Horsefeathers!

Koolie, I am so terribly sorry you're having to go through this. When I lost a huge piece of my heart a few months ago, I was offered all kinds of support which helped immensely, but one thing stood out for me and seemed to ease my mind a little. The little dog I lost was a gazillion years old, but I had only known him for just over a year... similar to you. I know how much of an impact they can make in that short amount of time. The thing that helped me most was when someone told me, "Don't cry because it's over; smile because it happened." I know that is so cliche and maybe I'm just a weirdo, but it really has helped me be able to remember my boy with more joy each day and less agony. I hope it can help you, too. Please know we are all thinking of you.

Great, thanks! One other thing... does the background (paws) show up?

[quote name='alicat613'] Would anyone go to a car dealer and seek out a car that say, ignites other cars that come within a certain distance? How about an alarm system than unless you put in the right code, it decapitates people as they walk in to the house? [/quote] I would... :oops: (I get your point, but have to admit that these ideas are inspiring for those of us lacking in ummm social skills.) *Disclaimer* I'm not into the whole big, scary, monster dog thing, either. Don't try this at home. Some assembly required. Tax, tag and title not included. Batteries not included. Allow 6 - 8 weeks for delivery. Keep out of reach of children. May cause drowsiness. Don't run with scissors and close the refrigerator door. (Anyone who's known me a minute or two knows I offer these disclaimers on the off chance that my intentions, lost as they may be by now, are misunderstood. In other words, I didn't want someone to think that, though I would gladly decapitate an intruder or kaboom another car that is too close to me, I do not condone intentionally seeking out aggressive dogs. I'm funny that way.)

Would someone mind clicking on this link for me and tell me what you see (like pretty quickly)? I'm trying to make sure it shows up on other computers before I put it in its permanent place (and permanently delete the welcome page already there). Thanks! :D [url]http://groups.msn.com/WhereDidAllTheseCrittersComeFrom/yourwebpage.msnw[/url]

:o :drinking: :o :drinking: :o :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: :-? :drinking: [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0YAC2BBMfzBXWpLbhXWCnAnQH7Jg2mSYudj8El!1kXleVdDUT6WElfyPSbQM45yo4nRuQsYqMJs6x!TFU8EMjXJLuY8bvLKHFOAMnaicR2ZMs05d7v*ZJpE0BY4v*wNtWV3tDwnLIixZ!cjMETW96aQ/smiley-huh.gif?dc=4675399399081429219[/img] :drinking: [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XQDiAnoeq9i7IKmroH2IdSEf1zcZsOjfL5UAvvUT0066fdxA6mYlo4QLlQfGVtS4e5GmvTsM!AEFssRBqBnr9UoLKqD2b0G2LyfpVsQ3Q2WB6A2bdkrTvrcM3OBF98!KqBBJJZHvSEk/drunkdude.gif?dc=4675403379495564752[/img] :drinking: :drinking: :drinking: [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XADcAjIeY707l5zUo6ZUSodcJtv7RaJ7B*1ZKPgMc3!ZrUctbI4NtNSok*mq9i*kZ5OpMPWw202gAGBhXtX43jj07NKzDwTsZrAvmY1mZgX9AXof*NhgJiyiGpgMcZv7mObz031GQEE/crazyguy.gif?dc=4675403379470483734[/img]

[quote name='Horsefeathers!']Knobheads. :x Dunno why, but I always take that sort of thing personally. Like, "You, HF, are not allowed to view this page. Oh, anyone else could, but just not YOU." ROTF :lol: :lol: I needed that HF!![/quote] ^^^Ok, this is weird. I did not post that. Well, I posted the part about the knobheads, but not the rest of it. What gives? I'm gettin' all askeered. :-?

Knobheads. :x Dunno why, but I always take that sort of thing personally. Like, "You, HF, are not allowed to view this page. Oh, anyone else could, but just not YOU." ROTF :lol: :lol: I needed that HF!!

