For Doggy Lovers!

[GoldenLady]

DG, it sounds like you have the perfect set-up there, what with all the property you have, and the fact that you're still so close to a good training centre. Sounds like you have the best of both worlds. It's really nice that Kimba's breeder is so involved in Schutzhund; I imagine her breeders keep that in mind when choosing their breeding stock, which is good news for you. Plus of course the help and support you'll get from them when you train will be invaluable.

Hey, how did her training session go today?? I'd love to hear about it.

I'm sorry to hear things didn't work out with the other Shepherd.... It must have been tough for you, but at the same time I can see that you really had no choice. It's nice that you got to know a good trainer through your experiences, though.

BTW, Dobiesk8r, I love the name Liesl too.

 

[RealtorGal]

If you would like to see my first ever dog, look to your left and meet MADELYN, my 18-month-old pug. We adopted her last month and are absolutely in love with her!

 

[Piel]

Madelyn is so cute!!! I'm so happy for you. Rgal, Mr. Rgal,
Rgal Jr., and now Rffgal!

Piel

 

[JOHIO2]

Piel, I adore Papillons. PC, pshaw. They are soooo adorable. They are also very personable and intelligent. They always talk about having to give shepherds a job or they'll make one up (and probably drive you nuts with their choice), but Papillons need to learn a job. Tricks!!! Agility. Fly ball!?! (OK, a SMALL ball!)

Show 42, good thoughts for you doggie. After the dental work is successfully completed (good thoughts), her health should be improved. She'll feel alot better.

I don't have any dogs at this time. My 18 1/2 year old cat deserves to be an only pet at this time of her life. She's lived with dogs -- a shepherd mix and a Golden -- but she is old.

In the past I've had various shepherd mixes and hounds. The most unique dog I ever had was a Schnauser-Dachshund mix (He was into purebred Schnausers. She bred Dachsies. My dog was from an Ooops litter.) He was built like a Dachsie but was taller with more heft. His most noticible trait was the absence of a tail. We named him Mr. Stubbs, but he answered to Stubby, Yubby and almost anything. He was a great dog who lived to be 16.

 

[Piel]

Jo, I have been trying to find a Papillonfor over two years now. There is a breeder about 60 miles from here who has me on her waiting list. I think that it may be easier to adopt a child than buy a puppy. I've done my research and that seems to be the best choice for me. I feel like since I couldn't have children and I haven't had a pet of my own since grade school that I shouldn't feel bad about not adopting from the animal shelter. I have talked to some people though who have gotten really angry with me for being TOO picky. One of the pet stores here has had several but because of the puppy mill thing I won't buy one from them though I must admit I have looked longingly at a few of them

My brother and sister in law have a Dachshund named Layla...she has narcolepsy...they also have three little boys ages 5,4, and 2which may explain the dog's problem,LOL...and they are all coming to visit next weekend.


Piel

 

[Doggygirl]

Wow...

....lot's to catch up on this morning on the doggy side of figure skating fan-dom.

Hi Guinevere! Bella sounds like such a cool dog. It's nice that you are able to bring her to work with you much of the time. What kind of work do you do? I work for a very big computer distribution company, but am spoiled rotten from 5-years of being able to work from a home office. I live in the Chicago area (their HQ locations are far, far away) and I handle a big account here locally for the company. So on the days I'm working from home, I also have a floor full of dogs! I hope you are able to nip the separation anxiety in the bud. Have you tried reserving a very special toy or rawhide bone that he ONLY gets when you leave him alone? That's one technique I've heard about, although I haven't had to deal with that particular issue personally.

GoldenLady, it was sad to admit failure with a dog. It took hubby and I quite awhile to come to grips with the fact that sometimes there are problems you just can't fix no matter how hard you try. We should have done A LOT more research about German Shepherds before we decided to get one. Sort of to Piel's point about the whole puppy mill problem, it seems there is tons of irresponsible breeding going on with Shepherds. So...odds are high to begin with that you can get one with the wrong temperament, etc. (not to mention the hip problems and all that) but combine that with an abusive upbringing and there you have it.

