Longdog

My thoughts are with Jed and her family at this time of sadness and loss. It is just too heartbreaking. As well as a donation, I will be sending my most strongest healing energy for her recovery. Thank you, also, to all those doggie people that are organizing the care of her animals and search for Magnus - from those of us too far away to help in a physical capacity.

Firstly, I have had a gorgeous lab (dec) who I put through Obedience, so I am experienced with the labrador breed and mixing with other dogs. I now have a miniature dachshund who I have regular walked in an off-lead area. My dog is well socialised and obedient and played with all size/breeds of dogs including mature labradors (her favourite being a ridgeback). However, I have to say the breed that I have the most problem with my little dog is "over-enthusiastic" and "friendly" young labradors with owners who say "my dog is just playing/friendly. These dogs would literally bounce over her, bowl her over and spin her around like a top. This treatment cannot in any way be classifed as safe play. It was bordering on play/prey. I find this situation "dangerous" and cannot understand how it can be interpreted as anything else. Let's face it, it comes down to one thing - dog handlers respect of others. I have never let my dog approach another dog (labrador, dachshund or my german shepherd) unless I've had some kind of indication from the dog's handler (whether off/on lead). If I don't get a response then I recall my dog and keep walking. Isn't it called "manners"??? Mrs Tornsocks, at least you are asking for advice and I'm sure you will take into consideration small dog owners' situation next time you are offlead with your dog. i think you will find that if you approach one of them with your dog (without the bouncing affect), you will find they will happily let your dog socialise (and learn) to play with them. I certainly would if you approached me - you would show you are a responsible dog owner!

Well said Lab Rat. We have to remember we are humans and don't have a good handle on life/death as animals. May our animals continue to educate us. And yes, they do forgive us for all the mistakes we make with them during life and at death.

I've had two dogs euthanised. The first was a German Shepherd with cancer that had spread through her intestines. We had known for a while that we would have to put her down but we were in denial. Unfortunately, she really started to go down hill while I was pregnant and while we made the decision, I was not allowed to go with her. So my husband tried to take her by himself. He broke down, so my father and his father set off to do the task, only my father-in-law was able to stay with her (my father was sobbing in the car!!). The next was a much loved mini foxy/jack russell aged 15yo. Her kidneys had failed and, honestly, I couldn't stand watching her in so much pain. The vet was so understanding and supportive but the prognosis was not good. It was done in a very kind and caring way with respect to my little girl and my family. If I had any doubt about the decision, it was the look of relief in her eyes during her last moments. She looked straight at me and I'm sure she said "thank you". Quite frankly, with both situations, I knew when it was the right time. And I made sure in my mind that there were no other options (talk to the vet etc) and then sat with both dogs for a while and both times a peaceful acceptance came over me....sounds weird I know. Of course, in an accident or crisis situation you would not have this opportunity. One thing a few of you have mentioned is dealing with it with your children. Dealing with death is such a taboo in our society. I always encouraged our daughters to be part of our pets' death (and the subsequent discussions after). I remember when our pet goat (aged around 12yo) died and watched as Hubby and my 4 yo girls (sitting on the back of the tractor's carry-all with Beryl (dec), the goat) went out in the paddock to give her a funeral. I'm sure it helped prepare them for the finality in life and the death of grandparents and friends later on.

Now I've got the hang of it, you may not be able to stop me!! :D Here she is in sitting pose but, not that happy, as she was waiting for liver treats AND having to sit on hall table (so I didn't hav to lie on my tummy). Not impressed but okay about it all after she got the treats. Longdog Amypie - sorry I thought your dogs were jr/mini foxies but I see they are not! I love the black/tan colour of Trixie, is that normal colouring? I can see they would also be good at earth hunt trials - they have that look in their eye!!

