Little Gifts

Each situation is going to be unique. If you think about dogs from their living in the wild, wolf background then any barriers to toileting, walking, finding somewhere safe to sleep, hunger, accessing food and water and consuming it would be considered a serious life threatening problem. But because they live with humans we can compensate for all those things. I think that makes it hard for us to see the truth from the dog's perspective and always know when the time is right. Scottsmum your suggestion about someone less attached looking at the situation is a good one - what do they see that we can't?

Thank you Swain. Yes we have lots of great memories and pictures and two other dogs to keep us distracted so we are lucky in that way. I wasn't posting my recent experience to detract from what you are going through but to express how difficult a time this is and how emotional and hard on ourselves we can get. We wait and watch and agonise and perhaps we need to be more like our dogs and be in the moment while we can. I'm sure they devote no time to worrying about the end because they are too busy just enjoying the now. Of course it is hard to find a balance between going with the flow and oh my dog we need to the emergency vet right now. There's not really a way to make this easier. I'm so sorry you are going through this but at least you know here on DOL you are not alone.

Nope, you are definately not alone. We are still recovering from a very recent loss. My sister and her heart dog lived with me and my two dogs. As a large breed dog little health issues started arising when she hit 11. Her first health issue was these weird skin growths affecting her vision. Surgery x 3 as they kept appearing. All was good and then I noticed she had a discharge (hard to see with her furry foo-foo). She had pyometra and went straight in for surgery (my sister's choice not to desex and it had never been an issue - no unwanted litters or on heat escapes). Then three months after that she was on her back having a scratch and in amongst the fur I noticed mammary lumps. Straight into the vet the next day and it was mammary cancer. She looked like Frankenstein after she got home from surgery but for 9 months her xrays were all clear and she was in perfect health. Then she started being a little incontinent and we put it down to age as she was normal in every other way. Then she was struggling with our 3 stairs due to arthritis. We started her on shots and physio (she was already on other supplements). There was initial improvement and she was able to use the stairs again. But then all of a sudden after Christmas she stopped. We bought a ramp which she wouldn't use. My sister simply moved to the lower area of the house to be with her, no biggie. She started to be fussy with her food (she was a fussy eater when she was younger). After her emergency desex she had put on a lot of weight fairly quickly but all of a sudden she was losing weight so it was back to the vet. After we mentioned the incontinence and stair issue (which we'd put down to age) he found high levels of calcium in her pee so did more tests and determined she had cancer in her anal glands. We went to our first oncology appointment on a Wednesday and scans revealed cancer in the glands in her groin, near her liver and in the anal glands. They gave us a list of 6 treatment options. Despite her age the first two included surgery and an 18 month life span prognosis. We asked numerous times how soon we had to decide and what to look out for regarding deterioration in her condition, what to expect if treatment wasn't working, etc. We went home with the dog started on the most basic of cancer meds. My sister immediately did some research, talked to others who'd had cancer treatment for their dogs and also saw our usual vet to weigh it all up. She made her decision and had an appointment back with the oncologist later the following week. On the Monday night after the Wednesday appointment her dog had diarreha (which I can't spell!). We thought it might be a reaction to the meds and when it didn't settle overnight we booked an appointment with our vet on the Tuesday afternoon. We were all shocked to find out the cancer in the groin area was stopping her from pooing and everything inside was breaking down. We basically sat with her on the floor of the consult room and said our goodbyes less than a week after scans and advice from specialists saying she was a surgical candidate and 'could' live for another 18 months (which we felt was rather unlikely and we were not comfortable with the surgical options anyway). We got one lousy hour to say goodbye to a dog that had been my sister's world for almost 13 years. I can't tell you how much that sucked. She wasn't even well enough for us to take home for just the night. I am still incredibly angry about not being told how large those tumours were and what might happen despite repeated questioning. There was no mention of blockages. We only ever wanted to do the right thing by her and were denied the ability to spoil her and spend time with her at the end because we didn't actually know when the end was. We put a lot of changes down to age, like most people would, so there is a lot of guilt. Even though we sought immediate treatment for everything unusual and she showed no signs of being that ill. I have to remind myself and my sister that all dogs die of something. Very few of them just go to sleep one night in a comfy warm bed when they are really old and never wake up again. That is a fantasy death that we'd all like for them to have. Nope. They get cancer and other crappy illnesses and they try to be strong, not make a fuss and hang on for us. Unfortunately they rely on us to make the 'hard decision' at the 'right time' whether we are ready or not. It's frigging hard. Even if you know your dog you will second guess yourself. Did I leave it too long? Did I do it too soon? My advice is if they become a risk to themselves in your absence or if they no longer actively engage with you in your presence then it might be time. Don't leave it to the last minute to spend time together or spoil them or you might miss out like we did. Comfort them with your words and touch. Live in the moment together for as long as you can. Those little things mean the world to a dog. Hugs to you. I know exactly how much this sucks.

