Kelly_Louise

I had to laugh at this... This thread has made me teary, but that certainly lightened the mood. They may get older, but they don't get any less cheeky do they?

YES! Chloe is a licker! It's one of her loves in life.... but she really only compulsively licks my mum and dad. She LOVES to lick their arms and legs and will try her best. Once seated, she considers them fair licking game. She will even use her nose to nudge pants or long shorts out the way. And if you have an injury or wound of ANY kind, she will try to lick that... we call her Nurse Chloe, she will try to quickly attend to scabs,cuts,grazes and has been known to pull off bandaids to try to get to them... But we love her

We also live by the saying: old dog = no rules!! Chloe has very few these days. She is expected to behave in public, but at home... not really. If she doesn't want to sit, she doesn't sit. If she doesn't want a brush, she doesn't get brushed. But do we get emotional? Extremely. Chloe is 13yo, has Cushings disease and pretty bad arthritis. I know her time with us is more limited now. Her hearing is shot, and her lovely face is white. It breaks my heart. But, she gets alot more attention now. People fuss over her, tell her what a lovely oldie she is. ;) I wonder what the hell I will do without my best friend of 13 years... but I absolutely adore her, and feel honoured that she has been able to stay with us as long as she has. I still get a tear every time I think about 'time' though... I wonder every year now if she will still be with us come Christmas. I love the grey faces though, they are so much more special.

I totally agree! Hope they dont spoil his day too much! Happy birthday Grumpy! What a fabulous looking boy for 15yo WOOOOO!! ;)

I would imagine that they would be affected, yes. Personally, I would wait. Or get an older dog that is okay on it's own during the day. That's what we did, we got an older (2.5yo) dog that was used to and quite happy to be left alone during the day. In saying that, we only work 2 mins from home and I come home for an hour at lunch everyday. Some dogs can take it, some can't. I would think it would impact a puppy harder to get used to a certain way of life, and then all of a sudden be spending alot of time on their own. Sounds like a recipe for disaster!!! ;)

RIP lovelies - hope you remember nothing but the good times at rainbow bridge. I can't imagine the horror felt by everyone - the dogs, the owners, the witnesses etc. And I don't think I want to.

DOL has helped me become the best pet owner I can be - and I'm always learning ways that I can improve. Has guided and supported me through cruciate surgeries and Cushings disease, eye infections and behavioural issues... DOL also ignited my passion to adopt a dog and find out more about rescue. I've also made some good friends on DOL, some of whom I count as my closest personal friends. We've ridden highs and lows with people we barely know, we've cried with them, laughed with them, rejoiced with them, sympathised with them. We've read about the best and worst of human behaviour towards animals - and inspired us to want to do something about it. I've also had many people ride those highs and lows with my own problems, given suggestion or just cared - and that has been invaluable. All this amongst people who get that I am passionate about my dogs, and understand me. So yes, DOL has been a Dog-send. It's hasn't just made me a better dog owner, it's also helped make me a better person.

I love the first two pics of a man with his dog. Looks like they have a fabulous bond. Sapper looks like one very happy dog, and the original post said that he was to provide companionship to a returning soldier who'd done it tough - and it looks like he's achieved that purpose

Sash has just recovered from a bout of yellow 'booger eye' - as it wasn't too bad I washed it 3 times a day with warm mildly salty water. We did end up getting a cream to, and it cleared up nicely - but I think the regular washing out really helped too. I must get that sterile saline solution from the chemist... I didn't know they sold it.

My Sashy gets to a certain part of a street, and refuses to walk down the footpath any further. I always have to cross the road and she is more than happy to walk on the other side of the road. So I cross, walk for 10 metres then have to cross back to get to the park People must think I'm strange. For other people she doesn't always do that though... Sometimes, but not always. I think it's because she has been startled a few times by the little dogs in there barking at her, or because when she ran away that's the way OH dragged her home (and she knew she was in trouble). I don't know... but try something different. Driving and then walking is a good idea. I'm sure she will get past it in time. Having you fall over and cry may have really upset her and she doesn't want to repeat that. Build up her confidence again, let her see it's not going to happen every time you walk and hopefully she will be all good. :D

Wow... 17 years old... what a wonderful life And really, what more could a dog ask for? I'm so sorry that you have to let your beloved furry go - it's always such a hard decision to make, big hugs from all of us. I hope that your old girl passes happily and peacefully, surrounded by those she has loved the most.

Oh wow I LOVE that rearing horse Wouldn't love the price tag though I'm sure... They are awesome though

Yes I thought I should, otherwise it sounded fairly ominous... Thanks guys, it's with support from people like yourselves that we have been able to get through it all - with knowledge and just general emotional support. It's always greatly appreciated.

I have problems with Sasha when it's darker. She baulks at shapes/bushes/trees/people/sudden movements/noises etc that in normal daylight she shows no concern over - I'm assuming because at first she can't make out the shape quickly to see what it is? She also shows more fear when walking on the path alongside a road at night with the cars/headlights coming past. I don't know why, but it doesn't happen all the time so I've never paid too much attention to it. She has mostly grown out of it too over time. I used to not react to it at all, and if she baulked I would just keep walking determinedly and say 'come'. She also now has a fear of heavy drops of rain. It all started when we had a few storms in a row, she started to associate the loud drops of rain with the beginning of the storm. So now, at any time of day or night, she will panick when loud drops of rain or heavy rain falls. If it's constant light/medium drizzle - no issues. Anything else and I have to bring her inside otherwise she's clawing at the door. Perhaps your girl has also started to associate something not pleasant with storms as well? It doesn't take much, could be something blowing over and scaring her or something. Do something fun when there is a storm - play a game, do some training, give her a massage and try to go about your day as if nothing is happening. Sasha is getting better, but will never be okay in storms. But in saying that, Sasha has always been a nervous/cautious dog - so to me it's kind of expected.

