Pollywaffle

I think the OP had the best of intentions, just didn't phrase their suggestion appropriately. I know everyone on here as the capacity to be generous to both their own and to those 'less fortunate'...

someone to give my boy on-demand belly rubs and my girl, bottom scratches (don't ask)!! Sometimes I don't have the energy, nor the inclination.

I believe myself to be a hypocrite - I believe that giving a child a small smack is acceptable under certain circumstances, but never to a dog/animal. Don't know what that says about my priorities! Best I don't contemplate too long.

every single day with them, which is why I will never understand why others don't see what we see with dogs...

absolutely heart-warming photo...thanks so much for sharing..aren't dogs wonderful!!

I've been asked if my dog is a 'malteser'.. tasty little thing!

I'm afraid my two like to be chauffeured....

I've just logged in and seen this..my sympathies to you and to your poor, poor dog..I am so sorry

Sorry, i didnt quite understand what you mean? She asked repeatedly to take care of him while i was gone because they had not spent time together for a while. Are you suggesting that she did that to him because of me? Sorry not making sense to me So you are saying your ex is not vindictive and you are on good terms she's just a lazy ermm....#@*& ?? Sorry if I didn't make myself clear...I was just wondering if some of your ex' negligence didn't have an element of payback in it...in hindsight it wasn't for me to speculate and I do apologise...

both my dogs are small (maltese and pom x) and they both think they are huge..my maltese is a full on aggressive little s..t....with other dogs, big and small..but an absolute slut when it comes to people..will try and get a belly rub off anyone...our girl (pom x) is slightly neurotic, but takes her lead from our boy...so not the nicest of combinations..that's why we don't subject too many other dogs with them..but we love them!

If the woman you left your boy with is an 'ex', then I'm sure the state of his coat has nothing much to do with him, and is more to do with you!

I dont agree. The child was not harmed and they would have to show a bite. The child was not rushed, the dog was on lead and is owned by a responsible owner. I do think you need to report this to both the police and your local rangers so that you have a record early. We both know that, but would the Council/police/rangers? I did tell you I was being cynical..of course I would love to see this idiot get his dues, but how often nowadays do the good guys win?

can I be really cynical here and suggest that your little boy wouldn't stand a hope in... against a suggestion from this man that his human child was at risk...that's the way it is nowadays..dogs and owners' welfare doesn't matter much. Sorry to cut across current sentiment..but I think you'd be better off staying out of his way..that sort of chap is trouble and devious with it..you wouldn't win.

I've had to realise that other people just don't see dog ownership/maintenance as we do..as other DOLer said, you feed and water it and give it shelter..what more do you need to do. Not wishing to hijack this thread, but one of my colleagues said this morning, our next door neighbour's dog cried all night..when I said oh dear, where was the owner she replied that in fact the dog had been crying for two days, no sign of the owner..but my colleague did say that her husband would be going over next door this afternoon to see if the dog was alright...and it had been crying for two days! I thought, OMG, am I the only person who sees a problem with this, that my colleague had waited two days before doing anything (and she is generally a lovely person) and then had to remind myself that I don't think the way 99% of the population does...same as with these neighbours of yours....if you realise that we DOLers are the exception, it helps you to cope with people's neglect of their animals a bit better! Well, I try to kid myself it does!!

Library books..several of them. What a drama that caused!

my little girl (and heart dog) is Polly and waffle just seemed to fit. Now I call her Wally, which is a whole other matter!

'Nanny' (aka my mum) comes down from Gladstone to babysit..my two love her visits..in fact my boy treats her arrival as the second coming...makes hubby and I feel very inadequate!

ours aren't very keen on the great outdoors; they'll try it out for a ten minutes or so, but are happy to be back in the safe inside...as we have tiles throughout, the dogs have access to all corners of our house...they have toys, treats and plenty of fresh water...and their baskets..so they are sorted!

Not remotely anal I would say. I actually dread going to my vets. Doesn't matter who I see, they always manage to make me feel inadequate. For instance, my girl is beautifully proportioned. I've been told that by everyone except the vets...I am sure they have a vested interest in weight control products...sorry, but I too envy you guys who have a great relationship with your vets. I must add, we are currently up to vets number four...so no luck so far. Perhaps it is me...??

I'm not a 'mother' of children, but I just wanted to say a thank you to you for not automatically wanting to get rid of your dog because of changed circumstances. I've often heard of people who find they are pregnant, commenting that of course they'll have to get rid of their dog..WHY? I'm sure the a dog and a baby can generally be managed well. Anyway, thanks for still considering your four legged mate..I'm sure you'll all live in harmony.... Best of luck

from my own experience, I believe that getting our second (and equally fantastic) dog was both the making of our other dog and an additional delight to OH and I. Both dogs have flourished with the new arrangements and have now lived and played together for four years.

I so hear you!

Forget about the mysteries of the universe..my biggest question has always been..why the blazes do people get dogs if they then ignore them? As far as I know it's not compulsory to own one, and yet the number of nights I lay in my bed with my two top and tail and hear neighbourhood dogs howling and barking...begs the question WHY??

a gorgeous swf...maltese male and a beautiful little pom x female..

My two 'save' me emotionally almost every day. No matter the proverbial at work/out and about, I come home to two little ones who are so happy to see me..keeps me sane.