I've so missed your puppy pics and stories! Hello there Master Derpy Ru!

Tempeh the shar pei needs her calendula tea rinse once a month. She gets a bit whiffy and greasy feeling. It takes all of 5 minutes and she hates it. Every 2 weeks her ears are done and she somehow knows and wont come near me. She hasn't ever needed her nails done. Stussy the SBT needs her nails done at least once a month. We've been working on her fear of having her paws touched and only have one scared paw to still conquer. I check out her ears just in case maybe once a month and I give her the sniff test when I do Temp but she probably only gets a rinse every few months. I love the calendula tea rinse because it is so quick. I make mine run around the yard till they are dry. No blow drying here!

It's only fair on us that you would!

The owner is the biggest problem here. If it was me, after the first one the dog would never be let off leash in public (only off leash in its own well fenced yard). After the second one that dog would be at a behaviourist and a trainer to ensure I could take it out in public safely (particularly given its size). If a muzzle was recommended it would be wearing one. After the third attack if a good behaviourist told me the issue could not be addressed the only time that dog would be leaving my property would be in a muzzle to vet or other necessary appointments. The fourth time and that dog attacked another it is going straight to the vet and getting a needle no matter how much I loved it. I'd be interested whether the owner of this dog has sought professional advice on how to address her dogs behaviours or just blamed everything on everyone else. And it actually pisses me off that states like Vic brought BSL in to target certain breeds regardless of their behaviour and SA lets any dog of any breed repeatedly cause harm when they have already been identified as dangerous. Both are equally ridiculous approaches but SA's laws are going to lead to unnecessary injury or death. Stupid, stupid humans!

I didn't notice the no sew blankies - are they just fringing cut around the edges that you knot together? If so I have made quite a few round dog beds using that technique. There is also a different style of no sew blankies I have seen done that don't give you a lumpy knot. You cut a slit in the fringes and loop them through. Link below in case you are in a creative mood! http://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/2012/12/no-sew-fleece-blanket.html There is also this one but I think it would need to be done with a much lighter weight fabric than fleece (maybe 2 layers of old flannel sheets?). http://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/2012/12/no-sew-fleece-blanket.html

We tried pretty much everything out there for Tempeh who was initially fearful of coats or being covered with blankets and who really struggles with the cold. For her the snuggle safes are the best option as they stay warm all night and the heat radiates. Plus they last forever. We've had electric pet beds (chewed) human electric blankets (one side now broken), insulated/fleece layered blankets I made (didn't seem to hold enough heat), newspaper under and blankets over the soft crate (still didn't hold enough heat). We can get her in a double layer coat now and also put blankets over her but she still sleeps by a snuggle safe in the bed as well. Us humans also use them in our beds too and the good thing about them is if you get too hot you can move a bit further away. Can't do that with electric blankets or electric beds. If you can sew or know someone who does then this is the tute I followed. It just wasn't warm enough for Tempeh but it could work for your two.

We finally had a cold night up here in constantly sunny Queensland! I had Stussy under the covers right next to my torso and Tempeh burrowed into my armpit. I put a blanket over her and she didn't move all night. The days are still hot so I don't think we are ready for the dog coats just yet! Where are you autumn?

Here is what upsets me. A good breeder has fans/followers and every dog they have bred or kept means something to them. If they fell on hard times and had to let go of some dogs they would probably find pet only homes for them to go to fairly quickly and easily. They'd probably also have other breeder friends happy to step in and help. If the animals were sick they would choose a euth process they were comfortable with and they would bury or cremate appropriately and with some respect. But this person was breeding 3 very different breeds under conditions she didn't want anyone else to notice and her problem solving skills equated to just disposing of her excess like it was vermin or garbage. If she had an ounce of love for any of her dogs she would bend over backwards to help them find homes. If she was proud of her breeding achievements then again she would be seeking alternatives that included those dogs going to new homes or even to a rescue for rehoming. If they were miraculously all sick and needing to go to the rainbow bridge at the same time then they would have ended up in more than a shallow grave. I think it is clear she didn't care about the animals in her care on multiple levels and even if it is an ex providing information I wouldn't dispute it because it sounds perfectly feasible that she did all these things. She should be investigated to ensure the safety of all animals still in her care because that kind of neglect doesn't just suddenly disappear. Why even have dogs if they are such a hassle to look after and you are so bad at caring for them or keeping them alive?

