SpikesPuppy

You missed my point completely. I said that ACCORDING TO YOUR PREVIOUS POSTS it wouild have been perfectly acceptable for anyone who may have found your stolen dog (for example, if it escaped it's captors or was dumped by them), to then decide whoever owned this dog was a horrible uncaring and irresponsible person who did not deserve to keep it and then keep it for themselves. You are very lucky. My old girl when senile would go into a complete panic, bashing through walls, windows, fences, going completely out of her mind terrified of everything and anything, panting and trembling with fear. This was not through poor training. But through plain and simple terror. Any medication we tried just made her worse. It got to the point where during a storm or fireworks we would have to physically hold her down to keep her from harming herself. If she was crated she would bash herself against the walls trying to get out. She had many safe places (under beds, inside closets, crates, kennels, under the bed) but they weren't enough to pacify her fear. This was in the last 3 years of her life, getting worse progressively. I wasn't meaning you were callous to your own dogs memory or the loss of them - frankly, I don't care. But you were being callous and cruel to those who have lost a dog, had a dog go missing (whether it ran off or was stolen) and generally anyone who has had a dog get old and sick in the head. In no uncertain terms, you stated that dogs escaped/ran away because they were not being satisifed at home, by their owners. Implying that anyone who's ever had a dog run away, escape or get stolen is irresponsible and undeserving of dog ownership. I lost my Timothy on the 18th of February this year. Every night I dream about her, About 65% of those dreams are nightmares. 10% are about guilt for not having the superpowers to make her all better and the remaining are nice, happy dreams. I don't break into tears when I thinkof her anymore (except when I think of the fun times, those are happy tears) but I constantly miss her and have fallen back into my Depression since I lost her. I'm not over it, and quite frankly, I will never be. She got me through so much. At a time in my life where I needed her, she was there. I've lost other dogs too. And other pets. I've loved them all and have grieved for them, and I still miss them, but none have affected me so much as my Timothy.

You say you've had a dog stolen. I'm very sorry for this. However, this makes it even mroe difficult for me to understand your opinion and position on dogs who are found wandering (taking this from your original thread). According to what I've read from you, had your stolen dog either escaped or been dumped by it's captors, been found wandering and been kept by the finders (because, clearly, a wandering dog is lacking care and is unhappy in it's home environment - remember, the finders don't know it was stolen-), this is perfectly okay? it's perfectly okay to assume without even bothering to think of what the facts might be. As for old and/or sick dogs, again, if your elderly dog forgot who it was, freaked out and bashed through the fence or window in a panic when it heard a car backfire and was picked up... this is a clear indication of an uncaring, undeserving owner? I'm sorry for continuing on with this but Im just trying to understand what exactly you mean in all of this. And trying to understand how you can possibly be so callous when you say you have both lost a dog and had dogs 'get old'.

Exactly. To watch as a happy, confident dog turns into a terrified, stressed out dog and there's nothing that you can do to help them except maybe medication and keep them as safe as possible..... it really is heartbreaking. Timothy was a terrified pup when I got her - terrified of people and fear aggressive with other dogs, but I was able to work with her and basically have her leap into the lap of any stranger within a few years, She just went completely backwards in such a short time I really hope, Jefe's Owners, that you never, ever have to watch a dog go downhill, get old, or have a dog get stolen or intentionally let out of your yard. None of that would I wish upon ANYBODY. It all tears you up inside, and yes, it DOES make you feel like crap, it makes you feel sick. It doesn't help when people like you come in all high n mighty, professing your magical training skills and throw our care and heartache in our faces, talking about things you know nothing about.

Terrorbull- I know how you feel. My Timothy was never a perfectly trained dog, had some issues etc but as she got older she developed Sep. Anxiety as well as going senile in her last years. She got to the point where she tore the back of our house apart when we were out, if I went to the toilet in the middle of the night and left her in my bedroom she would try and bust through my door! This was a dog who had in the past, been happy to plod around the yard until we came home! She had some issues with escaping as a young dog, inlcduing jumping 8 foot fences, but this was resolved and she had many years of being perfectly capable of staying in the yard on her own or with the other dogs.

House around the corner had a car smash into the side fence..... dog got out. Thankfully, dog was picked up by people who knew him and were able to hold him until his owners returned home and were able to collect him. Things beyond our control can and do happen. And anyone who says that their dog would never wander without any PROOF of the fact (such as a fence blowing down and returning home to find dog sitting where it was left in the morning; that would be reasonable proof to me), is spouting complete crap In My Opinion.

