Fleuri

Off topic- there is a pet shop advertising a specific breed of dog for sale on the trading post (it's not Pets Paradise). I happen to come across the exact same picture or these dogs on YouTube. Looks like someone couldn’t bother to take a real photo of the dogs and decided to reap it off instead. (Unless the photo comes from the same source but I doubt it).

Big Show at KCC this saturday, close on 1500 dogs. Good place to see nearly all breeds. Starts at 9.00am Sorry, What does KCC stand for? And where is it held at ?

I have a mini Schnauzer also he is 8 years old now, had him from the time he was a pup. I had two toddlers and one on the way at the time. My situation was different because I was at home. For me it was like having another child in a way (2 toddler + 1 fur toddler ). They are very cleaver. They learn very quickly but you need to be there to teach them.You will need time for training/toilet train. The other thing is that you need to consider time for grooming daily and the cost of grooming/clipping every 6 - 8 weeks. Unless you do grooming classes and do it yourself. I did. My mini thought he was above the new baby in the clan but I knew the signs and changed it. I don't know if a mini schnauzer would be a good choice for a first time dog owner. This is my experience with my mini schnauzer. I don't know how others of the same breed are. I do have to say they are so loyal and loving and just soooooo clever. I think if they could talk they would. We love him to bits

My boy does the same, as soon as he sees me picking up poos. I think he does it because he knows he will get praised for it ,and he does. Though he is 8 years old I still reinforce good behaviour.

I can only imagine how you must be feeling and your son.... I am soooo sorry that this is happend. You poor darlings . You clearly love all your dogs and that puppy too. Accidents happen. A friend of mine broke her own finger while sitting on her own chair on friday night; she did it all on her own. I couldn't believe it. She broke it in such a way that she needed special surgery. No one is free from accidents. Big hug.

My heart goes out to you and Steve. RIP - puppy.

My heart goes out to all involved.

agree edited to add, I think dogs are easier to than children.

Thank you poodlefan.

I am so sorry, that must have been so tragic for the whole famiy. I can't even imagine. Good to hear that your family is doing better. Yes we do have another dog, I've told the children we have to give him extra love.

Hello dogluva 101, They know that she may never return, we have discussed this already. I have even told them that it's possible that she may have died. I do think they understand this more now after all these months. They are not in denial. I think they are just bright,positive kids that what to feel that they have done everything they can to find their dog and just want wait a few more months before we look for a new doggy. With further disscussions today and the last few days; I can see that they are understanding things better especially after I told them that by getting another dog it's not to replace our missing dog. And yes I am looking into getting professional help, even if It's for the sake of my peace of mind that I have done everything I can to help my children get through this.

Your poor boys, thats so sad :D but I'm glad to hear that they are finding joy with their new puppy. I had a talk with the our boys and the two older ones want to put up posters & flyers up again. oldest says one more time and middle son says two more times, once in spring and another in Summer. They want to wait until Feb next year before searching for another fur friend. So I'm considering this . I can't let them down. I do realise we need to move on, so I still plan to attend some shows and doggy events like flyball, maybe go visit some rescue dogs just to get the childrens minds thinking about other doggy things/possiblities. I agree big huggies and love are a must have to help heal the pain. Thank you for your kindness.

Thank you I appriciate these ideas as I didn't even think of all the fun stuff like flyball competions even if it's just for them to watch. I have planned to go to a dog show in October just to have a look in the hope that the children will get excited and perhaps will have a new focus. I will look into flyball or agility. Do you have the flyball contacts for your state? My kids think its the coolest thing ever and we havent even started yet! Hello Chewbacca, I don't know anything about flyball. I just assumed I'd have to call Dogs NSW ? if not, can you tell me who I need to contact? Thank you You will find all the info you need about competitions and contact details for clubs here Thank you so much for this.

I will have to look into what fostering is all about. Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

I appreciate everyones kindness and I am touched by all of your experiences and suggestions. You have all given me so many things to consider when I felt like there wasn't much else I can do. I appreciate this more than what you will ever know, thank you again. Bless you and your beautiful fur friends.

