Carolk9s

Jesse has always been good about not chewing stuff. Brittany more than made up for his lack of hooliganism. I came home for lunch one day to find what looked like a paper snowstorm in my living room. She had destroyed books, magazines, newspaper, a sewing kit, broken a large glass ashtray and I can't remeber what else. My remote for my vcr has teeth marks on it but it survived. She also ripped an electrical faceplate right off the wall and chewed into tiny bits. One evening, getting ready for bed, I went searching for my alarm clock. Finally I took a flashlight outside, there it was, never to wake me again. I stupidly once left a 40lb bag of dirt in the house, why I don't know. Came home to a hazy, filthy mess, all over the carpet, furniture, walls, etc. Took me awhile to clean that up. Candy probably helped her big 'sister' out on that one.

Good for Goo and you and your friend! Just this morning, Candy flushed a bird in the back yard, it probably has a nest because it went into the broken wing act. As soon as Brittany saw it, she started to pounce. I had to yell quite harshly at her, finally the bird hopped across the grass and went under the fence. It might have even been injured, Brittany got QUITE close to it.

I am SO with you. I like to get up at 6am and take the dogs out. Its cooler and there are usually no other dogs at the park. The girls can handle other dogs but Jesse is getting rather frail, though he does not think so, and I worry about him getting knocked over. Just a little bump from an exuberant dog can send him down. He also cannot take the heat or humidity, unfortunately, it is now fairly humid very early in the day so I may have to curtail his visits even more.

I decided to take Candy to the Richmond SPCA's Agility Fun Nights starting last Thursday. I have been getting concerned about our inconsistancy of late on the agility field. It was suggested to me that perhaps she was burnt out and needed a total break from it. In our recent trials, she has either been terribly slow and lacked focus or over the top fast and out of control. The SPCA has a very large indoor room with agility equipment, Candy has always been happy to play indoors at All Dog Playskool so I decided to test the waters. Well, she is having a blast! Our first night there, only two others dogs were present, one barked at her but she ignored him for the most part. I kept her well away so there would be no need for her to feel defensive. This past Thursday, SEVERAL additional people came with many, many more dogs. Some of the dogs barked quite heartily throughout the session. Luckily, the room is big enough we did not have to stay too close to the barkers. Candy was happy, relaxed, quite willing to run the course with me and even dragged ME towards the obstacles when I had her on leash. We ran the course 3 times, improving our performance each time. For our first run, I just took a 1 obstacle lead out, worked fine. For our second run, I decided to try a 3 obstacle lead out, one thing I have always worked for is a solid wait at the start line and she did it perfectly, no stress and quick response when I called her to start. I decided to run with her from the start in the 3rd run, knowing I might have a chance to keep up with her now that we had already run twice. Worked great. My girlie does not like to run outside when it is warm, that is my conclusion. She LOVES running indoors with the A/C on. I take a large amount of treats with me and am working on diverting her attention and asking her to focus on me when the dogs are barking all around her, it is working well. As we were leaving Thursday, one dog lunged at her barking, she responded (briefly) in kind, I quickly got her attention with a treat and praised her for looking at me and moved on. I am thrilled to see her enjoying agility with me, seeing her relaxed and happy and staying focused. I was not ready to give up on her, I am committed to solving our issues. The SPCA program will run throughout the summer, I plan on going each Thursday night. I am hoping this positive experience will carry over when we enter trials in September. I am also strongly hoping for cool, cloudy weather! 8)

Just be aware that beef bouillon cubes or granules carry a high sodium content, 1 teaspoon of the granules I have here contain 870mg of sodium. Depending on how much water you dissolve the bouillon in, your dog might get a little sodium or a lot. I prefer to dilute any bouillon with a large amount of water. Another idea, if you cook a roast with some water, add a little extra, then use that and dilute it with more water. Dog still gets that beefy flavor without the added sodium. Of course dogs, like people, need SOME salt/sodium in their diets but I don't wish to add a lot of sodium. I also boil chicken breasts in a lot of water then save and freeze that water in cubes. Dogs love it!

