Kelly_Louise

I agree - maybe you need to have a word to the vet so that he/she is... well... brutal. Don't hold back, slam them with reality, make them feel they are doing wrong by him, and that they are slowly killing him. My mum is exactly the same with Chloe - however, over time I have convinced her that overfeeding will cut YEARS off Chloe's already complicated life. When I am frustrated or if she complains that Chloe is stiff or sore - I tell her bluntly because she is killing her. She is much better now thank goodness. I also enlisted the help of every single person I, and they, know to say something when they see Chloe. It does start to sink in when you are hit with the same thing over and over again by very different people. I know it's hard... but for the poor old boys sake, you've just gotta keep trying everything you can to get through. Best of luck!

Oh dear... praying he gets past this. You are a wonderful friend to be sitting there spraying his mouth. Here's hoping he can thank you for it some day soon

Also popped in to check on how poor old Reg is doing, I hope he is feeling better today and continues to improve. IG, I can understand how profound that moment is where you are holding such a precious soul in your arms, and you believe that they are dying. But, you pulled him through this far - you did a fabulous job under very trying circumstances - and hopefully when Reg recovers, you will be able to look back and feel such pride on helping this poor old boy - in holding him close at his hour of need when he only had you - I'm sure what you have done for him made more difference than you will ever know. Lots of healing, loving vibes (and sloppy doggy kisses) being sent Reg's way from all of us here.

Oh no... :D Praying that Reg pulls through and there is some good news. Poor old bugger...

Utterly disgusting behaviour on the part of the (very smug) woman. Where is the humanity? No, the dogs aren't blind - but they are very precisely aiding people who CAN NOT SEE - and can't be distracted by an attack or unwarranted behaviour of any kind. I just find it... well, incredulous that someone can be so obtuse. To not even check or ask if the poor man was okay??? WTF??? I hope they find this woman, and that she faces some harsh penalties. The man could have been killed - and I do hope he is able to continue working with his dog and that it has not suffered any ill effects. It would be terribly heartbreaking if after building such a strong and trusting bond with your dog, that it may have to come to an end because of some moron. I also hope he recovers soon, both physically and emotionally. Seems he's been through the wringer with the surgeries and such... didn't need this. All I can say to that 'woman' is... KARMA baby, KARMA. Oh, and to the lovely lady who jumped down and helped the man - :D I do hope good things come your way for being so... well, human. :D

Oh goodness, how awful. You've done a great job, I'm sure I would be in a state of panic if I saw my (or any) dog bleeding in such a way. Can't be good. Best wishes that the grand old boy starts to improve soon, and that he makes it through.

Oh okay. I have never used any kind of check chain or similar in my life on any of my dogs, don't necessarily like them (neither does Sasha) - however, for her safety it is imperative, so we're learning to live with it

There is a newf that walks around the lake near us - and he is certainly one of those lazy, gentle giant kinds. He doesn't walk so much as 'amble' along. He looks like he wouldn't break a trot if his bum was on fire, happy to take life at a leisurely pace But OH so loveable, snuggable, and such a gentlemen. Although he looks much bigger than your newf, and I suspect maybe a bit more 'rotund'.

I have had to use a martingale, or half check, with Sasha, as she has pulled out of every other collar, harness etc. Would this be taken into consideration at those clubs that do not approve of checks? Just wondering, as we do not use it as a corrective tool as such, just a way of making sure she stays safe and can not back out of it and run.

I bet you are. I'm sure after being so close for so long, it will take a while before you're used to life without him. But he'll always live on in your heart and memories - and from what I've read, there are alot of wonderful memories of him throughout your lives together. How lucky for you to have experienced life with such a great friend, and vice versa I do hope that it gets easier for you soon, and his memory puts a smile on your face instead of tears.

Oh really - Cartrophen injections work fantastically for Chloe, can see the effects straight away. However, I have heard they don't work for all dogs. Being inexpensive, it's always worth a shot though, that's if he really starts to stiffen up. With the supplements, they aren't going to fix your boy up erinb - they are just meant to help a little. Chloe's specialist says that it's more beneficial for the owner to feel that they are doing something, and that they haven't been proven to do anything much. However, even if it helps a little, it's worth it. And yes, if you aren't going to give it everyday it probably won't have much effect. Agree with the suggestion of a nice soft bed and making sure he is stays warm and has a warm spot to retreat to.

Oh thank you Pollywaffle, and it's such great news for you. I can't imagine what relief you must feel My only hope that I cling to is that there was once a suggestion that when her divorce went through she was going to sell up and move because their place is MASSIVE and they have very few people who actually live there anymore. I can only hope though... Seeing that they pay people to do absolutely everything though, I can't imagine how size would be an issue... I just hope that we have as much luck and things don't get worse.

People with nothing better to do? I hate people that do that. We also like our privacy The fenceline we are talking about is very long, probably 20-30 metres that they have 'access' to our yard - would this be costly to put the extensions on? What kind of areas did you guys do?