[size=6]Hmph!![/size][size=7] 8) [/size] [img]http://ebay1.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_c21abdd6c3b43e48daf03603b9c981a3/i-1.JPG[/img]

No, Sasha, go right ahead. I ripped that one off errrr borrowed it from somewhere else. Actually, I think I have a ROFL dog if that seems more appropriate. Anything you see me post, feel free to rip it off. I probably did. :oops:

[quote name='Bensam'] ...we know what a "poo" is ! Maybe a rename "Shits-for-You" ...[/quote] [img]http://groups.msn.com/isapi/fetch.dll?action=MyPhotos_GetPubPhoto&PhotoID=nHQAAAAYIM1hq5bZpUtBzZmRtjZp6uM4K2Gequ4VGCckibWQ9rJq8SqPU0SMzKohm[/img]

I thought I was the weirdo... :oops: Listerine is also good for "Schnauzer bumps" applied full strength and I also sometimes use it as a rinse (a cap or two to a gallon of water) on some dogs with problem skin. Who knew it would catch on? 8) K, Bobbi should be fine until Monday assuming there is no infection. If all is well, you could remove the sutures yourself, but heck, isn't the recheck during the suture removal free, anyway? Either way, the extra few days shouldn't hurt a thing on a dog that is healing well, anyway. At our clinic, I've seen dogs where sutures were left in for months because the owners simply forgot to bring them back in and they were fine, but just a bit harder to remove.

Bully, Penny is a rescue of sorts, but I have had her since she was 5 weeks old and she has never been out of the state of Georgia. She just sort of has that generic, dime a dozen face. :lol:

Oy... *sigh* EIGHT dogs~ *Chihuahua~ Chico, male, 5 years old *Lhasa Apso~ Fred, male, 5 years old *Lhasa Apso~ Misdemeanor (aka Missy), female, 4 years old *Black Labrador Retriever X~ Tucker Dedicated, male, approx. 6 years old *Pit Bull/Boxer X~ Penny, female, 4 years old (on Jan. 1 coming up) *Toy Poodle~ Peanut, female, 3 1/2 years old *Miniature Schnauzer~ Simon, male, approx. 6 - 7 years old *Standard Poodle~ Perry, male, 3 years old Honorable mention to my beloved Goober (Yorkie) who passed away nearly 4 months ago. Even after all this time, I still can't exclude him when talking about my dogs. He's still here whether I see him or not, so bear with me. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XADfAmQdC3zZgyb3S*4h7iwx3lAd7O7W01baeipdksEIfZjrQbL!gT2cg!qtOSS8pBpM5rtuv8uYHC76b8Q9onF0YRAqP82f4CCbh0pWW0NKLWg!LkF8nvkkUYuA9yqVKAWA8WvImBw/collage3.JPG?dc=4675399934999378647[/img]

K who? :o *[size=2]snicker[/size]* :P

[quote name='ArtfulDodger']This whole pitbull phobia has gotten way out of control hasn't it?? I'd like to know for certain how many of these attacks actually were committed by pure pitbulls and not some cross breed. Are we to trust the breed recognition skills of every small town journalist or eye witness to these attacks?[/quote] [u]This[/u] has been my biggest complaint with this kind of legislation. Around here and apparently in many places, anything can be labeled a Pit Bull depending on WHO is making the call. The descriptions can range from long snipey faces to blunt faces and from really lean to heavily muscled. They can be huge or smallish. Anything can be a Pit Bull depending on how convenient it is to need a scapegoat, or to sell some news rag. I am still reeling from someone explaining to me in another thread where there was such a thing as a long haired Pit :o . Then explained it away as saying, well, a Pit MIX can have long hair, so we need legislation to protect us from them as well. Puh-leeze. How much mix? 20%? 50%? WHOSE job is it going to be to determine this and by what established standards? If someone else tells me that [u]trained[/u] (trained by WHO, by the way) personnel such as animal control (ha? :o ) and vets will be in charge of determining on a case by case basis what is a Pit, I'm just going to give up in frustration. Long story short, more legislation serves only to attempt keep honest people honest and will do NOTHING for irresponsible ownership. NOBODY has ever been able to show me where it would be beneficial to enact more laws aimed at breed discrimination. Punish the deeds, not the breeds. Enforce existing laws which already cover neglect/abuse/irresponsibility instead of wasting resources on trying to figure out ways to create new laws. If they can't enforce existing laws, why should anyone expect them to be able to handle new laws efficiently? I see more potential for problems than benefits.

