Paul777

Not sure where to post this so here will do. Bear the dog behaviourist. When I first brought Chewie home he was extremely reactive and I felt that I needed advice from an 'expert'. So I was delighted when I was invited to attend a training day, with Bear the dog behaviourist, for highly reactive GSD rescues, thinking that I'd actually learn valuable techniques from a dog behaviourist who I had heard was a "miracle worker". Since Chewie was regarded as "the most challenging" dog out of a dozen dogs, the behaviourist would be handling him first. Thank goodness that I left Chewie in the shade in the back of the ute, which is probably why Bear, the behaviourist, selected a dog that was sitting in the group. First up Bear waffled on about irrelevant stuff about wild dogs. That wasted a good 30 minutes [because Chewie was considered the 'most challenging' dog, I was offered the day gratis - the other poor schmucks paid over $100 for the 'privilege'] He then selected a dog that was dog reactive. If the dog was dog reactive then should not another dog have been used as a distraction? Instead, Bear the 'miracle worker' used the dogs owner as the distraction. Before the session started Bear told me that he did not use a choker collar [with a cocky expression like he had some special secret technique] Now I do, not to choke a dog - the idea of a choker is that the dog will learn to respond to the sound of the chain running through the metal ring that's a warning after it's choked itself once or twice. No choker had me intrigued. As it turns out he uses a long leather lead, hooked up in a fashion that works exactly like a choker. Difference is that a metal choker collar will easily release when the dog stops straining on it. A leather 'choker' will not. Bear had this poor dog head towards his owner [the dogs safe place] then issued the recall command. Without even giving the dog the chance to respond, he pulls hard on the lead, snapping the dogs neck making it yelp. As far as I'm concerned, that's animal abuse. Now I'm no expert but training must be enjoyable for the dog. Using harsh techniques that makes the dog yelp is not the way to train a dog. Using the owner as the distraction, it's betraying the trust the dog has in his owner. That's even worse because they're rescues, many of whom have been abused. Gaining a rescues trust is the #1 priority. No wonder the poor dog looked confused & frightened. There were a few dog trainers there to observe the 'expert' in action. What surprised me just as much as Bears inappropriate techniques, was that not a single person there saw what I was seeing but rather, they were 'oooing' and 'aahhhing' as if Bear had just done something remarkable. Then when he moved on to two other dogs, he used dominating standover tactics - on rescues with a history of abuse no less. Chewie is not where he is today, a relaxed and content dog, because I dominated him. He's come a long way because I earned both his trust and his respect. After a few hours I'd seen more than enough. The rescue lady was most keen to have Bear work on Chewie when I was saying my good-byes. No way, no how, not going to happen. Then Bear appears as I was leaving. When I told him that Chewie would bite him [using those appalling techniques] Bear said "oh I've been bit heaps of times" - hardly surprising considering - as if that was not a big deal. [And when I say bite I'm really saying 'Chewie will savage you' without a doubt] Wtf??? We are talking about a highly reactive dog due to a history of terrible abuse, and you want to use an abusive technique on him earning yourself a mauling? Not on my watch you're not. When Bear could not change my mind, he angrily stormed off without a word. So people, that was my experience with the 'miracle worker' Bear the dog behaviourist. His ego is more important than a dogs well being. I'd not allow Bear to handle any dog so be warned. Dominating standover tactics and harsh technique may well work on some dogs but it's abusive and lazy. It's no way to treat any dog much less a rescue. Chewie proved that what I was doing was correct. It takes time, patience and firm consistent direction to gain an abused dogs trust and respect. What sort of individual would prefer their dog to fear them rather than trust and respect? Not I, that's for certain.

