Horsefeathers!

Better make it steak and shrimp. :wink: What a nice guy! I hope it works out well for Jesse. :bigok:

I don't have a doggie door, either, so can't help there. I do have a question about them in general, though. Are they designed so they can be locked or secured from the inside? Say like you don't want your dogs going in and out unattended when no one is home (more like don't want neighborhood thugs crawling in when no one's home)?

[quote name='pitbulletta']I called them up and had a huge argument with the secretary..she told me that they always lose money to people owning these dogs because they bite people and children and blah blah blah... [/quote] Hmmm... you should have asked her if THEY, meaning HER office, always loses money, or if that statement was just in general? It just seems like such a blanket statement and smacks of urban legend. I HATE answers like, "well, it hasn't happened to US yet, but we've heard about it!" I'd be curious to find out just how many claims her particular office has had to settle because of these particular breeds vs. all others. Or is it that people are much more likely to file a claim if it involves one of these breeds as opposed to less "menacing" (perceived) breeds?

[quote name='KP'][size=7]BOOGER![/size] [/quote] [url]http://www.funsilly.com/booger.shtml[/url] Disclaimer: I'm not jumping on the "let's kill Primrose" bandwagon. You just reminded me of one of my favorite silly songs. Since it's now stuck in my head thanks to you, I just thought I'd share. :P

[quote name='Anonymous'][The breeders for guide dogs have also been using bouvier des flanders crossed with Lab's as well.[/quote] That actually sounds quite interesting. I would LOVE to see a picture of a mix like this. [quote]If you are going to live in Quebec, learn the language. They can some times be very gaurded about thier french heritage and language and from the many times I have been there no one will even try to speak english to me. Perhaps its just me, but, I have talked to a few people who have been not spoken to due to not speaking the language. Did you know that Celine Dion who is from Quebec was shunned due to singing english songs. Her country for a little while was very upset with her for deserting her native language.[/quote] Ain't that the truth! Just to be polite and not say how I REALLY feel about my "adventures" in Quebec, I'll say that the times I was stuck in Montreal, I HATED it. Oh well, it was fair enough because they really seemed to hate me, too. Try being a poor ol' drawly US southerner and get anywhere in Quebec... I almost wanted to learn French just so I could go back and cuss real good. I think I'd rather take a good old fashioned country butt whoopin' than ever have to go back. :-?

Those are really cute! :bigok:

