kiwioz

Thanks for posting the update sway-great to hear she is stable.

I like the avatar thought too Lit my virtual candle last night - and contributed one of the three countries :rolleyes: This is a really beautiful idea.

That did it . x2 x 3! This whole thing is just so gut wrenching- and I am painfully aware that what I am feeling is such a tiny fraction of what Jed and those involved are feeling more thoughts coming from here.

That did it . x2 x 3! This whole thing is just so gut wrenching- and I am painfully aware that what I am feeling is such a tiny fraction of what Jed and those involved are feeling more thoughts coming from here.

Thanks for the updates, and thanks again to those doing so much to help Jed through this time Sending as many healing vibes as I possibly can, looking forward to reading that she is feeling a little better

That's 11pm for me, if I'm still awake I'm in. Lovely idea

I have just caught up on this now after seeing FB posts This is so completely heartbreaking. Wishing you a speedy recovery Jed, I always admire your posts and it is apparent in this thread what a special member of this community you are. RIP all those precious dogs that lost their life So incredibly sad. Steve, kudos to you, MBDA are doing so much and will make this tragedy that little bit more bearable for Jed. Will give what I can.

This is really interesting to read. Since moving back to NZ I have struggled to find a BARF equivalent, have had some funny looks when I ask But the boarding kennels just down the road advertise that they sell K9 Natural so I might have to check it out Especially if they sell the cheaper frozen stuff, though I can see the freeze dried would have its uses.

Another one here who thought it was a toy!! I looked at the pictures a few times, I thought you were just being funny with your title She is gorgeous!

The thread macka posted is the exact same one that convinced me to leave their collars off while at home. At the moment, however, they are wearing collars 24/7, as I was a bit nervous moving to a new house and new area, until I was 100% sure the yard was secure, and until they knew their surroundings a little more. This thread is reminding me though that its about time I took them off again.

Haha macka and bindii I also have the exact same thing here Finn is done in a matter of moments, absolutely wolfs it down. Cal, however, takes his sweet time and eats it piece by piece. Drives Finn nuts I don't time them specifically, but Cal does eat his all in one go even though he's slow, so I let him finish. I also supervise them the whole time cos they are prone to issues when it comes to food.

You've had heaps of good responses already, and I'm glad you're feeling better about this But just to add another story, Cal is exactly the same. He's very aloof and not particularly people oriented. He does get excited when I get home, like you said, but after that he's much happier out on his own in the yard. Not a fan of cuddles, snuggles, pats, though like Luuka he loves tummy rubs! He's got slightly more affectionate as he's got older, but all in all he's very independent. Which is why, though I love Cal dearly, I've really enjoyed having Finn as he is the complete opposite, very snuggly affectionate and we have a very close bond. It has been nice to experience that for a change, though both personality types have their pros and cons, as others have mentioned! Having said all that, I definitely have still bonded with Cal, and he has his own ways of letting me know he loves me Which I'm sure you'll recognise in Luuka more and more as you get to know her

Sadly it is not cost efficient for them to post it to me here in NZ As I have family in oz I'm looking into getting it posted to them, however the problem remains that they have to get it to me! I realised a 5L bottle will actually be quite big and heavy! Mum is coming over in a couple of weeks but not sure that she can sacrifice that much suitcase weight...

He is completely gorgeous, how wonderful for you

I'm very sorry to read this, condolences to you and your family

Oooh how exciting! You deserve some recognition for the amount of interest you've generated in their product!

I think you've got a nice tone and your point is clear, but its a little long and repetitive. Good luck!

Hehe VJB your prompt must have worked, I just received an email The guy is waiting to hear back from the supplier to see if he can post over here.

In some ways its easier, some harder. I feel much better leaving them alone as they do have each other, especially in kennels. But it is more work as well.

I was hoping to have heard back by now - are people getting speedy responses at the moment?

VJB you've sold me too! I'm always paranoid about my house stinking, as I know I don't smell it myself - just get used to it! I've just moved into a new house too, and don't really want it to smell super doggy. Off to check out the website, I hope they ship to NZ! ETA: Have sent off an enquiry about getting some shipped here

Wow thanks so much for all the responses guys There are some differing thoughts here, but it is all helpful to read. Its good to know that others have their dogs inside for long periods with no dramas - as whatever my eventual outcome turns out to be, this is what I have to do at the moment. Bark collars may well be worth investigating. I want to do some behavioural work for Finn because of other issues, and thought about trying to do some work with their barking, but of course its so hard to enforce as the problem is when I'm not home. An inside 'toilet' is a good idea too, or the towel idea, I could try that. I also like the idea earlier in the thread of someone coming to let them out on days when I'll be a really long time. All of it will depend slightly on where I get a job too. I know my hours (teaching) but I could potentially be up to 45-50 mins from home. Whereas if I score a local school I can pop home at lunch time if needs be, and be home nice and early. Ultimately I did want them to be able to be outside, and these ideas have given me a lot to think about. Even if I end up doing some combination of everything!

Thanks guys. Shelle its true that they're not used to having someone come, though I've just remembered there was an ad for someone who does dog walking/care etc during the day in one of the local papers, so I can keep it in mind as an option. Cowanbree I did wonder about that, but unfortunately I don't think it will quite work here the way my house and yard are set up. Elsha I don't even mind so much if they end up going in the house - it occassionally happens, but I feel bad that they obviously held on so long they got to bursting point, and Finn in particular hates having to go in the house.

Is that 12 hours without a toilet break GR? The house before last they were shut in all day, sometimes over 10 hours, and seemed fine, but I worry that its too long. Though I guess they hold overnight with no dramas. Thanks about my cottage Shelle that's a good idea about the break, unfortunately I've only just moved to the area so it will be a little while til I find someone close by who I know well enough to trust with that job, but I will keep that in mind.

This is a little complicated, so apologies in advance! I'll start by saying my dogs have been locked inside during the day for the last few years, so that is what they are used to. However, at my previous house there was the perfect arrangement of a small courtyard area they could go to the toilet in, without being properly outside. At the moment at my new house they either have to be locked fully in, or fully out, though I'm open to a doggy door. If they are locked outside: 1. Biggest problem and reason they've previously been inside, is my dogs bark. Not all day nuisance barkers, and not just cos they're bored, but they bark at 'stuff' and there is enough 'stuff' to make the barking a problem. Also some things don't go away by themselves and I have to remove my dogs, eg. confrontations with the dogs next door. 2. In a few months it will be bloody cold here, and wet, muddy and possibly snowy. 3. Less of an issue, but Finn is very much an inside dog and doesn't really like being outside. If they are locked inside, those problems are solved but instead: 1. Up to 10 hours without toilet access 2. A lot of restrictions on me, eg. can't go places straight after work cos I have to let the dogs out. 3. Again, less of an issue, but in complete contrast to Finn, Cal is very much an outside dog and is much happier out there. If I got a doggy door and let them have indoor/outdoor access some issues would be solved, but not the barking, and I could come home to a very wet and muddy house some days. Ultimately I know there is no perfect solution, but which is the lesser of two evils? How long do other people have their dogs locked inside with no toilet access? Any help/suggestions/advice/experiences very greatly appreciated :D