I haven't been able to post to the boards much lately, but I've been trying to kinda sorta keep up with what's kinda sorta going on. Since there's no way I could possibly go back and respond to all I wanted to, here is the condensed version. Hobbit, I never did hear back from my witch doctor. With my ridiculous schedule (working out of town, leaving early and home late), I haven't been able to go by her shop and she still hasn't emailed me back. I even sent a follow up email. I would call her except I never have a minute in the bloody day to even have lunch these days. If I got you a phone number, would you be interested in trying? Just let me know... Mei Mei, congratulations (I think... still trying to catch up on that one)! Barking Buddies... BOO! HISS! No, just kidding. I had to toss that in just to seem like I knew what I was doing. Then again, that place really doesn't make a person feel all warm and fuzzy like. You know me; I'm a chat weinie. I can't handle all that controversial "tell it like it is" stuff. :o In the "creepiest" poll... definitely spiders. I've never jumped out of a moving car to get away from a scorpion. At least not yet. Hobbit, hate to read about Guy's woes and, worse, yours. I was sure hoping this was his magic bullet and everything would be ok. You do what you need to do, but do it on a full night's rest and a level head. Don't let your emotions dictate your actions. You're a pretty common sense guy, so let that prevail. Easier said than done, but said it just the same. Perry update... he got his sutures out yesterday and seems none the worst for wear. We haven't rechecked his protein and albumin yet, but he is picking up a little weight. *In best Martha Stewart voice* That's a very good thing. He's enjoying the fact that he gets to eat four times a day now. The vet told me that sometimes it just takes opening them up to let the evil spirits out. For some reason, that just struck me as funny, so we'll just consider Perry's surgery an exorcism. Learned a valuable lesson this week... leather upholstry and dogs do not mix as well as it would seem. Just think... in 36 months, it'll be all mine. 'Nuff said. :-? If I'm forgetting anything, I'll be sure to bring it right back here. I couldn't possibly begin to figure out where to post what.

Ok, Ilovelabs, I just wanted to be sure I knew what was going on. I'm glad to know that you aren't Midnight (meaning I hate guessing who is who). I was just so worried that someone would be concerned with language and content for children and then advocate teaching them violence. Understanding is the best thing. The only reason I thought you were Midnight was because Kiwi made reference to it above. Your Lab looks a lot like my Tucker. He's a Lab-ish dogger. :lol: [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0ZwAAAEghouhCzck4wMXF*!gsZsen01tJ1KA0BvotR64bcZzFLl8i55ibBaVuKbsGs4Z8xsRz1U00L6AiKmjPMAh4gnadk!tMnw7BbNdIh9Qal0W0BCn8*abwON0i8kKf!viamCUrG8ixEkmz4cd7oA/Tucker-and-Penny.jpg?dc=4675379078317348851[/img]

I realize there are a lot of "ifs" to what I am about to say, but... If indeed this is BB's "Midnight" as Kiwi said above (and this person hasn't yet admitted or denied it), I just don't understand you. You say that there are so many children who are members of BB, but Midnight (you?) is/are one of the most vocal advocates of dog fighting on that forum, finding so many ways to validate what is blatantly wrong. If not a total advocate, you do spend a lot of time in Hmmm's personal amen corner advocating HIS/HER dog fighting. I am deeply disturbed that now you are concerned with the language at BB as there are apparently so many children and, gee, we don't need to expose them to blatant vulgarities, but you aren't the least bit concerned with these same children learning that matching dogs in fights is ok. I've been following the posts where you find several creative ways to justify breaking the laws and I am the one who posted there about how not liking laws doesn't exempt one from obeying them and pointed out that "loving" these dogs does not make it right (remember the reference to spousal abuse and child molestation, all acts carried out by people who "love" their victims? That was me). My very few posts there have been very respectful in my disagreement. All this is said because I am sensing major double standards here. Either one is a pet lover, or they are not, but nothing that ANYONE can say will ever lead me to believe that a [b]responsible[/b] pet owner would ever do anything to intentionally put their pet in harm's way and, on BB, you did admit that you believe that dogs are injured and even killed in this "sport," but blew it off as it just being a part of it. How could one love anything and then put it in a position to be injured or killed? Anyway, I really hate to participate in "board wars," but I will vehemently speak out against anything I even perceive to be acceptance and approval of dog fighting. One can justify it any way they wish, but a spade is still a spade. With so much BS surrounding APBTs as it is, I loathe anything that puts another feather in the cap of the BSL folks. The fact that it is just plain cruel and immoral is another matter entirely. Again, this is assuming this is "Midnight." If not, I don't know you from a cat's butt, but welcome, anyway.