*squealing with delight* Oh, let me tell you about my rescue babies! :D [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0YgAZAysgrWxQmpp0VyKu7lNziE6NuzK7bCQVqMksi1R5nkxmg5GKnsAkzQ2UjaGfcuS6XYayH8u9xWx5TzYnJVOVPe8oeO2xm8A2fGccGihHY*Yg3nW84EvlSk0JPYAqE4hL3sEwlO18F*z56pQY7w/Simon%20outside.jpg?dc=4675379078676201323[/img] [b]Simon[/b] was picked up as a stray. I used to see him darting about on a four lane major highway all the time on my way to and from work. I would stop, but he would disappear. One day when I stopped, he jumped right into my car as if he'd known me all his life. No one ever came forward to claim him and he's been here for about 3-4 years. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UAAAABIc7UmHJusLSR!3T4Eo8GBmLmvxTkqjk73irC*67l4J1wMlzoisQSOR!XHGqTevCBhZwCZP7JJeP7uFJk8kqKgRM0Xxxx3S0kLlADbxA4o3DskdgG8AcgB0AC4A/good-boy-Tucker.JPG[/img] [b]Tucker[/b] was adopted from our local shelter in '98. I had learned that adult black dogs were the most difficult to adopt out, so we went to the shelter and asked to see the large black dogs. Tucker chose us and has been with us since. He actually completed training and became certified as a therapy dog through Delta Society. Tucker rocks! [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0ZwCpAs0hSxU*tEKwtiSolRWTluVnqmerbm5AydK6*k45RG8WfbOf14WvlK9V92sJ2nVFXRSuVHKlnTunSyhFMsBfFpfevXTrjCMqiJD3ndA9e4gvGe1eSUv1PjOAsCJln6a0TK5dCVWYBD!M8kmGIg/Peanut%20waterlogged.JPG?dc=4675382843209681874[/img] [b]Peanut[/b] was given to us by a BYB who couldn't "get rid of" all of the puppies. It was some dramatic story about a daughter who bred the dogs, mom got stuck with the responsibility, yadda, blah and so forth, but she gave Peanut to us outright just to get rid of her. This is my little traveling buddy. :angel: [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0ZgCpAiog0HYfvkNs**CiXn17vTNMc94qVkI!cqXect5l7uUqYbqnZpqBxufPx7QYD7C0wqxEFootHI*o6ieO98ere1P4xCd!Q8AxDHf5zJNNZedmoNXkL5sWTnq93pRMsSnRXVGXK0DOP9J4Jh7vow/1-26-03Chicobasket1.JPG?dc=4675454634218635929[/img] [b]Chico[/b] was obtained when some guy threatened to dump the whole litter of puppies (Chico and his littermates) over a bridge if he didn't get rid of them. I was driving trucks at the time and stowed him away. Chico is actually the eldest of our dog bunch and was originally an only (dog) child. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0agAZA7ghriIhJNSjCczJkKeJbnI!LtlnwYVsiW4M11orMvtngbEzs6mOkfY2dhWOfuL7EkwrVJRrrXbtscc5XYja6irS2Ns4DqaC3MrR30rnlUYciA*5jsA!4F0uvX4eWB3ThX4lRkli7*7q*gAplQ0nVh6GmwtT/Perry%20%26Pauly%20big.jpg?dc=4675446487355574423[/img] [b]Perry & Pauly[/b] were adopted through a Florida Poodle rescue group. They are believed to be littermates, they were for sure kennelmates, but I adopted them a year apart. They are absolutely inseparable. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0WQAZA8QcqzmJ8fZ7bkSNnlkbcWd6j9Amy4xRbGU!RUn!RXNqptC2!Cwtyd1Fky9rGnWiHtZq!9J9PuGXLmkFyLOLYjKc2L63KTfF!KBlApaEJulfmAegwKO19Wb9iIcPorX6TRGHkOA/Devin.jpg?dc=4675444591884933903[/img] [b]Devin[/b] was originally a foster. He belonged to a groom client who gave him up at the age of eight months. I suspect it was because he was extremely aggressive and she didn't know how to handle it. She just simply said she didn't have time to "handle him right." Devin was neutered and discovered to have several health problems, one being severe hip dysplasia and bad knees. It is believed that some of his snappiness was due to being in constant pain. He still occasionally has "issues," but is a much nicer dog than he was before since we know how to handle him (making sure to support his rear end when picking him up, limiting any jumping, that sort of thing). He was placed in two other homes where it didn't work out, so Devin stayed on as a permanent resident here. Actually, I'm glad it worked out that way. We absolutely adore him and could never part with him now. He's my other traveling buddy. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0YABUA9oePP0xEK2bnXJI5MXG3cijv9nULUBKiY42UYROuFGoiJ3o5cQ9ztbrCfMTocxwMWaw3VKa3JTh2EyKnSpkOqLWtJRMdzrnXq71h57FTK9LqnnfiIos5DbCucpWEEl5SA4FRavXcqgCTW96aQ/Rocco%20face.jpg?dc=4675472236210631530[/img] [b]Rocco[/b] is our most recent adoptee. He was found on a PetFinder ad by another member of this forum. When I read about Rocco's story, we couldn't help but offer him a home. Rocco had been active in competitive obedience, agility, and therapy work, but had become paraplegic and unable to use his rear legs. His former family ended up giving him up (I'm not questioning their intentions... from all I saw, they did love him very much) and he went into Dobe rescue which is who we went through to get him. Rocco is an absolute joy to have around and we love him dearly. Two of my other dogs here, Fred & Missy, were pet store purchases. This was years before I knew any better and back when I thought a "registered" dog meant a "good" dog. Please don't stone me. I'm now very active in rescue and working hard to redeem myself for all the years of irresponsible dog ownership. :oops: Aren't you glad you asked?? :wink:

[quote name='Anonymous'] Next, is there anybody here who has owned dogs for any length of time who has NEVER had a loose dog, even for a few seconds? (Tell the truth, now...) primrose[/quote] Who? Me? No, never... Guilty. :oops:

My dogs don't sing with me. They pretty much protest in harmony. :-?

