Pretty Miss Emma

Can I ask a question here which may sound silly but it's for the purposes of further educating myself!!!? Dogs that are shown in neuter class... are they main listed dogs who have been desexed? Can they be limit register dogs (who obviously most likely should be desexed with most breeder agreements)? And pertaining to part b, can you get a desexed limit register dog to be put on main if it were for the purposes of showing in the neuter class (obviously with breeder agreement etc)? I tried to look up some stuff about the neuter showing but found it difficult to find/understand. So would love your plain english versions!!! Oh, and partly this question came up in my head due to the references to pet dogs within the thread (and I sort of assume that most people with pet dogs would have them on limit register).

For those who have had experience with a dog who has been diagnosed with pneumonia what sort of recovery time did your dog have? And what special things did your dog need during this time? Miss Emma is 12yo and is suspected of having pneumonia. Will obviously discuss this with the vet when I visit her tomorrow in hospital, but always interested in the experience of the DOLer's!

Hi all, Just sharing as some of you heard about Emma's "issues" a couple of months ago. So we're still going with all the eye business. I was in Africa for 7 weeks, her eyes stayed stable so my dogsitters didn't have any problems to deal with!! We have a new complication but taking it in our stride. At the moment that's the least of the worries. This morning when Em had her breakfast at 6.30am I had my usual beautiful bouncy 12yo BC trying to find me with her reduced vision. Happy and hungry!!! We had a bit more of a sleep (I'm on hols still!!). Then at 9.30am I had a dog that didn't really want to move. At first I thought she was just having a bit of an off morning. But then when she wouldn't come when I called her, wouldn't look at me when I said her name beside her, refused a schmako (completely unknown for this diabetic dog to ever refuse food), couldn't stand on her own and really wasn't even keen on lifting her head I knew we were in some real trouble. At first I thought she might be having a hypo, honey on gums - she was at least happy to lift her head. So off to the vet we tottled by 12pm, me in tears having to carry her because she couldn't really stand and when she walked she just stumbled everywhere and fell over. Exceptionally distressing . BSL's were perfect - not a hypo (was a bit glad about this because she hadn't had one before and they seem a bit scary). But she just lay on the table and struggled to breathe. Then we find out elevated temp, raspy breath, etc . Next step straight to the emergency clinic (as my vet said, no point in them admitting her and then calling me at closing time to say take her to emergency she may as well just get there and get specialist treatment straight away). So she was admitted with us thinking it is a chest infection probably either pseudomonas or pneumonia (both horridly bad!). Testing is happening, IV antibiotics, has an oxygen tube, etc. When I left her there I thin she was feeling so miserable she just didn't really care . Visited her again at about 6.30pm. She was able to stand up on her own , such a big improvement in 6 hours!! And she gave me a big lick and tail wags. At least I was able to change my thinking process from will she be PTS to what will the recovery process be. She's in for the night and I sort of hope she will stay tomorrow night too so she can continue having specialist round the clock care. So give all your dogs a big hug and thank them for being there with you, and don't forget to make the most of the moments you have with them because I can't believe how quickly she went down hill this morning. I'm pretty sure she'll bounce back from this but it just made me remember yet again how much I love her (and naughty munchkin Kenzie!) and that we all need to make sure we make the most of the short time we have with them.

I also very much understand that with a hobby such as this you need to at least cover your costs, and there is certainly nothing wrong with making some profit - because realistically that is probably paying you for your time. The question I have (and it is a genuine question)... When selling a litter there are usual several pups to find homes for, each of which (usually) has required the same level of care, etc. Is it justifiable to sell dogs that will be main registered for a higher price than those that will be limit registered? And if the answer is yes, what makes it justifiable? I really am curious about this as I have seen it advertised and have been told this by some breeders (and have also had some say that they sell all pups for the same price - but they will be more selective about where a main registered dog is placed), but don't quite understand it completely other than any price difference in the registration process.

I think all of the above probably sums up a lot of peoples feelings about this sort of thing (it was much easier than trying to put words to such stupidity!). I just don't think there can be ay way that she was a professional trainer - how can you train dogs/people and their dogs if you are that stupid!!! Taking it back to the buying a product analogy - would you buy a manual car without having ever driven one or having lessons to learn, probably not!!! But maybe if you weren't too cluey on such things! I just hope pup is ok and at least she does now have some information - thankyou Mystiqview for doing that bit of community service!

Staranais gave a lovely description of why it is done. My vet told me that it's only been recently (last 2-3 years) that they routinely discuss it with all patients. I think I paid about $80 - worth it for my peace of mind! For older dogs they can do a more thorough test that does cost a bit more (and obviously there is more risk that an older dog may have problems that could impact on the choice of drug). It certainly shouldn't be a guilt trip but I think it is good that they offer it. It's always the owners choice in the end.

I've just come back from a 7 week holiday. It was the first time my 17mo had been away from me for more than about 2 nights!!! Of course it was me who didn't cope so well at first (I think she was actually a bit upset I came home and my housesitters left!!). But my friend who was looking after her for me sent me a daily email update of how she was doing for the first week, after then I really didn't have email access (Africa - unreliable internet!!), but I had found out that she was settled and more than happy!! When I babysit for friends I usually send them a photo or 2 from my phone of cute things their fur babies are up to!!! Maybe ask the dogsitters to do this and only send them to you - hubby need never know!!!!

