BELLA90

Unfortunately a house sitter is not an option due to us ending our lease

Do they exist? Our situation: My partner is from the UK. We originally planned to travel to the uk and spend a couple of months over the Christmas break to spend with his family and do a little travelling. He has received news that his step father is very ill, and he would like to spend as much time with him as possible in case of the worst. The doctors have told him he has 12 months, fingers crossed he fights it and it isn't the case but it's not looking good. We have a 9 month old boxer girl and a 5yo amstaff. We would never dream of rehoming either permanently, as they are part of our family, my mother is going to care for the older amstaff girl, as she has known her her whole life and I know she will be safe with her. Our problem is Nala, our boxer. My mum cannot look after both as she just does not have the room with having two of her own dogs. I have looked into boarding (so expensive and do not want her in a boarding environment for that amount of time, especially at her age) and have also looked into at home carers (also ranging from $25 a night up to $65 a night, so just not suitable). I'm thinking of maybe trying the foster groups, but I would hate to take away a Foster family for a dog in need for our own needs. Do you guys have any suggestions? The biggest problem is that we aren't exactly sure how long we will be away, it could be three months or it could be a year. It all depends on how his stepfathers health is. We have tried our friends, all of which have too many dogs of their own or just don't have the right backyard that is safe and secure. And being a boxer, she has the typical boxer goofiness and energy that they are so loved for! So we don't want her cooped up in a tiny space. Is there any companies or websites that offer long term carers? We we are more than happy to pay, but would have to be a reasonable fee as it could be for so long. Also we will supply all food, any vet expenses during the time she is there, she is fully insured and vaccinated/wormed/microchipped. All we are looking for is for someone to love and care for her and treat her as their own until we return. Please se let me know any suggestions you may have. And Thankyou for taking the time to read. Photo attached is of Nala, abit of an old photo, she's a lot bigger now!

All perfect now bellies are normal (except straight after feeding) and poos are nice little solid piles, sooo much easier for cleaning! all happy, healthy and very boisterous little puppies. Vacc/microchipped and vet check done all clear with no problems. Seven weeks old and I'm going to be very sad to see them all leave for their new homes in a week! Thankyou everyone for your help! Much appreciated.

Thankyou JRG, Its been a lot of work and a lot of sleepless nights but it's very rewarding! I have also also had them on protexin, a probiotic supplement. I will try gluten free and see how I go Thanks again

Hi, just have a question for the experienced breeders. History: puppies are currently 6 weeks old. They were orphaned at 1 1/2 weeks, I raised the entire litter with tube feeding up until 4 weeks where they were completely weaned onto solids with formula mixed through, we have now cut out the formula (we did this gradually) and they are completely on solids. They are fed soaked black hawk puppy kibble with chicken mince four times a day. They have been wormed with Drontal liquid puppy wormer at 2/4/6 weeks. They are all eating, bright, happy puppies with shiney coats. They eat very well, and none are dull. I had a fecal float done to rule out coccidiosis and Guardia, negative for both, and only very few worm eggs were detected. They done a 5 day course of antibiotics, just incase of any infection, and have all seen the vet at 5 weeks for individual fecal floats and check ups. All good, vet was very happy with their condition and growth. BUT, even after the course of antibiotics, and just being wormed at 6 weeks on schedule, their poos are still not solid, and they still have abit of a belly. There were a few roundworms found in the poos after this worming, which I was told is normal and shows the wormer works. But I can't think of what else it could be causing the loose stools. It's not watery/bloody or smelly. It's just not a nice little "log" like it should be (excuse the term) if if you have any suggestions or tests that I could do I'm more than happy to. Please let me know