Dear dog, how much time does he spend confined to that crate on the fire escape? Sounds terrible! At the MINIMUM, he needs complete shade and a constant, reliable source of water. Only if he was put there for a very short time so owner could vacuum indoors would I agree with this, I doubt this is the case! I agree, sounds abusise to me, any animal protection group in your area you can talk to about this?

I know that I would have no problem if a well bred, well socialized, well trained and securely confined pit bull lived next to me. I would have a serious problem with a pit bull that had been bred and trained to fight/kill other dogs that lived next to me. In suburbia, it is all but inevitable that your dog will at some point come into contact with other dogs in the neighborhood, whether through a fence or out walking on a leash or someones dog, even your own, sneaks out for a stroll on their own. Certainly ANY breed or mix can pick a fight, I still would not want to live near any dog that was TRAINED to fight and not relent even if the other dog cried uncle.

While I DO agree that uneducated statements regarding any breed of dog are wrong, I have to say, until I have walked in their shoes, day after day, and seen what they see daily, I find it hard to too judge them too harshly. The animal control agents are enforcing the existing laws in their county, they may agree with the laws, or they may not. They have a job to do, a horrendous job in most cases. I don't think I could stomach the abuse, neglect, and cruelty they witness time after time after time. I see how much some of them care and hurt when they see especially horrific abuse and neglect cases. I see their anger at the mistreatment of helpless animals. No, they are not all saints, no they are not always correct, but education is the key. In another thread, I spoke of how the pit bull has an 'image problem'. The image THEY see time after time may be far different what what we see. There are reasons that many see the pit bull as a potentially vicious dog, it's the image that has been created and continues to build as more pit bulls are used for dog fighting, more pit bulls are used to guard crack houses, and of course the media plays a role, sensationalizing attacks by dogs that either are pit bulls or are labeled as such. Calm, deliberate education is critical. However, since one cannot snap ones fingers and do away with the thugs who fight dogs, use their dogs to guard their drug houses, or those who breed unstable dogs which may at some point attack a person, there is a huge uphill battle for those who love the breed and want to see it given it's due.

[quote name='mouseatthebusstop']loverly -- but I think I might be old already[/quote] Right behind ya mouse!

From another list [color=indigo][size=6]When I Am Old I shall wear Turquoise and soft gray sweatshirts... and a bandana over my silver hair... and I shall spend my Social Security Checks on Sweet Wine and My Dogs... and sit in my house on my well-worn chair, and listen to my dog's breathing. I will sneak out in the middle of a warm Summer night and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow... and when people come to call, I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs... and talk of them and about them... The Ones so Beloved of the Past and the Ones so Beloved of Today.... I still will work hard cleaning after them and mopping and feeding them and whispering their names in a soft, loving way. I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat like a jewel, and I will be an embarrassment to all... and my family... who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your Best Friends.... These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall... and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you as if you are a God. With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will stay and hug their big, strong necks... and kiss their dear sweet heads... and whisper to them of your love and the beautiful pleasure of their very special company.... I look in the Mirror... and see I am getting old.... this is the kind of woman I am... and have always been. Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me, accept me for who I am, my dogs appreciate my presence in their lives... when I am old this will be important to me... you will understand when you are old.... and if you have dogs to love too. Author Unknown[/size][/color]

What a wonderful idea, great thread! I'm sure I'll think of more, but the first that came to mind is this. Some years ago, I took Jesse to a dog show just so I could see his breeder and she could see him. Just a social visit if you will. While he was being petted by her, he managed to stick his head through the strap of her purse, it was hanging from her arm. He proceeded to come back to me, her purse nicely draped around his neck. It was funny AND a bit embarrassing, she said, "I see your momma has taught you to steal!" He sure did seem proud of himself! Oh, another funny little moment, also involving Jesse. Running an agility course, we NQ'd right at the first obstacle as a bar dropped. So we're running REALLY for fun. Near the end, sent Jesse to the weave poles, he got this big ole Belgian grin on his face, ran over, snatched up the number marker from the ground and proudly presented it to the judge. She graciously took it from him while laughing, I think she had to compose herself before judging the next dog. I'll keep thinking on this one, I'm sure each of my dogs have embarrassed me at least once!