Kimba actually came from Germany. LOL, she came in the best cargo hold in the world - her mother's womb. This breeder has obtained many of their dogs from Germany and they had just brought her over. She is SCH2 and the stud is SCH3 - both "highly recommended" for breeding. (I'm just learning all these SCH designations). So they definitely have an interest in her and were glad to be able to place her locally. I think that will be a plus as we work through puppydom.

Piel, I'm with you 100% on the pet store / puppy mill thing. Obivously you've put a lot of thought into the kind of dog you want, so I say it's worth the wait from a good breeder. There is a place for adopting shelter dogs, but that's not for everyone. Ignore the people who advocate for that as the ONLY way to go. That's just not right. I hope your name comes up soon on the wait list!

RealtorGal - Madelyn is so COOL!!! Can't wait until I've posted enough to get that sort of avatar going.

JOHI02, I can certainly understand why you don't want to introduce new dogs to your senior cat. Mr. Stubbs sounds like he was a cool dog! And cute too. Our neighbor has a little long haired dachshund named Max. He runs the fence line with our big dogs making just as much racket as they do. They sure have fun!

GoldenLady, the Schutzhund training was canceled this weekend. They've been cancelling a lot since Thanksgiving - I'm sure it's because everyone is so busy with family stuff and what not for the holidays. I suspect we won't really get going at this point until after the first, but that's not too far away.

Our cable is out right now which stinks with all the ice skating on today. AAAGGGHHH!! Hope it comes back to life soon.

DG

 

[Rachael]

I just got word my aunt got a yorkie-poodle. I can't wait to see it on Christmas Eve.

 

[Spark]

To those who've mentioned dental problems in dogs: at what age can they start? I've got a two-year-old dog. Should I be brushing her teeth? My breeder told me it isn't necessary, but I'm
noticing that I don't enjoy her licking me in the face the way I used to.

A yorkie-poodle pup? That must be adorable. I wish someone I know would get a puppy. Or that I could raise another one.

We used to have a cat up until about two months ago, when he ran away. I wasn't very attached to him, but my mother and brother were pretty upset about it. I keep wondering if we could get another dog sometime, to keep my dog company. She's got a lot of energy, so she could use another dog to play with. I don't think we will anytime soon though.

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi There!

Rachael, a "yorkie poodle" sounds adoreable! Man I wish we could post pics!

Spark - Your breeder most likely gave you the correct advice since they know the breed so well. I've never had teeth cleaning issues in a dog that young. Some breed (i.e. Greyhounds!) are more prone to requiring teeth cleaning, and older dogs sometimes require it. LOL, I think bad breath just comes with dogs. Your vet is your best resource. When you go in for your next annual shots, just ask!

My hubby surprised me last night for Christmas with a Pair-o-keets! (my made up word for two parakeets) We have babysat a friend of our's parakeets several times when they go on vacation. I have always enjoyed the soft cooing and chirping and chatting that they do. So we now have Goober (the green one) and Booger (the blue one) added to the animal kingdom here. (yes, we're silly with our names. We also have a little fish named Jaws which I haven't mentioned. So now I guess I'll have to change my name to doggyfishybirdygirl!

Have a great day all and enjoy your pets!

DG

 

[show 42]

RGal........the only picture I saw when I looked to my left was the picture of "Bossy"..........:\ (Now I see her.......what a cutie)

Anyway, we took Chelsea in this morning for her dental and gum cleaning. She's got a tooth they will be paying close attention to....might have to pull it........yikes, I didn't plan on this....

As to cleaning an adult dog's teeth, it was mentioned that we should start cleaning them after her gums heal from surgery. I think I will have it professionally done, though. Chelsea's a sweetie and hasn't ever bitten anyone, but you never know.....

We're to pick her up at about 4 o'clock, PST.........I'll let you all know how she did.............42

 

[show 42]

Back from the vet! Chelsea's fine but a bit groggy. They did have to pull a tooth, so she's on pain meds and an antibiotic.....glad that's over (and I'm sure Chelsea is too)...........42

 

[RealtorGal]

Poor little thing! Glad to hear she's fine.

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi 42!

