twodoggies2001

They're a little older now,and I'm sure, a little wiser too Why are you answering on behalf of the OP? Is it a crime? Attitude much? Prickly thing aren't you. I asked because it was confusing. I thought I may have missed something and that the op and yourself were partners or family or something. I have no idea who the OP is, and I was just stating my opinion as you were.

They're a little older now,and I'm sure, a little wiser too Why are you answering on behalf of the OP? Is it a crime?

They're a little older now,and I'm sure, a little wiser too Who, the supervising adults? I thought it would be obvious but it seems not. The children lol

They're a little older now,and I'm sure, a little wiser too

Should have clarified, my experience is with mini schnauzers. As for your remarks regarding the standard schnauzer, I beg to differ. Our first schnauzer was a standard and he was a wonderful dog, instinctively knowing what was wanted from him and actually, being highly intelligent, very easy to train. He was absolutely wonderful when our first grandchild came along even though he really had no connection with babies or children. Having said that,we have now gone down a size to the mini schnauzer who are equally intelligent and excellent with my grandchildren. So, naturally, my vote would go to the schnauzer, either size. The only drawback with the bred is the attention to grooming and clipping, which in my case is done every 8 weeks. The one thing, with whatever breed is chosen is to teach the children to treat the dog with respect and kindness and to leave it alone when the dogs wants quiet time for him/her self.

Yes Kirty, it is.

Can your friend consult with a holistic vet? It's certainly worth a try. I had a mini several years ago that had a shunt but he was operated on to fix the problem. Even though, he was still fed a low protein diet and it was homemade. I'm sorry, I can't recall exactly what he was actually fed, but I do remember chicken, low fat cottage cheese and egg. He also absolutely hated the Science Diet.

I've had dogs all my life from Pekinese up to Great Danes and each and every one of them has lived in the house and been part of our family. We now have two Miniature Schnauzers we humans being the pack leader. Most dogs crave company and that's what they should get. Neither I or my husband are away from the house all that much but when we are,the dogs have access to the house and can go out via a doggie door. In my case, I can't imagine having my dogs living in the garage and not with us. If you are not amenable to having your dog stay indoors with you when at home, maybe you should reconsider getting one.

Very funny. Especially the swipe from the cat, but am I imagining that the dog is looking for instruction? It seems that he is looking towards the camera.

Same here. Mine have a couple of friends they see occasionally and that's about it :laugh:. Good dog ownership does not always involved dog parks and the perfect diet. There are dogs worse off than the dog mentioned in the op. Each to his own. I prefer to take my two out to enjoy their to the park and feed them a canine appropriate diet, but yes, that's my choice as is yours in in not participating in outings. Good dog ownership involves in keeping the dog happy and healthy, and for the diet side of it, I can't see that cooked rice and tinned tuna for breakfast and cooked rice and cooked chicken for dinner every day will prove itself as a good balanced diet over the years to come. Precisely. I understand its human nature to compare our standards of dog ownership to others but the longer I own dogs, the more I think it should be resisted. Not every dog enjoys dog parks, not every owner is prepared to risk their dogs' safety in them and as for diet, there is more than one way to feed a dog. Save the judgment for those who neglect or abuse and I think we'd all be a lot better off. I'll just keep on going the way I have with my two. Mine just happen to enjoy dog parks, and that's why we go. The thing I do agree with you is not every dog does. Yeah, there certainly is more than one way to feed a dog and I'll continue doing it my way.

Same here. Mine have a couple of friends they see occasionally and that's about it :laugh:. Good dog ownership does not always involved dog parks and the perfect diet. There are dogs worse off than the dog mentioned in the op. Each to his own. I prefer to take my two out to enjoy their to the park and feed them a canine appropriate diet, but yes, that's my choice as is yours in in not participating in outings. Good dog ownership involves in keeping the dog happy and healthy, and for the diet side of it, I can't see that cooked rice and tinned tuna for breakfast and cooked rice and cooked chicken for dinner every day will prove itself as a good balanced diet over the ears to come.

You are feeding her that diet for a specific reason and I too feed rice when either of mine have an upset stomach. As to the party pooper I agree of you say so :laugh:

Oh for heavens sake

This. I think the op is judgemental. They've met a stranger once at the dog park, had a conversation, and judged the stranger on their care of the dog based on their own beliefs. Not only did they judge the owner, they also negatively judged an unknown vet. Actually, I have met this woman on may occasions and she is never any different. She brings her dog to the park to have fun and then turns into the party pooper. The vet is not unknown to me because I have used him in the past and quite frankly, have wondered at his advice on feeding. Me thinks it is you that is being judgemental at this point.

Thank you. That's the point I'm trying to make.

Sure, the dog is being walked and comes to the park to interact and play, (owners words), gets fed and is indeed, very much loved, but I see that he is henpecked. Parents who feed their kids junk food daily instead of nutritious meals don't love their kids any less but just don't know. In my own case, I want my dogs to come when they're called and behave appropriately not be heavily regimented, and believe me, they are not monsters in disguise, and that's my choice. They too are well fed, get taken to the vet when needed and on an annual checkup basis. Two owners with beloved pets who couldn't be more different in the upbringing of our pets. I want them to have the freedom, in the right circumstances to behave like dogs and enjoy their lives. They are not my children nor are they my toys. Going to the park is an extension of our bonding, and it's our time. At home, they have the freedom of the whole house and I am proud to report that they have never inflicted any damage here. I learnt several years ago when we were living in a brand new house that my husband built with the intention of selling and kept several doors closed so that the dogs couldn't venture there. When they did get the chance to enter, they marked the carpet. Both dogs know what is expected of them and they act accordingly. I am by no means an expert, but I must be doing something right, as I have two well adjusted, well socialised and above all two happy boys.

Hey Steph. You sound like me lol. Park time is fun time for us too.

I didn't say there was anything wrong with cooked meat, just that she was taken aback that dogs can actually eat raw. I feed my boys twice a day too. Then why do you feel 'sorry for the dog'? I took it that you felt the dog was being fed incorrectly? No,I feel sorry for the dog because it isn't allowed to BE a dog. Not to get dirty feet, no sniffing, no rolling on the grass and whatever dogs do.

I didn't say there was anything wrong with cooked meat, just that she was taken aback that dogs can actually eat raw. I feed my boys twice a day too.

I met a lady at the park who has an absolutely adorable something poo. The only thing is that she doesn't let him be a dog. No sniffing around, no playing with others, no going anywhere near a puddle, heaven forbid. She started discussing her dog's diet and said her vet absolutely loved the diet she fed. For lunch he has cooked rice and tinned tuna. For dinner he has cooked rice and cooked shredded chicken. He also gets raw carrot slices. When she asked what I fed my two and I told her that I feed raw she was aghast. I can't believe that a vet would advocate such a diet. The sad part is that there are many dog owners who are so misinformed. I say, a dog is a dog and should be treated as such, for the dog's sake.

Not all of us who frequent dog parks just let our dogs go and do their own thing. I go with my two and for us it's quality bonding time as well as exercise for all of us. We are not all lazy, the same as we are not all lax in training our dogs. The worst thing the councils could do is as you suggest pave them over for car parks. What's wrong with greenery and grass?

My two mini schnauzers would come to both birthdays. They relish this type of menu.

One of my miniature schnauzers, who has now departed, was petrified of an open umbrella. As far as I can recall, he never had a run in with one.

Kirislin, you've done the kindest thing imaginable for your beloved friend. Rest easy in the knowledge she is no longer in pain and free to run. She will never leave you and will always be there in your heart.