Oh Courtnek, I am worried, hearing about the insulin reactions you've had, it does sound too suspect. Did you talk to the dr. regarding the peppermint getting on your skin? The extract I use, made by Sauer's, contains Alcohol (84%), oil of peppermint, & tincture of peppermint. You are right, if ANY link is even suspected or possible, a warning needs to be added to this remedy.

Well, Jesse is a big, black, hairy, wolfie looking dog, I've had kids come right up to him and hug him, pat his face, kiss him, etc. Some adults have retreated a bit but as he ignores most people, no one has run in terror yet. Many years ago, in Petsmart, a tiny little boy came up to Jesse, I swear I just turned my head for a second, and wrapped his arms around Jesse's neck. The boy was not even as tall as Jesse. The boy's father was about 15 feet away running his mouth. I said a quick silent thank you to Jesse's breeder for selecting for temperament. Jesse never flinched or reacted, just gazed at me ignoring the kid.

[quote name='Dee']Awesome pics, everyone! :D I'm not sure what look Kato's going for here: [img]http://www.itsmydog.com/dee/images/Patriotic_Pitsycloned2__2_.jpg[/img] Dee[/quote] Biker DUDE!

I'm reminded of a comic I saw many years ago, might have been Grimm but I'm not sure. Dog is the car, yelling out the window to the dog that lives next door to it. "Haha, I get to go in the car and you don't! I am going to the vet to be TUTUORED! Haha!' Ok, not exactly word for word but it cracked me up.

If you want to give your dog aspirin, I would suggest looking for Ascripton, it is aspirin buffered with Maalox, should be a bit easier and safer for his stomach. ANY drug may have side affects, I have heard some good things about Deramax but bloodwork is essential if using ANY anti-inflamatory (other drugs as well). Some dogs can get along quite well on 2 Deramax a week once the initial problem has been calmed. I just had a blood chemistry panel run on Jesse as he has been using the Etogesic for about 6 months, glad to find out that all levels are well within normal. I had recently stopped giving Jesse the Etogesic, on the advice of his chiro vet, after about a week, I noticed him stumbling more frequently and knuckling over on his right rear. She had told me to watch him for signs of problems and if seen, put him back on it. Started the Etogesic back up at 1/2 dose (originally he was on 300mg a day), within 2 days, he appeared far more stable and I have not seen any knuckling over.

My Brittany has light colored, yellow/gray eyes. At the dog park once, I was asked if she was blind, just about the time she tore out after Candy for a game of chase me! The question that literally left me speechless, 'Are Jesse and Brittany brother and sister'? I guess the following was not REALLY stupid, I was at the park, lots of dogs racing around having fun, I put Jesse on leash as we approached. One lady, backed away a bit and asked if he was vicious and was that why he was on leash. This is while he is standing there waving his tail and sniffing noses with another dog. I explained it was for HIS protection as he is old and tends to get knocked over amongst dogs in high spirits.

[quote name='courtnek']OMD!! HOW LONG DOES THE PEPPERMINT LAST? I'm thinking its definitely a stimulant..and she's over stimulated. Maybe a little less extract next time....she is following Kyle around, leaping in my lap. walked right up to him many times out in the kitchen. MUCH more outgoing towards him.waggin her tail gung ho...this is amazing. I've n ever seen her this outgoing...she's HYPER!! the real test will be when his friends come over. that's where the real fear has always been....I think I need to use a LOT less extract on her feet.... :o :o :o :o :o[/quote] Stand back, the true Laurel is starting to emerge! 8) Did you soak her pads in the peppermint? :D Just doing her front is fine, perhaps try just doing one paw next time. You could even experiment and try the peppermint without the melatonin or the melatonin by itself. I 'think' I am seeing another benefit of using the combined therapy on my dogs. Seems like they are starting to react LESS to an incoming storm even if it catches me offguard and I have not applied the extract or given the melatonin. Minor storms only, a biggie still cranks Jesse up. Perhaps the therapy helped them break through a previous 'learned' response and they are adapting to the new way of handling the stress. I will continue to use the stuff though, don't want to make them stress any more than necessary.