We've done the training at KCC a few times :D but mostly do it at Border club fun days (if we're at KCC that early it's usually for a show... and a dog can't do earthdog then go into the ring ) I haven't seen any Foxies doing it yet but they're the right sort of dog for it hehe. The Border who has the NE title was one of the first Vic dogs to gain it I believe.

Earthdog ROCKS. I've only done a few training days with my Border Terrier, but he loves it, and it's a great way of letting the tunneling breeds do the job they were bred to do! I believe at present it's only registered, pure breeds, of certain Terrier (the smaller ones as well as Australian Silky Terriers) & Dachshund breeds can compete in Victoria- not sure about training though. What sort of dog have you got, wheres_my_rock? Don't really do much training at home - except when he first tried it he was scared of the dark! So at home I encoraged him to burrow under the bed covers and such. Am in the process of building some wooden tunnels to practice with in the backyard. There's presently 3 titles which can be gained in Australia - Novice Earthdog, Senior Earthdog and Master Earthdog (NE, SE & ME respectively). Caber and I hope to start trialing next year :D Caber's first practise day - 10 months old- Down the rabbit hole... Peek A Boo And we're out! Miranda - 'earthdogging' is perfectly acceptable

DEFINATELY interested in a Twilight Run for the dogs Also can't wait to see little Soda run! I bet she's grown so much already

So sorry to hear that, Boxa *big hugs* It's always a tragedy but sometimes it's just so much of a shock. Just know that it was his time and he'll be watching over you, protecting you. Run free, sweet Barks.

Oooh I never even thought of that... we have a couple of lunge whips (have ponies too). Will have to get mum to bring one home from the agistment place!!

We gonna hvae to give this one a miss as well. Border Terrier point score show at the Showgrounds. Also, I don't think Iko could stand having to wait so long between runs lol. It'd drive her absolutely mad!!!

Thank you for your kind replies and virtual hugs, guys It means alot to be able to share these special little boys with you all. I do wish that they didn't have such short lifespans, but for all the heartache, it's well worth it to be owned and loved by a rattus or two! The boys were buried in a large pot (one of those rectangular ones), all together as they have been most of their lives. Some nice flowers (cannot for the life of me remmeber what kind!) have been added as well. I'm looking forward to them blooming in the Spring I'm missing them of course, but my other 7 rakids are keeping my covered in whiskery kisses (and the girls are happy because I'll be renovating their cage next week - giving them Connor, Gunn & Doyle's section as well! Spoilt girlies!)

Yesterday, Tuesday the 25th of July, I helped 3 of my gorgeous, sweet ratboys across The Rainbow Bridge. They were all well over 2 years, and lived a very spoilt life here. Connor was the oldest, and until last week, he was the healthiest (or appeared to be). Mid last week he began to get hind-leg weakness but was still happy and alert. I cleaned the cage out yesterday morning and I went to give them some Vegemite on toast and Connor was very lethargic and clearly unhappy. He'd also lost control of his bladder. There was no question what had to be done. He was a sweet boy, though very sensitive to change and would stress easily. He didn't like strangers but he loved cuddles from those he knew. He didn't like dog's much and was known to nip them on the nose if they came too close. Gunn was the 2nd oldest, and for the last month or so he'd been somewhat agressive to both myself and the other boys, which we believe was due to him becoming blind and therefore getting frightened easily, he also had a tumor growing on one of his testicles. His coat became rough and coarse, with some thin patches but overall he remaind healthy and kept weight on well. Gunn was sweet, but very independant, always wanting to do his own thing. He was also large and bossy, he was definately the Alpha in the cage. Poor little Doyle has been weak all of his life, was a very small, feminine looking male, but he had the most wonderful personality, he was extremely outgoing and loved going for adventures- I often took him into the city with me, he'd ride along in a backpack, occasionally putting his head up to have a look or sitting on my shoulder, bruxing and chattering away in my ear. In March this year he had 2 strokes, the first left him semi-paralysed in his hind legs and the 2nd left him semi-paralysed on his left side, but he still had his spirit, he never gave up and was always the first to the food bowl every evening, and if I took too long dishing the food out he would drag himself upto the edge of the cage and angrily rattle the bars telling me to 'hurry up!'. Since his strokes he couldn't clean himself properly so I bathed him almost daily and brushed him with a soft puppy brush, which he loved and looked forward to every day. While he was incredibly thin and freaked people out, I knew he was happy, his eyes were bright and his coat was shiny. And his personality shone. I had known that the end was coming for both Doyle and Gunn, but for it to be Connor who was really sick was a shock. But we made the decision to set them free together as they had been with eachother for over 2 years, and were very closely bonded with one another. I know they asre safe now, and restored once again, they will also be reunited with Wesley, their cagemate who died tragically last year due to a fall. Love you boys, my Big Squishies Run free and have fun!