[quote name='courtnek'] defined as a canine with no distinguishing recognizable allegience to a specific breed. [/quote] This made me laugh. I'm in a weird kind of mood today, anyway (hey, it's karaoke night!), but when I think of "allegiance," I think of it being more of a state of mind. You know, like "I pledge allegiance to the flag..." This quote gave me images of some breedist extremist radical dog group. "Poodle pride, worldwide! Power to the Poodle!" Before you know it, terroristic groups of breedist extremist dogs will be committing canicide trying to annihilate other breeds and then... I'm sorry, Courtnek. I'm truly not making fun of you. I just sometimes perceive things differently. :oops:

If I remember right, you posted elsewhere that you want to take your Shih to shows? If that's the case, your best bet is to contact someone who shows them for grooming advice. It's a whole different thing from "pet" grooming. I'd love to see photos.

[quote name='The Mongrel Hordes'] If in doubt look up Samonella in dogs in Merks Vet manual. [/quote] If I didn't have personal experience to draw from, I would, but thanks for the suggestion. 8)

Loki, I have to admit that I couldn't do it alone. My husband is very supportive and active in their care as well. :)

That would be great ideally. I may eventually achieve that goal (heaven knows we are working toward it). Still, there are ten dogs in my house of varying ages, breeds and progresses in their training. Some have been here a few months and some have been here their entire lives. The oldtimers are pretty reliable about their sit/stays, but some of the others haven't quite gotten the hang of it and sit/stay to them means until I'm out of sight. They do each have to sit/stay before I actually put the bowl down even once it's prepared. It's a work in progress, so I was kind of thinking of this as a quick fix for now? :oops:

[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0WgAFAxodY1km38xsxaLYcCHMWhUoh27mNDoJ00r6O2zNm!MSSgJaMul3vpYWZfH1MRPsS!Vti*oBm!i5NF5Hr4KRblIzNLwqrCNtF3OiWztUjobJn7*NUC76unMiuakxjEuNV5C2nwg/hahaha.gif?dc=4675441322206333973[/img] [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0YADlAlEf!iVU2utpmjpjlQIxYIJzbQpvVxzO!mUmt!sd0XshqGS4a5uyXWeAbUH1zC1qyC*9b7CnDeg5PQl!z1sX4Ll22WvG8NJ5lbsCiWUnmhLG0Eo7CoAkeVWr!*S!9NxfJqfxtrTXch0CTW96aQ/LOLdalmatian.gif?dc=4675441322233673826[/img]

My beloved gang, bless their little pea pickin' hearts, can be sort of obnoxious sometimes. I try to be a good neighbor and I will not leave them in the yard to bark and carry on. However, come feeding time, I put them all outside so that I can get bowls ready. Try doing it with them underfoot. Occasionally (bad weather or something), I'll kennel them first and start preparing bowls, but it sounds right like a, well, kennel in here. So outside they go, but I usually have to constantly run out there to tell them to be quiet, knock it off, cut it out, etc. Anyway, they're not usually too rowdy in the yard EXCEPT feeding time... they stand on the steps and BARK BARK SCREAM BARK BARK BARK. They get downright crazy. Actually, it's really only a couple of them that are the most obnoxious, but they make enough fuss for them all. I am not prepared to do shock collars, citronella collars or any of that, but I've found that bitter spray is an AWESOME training tool even though it's not designed to be used that way. When the main culprits start with the fuss, I eagerly run out the door, pinch up their lip and give a squirt of bitter spray right into their mouths. I do this happily and cheefully as if it's a reward. I'm trying to get them to think that when they bark, they're asking for a "treat" and I reward them accordingly. Make sense? It's working WONDERFULLY. If anyone were to come to my house now while they're outside, you'd think "dogs? what dogs?" because it's so quiet. What I want to know is if anyone thinks this is a bad idea.

[quote name='newfiemom']I feel left out...there are no brindle newfs but atleast we have a parti-colored...the Landseer. :lol:[/quote] Actually, I LOVE the Landseer Newfies. I don't see them often, but when I do, I gawk. I absolutely love black/white color contrast on most any dog.