Hi Melanie, Your dog is Jake is SO lucky to have you and your boyfriend looking out for him! Jesse, my almost 13 yr old Belgian, is arthritic also. I have him on 1500 mg of glucosamine + 1000 mg of MSM each day. He also gets 150 mg of Etogesic, an anti-inflamatory a day. Jesse visits a chiropratic vet twice a year, she gives him a marvelous massage, stretches him this way and that, and shows ME how to massage and stretch him as well. She's also given me exercises to do with him to keep him flexible and to keep his muscle tone up. On our last visit, she told me she was quite pleased with him overall and even said that in some ways, he is in better shape then when I first brought him to her. I started seeing her about 2.5 years ago. I first gave Jesse Glyco-Flex II or III, can't remember which. At first he ate it readily but progressed to refusing it. It smells quite horrible to me and apparently he did not care for it either. I switched to Cosamine DS, that went well. At one visit with the chiro vet, she told me that I could continue using the Cosamine DS OR buy the store brand of glucosamine for people. She said it's the same stuff whether sold for dogs or people. We have Walgreens stores here, I buy there brand of glucosamine and MSM. They frequently have buy 1, get 1 free sales, I have saved a HUGE amount of money doing this. Just mentioning this in case cost ever becomes a factor, of course if Jake does well on a specific formula, I'd stick with it. Perhaps there is a chiropractic vet in your area that you could take Jake to? I truly feel this vet has had a positive impact on all of my dogs but especially Jesse. He ADORES getting massages, but of course, I would too!

Ding dong, the jerk is gone! woo hoo! It truly amazes me how long some employers will put up with crappy employees. I saw many such cases in my previous job, until the person did something over the top, they were 'tolerated'. Too many danged people looking for work who are truly willing to learn and work, why put up with lazy, shiftless, untrustworthy idiots?

Add my voice to the ones before, you are not being irrational at all. I personally would never trust this person again and would never feel the same kinship with them after this. They would no longer be my friend, just 'someone I knew' if that even. That poor dog was 'taught' to fear a woman, he could have been taught that another woman was not going to abuse him and become her staunchest ally. The friend was not willing to invest time and effort into working with his dog, he took the 'easy' way out, chances are, he will do this again in other aspects of life. Personally, I would talk to him once more, to tell him that I know longer wish to associate with him, period. Just my not so humble opinion.

Oh I have to mention this, one day at an agility trial, I had just Jesse and Brittany then, I raised a few eyebrows. I was going to take them out of the xpen for a walk and said, 'C'mon you mangy mutts', of course I said it with love but geez, I think I put two women in shock! It came from a running joke that I had with a friend of my sisters, she would always ask how the mangy mutts were doing and I would ask her about her poor, pathetic excuse of a dog. Of course we were just teasing each other.

All of mine have been called silly gooses or goosie goose. I've called Brittany 'my little pony' because of her high steppin trot. Jesse always got excited when I called him 'Jesse the wolfdog'. They've all been called piggy wiggys from time to time, usually when treats are being dispensed!

Just a little sideways note to this thread, for anyone considering or rejecting learning a foreign language, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET LEARNING. Shara, I read that you have tried and have had trouble, I can understand that. So I am not saying you should/must try again. But speaking with the voice of experience, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE. I am working on learning Spanish, at my own pace. I bought the book, Spanish for Dummies. No pressure as in a class but someday I would like to take a class to solidify what I learn on my own. You never know where life will take you, there is SO much more than you can imagine, I believe globalization will continue to offer opportunities to those who strive to expand their knowledge and marketability. In my area, there are MANY jobs that I was not qualified for simply because I cannot speak Spanish. While there are many subjects that I feel pose little benefit in the 'real' world, speaking multiple languages are definitely ones that can open doors. Just some food for thought, perhaps the teaching methods did not work for you, does not mean you cannot learn using a different method.

[quote name='Horsefeathers!']Why, you were just thinking Carol would use the doggie door to enter and exit herself. Perfectly logical, I think... 8) :P[/quote] You have no idea how close you are! I went out back through the kitchen door, tried to come back in through the laundry room, realized the door was locked, reached through the doggie door and unlocked it to let myself in. My niece, when she was 10, crawled through it once. Do I worry that someone could come into my house? A little, if the dogs are here, I hope no one would be that stupid. If the dogs are with me, I have an inner door between the laundry room and the rest of the house that is deadbolted.