I was just wondering about mental stimulation. My pei girl hates leaving the house so we've had to find other ways to wear her out. She now gets all her meals through puzzle solving aids. Some we bought and some we made. It took a while but she is disappointed now if she only gets her kibble in a bowl. It has really made a difference to her calmness. My other dog was a real destructo till she was about 3 and seemed to grow out of the desire to stick everything in her mouth. My house still doesn't gave anything on low surfaces. Her remaining weakness is anything soft and stuffed. I still lose a doona every now and then while I'm showering. She is always so proud of her efforts!

Love Maddie's pics, especially with her small fluffy friend!

Adorable pics Huski! Since Tempeh is our youngest and has digital baby pics this is what I came up with for her. She is the front puppy in the duo pic back when she was our foster child and had another name.

I found this on Facebook and it brought a tear to my eye! I have never thought to recreate an old shot to do a comparison on any of mine. Plus any puppy shots I have would be old school photos (hard copies) and I'd have to find them first! Has anyone done anything like this with their doggies? Want to share the pics here? http://www.suggestedpost.eu/how-dogs-get-older/

Stussy is obsessed with smaller critters and vermin but luckily struggles to ever catch anything. Over the years I have discovered quite a few dead rats in my yard which has caused me no end of panic because I also assume it has been poisoned by a neighbour. But strangely she has never tried to eat any of them. It is like she knows something is wrong, probably by their smell. And I know this because I have also found just their sunken unchewed skeletons in less obvious spots in the yard.

There is just so much back story that goes with Secret and it is a very unique name. Inky seems a bit too predictable for a black dog. Inky pinky ponky, daddy bought a donkey...

The dog posts that wind me up the most are the people who want a quick/cheap fix on a health issue (because how could vets possibly know more than strangers on the internet!) and the idiots who make unhelpful blanket statements about a breed (like all pei get entropian) which then just confuse the original poster further. I try to ignore a lot of it because usually someone else points out the obvious but sometimes I can't help myself.

We've recently used Jane Harper and she has been amazing. She gave us loads of suggestions and has kept in contact and made further suggestions as things have changed. She's also visited twice. She is Sunshine Coast I think but drove 2 hours down to our place on Brisbane Southside. Her suggestions have been quite easy to implement and the changes have been positive. She was recommended to me by other pei people. Edited to add link: http://www.dogsontrack.com.au/

Certainly not having a go about Thistle's bare botty but when I was making dog coats and had my market stall people would bring me their little dog wearing expensive designer coats made of nothing remotely warm that ended around their bellies, complaining they were still cold. Well hello! That's like us going outside in winter in a polyester crop top!

What an amazing experience! It is on my bucket list. Thank you for such amazing photos of it Huga. We are so lucky to live in a country like this with that on our doorstep! Oh and I'm also very sad about the low numbers. I hope it turns around and that it isn't a sign of the health of the environment those babies are being born in to.

Just some advice on dog coats and bedding, particularly for outside dogs - if something is made from 100% wool (knitted or sewn) it will stay warm even if it gets damp or wet. Keep your eye on your local op shops in the warmer months and old style wool blankets (sometimes with a little damage) can often be purchased very cheaply. I've had no problem washing them in my washing machine either. As for my dogs - I have one that has practically no coat and no body fat and she really feels the cold. I can usually tell by how unsettled she is trying to sleep whether she is feeling cold. She normally has a double layer coat on (specially designed to cover as much torso and belly as possible as she wont wear pj's), a blanket over the top with only her nose poking out and a couple of snuggle safes for her to lie near on my bed.

Sad but it is in his best interests to get a handle on his bad behaviour. Plus it will allow the other chicklets to blossom and of course we wouldn't want Neko's confidence as a mum battered by a naughty son. It's good that you even had this option for him really. Sad but all good!

Tempeh has discovered the art of tapping me when I am in a deep sleep. Tap. Tap, tap. Lick. I watched a video on FB of another pei who taps her mummy while she is trying to sleep and all of a sudden Tempeh started doing it too. Little B must've been watching over my shoulder! She is also an ambidextrous tapper. I just have to learn how to get her to use this new skill for good and not evil! Stussy has a psychic ability to know if something edible has been dropped on the kitchen floor. Granules of sugar. Uncooked rice. Crispbread crumbs. It's kind of handy!

I don't like Spyder or Thumper! They just don't capture his gargantuan-ness! Maybe he needs a rapper name like Byg Boi (Byggie for short) or Kong (as in King or Donkey)?