After putting down my 60kg 16mo Rotti pup due to behavioural issues and chronic PICA, I was done with owning another dog. Apart from being extremely frustrating raising this pup [that had me questioning my dog training abilities] it was rather devastating having to make the decision to have him euthanised. Two years ago I was looking at a GSD [German Shepherd] rescue website when one dog caught my eye. Not that the description suggested that this dog [let's call him Chewie to protect the innocent - me - lol] was out of the ordinary but I had a feeling that he might be a bit 'different' to most of the other dogs looking for a home. So out of idle curiosity I made an inquiry. Over the next few weeks I received many phone calls and emails. I'd caught a virus [no not the Rona] which laid me low. My health is not good. Keeping in mind my experience with the Rotti pup, I really didn't think that with my health being as it is, that I was not in a position to take on a large GSD. Since Chewie was kennelled nearby, once the worst of the virus was over, I agreed to view him with the intention to plead ill-health as an excuse to not adopt, just to end the barrage of calls and emails. As we walked to the kennel I was told that he bit the last person who viewed him, sending them for stitches at A&E. . . . . 'what the hell am I in for?' I thought. As it turned out, Chewie had bitten three people who viewed him for adoption. He had no training, no socialisation and due to total neglect he did not like to be touched or handled. Due to astounding abuse Chewie was highly reactive. His full history was only revealed to me much later but I could see that Chewie was in desperate need. Chewie had been in rescues care for 6 months. He required someone with experience who lived alone. He was so alone and isolated, even from other dogs, I could not walk away so I agreed to foster him to train and socialise to prepare him for a forever home. Unlike many rescues with a history of extreme abuse, Chewie was one confident, self reliant boy who took no crap from no one. At the time rescue said "Chewie will not ever seek much, if any, affection". I saw nothing to indicate otherwise. Nonetheless, each morning and before bed I'd give him a pat. As soon as I touched him he'd go stiff and shudder. [Which showed me that he had not ever received any affection whatsoever] He'd tolerate this for 20-30 seconds before moving away. When we first went into public, he tried to attack every passersby; men, women and children. He looked psychotic. Chewie loves other friendly dogs and gets so excited, it took all my strength to hang onto his harness. For the first few weeks we could only go a couple of hundred yards on a walk before I had to turn around but slowly he learned to ignore strangers [well not ignore entirely; he'd give every passerby the stink eye as we passed but at least he had stopped lunging for throats and groins] Then he learned to ignore pushbikes, skateboards, scooters etc [As I saw a cyclist coming towards us, I'd start warning "It's okay" which seemed to be the key after a while as experience taught him that I was correct that each individual was not a threat] Chewie had not ever been in a house before. He was highly suspicious of things like the fridge and freezer motors. He attacked the vacuum cleaner and lawn mower [before it was even started] Chewie was ultra-alert, doing a patrol of my home every 15 minutes. As it turned out, under the extreme aggression was a rather nice nature. It's not that he hated people but rather, he simply did not trust humans. None of my mates were keen to be introduced [because he appeared psychotic] Fortunately, a guy we met on our walks would come out to say hello at least once a week. Gordon was the right guy in the right place. He followed my instructions to a T [Keep back a safe distance. Remain very still. Do not look him in the eye. No sudden movements] Chewie would just ignore Gordon. It took over four months but one day his body language changed completely. It was obvious as to his intentions so I asked Gordon if he was okay as Chewie looked like he intended to greet him. Getting down on one knee, I then gave Chewie slack on the lead. As he went to Gordon I had chills. Chewie was a bit overwhelmed by the encounter [trusting another human], jumping and play biting Gordon, who could not have handled the encounter better. That was a huge breakthrough for Chewie who has since made friends with several others [As a male dog it's not surprising that he likes the ladies] Chewie had been terrorised by kids in the past and would react at kids at play - running and squealing would trigger him big time. So I've been extremely reluctant to introduce him to kids, even if the risk is low, where children are involved even the slightest risk is too high. Then just last week, after two years in my care, he appeared keen to greet a 7yo girl and her mother after we'd been chatting for a few minutes. Chewie made me proud. The young girl as it turns out, is very good with animals and followed my instructions. That was a huge breakthrough for him. I've been good with animals since I was a kid myself. It's weird but looking back I can see that Chewie decided to give me the benefit of the doubt after I viewed him that first time. He's not ever shown me any aggression. He's been very easy to train, although he still does display an independent streak when in public at times so we still have a way to go yet. Chewie now enjoys and seeks affection. Not that GSDs are the type of dog that wants to be mollycoddled. He tested me for 4-5 months [selective hearing] Since I will not usually repeat a command - you heard me the first time, lol - I got rather good at stare outs while remaining as still as a statue. Then one day he became 99.9% obedient at home. It's like he suddenly decided I was worthy of alpha status. He trusts me AND my hands. After a lifetime of being fed a kibble diet [with appalling tartar growth on his teeth as a result, he loves his raw meaty bone and offal diet [and a raw salmon head once a week - his favourite] He gets so excited at dinner time. Chewie has a really nice nature, is a fine companion and excellent security. Did I say 'foster'? Yeah right, he's here to stay. My only fear now is I've had a few health scares where I was facing a hospital stay. I dreaded the thought of kennelling him even for one night. Just last week one of his 'friends' who we became acquainted on our walks [To get Chewie accustomed to people, I'd stop and chat to passersby and neighbours] offered to look after him if I'm ever hospitalised. She's agreed to do training with Chewie [she was the 3rd person he befriended so she saw how reactive he can be] to prepare him for that eventuation. . Chewie loves her and gives her kisses when they meet. His rehabilitation has been remarkable considering his history of extreme abuse and neglect. He's a fine companion and excellent security. Thanks for reading Chewies story. He's an extreme case which shows that even the most reactive rescues can be rehabilitated. I'll always have to err on the side of caution. Abuse leaves scars. But he's totally worth the effort. It's my hope that more people would consider a rescue. Here's a few pics. First one is from the rescue group. The 2nd one is a year old after a bath. The 3rd pic is Chewie at 'sit' and 'stay' waiting for the command to have at his first lambs head. He's not sure what it is but he knows he's going to eat it. I've not ever known a dog to consume an entire animal head in one sitting. It took him 4 hours to consume, not even a tooth remained.