If you feel worried I would never rule out a vet visit. Having a dog that has had many problems in the last few months I can say first hand it is worth the price of a consult for peace of mind! But it could be the food. My girls get a bit of the same wet food each morning and their poo is a bit reddish. But is also could be old blood from the gut/bowel if he had a problem there that involved bleeding (I would have thought it would be a bit late for that to be coming out, but maybe). If it were me and I felt worried I'd just head to the vet so I didn't need to worry anymore!

We were at an off-leash park yesterday afternoon and a young (maybe 2yo) 3 legged staffy showed up to play, back leg amputated. This little things was running around like a nutcase!!!! She did trip over a few times and quickly picked herself up and kept the game of chasey going! Kenzie was mighty impressed that there was someone chasing her (it was amusing watching a tiny 3-legged staffy chasing a border collie!). I think after a bit of initial delicate treatment let them continue life as per normal but expect that there might be a few limitations, just don't impose the limitations unless it is for the safety of the dog!!!

This is where we were yesterday!! Kenzie got to play with about 5 other dogs - of course they didn't understand her game, they wanted a bit of rough and tumble and she kept looking at them as if to say "hey, chase me!". You can usually find someone there, it's fun.

Lindainfa - good recommendation on Kepala! We love going there!! hopefully will be able to go with the DOL group at some point. Do you ever take your dogs to Woodlands? I someetimes head up there, not off leash but makes for a nice walk in the bush on a nice day (not like today!!!).

Haven't had to use it, but Kenzie is with 1300Insurance. Just make sure you read the fine prints and prioritise what is important to you. Also consider if you plan to stay with them or move - old dogs generally can't be insured for illness with most companies and if you change companies when the dog is "old" then it will only be eligible for accident cover ("old" seems to be either 7yo or 9yo depending on the company).

I love your description of her reaction!!!! I've just had a friend house sitting and their toddler kept feeding Kenzie toast - which she loved from the toddler!! Today when I gave her a corner I got the exact same moment you've described here!!! I love them!!!!

I wish I could have a brand new car, but alas finances do not allow this!!! So I ended up with a Mazda Tribute, which is great for me. But I did get to drive a Kluger for several days, and I would have to say if I was going for something brand new it would be this. It was just great to drive, good visibility, great space. Worth looking at.

Of course the list is right - well at least about 1st place!! Oh, I have 2 BC's!!! Really though, I think it has to be a combination of the breed, the breeding , the trainer and then there's the issue that each dog is an individual. So there can never really be a truely accurate list because there will always be a dog somewhere that proves it wrong!! Thank goodness!!!

Nutro goes down really well in our house!

Frequent accidents were our sign that Emma had diabetes. She was first being treated for incontinence and then we subsequently found out a few weeks later that she had become diabetic. Apparently it can also be related to Cushings. I have towels folded in 1/2 with a puppy pad in the middle everywhere that Em regularly sleeps. Plus I have bought the Connie mats for her. We don't have the problem at the moment but it's always good to be prepared!!! And you can get "doggy diapers", I have to say they're going to be a last resort for Em!! Hope you've found out what was going on with her!

I bought Em another one, even though she doesn't really need it at the moment - never hurts to be prepared!! If you have a big dog it's worthwhile because they're quite large!!! The same size in the pet ones are about $45 I think.

I usually take about 1-2 weeks to change over food. Starting with just a few bits of the new stuff for a day or 2, moving to about 1/4 new 3/4 old for 3-4 days, 1/2 1/2 for 3-4 days, then 3/4 new 1/4 old for 3-4 days. I just find a slower change has less potential for problems than a change that is too fast! As for going to the toilet during the night so much, I think it could be a combination of the new food and also the late dinner time. My girls get fed between 6-7pm and the last time they go out to the toilet is about 11pm. unless there's an upset tummy or if Em's BSL's are out we don't get up again til morning (of course they're grown ups too!). When Kenzie was a pup she still only woke me once most nights to go out. Try earlier feeding. Also is pup starting to toilet on command? I found that very useful, as you can take them out a couple of hours before bed time and get them to go and then again just before bed time - might empty pup out a bit more before the whole house wants some less interrupted sleep!!! Plus it's just useful to be able to get pup to go to the toilet when you want them to if you know they may not be able to go for a while. Good luck!

I haven't actually had to use a kennel yet, but my understanding is for public holiday periods you need to book months in advance at most places. But anyway, in my research before I went away (and had to find emergency boarding if it were required in my absence - which it wasn't!!) the two kennels that came up best were Mornington Lodge and Aquapaws. But I have a special needs dog. These 2 were the most accommodating in terms of her medication regime and possibility for emergency vet treatment. But I was given a list of many others by other DOLer's so there is a thread about it somewhere here in the general discussion area!!

Agree!!! I think my curiosity will get the better of me on all the different genetic variants - that's the science geek in me!!!!

I hadn't heard of wheaten BC's!! I think maybe we should stick with recognised colours to make it all a bit easier!!

mr.mister - I just saw your signature and love it!! I think we're on a similar page!! :-)

That was my understanding!! Scary that there is someone listing a pup on DOL as silver!!!!

I thought I did a lot of research before I got young Kenzie, and I know there are many colour variants of Border Collies. But what is a "silver" border collie???? Is it a blue merle? Or is there a colour out there that google doesn't know about (yes I googled it and it kept coming up with pictures of a sliver ornament dog !!!)?!!