2x2 everyday. I think they are great value for money, and I have had no ill effects from them so far. I'm pretty careful with what I give Heidi, as she can sometimes react bowel wise to certain foods. On average, I think she has about 2 or 3 a day. I'm onto my second box. I'm sure they will stay fresh for some time. I put mine in a plastic tub with click top lid, and I have a container in the kitchen that I refill to.

Sorry to hear about this. Will keep Molly in my thoughts. Take care. Keep us updated.

I do put it in with the final rinse, if I forget that, I put it in while its spinning, and if I forget that, I spray while its hanging on the line.

Very annoying, how will people EVER learn.

My dog seemed to have an allergic reaction to Advantix, which resulted in lots of head shaking, ear flapping for the few days after it was applied. I didn't figure this out for a few months though, as I didn't connect the application of flea treatment to the ear flapping initially. It would only last a few days, then she'd be back to normal, and I did have the vet down twice to check her ears, but we found nothing on those occasions. So, I would definitely get your dogs ears checked. Ears can be painful if there are problems left untreated. And maybe have a discussion with the vet about the possibility of allergic reaction to flea treatment.

A German Shorthaired Pointer might thrive at it better, as some of them can be very successful. You may find a couple needing rescue too, plus they love their family and are nice big sooks (like the Dobe). ETA: this is the first time I've ever recommended my own breed (so many people do, but really, it's my first time) :D

Aww. Very very cute. Makes me kind of want to join in the 'spoon' action.

Lovely pic's. Renae looks adorable, sweet little girl. And your cat is gorgeous too. ............ and you look great. Yes, we need to see more of you all.

Wow, ouch.. Cant believe that you would judge me because I made a joke about not wanting to going through the puppy stage, ie. peeing on floor... Commitment, my dogs and cats have all died of old age, or illness, I am VERY committed to a dog, thus the reason I am looking for an older dog rather than a cute puppy!!! In relation to your comment about forming a "deeper bond" there are many working dogs, both in the Defence force, Police Force, Customs etc that are exceptional working dogs with a deep bond with their handler who were obtained from the pound as an older dog!!! And for you to say that just because someone hasn't had their dog from puppyhood wouldn't have as much chance of developing a deep bond with their dog, then really... I do take exception to that. Because I assure you that people who have obtained a dog who wasn't a puppy has exactly the same ability of forming a deep bond than someone who gets a puppy! Sorry but I know I am a great dog owner, who give my dogs everything, they are very much part of my family and I am totally committed to them! TUPS I totally agree with you. I am sure some people feel more bonded with their dogs if raising them from puppyhood, but I have loved both my dogs regardless of what age they have come into my life. I currently have a dog that I got at 12 weeks. My other dog was 6 months before we had her. I cannot tell the difference between the bonding I have with either. It sounds to me like you would make a very responsible dog owner, who has a great home to give the right dog. With each persons situation being different, I can truly understand that you might not want the chaos of early puppy stage. I found it hectic, and my kids were older than yours. Good luck in finding yourself a lovely Dobe.

Glad you like it Fiona. ;) I think it's reasonable as well given the fact that it's so concentrated.

The dog wasn't crouched down quite so low, just sort of slowly walking towards us, with a particular look in her eye. Owner laughed and said "oh, look, she's being silly, she's stalking us". Then there was a quick zoomie and we put our dogs back on lead as we were coming out of the bush. I've seen a husky do it too, while walking Heidi, and I think it just makes me a feel a bit weird, cause I've never been sure what it all entails.

Heidi and another dog have recently begun a friendship which is going well. This other dog is a kelpie cross, and about 4 yrs old. It's been great having another dog to play with and it teaches Heidi some manners as she can sometimes not read other dogs communications too well, but has improved with a little bit of maturity showing through. This other dog stalks Heidi sometimes. I'm never sure what it's all about. Is there anything to be worried about. They seem good friends, and enjoy a good romp around. My dog will sometimes lower her head and move slowly if we are walking the streets and she sees birds (which is normal), and also on occasion if another dog is coming the other way towards us. So, I guess my query would be 'Is stalking something to worry about" and is it all just a game before a zoomie moment.

I got an email from odour go explaining that they had a problem with the email server thingo, and that is why they had problems with communication. Oh ,,, I don't know what to think now..I've always had excellent service from them and I guess either way, I still find this the best product I've ever used because it lasts so long and I can use it for so many things.