Kelly_Louise

You said it Loraine... but you know just as I do, they are worth every cent When they sent the invite, I said to Mum - well, might as well go and see what we've built

I'm always in total awe when I see an assistance dog of any kind, they are so inspirational. They make the saying 'just a dog' look pretty pathetic really, don't they?

Yep it's the same practice, just moving from Strathfield to Homebush into state of the art new and much bigger premises. Stormie, if the vets were impressed - I'm sure we will be too, looks good from the pics on the invitation!!! How daggy to be excited about a veterinary hospital opening event... I need a life...

I believe they have been there since the 17th of November (we haven't needed to attend since they moved), but their official opening 'party' is tonight... can't wait

I bought Chloe from a less than reputable breeder when I was younger and before I knew the difference. She has been plagued with health issues, both hereditary and from less than stellar confirmation. Don't get me wrong, she has been an awesome dog, loyalest dog I've ever known, courageous and never let her illnesses get the better of her, and has been my best friend for the last 13 years - I wouldn't trade her for all the amount of money in the world... however, I learnt my lesson the very hard way about buying from BYB's who do not conduct proper health tests, selective breeding for the betterment of the breed etc.

Let me know what you think of it FionaC, unfortunately I think we will also be visiting there soon with our patient too - she doesn't seem to be herself lately. And best of luck with Archie's results - hoping for good news. I haven't dealt with Cameron (thankfully, Chloe's been under the care of 2 different specialists there - that's enough!!), but they are all fabulous there I'm assuming they will have alot more staff now too to look after boarders etc. That was one thing that did sometimes bother me was the wait to pick up Chloe. Very understandable as I'm sure there are lots of others who need care first, but we have at times had to wait a long time to collect her.

It certainly is YAAY to everyone who has the awesomest dogs in the world!!!

Me too!!!! 2 cruciate ligament ops, and 3 years of Cushings disease treatments... on the phone the receptionist said 'we should dedicate a room to Chloe'... a room? How about a whole entire wing? I think we've earned it But they are so good there, treat you and your pets with personalised care. And they've done a stellar job with Chloe- it's been worth every cent to have them care for her. I'm looking forward to seeing what they have to offer. They are now doing boarding as well, day/partial day boarding, boarding for the sick and elderly who need meds/special attention, etc.

We have surveillance cameras, so although I don't get a dogs eye view - I know exactly what Sash gets up to... and believe me, it's nowhere near as exciting as one might expect. Basically she just moves from one spot to the other, snoozing, occasionally getting up to give something a lazy woof.. but mainly, just lazing around finding the most comfy spot at the time or following the sun/shade. Surveillance cameras are much more effective at finding out what your dog gets up to... although quite a bit more costly

Or am I the only nerd

LOL - well, both mine are FAR FAR FAR from perfect... which is probably why their smallest achievements get celebrated like they've cured cancer I know everyone here pretty much thinks their dogs are the awesomest ever... but today I feel Sashy is especially so!! What I love most, is that when the penny drops for her and she gets something.... she seems so happy with herself. For her to progress this far (and I'm by no means an experienced trainer), makes me so proud of her. Stand is actually MUCH harder than most people would assume. It's taken WEEKS of me saying 'stand' and her staring blankly at me with intense concentration and tensing up READY to do SOMETHING but not knowing what it was... and today, her first one... and we did our celebratory dance... and then, try again... and the second tentative one... by the third go, she was standing like she'd known all along what I was saying!!! WOOOOO!!! But there were times when I was going to give up on stand, I really thought she was never gonna get it!!!

Very excited to be going to the opening of the new Animal Referral Hospital in Homebush tonight!! It is supposed to be the largest and most sophisticated privately owned specialist hospital in the southern hemisphere!!! As Chloe has been an ongoing patient there for many years – will be interesting to see the technology and resources they will have there (seeing that sometimes I think we have actually funded these new premises to be built single handedly LOL). They provide excellent care for pets, so here’s hoping the new upgraded premises will allow them to provide an even higher level of care. Anyone else going?

I've been teaching Sashy the 'stand' command - which is not quite as easy as it sounds - and today, she did her first, unassisted 'stand' from the sit position!!! Once the penny dropped, she was so chuffed with herself!! She is SO eager to learn new things... lately I've taught her to weave in and out my legs as I walk - and today, her first stand. I think she is just awesome Okay, so it's not rocket science... but I am very proud of her achievements, and love to brag about even the tiniest ones Sigh... OMG... I'm a pageant mum...