Thank you for sharing this vital news. Sadly I'm hardly surprised. Around 25 years ago when I was going through really hard times, my beautiful Rotti boy had a recurrence of a skin condition. Not having the cash for a consult [my dogs original vet had returned to the U.K.], I knew exactly what he needed - an ointment and a course of tablets - for which I'd scraped together the funds. When I rang the RSPCA for help [to buy the meds without a consult] I was abused as a "neglectful" dog owner, who needed to surrender my boy for euthanasia. Talk about stunned at such an appalling attitude. [Rotti boy was well cared for. He lived to 14yo. A brilliant age for a 50kg dog] Since then I've heard so many revolting stories that reflect that the RSPCA is now more focused on money rather than the animals that just about everyone thinks is their #1 priority. Nuh. I'd not have anything to do with the RSPCA ever again [except to report animal neglect or abuse]

What a great resource for dog owners. I must say though, as a raw proponent I'm horrified that kennel staff are giving dogs things like 'biscuits' and 'toast'. I'd have a bloody fit if anyone gave my dog grains and/or carbs. They really should know better. They've not ever heard of more appropriate treats like dried liver?

Hello everyone. A very sad update on Zagan [better late than never] as he grew it became clear that Zagan had a real bad case of PICA. He'd eat anything; grass, gravel, bark, dirt, anything. Zagan would fill his guts with whatever [despite watching him like a hawk] then I'd be awoken at around 2am to the sound of him retching before spewing his stomach contents on the bedroom floor. Lack of sleep took it's toll on my already compromised health. As he grew I had no choice but to muzzle him when he went outside. Despite trying two types of muzzles Zagan still managed to gorge on crap. In the end I had to take him to toilet muzzled and on a leash. I built a paved enclosure to keep him safe when he needed to be outside. Although it became clear that Zagan had behavioural issues, he really had me questioning my dog training and handling skills. he was not stupid, learning all the basic commands, it was that life was one big game to Zagan. He would not listen/obey unless I stood over him and roared. But I persevered. At 12mo my vet advised I'd done my best and there was only one course of action but I could not give up on him. Hindsight shows that I was delusional to think otherwise but dog people urged me to keep trying, that Zagan MIGHT settle by 18mo. We didn't get there. At 16mo Zagan was 60kg and a real handful. He triggered a back injury by being boisterous and silly. I was in incredible pain and could not walk quicker than a shuffle and needed to be in a hospital bed. Over the next three days I'd have to let Zagan out to toilet on a long rope as I braced myself at the back door. Over those few days I contacted every local kennel then moved beyond. As soon as I mentioned "behavioural issues, chronic PICA and 60kg" no kennel was equipped [or willing] to board him. My health deteriorated over those 3 days. [As it turns out I was suffering from diverticulitis as well - try getting to the WC when the sudden urge strikes when barely able to move] By the 3rd day I had no other choice than to send Zagan to the rainbow bridge. Although I never really enjoyed Zagan, I loved the ratbag and bawled like a little girl. [getting a bit teary just writing this] An ambulance took me to hospital where I stayed for over a week. My mistake was that in my excitement at getting a pup I did not do my research. Zagan was a bob-tail though I've since wondered that since he was from a very large litter [12] he may have been one of the last and may have suffered from a lack of oxygen. A very sad ending. My beautiful old Rotti boy will have taken him under his wing and will be keeping him in line. Until we meet again you big lug. That was it for me, no more dogs, my health just couldn't handle going through similar again . . . . never say never . . .