Ok, bullygirl, define "Pit Bull." I don't know if you read this legislation thoroughly, but some points are definitely very flawed. Answer me these, please... *Definition and breed standard of Pit Bull (so as to determine who has one illegally)? *Who will be in charge of determining this breed standard to be used in enforcement since they are talking about a combination of breeds? *Justification for making any pet owner PROVE their dog is NOT a Pit Bull (shouldn't the burden of proof fall on the accuser as in proving it IS a Pit Bull)? *What would be considered acceptable proof that a dog of unknown parentage is NOT a Pit Bull? *Define Pit Bull [u]type[/u]? A dog similar in looks? Temperament? Size? *Who gets to decide if a dog is "typey" enough to qualify as Pit Bull-ish? *Define "carried out properly" *Long haired Pit Bulls?! (Sorry, I'm still stuck on that) If you read this thoroughly, you will see that their definitions of Pit Bulls and TYPES are very vague (wait a minute... there was no definition!), but their regulations and intentions of enforcement are very clear. Basically, it will be up to "the municipality" on a case by case basis to decide if your dog is a Pit Bull. Remember, some Labs, mixes and, heck, even Mei Mei's Great Dane have been mistaken for Pit Bulls. You would have [u]innocent[/u] people penalized for a case of mistaken identity. Reading through the mumbo jumbo of licensing requirements, it's clear that they are basically trying to outlaw anything even remotely resembling a Pit Bull by making it virtually impossible to own one. Using your logic, how do you feel about people who own Akitas, German Shepherds, Chows, Dobermans, Rotties, and the breeds you mentioned, yourself? I can think of many people who own these particular breeds as status symbols and try to be "bad" and these breeds are a heck of a lot easier to identify (as in having a distinct breed standard) than Pit Bull [u]types[/u]. This is just one more stepping stone in the cause of many of the animal rights extremists to outlaw pet ownership, period. It sounds so ludicrous to many and many of the people who are actually members of these groups are unaware of this as a goal and deny it vehemently, but there are actually people out there who are campaigning for that as a higher goal. When they've gotten rid of all these "bad" dogs, they'll be coming after the herders, retrievers, service dogs (there are those in these organizations who consider service dogs "exploited" and would like to see an end to that) and finally the little frilly foo foo lap dogs (hey, they have teeth, too, and since they will the the only ones left at this point, statistically, they will be the only ones biting people). There's no way that could be done outright, but by taking away rights a little at a time (such as changing "ownership" to "guardianship"... another totally different topic, but related), they get a little closer to that goal. What is wrong with enforcement of existing laws or tougher penalties? If they can't do their jobs now and enforce the laws already on the books, how are they going to handle this effectively and efficiently? There is just too much wrong with this whole thing if you look at the whole picture.

Yeah, how scary is that, Mei Mei? It says right in the proposal that you would have to prove that your dog is [u]not[/u] a Pit Bull. So if your dog was unregistered, or of unknown descent, one of these "professionals" could assess him and decide based on (?) that he is a Pit Bull. And what about this >>> " 1) information about the breed, sex, age, color and markings of the dog and whether it is of a long- or short-haired variety; " <<< :o LONG HAIRED Pit Bulls?! Just what exactly are they basing this "breed standard" on? :-? Spooky.