Well, half a day later here is a photo...hope it works!! Two achievements on the forum in one day....better go and celebrate with some chocolate :D Longdog

Amypie - thanks for the link! OMG Ruby would just LOVE that! We have mouse issues as well, she has recently killed about 5. After each kill she just walks away and ignores it. Your dogs look gorgeous. Do you take them in trials? The good thing with foxy/jr is that they are more sturdier than dachshunds. We had a mini-foxy/jack russell for 16years (before Ruby). She was such a little lady - much too refined to hunt and kill (or so she thought). Dachshunds tend to throw themselves (often literally) at challenges which can be hard on their backs and little legs. Maybe we should get something going re earth dogs??? Rubystar - Haha...yes, Ruby wasn't a common name 5 years ago. I'm a teacher and now I have a Ruby in nearly every class!! It was my Grandmother's name (on my father's side) and my little jack russell/mini foxy (before Ruby) was called Elsie (after my GreatAunt). I still have Beryl and Muriel to use (which were their second names). My mother was horrified but I can't think of a better compliment. Longdog

Oh man, I think I've done it!! Next attempt - photos. Longdog

Now I can't log in by Longdog!! Aaaaarhhhh! I will try again!!! Rubystar, please don't change your name - everyone know you as Rubystar!! I must have missed a box tick somewhere. I'll go back now and do it again. Longdog (formerly Rubstar)

Thanks for the welcome! I have actually been trying to change my user name since my last post I had lots of trouble in the first instance joining the forum and then I was knocked back on twice on choice of user name (already in use). So a bit frustrated and just typed in the next name that came to me -relieved that one was accepted UNTIL I went back online I will just keep persisting (might be the dachshund rubbing off on me). Amypie - Earth dog trials?? Mind you, SHE would think she is up to any scent trial even with the BIG dogs. She loved all the big dogs at Leighton's dog beach (when we lived in Perth) and totally ignored the little ones. Her favourite was a Rhodesian Ridgeback - same colour but male. They were in love!! Okay back to the changing of the name attempts. Rubstar - photos....yes, will have to attempt those AFTER I've mastered the change of name

Hi I'm new to the forum although I have been reading for a couple of months. I have a 5yo red miniature dachshund female (desexed) who is very much my dog although will go to other pack family members when it suits her. She recognises me as "top dog" (or top bitch as my husband calls me!) and we have no disputes when I say "do it" she does it. We live in the south/west of wa and we have built her courtyard snakeproof for when we are away. However, that hasn't stopped her disappearing down rabbit holes twice (much to my dispare and anxiety). Last time she was down there for 6 hours and all we could hear was her killing...nice! We have since bulldozed all the rabbit holes around the house area and keep her on leash when out walking. She has a fantastic scent skill - I would hate to see her really hunt (well actually probably not see her again at all). I am interested reading your posts abou trialing and obedience. I started obedience with a golden labrador in my teens. She was my best buddy in a time when I was struck down with an autoimmune illness - what can I say! After her death (15yo) I purchased a German Shepherd which I also took through dog obedience although it was harder due to distance issues. I loved the whole obedience scene and enjoyed the challenge and team work that I found with my dogs. I note dachshunds don't feature much with trialing and obedience - haha...I have to say they are a unique breed. The german shepherd was soooo easy to train in comparison (the lab a little harder).....but again maybe it was the personalities!! However, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading about people who love their dogs!! It's good to know there are others out there as obsessed as me! Rubstar *Rubystar I note we have similiar names....so sorry. My dachsund is Ruby and she is called Rubstar by other family members. But good to hear you have labradors!! We must be on the same wavelength ** Note the comments re: Rescue Remedy and Emergency Essence. I use Australian bush flowers for everything. If you want to test Emergency Essence then use it on a cut or burn and note how quickly it heals. My dog has been on various combinations eg. when I leave her alone, a vaccination reaction, etc. I mix my own so for animal use I don't put in any alcohol. (by the way, the alcohol in it is so minimal it would be similar to having a teaspoon of vanilla essence....sorry for those who wanted a quick nip!!)