[quote name='Lokipups']:angel: Those brindle and parti Poodles are gorgeous! I've never seen one in anything other than a solid either. But one question, and maybe Horsefeathers can answer it, are the corded Poodles a result of genetics, or do the cords have to be created when groomed :hmmmm: ? Either way, it's still very cool looking (I just wouldn't want to have to be the one to groom it :o )![/quote] It's a grooming thing. It's basically managed mats done similarly to the Komondor or Puli. As far as I know, genetics really only plays a part in that it has to be the "right" kind of coat, one fit for cording which would be a proper Poodle coat, anyway. They are supposed to be harsh and dense and effectively water repellent. What's popular on the "pet" scene is too soft... that's NOT a good Poodle coat and not fit for cording (at least I wouldn't think so). I studied it a bit because I had some interest in cording one of my own Poodles, but it's a LOT of work. I'm not that dedicated. :oops:

[quote name='K']HF you didnt forget Apricot Poodles did you? :-? and of course there is always PINK! :wink:[/quote] Of course, I didn't (me? pfft :P ). I was just making the point in general that solid colors are what's recognized. And I know alllllll about the pink poodles. I've *ahem* acquired a pink poodle in the past. I was amazed at how many people thought she was a "natural" hot pink poodle and asked where I got her. She's going to be purple pretty soon. 8)

That little sable pup looks kind of like a Power Puff Girl. :oops:

I LOVE a corded Poodle. Unfortunately, they're about as rare as a Lawrence Welk spot in the Rock 'n Roll Hall Of Fame. Maintaining a Standard Poodle coat is plenty of work. Cording one? It takes a special kind of person (aka NOT me, no way, no how, not in this lifetime or even the next). That parti Standard... I've died and gone to heaven. *dreamy sigh*

Oh, hey, I have a couple of brindle Poodle clients (Toys). I'll see if I can find the photos to post later. The ones I've done have NIGHTMARISH coats to work with. :-?

[quote name='Sarahstaff']They are already being shown in conformation in the US. :wink: Just not in the AKC. The UKC now accepts partis and phantom Poodles. There was quite a big to-do about that, too, with some Poodle owners ranting about the horrors of the multi-color Poodles being accepted by a registry they probably don't even show in. :roll: I believe the partis (and phantoms) are a separate variety in the UKC. They didn't add the brindles though. I've never seen a brindle Poodle, I would like to.[/quote] Oh, drool, drool, drool. I sooooooo love the partis and phantoms. I didn't realize they were already being shown in the US, but I'm not up to date on the show scene as I'm not involved. The main venue I'm familiar with is AKC. I hadn't even considered that other clubs might be showing them. I have seen some stunning parti Poodles in grooming competitions in the US. I'd heard that there was a lot of ruckus over yonder about accepting them and a lot of people here as well are bucking and kicking over it. It's coming, though, I just know it. That may be just the thing that pulls me on into the show ring with a Standard Poodle. I've studied it and thought about it for years, but I keep changing my mind (frankly, because I'm a weinie :oops: ). If I had a stunning, show stopping parti Standard Poodle... oh my... :wink:

[quote name='courtnek']OMG!! Poodles come in other colors than black, and white? I HAVE NEVER SEEN ONE.... *****Court feels stupider than ever**** there arent a lot of poodle owners around here.... ***crawls into crate, to comtemplate the "unknowing"*** :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: **may not come out anytime soon**[/quote] AH HA!! This is not a Pit Bull thread; it's a COLOR thread, so YES I'm delving into Poodle territory (since you asked and all 8) ). Poodles are only SUPPOSED to be solid colors... black, white, brown, silver, blue, etc. Poodles of solid colors are the only ones allowed to be shown in AKC matches. However, they come in many, many color varieties. There are parti Poodles (black/white, brown/white, etc.), phantom marked Poodles (think of a Poodle with Doberman or Schnauzer markings) and the ever so rare brindle Poodle. These dogs would all be disqualified in the show ring (AKC), but do exist. To be perfectly honest, I think parti Poodles are stunning (well, and the phantoms) even if not "correct". I believe one of the "over yonder" kennel clubs has recently accepted them and they are now shown. There is a push here to accept them and I hope they do. It's not the same as, say, white Dobermans or white Boxers that come with a host of problems. There is no sound reason that I've been able to find that makes parti color Poodles any different than solid colored ones. I know of a couple of people who are actively breeding parti Poodles that are otherwise everything the breed is supposed to be... correct temperaments, type, structure. I would LOVE to one day own a stunning parti color Standard Poodle. I believe the day is coming when they'll be shown in conformation in the US. Aren't you glad you asked? 8)

Sorry it didn't turn out the way you wanted it to, but at least you've kept your sense of humor about the whole thing. There's always the next time. 8)