Absolutely ludicrous. This is beyond ridiculous. I could barely read past "the municipality may by visual inspection and use of detailed professional standards and illustrations decide if the dog is a pit bull type dog." Ask 10 different people what they think a Pit Bull looks like and you'll get 10 different answers. Who gets to decide what "mongrel" may actually be a Pit Bull or mix? People may be penalized because some "professional"(?) decides by "visual inspection" that a dog is a Pit Bull [b]type[/b]? I've seen poorly bred Labs that look like a Pit Bull (depending on one's perception of Pit Bull, of course). I am beyond stunned. This is one of the most absurd things I've seen.

Glad Penny's eye seems to be better (I have a Penny, too!). Just keep an eye on it (no pun intended). I know someone with a Cocker Spaniel who had a cyst on his lower eyelid and had it removed. It grew back almost immediately after. On the bright side, they say it's harmless enough and it doesn't seem to bother him. Good luck! :D

Ok, this is one of the disappearing and reappearing posts I'm still having from time to time. Go figure. I'm certainly not a vet or any such, but I thought they routinely begin antibiotics immediately following any kind of major surgery instead of waiting for a potential problem to arise. I would think that, too, especially with a "foreign object" being introduced and affixed there. Of course, that's just me. I'm just surprised he wasn't started on antibiotics earlier, but then again, as I said, I'm certainly no vet. I'm kind of like (read a lot like) you in that I tend to be cynical. I totally understand where you're coming from and feel your frustration. I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better, but I'm too much like you in that I'd probably be hopping mad (read extremely concerned?), too. Big help I am, aye? All that said, do try to step back and BREATHE. You are wound up tighter than an eight day clock (understandable), but understand that Guy will be able to sense your distress. Maybe this sounds hokey, but I believe that dogs who are deeply bonded to their owners (as is obviously the case here) are extensions of ourselves. They feel what we feel and our distress becomes their distress. Right now, Guy needs all the positive energy he can get to heal, so try to settle down a bit (for your sake as well). Believe me, I know your frustration and it's totally understandable. Still, I hate to see you so obviously distressed. Keep close tabs on him, keep these people on their toes and keep being willing to second guess when something doesn't seem "right" (that whole sixth sense thing, ya know?), but don't let it take a toll on you or Guy. I'll keep you both in my thoughts and be sure to keep us updated.

Hobbit, I stopped by her store today, but her help said that she was "unavailable," whatever that means (don't know if she's out of town or was just busy). This lady is VERY popular and does a lot of consultations and such. I didn't realize how difficult it might be to reach her. I guess her "help" is screening all her visitors now. The place is closed tomorrow, so all I can do is hope she emails me back soon. I was sure wanting to find out something as quickly as I could to try to pass it along to you. I really have a lot of faith in this lady's knowledge, but it's only as good as being able to reach her. Sorry. :(

Thanks again, everyone, for all the positive thoughts. Mei Mei, don't think for one second that I have any clue about how to interpret these theories and such. If you think your sister can offer some input, go for it. I need all the help and input I can get and I'll take it where I can get it. I've been reading in Doc's medical books about different disorders dealing with protein loss and other things, but the more I read, the more overwhelmed I get. It would be great to get some outside input. Thanks. Right now, our primary concern is getting Perry healed and getting some weight back on him. He's a bag of bones. :( Anyway, he's home and seems none the worst for wear. He's obviously uncomfortable, but he hasn't forgotten what food or the kitchen is all about. That's a good thing, I suppose. :D Sasha, here's your new Perry photo, as requested! I figured a recovery photo would be appropriate. 8) [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0aQDhAnMhkP2Thsszf5pUOrPGJvjaR1EHgPotEgiV5YTRVeepke6mXtHkkKBbfHzqe6UHIcWTg2bSTPuND8tvoF1WcXpnb5P5JzJaehdfJgTEuXWQtbh7EFEcJ4!ZYDEeTX1RtuXNZGjTE2N9B*oaEhGGO5L3UV5!/12-07-02Perryrecovery.JPG?dc=4675400218475883291[/img]