I can think of far worse sins to commit than letting your dog sleep on your bed

Thank you so much LabTested

Awww thanks for caring so much guys - that is too sweet We are also really relieved - Sashy is a very special girl. The change in her is phenomenal. Just goes to show what a little bit of patience and effort can do, and that some dogs can be written off way too quickly. From one vet telling me we should have her on 'doggy anti-depressants' and that any treatment she needed who have to be done with one of those poles with the ropes on the end - to a GOOD vet who, with the right approach has been able to handle her without too much of an issue at all. I'm just so glad that it is not the dreaded "c". We will have a lovely Christmas now knowing our big gangly buddy is not sick

Thanks guys - yes Tassie you are right, hopefully she won't need them - but it's a weight off my shoulders to know that she can handle these basic things. We spoke about if the lump needs to be removed, and what we would do - and thankfully the vet is very aware of her issues and discusses options that revolve around not 'setting her back' in her progress - so we are on the same wavelength and it's really comforting. I'm so lucky to have found a vet that has taken the time to understand and work with Sasha. He is not afraid to roll around on the floor with her, give her space and time, or just sit with her until she's ready etc.

Dogs are for LIFE. Research and choose a breed that will be comfortable and happy in your family's lifestyle/environment. Ensure your dog is trained and needs are met so it can be a good member of the community. Understand your dogs needs.

We see the same things in our old girl as well... but she has Cushings disease, which makes it more complicated. For the incontinence, Chloe only has these randomly, and only at night, so we manage it by making sure someone is always up and makes her go out to toilet a couple of times during the night. If not, she is inclined to hold it (whether it be she doesn't want to move because she is older/more tired now, or her arthritis is getting worse) and she usually fails. But if someone gets her up and goes outside while she toilets, she has avoided further 'accidents'. She does have very, very early indications of kidney failure as well (noted on her last blood test) - and this, as well as her Cushings playing up probably contributes to these incontinence episodes. There are so many things it could be - but I also suggest a vet visit. You can pass panting off with the weather/heat sometimes, but if it is something unusual that you have noticed, it could also be a sign that she is in pain, or signs of any number of diseases. I always find that anything you notice that is strange, or unusual/inconsistent behaviour for your dog - needs to be checked out thoroughly. Even if it is nothing but old age, at least you will be able to put your mind at rest and devise a plan that will help control further incontinence episodes, and make her more comfortable etc.

We had our vet visit today to see what Sasha's lump was... he took a little sample from 3 places on the lump, and none showed any mast cells or cancerous cells. So he has diagnosed a histiocytoma - and now we just have to watch it to make sure it doesn't get any bigger, or change colour, or become bothersome. He said it is moveable, it is contained (ie has clear edges), it is on the skin only so he is happy with the diagnosis. We are all so relieved And she was SOOO good, I'm so proud of her. For a dog that wouldn't let a vet get near her, to now being tolerant enough to allow 3 needle aspirations... well... I'm just so proud, shows how far she has come. She wasn't happy, and bless her, her gangly legs were shaking like a leaf, but she sat still - made very little fuss and handled it as best she could. She is an awesome dog. I am so lucky.

I totally understand... I think we have all felt this - not only when with a terminal illness, but when a faithful old friend ages too quickly before our eyes. I feel this everyday with my Chloe. I rejoice everyday she is well, because I know that at almost 13 and with arthritis and Cushings disease - I don't have as long as I'd like. She's been my best friend for 13 years. I have no idea how I'll cope, but I take comfort knowing I have given her the best life I could possibly give, given her the best health care, and loved her more than any dog could ask for. And Newfsie, so should you with Tobias. Feel comfort knowing you are now giving him the life, happiness and love that any dog could need. He sounds like such a special boy to have touched you so. I think Tobias has touched us all a little. Those extra special ones are few and far between, be glad that you get to spend time with such an angel. I wish Tobias many, many more good days. I wish him much happiness and good doggy times in his remaining days ahead. But most of all, I wish all the best for you - who has given this lovely soul his second chance at happiness. I'm sure he will be forever grateful.

When it's raining (unless it's absolutely torrential) - Sash gets her coat on (which she tolerates only because she gets to walk, but reserves the right to sulk the whole way while huffing out the side of her mouth in disgust), and I get my coat and umbrella out, and we walk. I simply don't have the heart to tell her we can't go... and she knows the routine - Mum gets home, washing gets put on, walk time. I feel awfully guilty if I don't walk her. I figure she's been at home all day (grant you I spend an hour of my lunch break with her), and she never makes a fuss, never destroys anything, deals with it beautifully - so the least I can do is give her a nice walk, even if it means I come home a little soggy and muddy. It's the price I pay to see that priceless smile on her face.

They have ponchos for dogs? Or did you buy/modify human ones?

Here is my Sashykins - being Santa's Big Helper Who ate the elf then???

Thanks Erny - will check out the website