Serves me right .... my head told me to get an 18 month old but my heart took Z home. Not that I'm complaining, he's a lovely pup 95% of the time. I had a quick look at the assistance dogs & I could qualify (neurological disorder to at least one limb) due to chronic nerve pain & a bulging disc in my back. Thanks again for the suggestion T.

Z has the habit of chewing bark & sticks. 16 years ago I planted 8 native trees in my bare bones backyard & now it's covered with tree debris (& beautiful shade) This morning he spewed twice on my floor at 5am; two lovely piles of sticks, gum-nuts & bark that must've been sitting in his guts for God knows how long. About half a cups worth. (nothing like waking to the sounds of heaving & cleaning up vomit first thing) If it's not one thing .............

Thanks T. I've wondered about the "assistance dog" thing. Definitely worth looking into. How do I go about that? You're very perceptive - yep, I'm an amputee with restricted blood flow to all limbs (according to the 'experts', "100% of these patients will suffer multiple amputations & death within 2-3 years of diagnosis." That was more than 17 years ago) As my condition has not deteriorated, I figured I've got at least 10 years left in me & why I didn't wait longer to get a pup as I don't want to pass-over before my furry mate. Yes, he's with me pretty much 24/7. Sleeps under my bed on the tiles, ignoring the flash bed that I bought him. Reading SteveK9Pros threads, he said that he takes his new pups everywhere with him. Maybe I read it wrong but I was under the impression that he's with his new pups 24/7? When I visit clients several times a week, he just lies at my feet while we attend business. I've made a point of not giving him too much attention & he's good at amusing himself. I'd read here not to make a fuss on return so I just give him a quick pat & take him outside for toilet where he's soon distracted. I'll start on your suggestion today with "alone time". It was upsetting to know that my last boy fretted that I wasn't coming home everytime that I left him alone. They never forget.

I can't be "100% certain" really but I'm fairly sure that he didn't sleep. He gets really excited when I pull out the pigs ears & sits perfectly at my feet fully focused, lol. When I return home, I pull up in front of the garage, put shopping items inside the front door & let Z out before I pack things away & garage the car. When he's fallen asleep during my absence I usually have to wake him before I open the bathroom door. He stretches a few times & lets out at least a couple of 'vocal' yawns after he awakes. This time he was up & full of beans looking anxious/relieved. My last Rotti developed separation anxiety when I had 2 x 3 month stays in hospital, only a week or two apart. He fretted himself sick. When my then gf told me he was sick, the Dr wouldn't let me out (I was the only person who had full control of him) so I just left 2 weeks early (the Dr was Chinese who said "It's only a dog." Ugh Yes, I did give him a mouthful) to get him to the vet. The vet took over a dozen stones from him & 2 1/2 litres of urine. He said without treatment/op he'd have "died within 24 hours". According to the neighbours he'd sit in my bedroom & howl all day when alone. From that day on, whenever I left him on his own, he'd howl from my bedroom at the window. It was quite upsetting but there was little that I could've done apart from leaving a radio on an 'easy-listening' station.

Thanks T, Roova. Sitting on a milk crate, I had him between my legs & got as wet as he did, lol. Although he wasn't happy getting wet, he tolerated getting lathered & massaged while I kept telling him he's a good boy. Being unsure what was going on from the start, I tried to take it slowly. Starting at the feet, working my way up, it was when I got water on his shoulders that he reacted badly, or, by that stage he was just fed up. It was at that point that the noise of the spray-gun releasing pressure was what I thought at the time was what made up his mind that we're not doing this anymore. Being so hot, I didn't bother to warm the water any. Could the cool water be a part of his reaction? Being in that 'puppy fear period', I'm reluctant to risk instilling a lifetime phobia which is why I tried the bucket & then the sink. He was even a bit reluctant to be dried & needed constant reassurance. It's strange because he's not a sooky, whiny pup ( The only 2 times that he's whimpered at night was when he was busting for a poo) A wading pool sounds like an excellent idea & exactly the right time of year to try it. I'm not sure if it's related but due to the heat, I couldn't take him in the car to do some shopping this morning. When leaving him alone, I put him in the bathroom with his 'blanky' (an old towel that he's had since 8 weeks that he drags around & takes to bed) & a couple of toys. A dried pigs ear, his favourite treat, keeps him occupied until I return. Today I was gone about 70 minutes & he hadn't even touched the pigs ear nor had he gone to sleep, which is the usual pattern. Could both just be due to the puppy 'fear period' ? (12-16 weeks) He's been a little jumpy & sticks close when in the yard at night in the dark, for e.g. the last week or so.