Glad to hear Chelsea (and the humans) got through the ordeal! Since that tooth needed to come out, I bet she will feel like a puppy again once she's healed up. I'm glad things went without a hitch!

Have a happy holiday!

DG

 

[Pookie]

We have a 10 year old Lhasa Apso named Gabby. She is sweet but not the easiest dog to get along with. She hates baths, brushing, haircuts. All those things a Lhasa needs. I took her to a groomer for the first time a couple of months ago. It was the best money I ever spent although I paced the floor until she was done. I wasn't sure how upset she was going to be. She does like to cuddle.

We also have a 9 year old 75 lb. mix of something named Katy Wompus. ( She runs crooked, like something is catywompus). We know she has some Lab in her. We adopted her from the Humane Society. She has a lot of personality and is very sweet. But a little large for a house dog. My husband wanted a big dog for himself rather than a white fluffy pooch.

I love my pets but I'm not sure I will have anymore after them. Having a dog is a lot like raising children. I'm not sure I want to start over again. My kids are just sure I am wrong and I will have to have another.

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi Pookie!

Gabby is a great name, but I LOVE Katy Wompus!!!! How cute. I would not do well with a dog that required lots of grooming. So I admire your courage on that front!! Hubby and I agreed that we will NEVER have a longer haired dog here. We have sort of a pond that is really more of a mud pit. We need to decide whether to fix it so it retains / drains water properly (it was man made many years ago) or drain it and get rid of it. In the mean time, it is a FAVORITE play spot for the dogs. Short hair is bad enough!

NAW - 75 pounds is a perfect size for a house dog! You need a couple more!!!

Our Greyhound is 75, the mutt is 65, the Beagle is 39 (big beagle) and the baby will probably be at least 75 when she's all grown up.

Goober and Booger the Pair-O-Keets are doing well today. They are being very chatty this morning so I hope that means they are adjusting to their new home.

Have a great pet day!

DG

 

[Pookie]

DoggyGirl, I see you have a German Shepherd puppy. My husband had a German Shepherd when we got married. That dog was so loyal to him. Buster died about 10 years ago, when he was about 16, I think. My husband still misses him greatly. He calls him "The Immortal One". I don't think he could ever have a pet that could take his place.
May yours grow to be as loyal and loving as Buster was to him.

I am curious about Welsh Corgi's. They are so cute. Does anyone have any experience with one?

 

[Doggygirl]

Hi Pookie!

That is such a great story about your husband and Buster. I tend to be a big time "any dog" person - I can love them all equally. Although my husband does love all of our dogs, he really loves to have his very special dog (he treats all of them well though). My first dog in adult life was Caesar. He was a chow / shepherd mix. He was a great dog, and a great friend to me. But when I met my husband, they TOTALLY bonded with each other much like you describe with your husband and Buster. Caesar passed away just over 3 years ago, and I don't think that hole in my husband's heart has been completely filled. He REALLY wanted a Shepherd, so I truly hope that Kimba fills the rest of that hole for him. It's looking good so far!

Best wishes with your search for info on Welsh Corgi's. All I know about them is what you already know - they sure are cute!!

DG

 

[Hermione_Granger]

We adopted two cocker spaniels in May (a boy and girl) and they are absolutely adorable ! We let their fur grow out for the winter months and they are really fluffy. My dad calls them "Mr. Puff-puff" and "Mrs. Puff-puff." Those aren't their real names, though.
Unfortunately we just found out this month that the boy has a liver disease and arthritis in both hips. The vet gave us some meds for the liver disease and we're hoping he'll get well enough so he can give us some medication for his arthritis.

--Hermione

 

[Doggygirl]

Merry Christmas Doggy lovers!

Hermione, Cocker Spaniels really are cute. LOL on your Dad's names for them! I hope you can resolve the health problems with Mr. Puff Puff. That must be really heart breaking. Let us know how it goes, OK?

The biggest joy on Christmas morning is "refreshing" all the dog toys. So I'm just here goofing off until my husband gets up so we can let the games begin under the tree!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas day.

DG

 

[Hermione_Granger]

Doggygirl,

We heading back to the vets next week and we should find out then if the medication is working. Let's hope.

--Hermione