I know that Chloe's health issues have been long and drawn out and we've had some marvellous support and sympathetic ears along the way. She will be 13 years old soon. I always said I would be happy if we could get her to 13 years old. Well, we did. Now - who knows... maybe 15? Chloe is still in her Cushings disease remission - and not as yet showing any obvious signs to us that this will change or she will need to go back on meds. It could change quickly as we've found with Cushings, but she's gone over 2 months with no medication and is a happy and energetic girl. She has the odd bad day - particularly with her legs. The arthritis from 2 knee ops is catching up with her (seems to be worse in summer than winter), but still, she gets around very well, demands a walk every day (to visit her doggy friends) and only had pain meds rarely. To anyone who didn't know, you would never suspect she was 13 years old. She bounces like a puppy... well, as much as her poor old legs will allow her to, but she gives it a good go. We have been so fortunate with her. She has not been a well dog since she was 8 years old, but is happier and healthier and more mobile than alot of dogs her age. I like to think it's the excellent care she's received from her dedicated specialists, from my family (particularly Mum) who has cared for her through the many tough times, the many recommendations/care and support I have received from this site, along with other Cushings websites - and I suppose I can take some credit too, I've 'managed' her illnesses/recovery/medications/symptoms etc for so long, I barely remember what it was like when she was just an average Joe dog (if Chloe could ever be classed as that - the special girl she is). So anyway, just wanted to report a 'good' health topic... and hope to report many more. GO CHLOE GO!!!

I love love love the apple scented Episoothe - smells divine

She is loverly!!!!

I voted number 4.... I have dogs on either side of us that do not get walked. Sure, they seem happy - but one is terribly overweight and has a weird personality simply from not having exposure to 'other' things/people and no training to walk on lead (she pulls on lead, so no one bothers with her, it's all too hard) - and the other one would really love regular walks I think, she is always crying at the fence. She is treated well, but being in the same place, day in, day out, with a bit of stimulation every now and then can't be good. My sisters dog only gets walked once or twice a week at the least, but even that is sufficient to get a dog out of it's home and see the outside world and all it contains. I think if you live on property though, it's a different story - I don't think they need to get 'walked' everyday when there is space to roam around in. I'm talking about your average suburban dog in your average suburban backyard.

Perhaps he was framed? No sign of the brown monster... If this wet weather keeps up, I think Santa might have to make a second trip here with a kennel on stilts. LOL - that pic IS rather funny!! And the oh so innocent face... Lately I've done major surgery on 2 of Sasha's toys (not new ones). The giraffe looks scarily like Frankenstein now, and had it's guts pulled up through it's head to make another ear I must take a photo of it!! Staranais, I wish he'd left some agility equipment for us!!! How lucky!!!! Elsha, you're older boy - pictured on your hubby's lap for a cuddle, looks like the cat that got the cream... looks like a fantastic Christmas was had by all at your house!!

I like Baileys style... that's what Sash would do too! That pool looks like it will be thoroughly enjoyed More spoilt pooches - yaay!!

I'd lay there patiently too for someone to carve up that meat for me... why put in effort when someone will carve it for you??? :D It's like the difference between a meal you've slaved away on, or getting home delivery... Yaay for harley's crew too - they must have been good dogs all year too for Santa Dog to stop at your place Well, good most of the year maybe? LOL.

Lucky Billie - seems Christmas is very overwhelming for doggies... Sash has crashed and i don't think even a marching band could wake her, and Chloe - who usually whines at the door all through lunch cause she's not part of the action, slept out in the shade right through lunch. Bless her. I pray she's still with us next Christmas. :D

Orbit could still be going on that baby this time next year :D But I don't think Sash would part with her toy poo for that bone though... she really loves that turd... Chloe however, would trade every toy she owned for a bone that big!!! Although, someone would have to sit with her, she refuses to eat any bone without an audience... Funny old bugger, maybe she just likes the company - who likes to eat alone? On a side note stormie, Sasha's histiocytoma is almost gone ;) It's still pink and a tiny bit raised, but it just seems to be vanishing... good news!!

OMG - Orbit didn't have a visit from Santa, he's in HEAVEN!!! What most dogs wouldn't give to be Orbit today with that chunka meat! That is MASSIVE!!! Jess, love your pic... sounds like your crew have had a wonderful day also Lovely to see so many spoilt pooches! After a trip to Grandma and Pa's house, both dogs got more pressies, and their favourite new toy has been their toy Poo from my sister. It's just a little squeaky turd toy, and both of them LOVE theirs. Sasha has carted it around everywhere with her since receiving it LOL.

And here is Chloe's turn - she is much better at opening presents than Sash, but she has had much more practice too!!! Lots of yummy treats and toys!!! Looks like both my girls have been good this year