The last vet who saw my then 12.5yo Rotti before he passed, said he rarely saw such healthy teeth & gums in dogs even half his age. All he ate was raw meaty bones (yes, he got treats like cheese, eggs, sardines for e.g.) no chips, biscuits or any other people food, never ever. A good diet is much easier than getting out the toothbrush.

G'day Kevin, greetings from Aus. : ) Can't say that I've heard of those brands. Every Aussie that I've known who feeds a raw diet, including myself, actually feeds things like chicken carcasses, turkey necks, green tripe, lamb brisket for e.g. The benefits include a healthy gut, teeth & gums. Not only is it healthier than commercial products, it's also cheaper. Check out www.rawmeatybones.com

BATH TIME FREAK-OUT? Zagans first wash was in my bathtub. Although he wasn't too fond of it, he handled it ok but not me. Bending over the bath or sitting on the edge & twisting as I wash him aggravated my back. It also left my bath rather putrid. As it was 39*C today, I thought that washing him outside with a hose, would be a straight forward matter. It wasn't. I'm not sure if it was the noise of the spray gun, set on a low flow, that freaked him out but he was tugging on his lead to get away. Not wanting to traumatise him, I let him go & fetched a bucket of water with a container to rinse of the lathered shampoo. That also upset him. If he wasn't lathered, I'd have let him dry off & try again another day. So I 1/4 filled the laundry sink & finished rinsing him off there. The water was cool but not cold. I can't imagine what I'll do when he's bigger if he's going to react like this. He's a house dog who'll need regular baths, especially since he loves to get grubby. Any ideas as to why he'd freakout at water? Any ideas on how to get him used to getting wet? A sprinkler perhaps?

Thank-you SG. That was exactly my thoughts at the time. As it turns out, when buying some chicken carcasses, I mentioned the 'overweight' remark to another vet. She just laughed & said "Oh he thinks a lot of dogs are overweight. Don't worry, he's growing." Considering his growth spurt & bony hips I'm glad he was a touch "overweight" (I still don't think that he was) "Pups ..... can go up & down in literally a day or two." As I'm discovering, lol. Just a few bigger servings at mealtime put some padding on his hips within 2-3 days, I couldn't believe how quickly he's growing nor how quickly he's gaining weight. I've been so tired since getting Zagan (not myself without at least 8 1/2 hours sleep) I've assumed that I mustn't have been paying close enough attention. Before bringing home Zagan, I had no clue that raising a large breed pup could be such a balancing act between not too much food & not enough. So it's certainly nice to have a few DOLers to help keep my mind at ease with some sensible advice & encouragement : ) Another vet invited me to bring Zagan in for weighing (scales are in the foyer) anytime & they'll no-doubt cast their 'expert' eye over him. This is a free service for patients. I'm lucky to have these vets who have the same ideas on diet & vaccinations as myself (head vet advises a raw diet & against over-vaccination) & they're within walking distance from home.

As I'm rediscovering! I must've completely forgotten what they're like. Now you're going to tell me that they miraculously snap out of it & become perfectly obedient by 6 months old. Right? Please?

Aussie Shepherds are so intelligent that I'd KNOW when they were messing with me. When I got Zagan, I promised that I wouldn't compare him to my beautiful old boy, who could read my mind & vise-versa, it just wouldn't be fair. A few times I've thought that maybe Zagan just isn't too bright, a bit of a boofhead maybe. The last few days have been way too hot for any training, where Zagan just rests all day & is too energetic after breakfast & dinner to try. Today being nice & cool, I took advantage of his ravenous appetite & got his can of kibble out around mid-day. For 15 minutes, he sat, dropped, stayed & came almost perfectly (came off 'stay' twice) He's not thick at all, the little bugger. These two pics are Zagan at 12-13 weeks old.