Thank you I appriciate these ideas as I didn't even think of all the fun stuff like flyball competions even if it's just for them to watch. I have planned to go to a dog show in October just to have a look in the hope that the children will get excited and perhaps will have a new focus. I will look into flyball or agility. Do you have the flyball contacts for your state? My kids think its the coolest thing ever and we havent even started yet! Hello Chewbacca, I don't know anything about flyball. I just assumed I'd have to call Dogs NSW ? if not, can you tell me who I need to contact? Thank you

I know exactley how you feel I also would have liked to know if she was dead. Some days I want to just go and find the right dog for our family and other days I feel like no I don't want to take that path yet.

Good luck. : As for rescue dogs - our Honey was an adult rescue dog, I got her from a highly respected breed rescue organisation that was able to match her temperament with us. They did a terrific job- she has been perfect. Some dogs are in rescue through no fault of their own (my dog for example), however some do have issues. With a bit of research and having a talk with different organisations you should be able to find a dog that suits you- that's if you do choose to go that route. You are all so kind to respond with your experiences and suggestions I really appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Might I suggest that they do need to talk it out even if they do get upset. Ask then to talk to you. There could be more behind it in a child's eyes. For example, it is quite possible that at least one of those kids thinks (or has wondered if) the same thing will happen to them one day - if they might be taken away or disappear also. Kids think like that sometimes. Thank you, thinking about this. I think I will have ask more questions and enquire someone about what they are feeling ,thinking or fearing. I have done this but not enough I think. It's so good to be able to get other peoples ideas and opinions. thank you for your time and thoughts.

Megan (quote) I agree with darlingdog's suggestion. I'd make sure I went to an ethical rescue that where the dog had been living with a foster family first. I'd also ask them questions about what kind of support they will offer you. I'd also tell the kids that no matter what, even if you had 100 dogs (!), if your old dogs come back you will ALWAYS welcome him back with open arms. That might help ease thir guilt. I'd also like to add that you must have very caring children for them to be so concerned. You must be very proud. We have another dog he is our 8 1/2 year old mini schnauzer. He has also been sad but he seems better. We only had our other dog for almost 2 years before she went missing. This is way I thought that they will get over her very quickly but they haven't yet. They were very young when we got our schnauzer my yougest wasn't even born. Our dog that went missing was like our baby in our family. Three years ago after a sad experiance we decided that we wouldn't have anymore children and one year later we got her as mainly "mummys dog" though the kids cared for her too. You may be right about getting another dog. I just don't know if a rescue will be right ,I guess it will have to be the right one. my only concerned is about having problems with an adult dog that has bad habits. I have found my schnauzer and my lost yorky easy to toilet train as pups, might have helped that I don't work outside our home. I will have to discuss it with the children and hubby.

We have another dog he is our 8 1/2 year old mini schnauzer. He has also been sad but he seems better. We only had our other dog for almost 2 years before she went missing. This is way I thought that they will get over her very quickly but they haven't yet. They were very young when we got our schnauzer my yougest wasn't even born. Our dog that went missing was like our baby in our family. Three years ago after a sad experiance we decided that we wouldn't have anymore children and one year later we got her as mainly "mummys dog" though the kids cared for her too. You may be right about getting another dog. I just don't know if a rescue will be right ,I guess it will have to be the right one. my only concerned is about having problems with an adult dog that has bad habits. I have found my schnauzer and my lost yorky easy to toilet train as pups, might have helped that I don't work outside our home. I will have to discuss it with the children and hubby.

I will look for this book. Thank you so much for this.

5 months is a long time for a kid. I dont think you can put time frames on grief. I think what I was trying to say was get the kids around dogs that are here and now, do something fun and exciting and get the of enjoyment of dogs back again in real life, not just on a screen or paper. Getting back in to life is a great way to move forward, and having a family day out in the fresh air, having some lunch and watching dogs do something fun and exciting is great tonic. When she went missing in Feb we did it all, posters,flyers, calling vets,pounds,RSPCA, ad in local newspaper, Councils, and even Petsearch, I think we did it for 3 months then after that we have slowed down but I am always looking at pounds/shelters to see if she turns up. I do let them talk about it I just find that they get upset when they do. I really thought that my children would get over it faster than me.

Thank you I appriciate these ideas as I didn't even think of all the fun stuff like flyball competions even if it's just for them to watch. I have planned to go to a dog show in October just to have a look in the hope that the children will get excited and perhaps will have a new focus. I will look into flyball or agility.