*hugs* He was a gorgeous man, and 16 is a fantastic age for such a big dog! Take care, Maya. I know you're watching over your Mum until you are together again.

They are both adorable! Love Molly's little white paw! It's always such a buzz when your dog learns a new trick, especially on just one evening! Good work

so his insanity is good for something! I think I'll add that to his resume "His 'enthusiasm' has helped other dogs gain confidence and get psyched about lure coursing" I think I need to get him a little racing coat that says "It's a HAPPY sound"

Desexing is good! Believe me, if I didn't need Caber entire for showing I'd have his boybits cut off in a heartbeat!!! Caber seems to be popular... he's a brat so I don't know why rofl. Oh dear THAT noise. Sounds like he's going through a blender! It is a happy sound though, I swear!

I'll see if my friend can make it... she doesn't have a dog so she'd be able to hold Mr Ziggy for you Poor boy losing his manhood! Evil evil dogmum rofl. Not sure yet if Caber'll be coming... I may have a foster Grey to bring instead (don't worry, Caber gets plenty of outings!).

Hahaha Damn I was hoping no one noticed Caber's little tantrums!!! :D Poor Iko doesn't know what's going on, it's been ages since the last LC day!!! Need to invest in a machine in the backyard haha. Pleeeeeeeeeease bring Ziggy!!! He's too cute

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. All going to plan we will be there with Iko & Caber :D

Another here who says "YAY for the crate!" Since I used one for my puppy 19 months ago, we've since bought crates for our older dogs as well and they've all readily accepted them and I almost feel guilty that they DIDN'T have crates as youngsters. If you have visitors who don't like dogs, or even if your kids have some rowdy friends over- you can keep your dog safely out of harm's way, or if you just leave the door open- the dog can go in there whenever it pleases; teach your kids that the crate is 'Bella's special spot' or something, it's her spot where she is NOT to be disturbed. It's her bedroom. And if you go away on holidays- dogs that are crate-trained are generally more welcome than non-crate trained animals. Where abouts in Melbourne are you? If you're near the city, Upmarket pets (across from the Queen Vic Market) has good wire crates at good prices. As does the pet shop inside the Vic Market.

I often keep food in my mouth when showing also. Having a small dog who I (generally) manually stack and present, it's alot easier to have my hands food-less. And have you ever tried to grab a peice of cabana out of your pocket when you're crouching down? NOT easy haha. And if we're having a good day and he's free-stacking and I'm able to stand in front of him- I find it easier to wiggle the food from between my teeth to keep his focus. Looks neater than waving it in front of his face! Occasionally spit it at him when training and practicing, and also have him take it directly from my lips (so I kiss my dog. Big whoop!). I've also kept dog food in my mouth. If it's good enough for my dog then it's not gonna do me any harm!!! However, out of all my dogs, Caber is the only one I will 'spit at'.

With regard to showing, I know alot of people who show their dogs with a 'backwards' chain on-I was told it can be useful in keeping the dog's head off the ground, among other things. Also with showing it's about what makes your dog look good, and as, theoretically, you're not using the chain to TRAIN the dog in the show ring-it's there to look pretty, it shouldn't really be a problem if you have the chain on backwards or not.

Hesapandabear- Thank you so much for sharing that. It's so beautiful and all so true. Thank you.

Thank you once again, everyone It's been almost 3 months now and I think I'm starting to deal better. There's been a few thunderstorms and I've gone into a quick panic thinking "I've got to bring Tim in!" and I go to get her and of course realise that no, I don't. While this is painful, there's also a sense of relief knowing that she doesn't have to be afraid of the storms any more! She's at peace and not afraid any longer. Poor Spike's a little lonely though as he's the only dog who gets put outside when we're not home. I'd leave him inside with the others but he prefers to be outside. Prehaps we need another puppy so he's not lonely when we're not home Hi Deerhound Thank you, I've missed talking to you so much! Abergavenny- I certainly see where your Grandpa was coming from! Sometimes i wonder why I do it. WHY do I give my heart to these critters? And as you said, it's better to have loved and lost! Thank you once again, I have some photos of Tim which I will post shortly.