Loving my Oldies

Well these visitors are travelling a long way and, as it is a rare occasion, I can't see a problem with trinabean acknowledging their fear. As fot putting Bruno out in the yard and telling everyone it is off limits, I believe it is far too risky. I think one of the deaths reported recently arose from a situation like that

The risks are too huge. Your dog won't understand why kids and their mother are screaming their heads off. I'd be boarding them at the local veterinary clinic, no matter what the cost. No way would I be taking any chances that my dog could come of second best in anything that might happen. You won't have a moment's peace unless your dog is safe.

So beautifully said, VizslaMomma I lost the love of my life little dog when she was just three and a half (bad heart). I was totally and absolutely devastated, but truly thankful that I had experienced the love I had for her. She died on 15 January 1997 and I still think of her just about every day. My biggest regret is that I didn't have a digital camera in those days. She was a total knockout and I was always getting stopped in the street if I had her with me. Sadly I have only a couple of photographs that show how gorgeous she was -teeny teeny Maltese. Kirislin is blessed with an amazing photographic talent that will see her through her tough times, by being able to look back and relive the beauty of her dogs.

Oh, Kirislin. It is heartbreaking just to read your post . All we want is for our darlings to be happy and so often we don't know how to do that. I was just about to type that I have two dirt lickers, but realised it has been a while since they have done it as they did in the past. Near where I have the dogs leads hanging at the side gate, the dirt in the little garden was often furrowed away from where Danny would lick. And he caught the habit from Myrtie who would literally run along the ground licking, stopping and licking, etc. Very strange. So whether dirt licking is something to do with old age, or not, I don't know. Myrtie never threw up the dirt, but Danny often did. I knew the time was coming close with Rover (toy poodle nearly 20 when he died), he used to get caught in places and starting the whimpering that you and others have described. All he needed to do was just to back out, but he'd lost that knowledge. Penny's time is definitely coming, but I don't think she is ready to go yet. It is not as easy as "when the time comes, you will know", sadly, but considering your deep and long bond with Penny, I rather feel you will know.

The cooler weather has definitely made a difference to one of my dogs. All of us are old, including me, and so we don't jog, but rather go at a snail's pace around the neighbourhood. I know exactly what you mean by dogs hating to be left out: sometimes if I want to just take the two who are most energetic and to give them time without the really slow ones, I have employ strategies :laugh: :laugh: I've never had big energetic dogs, so I can't really make informed comments on them, but with the littlies, the first thing you notice is the lagging. If it is possible, drop your dog's lead, continue to jog/walk at your normal pace and you will have your signs if the dog falls behind. That's just a start - doesn't cover the days when your dog might be feeling a bit tired, or full of the joys of spring. And you may have to end up taking dogs out separately.

He seems to have found his snuggle spot

It looks such a calm place.

No, it isn't a silly question at all. It is one that has been discussed with a great deal of interest over the years. I'm pretty sure that many of us have experienced our breed heading straight for others of its kind, and other who don't seem to recognise them. My first dogs as an adult were Maltese and whenever we went to a park or area where lots of different dogs walked or played, it would end up looking like a Maltese convention :laugh:

Oh dear :laugh: Someone looks very much at home .

What an education DOL is. LOL. So much knowledge. Love these sorts of threads ...... so I can live vicariously I certainly agree with Little Gifts. We will needs lots of photos ---- Jonah on lead of course. How 1080 is still allowed is beyond me

Your photos show how dogs should live

Beautiful. I just loved how enthusiastic and totally thrilled the keeper was.

I haven't read the entire link, but I decided to google: What is a Greenhound? And came up with this: http://www.greenhounds.com.au/what-is-a-greenhound.html

Sounds to me as though "someone of influence" has got the ear of "someone" in the Council. In cases like these, there is usually some financial dealings going on behind the scenes as to why a place is being targeted. For example: is there a developer with council links who wants the site? Sound cynical .... not a bit of it. Happens all the time and so many council are corrupt in as much as they are easily bought . Someone with investigative skills needs to start digging, I'd suggest.

This is going off topic, but lots of people who haven't got a clue about dogs are getting them every day from all the various places (pounds, shelters, breeders, pet shops, etc) where dogs are available. I see plenty walking around my neighbourhood . What should be done? More legislation? L plates, P plates, licence? It has been said many times on DOL: you can't legislate against stupidity.

I seem to recall lots of temperament testing when Cosmolo held a weekend workshop up here. Check out Underdog Training based in Melbourne, HC.

Oh, too too sweet.

Oh, that is such a lovely story KitKat. Does he have a special bond with the baby? Did he constantly check that baby was okay and you weren't neglecting baby by going to the loo? :laugh: :laugh:

Well, I tried LOL. Over and out. (I'll probably still look though.)

Sadly, I lent mine and I've forgotten who. Some book you want to keep forever. EG "When Elephants Weep"

Little Gifts, I think you must be referring to "Dogs that know when their owners are coming home" by Rupert Sheldrake. [i will never understand how his editor let that title through - should be 'who', not 'that'. I am one of those much hated by some, a Grammar Nazi LOL] Another book you would love and is by Jeffrey Masson 'Dogs Never lie about Love'.

I think there has been enough mea culpa, Happy Camper. Some people will forgive and forget, some people will forgive, but be forever wary, some people will never forget. It depends on the people and whatever feels right for them. Each individual has the right to her or his feelings and, to your credit, you have acknowledged this. If I were in your situation, I think I would pull back a little and go a little bit more softly. I know you are very eager to make a difference and to rehabilitate yourself, but some things are best done slowly :) I was not involved with this particular story, but I know there are people "out there" whom I neither could nor would ever trust again no matter how much they apologised (huh! pigs might fly) for the total crock of shite of lies they have said about me on this and other forums. Bit different from your case, but just giving an example of how no amount of apologising can made up for some treatment.

http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/256697-mountain-of-bedding/

I think the words I've stressed are just so important. Some people go into a panic and, of course, this transmits to the dog.

Well said Trifecta (not that I know anything about Belgians), but I was thinking about the fact that George sleeps in HC's room and that he is obviously becoming very comfortable in his new home :) . I have a dog who growls and carries on as though his is extremely displeased, but it is because he is getting old and a bit grumpy. Sadly, no one takes any notice of his carry on, poor boy :laugh: . The girls just ignore him or give him a bit of lick; when he was a newcomer, Bunter didn't know how to take it, but now he just ignores Danny too. Hopefully, this is just a one off, HC and all will settle down into a comfortable household.