I had promised them for so long I had to post his little 8 week old pics (because he's so cute) Atm he's been hassling me for his dinner since 5pm, lol. If I feed him too early he'll be waking me at 4am for breakfast (if I'm not up by 6am he'll wake me - same as my boy did when he was a toddler, lol) He's always so ravenous. After I've fed him, I'll try to attach some updated pics.

That's just terrible. Yes, I keep hearing of cancer in Rottis. Whether this has been the case or a late phenomena I'm not sure. I hadn't heard it in the past. My suspicion lays with yearly vaccinations (bad reactions & even death in people from vaccinations cost BigPharma so much that they threatened the U.S. govt. to cover insurance or they'd cease manufacture) & other chemicals/harmaceuticals pushed by the Vet Industry (as advised by Harmaceutical co's off-course) Apart from his puppy vaccinations, which are a necessary evil IMO, I'm debating whether he'll have another. My beautiful old boy lived to 14yo, ate a raw meaty bone diet, topical flea treatments & only had his course of puppy vaccines. It's sad that we all only want whats best for our dogs & rely on 'expert' advice that may be the cause of illness &/or worse. Hope your sons able to bring home a new companion/s a lot sooner than I could : )

Mjosa - "He certainly doesn't look like a puppy problem." I'm not sure if it's pure stubbornness or not but he's definitely got selective hearing. Rather than saying the same command repeatedly, I've learnt to say it once & then we have a stare out while he's deciding, the little bugger. Roughly 4 times out of 5, he'll eventually 'sit' or 'drop' after up to 10 seconds. A cough often prompts him, lol. It's my first pup in a very long time. In my youth I was a bit hard on pups & expected more than maybe what's reasonable. Never abusive but demanded 100% obedience once I knew that they understood a command. I've changed since my youth & am trying to be more patient with Zagan. He is responding well though. He sits, drops, 'leaves it' & pees on command most of the time. He performs K9Pros 'Triangle of Temptation' extremely well (amazing what a bowl full of tucker does for motivation) Recall depends on his mood &/or distraction. Not bad for 14 weeks old. So you're correct, not really a problem : )

Thanks so much for your support T, it's much appreciated & helps to set my mind at ease : )

Thanks. It is frustrating & not a little upsetting because it makes me feel like I'm not taking proper care off him. No, it wasn't really noticeable but could clearly feel it when stroked. And no, his ribs aren't showing (why I thought he was doing ok) Right, so when he's obviously going through a growth spurt & extra ravenous, I should just do the same & give him extra? Funny thing is, checking him tonight at dinner it feels less prominent, there's a bit of a layer of meat/fat over his bones already in just 3 days of extra food. I can't believe just how fast he's growing. "to make sure he has the right start for his primary joints" yes, someone* gave me a link that explained it very well. I had no idea & only recently learnt that I also have to be careful not to over-exercise. The breeders are lovely people but I would've thought that both was vital info for a new Rotti pup owner. Just re-read the past posts & it was YOU who gave me the link on growth, lol. Thanks again.

Gruf, when I drove cabs on weekends & holidays I hit a cat at least once a month during the warmer months. I will brake but I never swerve to avoid an animal unless the road is clear. One night I hit a cat that was running towards a house so I knocked on the door at around 2am. A family lived there & it was the 3rd cat that that'd been hit by a car. Some people never learn.

Thanks everyone. Zagan says hi : ) And thanks for the help Avanti, yay, I did it, lol.

How terrible, they're beautiful! Did one pass from fretting for the other, if it's not too raw to discuss? If so, I understand. When I was a Funeral Director, we often held the funeral of one old married person & within months, we'd hold another for the widow/widower. Every single time the latter funeral would be light & almost cheerful because the long married couple had been reunited. When I lost my beautiful 14yo boy more than 7 years ago I 'knew' that I could never replace him. Never ever nuh-uh, no way. Very long story short, he came on one of his many night visits to my dreams & told me it was time to get a new mate. Although I was looking for an 18 month old, I ended up with 8 week old Zagan. I firmly believe that my boy guided me to him. Your son will know when the times right. I'd be feeling real empty & a bit lost in his shoes. Now that I've finally got the pics, moving them to puppy photos is a good idea. How do I do that?

Oh alright then, one more cute one ............