Stressmagnet

The only ones I've tried that work to reduce Ernie's room clearing gas are all grain free. Canidae Sea is what he's on on now. Any table scraps, mooched tidbits and pigs ears cause runny stools and the donning of gas masks. Not sure I've been that helpful, sorry.

Oh poor Danny, poor Bunter, poor you. I hope this marks the end of the drsms and the beginning of the better days. And you should have asked me - us cancer patients get ALL THE GOOD DRUGS.

OMG my Amstaff girl used to do this too! We used to say 'Breakdancer Georgia?' and this would occur. Oddest thing I've ever seen a dog do - and until now, I thought it was unique.

Saying the OP is dodgy and a troll is hardly helpful Just saying what a lot of people are thinking.And your posts are helpful how? I suppose you get to feel all self righteous which must be nice for you. Huh? You getting grumpy again, obvs. I can't make sense of your post.

Aw, I think I thought the comments about 'why'd you buy the puppy then?' might have come across as bit scary to a newbie asking for advice. Upon reflection, you're probably right - if they were scared by that, then perhaps they weren't ready to be educated. I dunno, I'm a newbie myself. You'd think I'd learn to think occasionally myself. (Exits stage left to loud applause :D)

I took Ernie out this morning. He wouldn't wee until he could get all the rain off his nose. Keot walking and stopping to wipe his snout with his paw. I really am convinced he's broken. I cannot carry two umbrellas.

Yup. Especially for a newbie.

But but... I have a LABRADOR. Aren't they supposed to love water? *scratches head* I think mine's bbroken.

Yup. Musta been something we said. :D

Ernie spent most of the day contorted like a pretzel, dashing to the door,staring in disbelief and then becoming bendy boy again. Miss 11 finally took pity on him and took him out holding an umbrella so she didn't get wet. He stood, back legs crossed with a look of saintly suffering until she held the brolly over him. He then peed for what seemed like 5 minutes. What a knob.

Aw man. Makes want a kelpie again. Not that there's anything wrong with the dog I have.

Id be interested to know the breed he bought. $800 does sound cheap - which could also be a red flag as to the integrity of the breeder. Edited because I haven't finished my coffee.

So maybe this is a sign Ernie values me more than just food and shelter? I was awake anyway at 2:30am and thought he sounded a bit restless in his crate, so I took him out for a pee. We have a feral rabbit problem and as he was sniffing around, he caught sight of one. He was off leash because I was lazy and sleepy - I know it's bad, and I won't do it again. BUT. He saw the bunny and before I could grab his collar, he gave chase. Up the street about 200 yards and then bulletted past me in hot pursuit for another possible 200 yards in the downhill direction. I simply called him to me as he began to vanish out of sight (trying not to panic) and he swerved in mid stride and returned to me all happy and proud of himself. Now I know I made some mistakes, so no flaming please - but isn't it awesome that he stopped something so ingrained in his nature (and to be honest, he looked beautiful in his full loping run) and cane back to me for nothing more than a cuddle, llicky face and a pat? I think so. :)

Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a good book. To hell with the costs - this is survival mode. X

No but it added context to why I was asking.:D God forbid I take up breeding - it sounds like hard work for very little reward except love. She's not planning I more than 1 litter every 2-3 years from her existing girls. She's trying to talk me into a bigger place so she can keep one boy and one more girl as Pip is now 4, had 2 litters and I think she wants to give her a rest. All of this info will be really good for her. She loves her dogs, does a lot with them and they really are textbook examples of the breed. I think it will be good for her to continue part of her old life here. Thanks again.

Glad to hear some better news.

Excellent! Thank you. I really want her to have something of her own here besides the drudgery of looking after two teen girls and a bitchy older sister! I'll message her with the details. Thank you so much. PS. And yes my cancer is terminal but so far, I'm beating the odds. I think I'm too cranky to go quite yet.

I had an acquaintance proudly tell me they just bought a pedigreed lab pup from 'somewhere South of Sydney'. When I asked her to tell me more, she said there were at least 10 litters of pups so 'she had lots of choice'. I'm not sure how to define a puppy farm anymore.

My sister is immigrating to help me as I slide into the inevitable decline that accompanies terminal cancer. She is bringing her two female Westies, both Canadian champions. Not sure what the paperwork iis, as far as her being able to set up breeding here - but she's had some nice successes in the show ring in Canada under Grinn Westies. She is hoping to set up here as a breeder of Westies. Once she's gone through quarantine etc., what's involved? And who are the best folks to talk to, and what are the most reputable organisations?

I like when kiddies get upset ;) Aw. I so wish I'd had a chance to read it in all its glory. I so love reading literate, well reasoned and logically constructed arguments. :laugh:

Folks, he's asking for help.

Those are mortifying.. Anyone who's studied art or visited a stately English home would recognise a Stubbs or a Blinks. How embarrassing for him.

He sounds like he's scrambling.

Seems to be doing it's job!

Oh yes, very confused. And I'd forgotten about Etsy too... Thanks folks!