Yes we do own it (well the bank owns some too ). We have thought about putting in extra lattice, especially as their land is a bit higher than ours - however at the moment OH won't budge on that one. I will continue to work on it though!! I actually did call the police at about 1.30am, however they either didn't turn up - or if they did it didn't do much, as they started to get worse. Although, if I'd known the garbage was coming over the fence and told them they might have taken it more seriously. When I rang in the morning, they had no record of my calling or any evidence of whether the police had gone there. The policeman told me there isn't much they could do other than tell them to tone it down - which is quite disappointing. I thought there were laws regarding noise etc after certain times... I thought they could tell people to stop the party (not like it hasn't gone on for long enough or anything) or take it inside where it doesn't disturb others etc... but apparently that's only on the TV shows. They said they couldn't do much unless I was physically threatened. Not sure if that includes whether my dog is threatened or not, however they really just didn't seem to want to care or be involved. They said that it would probably make things worse... so that's as good as the police protection gets. Might make it worse, so let's not worry about it. When they are there being annoying or having a party, she comes inside. Luckily she doesn't pay them too much attention unless they are banging on the fence or gate. When they are having a 'supervised' civilised party, she generally stays in her bed in our garage (which is carpeted, part of the house and is on the opposite side of the house to the neighbours so she feels secure there) and sleeps through it. She doesn't like when the scream or yell loudly though because it scares her. The reason she isn't inside when we aren't there is because of her fears, she is likely to panic and hurt herself if something scares her. She got startled by a loud noise outside once and got tangled in the vertical blinds and almost brought them down on herself And if there was a storm I'd hate to think of how she'd panic. At least if she is outside she can just run around the backyard and not hurt herself on anything. But I wouldn't mind putting a doggy door in the laundry... so at least she has access if she needs. Can you put a doggy door in a glass sliding door? I go home for an hour at lunch time everyday though, and she comes straight inside with me and naps. Yep she is part ridgey, and is happy to snooze the day away. Even when she's inside though, she likes to go back after a while and sleep in the sun on the grass. She's a sun worshipper

I think we all have our own grievances with neighbours... doesn't matter the severity, it's still a frustration for us all. Those that have good neighbours should count their blessings

I would consider using something like Joint Guard, or Sasha's Blend powder. It can help with creaky joints, and I don't think you could overdose them - however the instructions for different dogs are on the packaging (or websites). On maintenance dosage, I give Chloe about 1 teaspoon sprinkled on her food (she weighs about 25kg). Personally, I use Sasha's Blend - and find it to be more palatable for them - but have also used Joint Guard and quite like it. Also, if he gets too stiff - you could consider a course of Cartrophen injections (not very expensive) that could probably last him a full year, or at least get him through the colder months more bareably. I would also tone down any higher impact exercise, rough play etc. Slower/shorter/more frequents walks - Chloe also gets tired after a while, so we've shortened her walks and give her plenty of rest breaks during them if she needs. Also, try to avoid walking him on harder surfaces. I imagine he's just starting to show signs of his age, happens to the best of them sadly... but if he's still eager to walk and exercise then that's a good sign

No they're not renting - they own their own home - they are just spoilt little rich kids with no manners, no consideration, no respect - and think they are the only people that matter and can do as they please. I should also add, they apparently can not handle their alcohol either... Maybe because their Daddy doesn't live with them they think it gives them the right to do as they please... I'm not sure. But I wish he did so that he could pull their spoilt a$$es into line. Majority of the time they are bareable... JUST... but I can tolerate it. It's when their mother isn't there that chaos breaks loose, the hordes arrive, and they get the courage to act up in numbers. And I might add, these kids are actually classed as adults now (most of them 18+ years old) - but just have no idea how to behave like responsible adults. They obviously need supervision - otherwise they just become out of control ferals. I have thought about baits being thrown over, or even something that will make her sick... hence the need for cameras. I don't like having to do it, but will do what I have to do to protect my fur baby and family. They do have a dog of their own which is very much loved - so I don't think that they would resort to that... the other people they entertain there, well I can't say. I'm still debating whether to go and speak to their mother and show her what happened - in a rational manner, my intense anger has now subsided so I'm not going to go and rip into them. OH says not to, however, I need to do something. I'd also like to give them the courtesy of knowing that the cameras are going up - even if it's just so they pull their heads in. After a few other incidents last year, things were going really well. They were annoying, but not harmful. However, with this latest party and the utter grottiness - I think we've hit rock bottom. Thanks for your thoughts and support guys. I appreciate it, helps me know I'm not over-reacting or being irrational.

Oh I'm so, so very sorry. Rest in peace Buddy. At least he is now not suffering nor in any pain. Hugs to you and your family. How awful.

Yes unfortunately there seems to be a healthy supply of bad neighbours around... and I too feel I have no other choice. I'm so glad in times like these that Chloe lives with mum... it would just be too much for her here. Even though she has problems with her own neighbour. It's hard for Sasha... she is still learning not to be afraid etc, and it doesn't help with these people carrying on like they do. My sister in law also just had to do the same thing. They're everywhere. They should make idiot free zones in each neighbourhood.

Ohhh, sounds nasty, complicated - and well, it sounds kind of vague (on the part of the vets). But I guess if it is so rare there would be no protocols etc. I do hope you get each of his problem sorted out. Poor little Charlie.

Yes, it's just plain grotty isn't it... Even if it's just a deterence I'll be happy. To live in peace and quiet is just a dream right now.

Thank you for your thoughts... I've just been pushed a little too far this time, and want to make sure my fur babies and any nieces/nephews that visit don't have to come into contact with things such as used condoms flung over the fence, having alcohol cans thrown at the house and over the fence, have lit cigarettes flicked over - apart from them tormenting Sasha etc. It's just not on anymore - and the police don't feel they can do much right now It will all be over when I win lotto and can buy a property far, far away from any neighbours

Yeah, just wanted you to know that I understand totally how you feel... I've seen many of your posts on Charlie and know that he would get nothing but the best care. I do hope it all turns out well and Charlie can be on the mend soon. What is the problem he has with his back?

But if it detered them from screaming like banshees near the fenceline then that's also not a bad thing

Spot on Aziah, thank you, beat me to it