Melanie

I offer some tidbits from my personal experience: (Remember, however, that though breeds tend to exhibit certain character traits, dogs are still all individuals -- my Saint, Peanut, shatters the sterotype most of the time!). 1. Yes, they shed. Usually, they shed A LOT twice a year -- when they prepare for their winter coat, and when they prepare for their summer coat. If you mind dog hair on your furniture, clothes, floor, etc, don't get a Saint. 2. Yes, they slobber and drool. Some slobber and drool more than others, but they ALL slobber and drool. In fact, Saints are so adept at slobbering and drooling, they can manage to slobber and drool on the ceiling! :) 3. They eat a ton. More so as puppies, and through early development. The cost adds up. 4. Vet bills cost more for a giant breed. Dosages dispensed by weight will certainly add up for a Saint. 5. Saints are loving, devoted, willing, and smart. They're working dogs. They're happy working. EVen if that means working for a treat. I've found them relatively easy to train. 6. However, the training must begin AT ONCE! A untrained, or partially trained, giant breed is no joy to be around. Especially when it wieghs more than you do, and is ten times more powerful. Not to mention a Saint that isn't quite housebroken leaves HUGE surprises for you. But a well behaved Saint is truly a magnificent joy to have. 7. Saints need to be exercised properly. Puppies need to be carefully exercised. One can do great damage to a Saint by not exercising it correctly. 8. Saints, are prone to a variety of ailments. With their large barrel like chest cavities, Saints can suffer from bloat. (Another reason to know beforehand how and when to properly feed and exercise). Saints also risk instances of elbow, hip, and joint problems. How a Saint is raised and cared for as a young pup/adolescent can greatly affect its future health, strength, and development. Larger dogs bring larger problems. Another Saint related issue -- droopy eyes. I forget the medical term for it -- a Saint's eyelids may turn inwards, causing the lashes to scratch the eye surface. Expensive surgery is necessary to fix this. It does not fix itself. And more. I did a lot of research before getting my Saint. I weighed the pros and cons. I determined and budgeted costs. After all I read and heard, I decided I could handle it. I've never regretted my decision. I will always have Saints in my life. (I'll just ahave to move to a larger home so I can adopt a bunch more) Saints are WONDERFUL companions!!!!!! Absolute sweethearts who think they're lap dogs... always leaning and resting on their family. :D If you think you are mentally, physically, and financially prepared to care for a Saint, go for it!!! You will [i]so[/i] fall in love with this breed. I did. [img]http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/mnixon/9b5c39fc.jpg[/img]

Thank you both for your replies. Quite informative!!! Besides the horse treats I originally posted about, Jake's diet consists of his daily dry food (Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul -- Senior formula), mixed with a couple scoops of an herbal matrix (for optimizing his health). He gets treats of yogurt, cottage cheese, fish, and raw soup bones (with the marrow and cartilage still inside). I massage him every few days, but I've never been taught by a professional how to do so. This would be worth researching. I've been afraid to accept any pain/anti-inflammatory medication from the vet. I've heard and read too many awful stories. I've been advised I could just as easily give Jake half an aspirin before or after a walk. Just the other day, we bought Jake a life vest! Now his little swims will be effortless. I can't wait to try it out. ANd I can't wait to see if his horste treats work their mojo!!! I'll keep you posted. Thanks again!!!!

The fact that this dog was discarded in a dog lover's yard is a true blessing. I can only hope that some kind of justice is done to the inhumane human who threw him out.

(I'm posting this on a few forums, just to get as much info as possible. I apologize beforehand if you've seen it already). My boyfriend was in a hardware store today to purchase some non-slip materials to lay on the floor for Jake's benefit. The cashier started a conversation and found out the reason for the purchase. The cashier mentioned that his 11 year old Lab is arthritic and he gives her horse treats. The treats are called ROUNDERS, and are fortified with glucosamine and chondriotin sulfate. Horses are to be given 5 per day, so a dog only needs one per day (1/2 in morning, 1/2 at night). The cashier said they've worked a miracle on his Lab's mobility. My boyfriend ran out right then and bought some. Jake received his first half-a-treat tonight. We're crossing our fingers that these things help. Has anyone heard of these? Used them? How about those with horses? Anyone else have suggestions for something that really works? ***BACKGROUND (NOT necessary to read for post): As you may or may not know, Jake is my 12 year old Springer Spaniel. He is above average in height and weight for the breed standard; he's built more like a large Lab than a medium Springer. He has had lyme disease in his system since we adopted him (and for which he receives medication that seems to do nothing). He's arthrtic, stiff, sore, and old. He doesn't do steps anymore (we've built a ramp for our 3 front steps). And he has difficulty getting up after a long rest. His exercise is limited to mild walks and swims; but when he feels good, we go an extra 15 minutes or so. We have been testing various supplements since we adopted him, to help him move around better. We have yet to find anything that really seems to work wonders. We're really hoping this works. If not, we don't know what else we can do.*** _________________

Jake is my 12 year old English Springer Spaniel. I inquired about available ESS's through an online rescue site. Soon after, I had plans to visit Jake at his foster home. Jake looked miserable -- only partially covered in fur, he had warts, scabs, tumors, droopy eyes, a huge scar on his back, and a few medical 'conditions'. And he was (is) above the breed standard in height and weight, standing 25" tall and weighing 90lbs! I fell in love with him at once. At the end of my hour long visit, I went on my way to 'think it over', as suggested to me by the foster mom (apparently, he had been adopted out once before then returned; and, after many visits, nobody else wanted to take him). I had already decided he would be mine. As I walked to my car, Jake followed me off the porch and stood by my car door, waiting -- something he hadn't done for ANY other visitor. He hasn't left my side since then. He is my beloved; the kind of pet that comes along once in a lifetime. I truly believe we were meant to find eachother. [img]http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/mnixon/D36.jpg[/img] [img]http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/mnixon/D7.jpg[/img] [img]http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/mnixon/HappyJake.jpg[/img] [img]http://img77.photobucket.com/albums/v235/mnixon/SleepyJake.jpg[/img]