Stressmagnet

It isn't the medical research aspect that worries me. It is that once the technique of breeding GM dogs with strengthened hindquarters is perfected, is it going to proliferate and are we going to see these GM dogs being used for draught (weight pulling, dog sledding etc) and wouldn't the dog fighting fraternity love more powerful fighting dogs.

I fear you're right.

Oh my.

I was so hoping for a better outcome, Gilly. I'm so very sorry. Sending you love. X

So sorry, this is heartbreaking.

Thinking of you, sweetheart.

What a stunning animal. Thanks for posting pics - he's beautiful.

I'd love to embarrass Ernie but I can't find anything big enough!!

All the tuffy toys I like are sold out.

I know.

I think Ernie might get another Kong Knot bear. He does rip it eventually but he loves them so. And a squeaker mat and a stuffing less raccoon that he can flap about. He does love flapping. :D

A friend of mine found that dust masks like this one make good dog flap-about toys :laugh:

I bought this at a garage sale today for $20, it was still in the box. We assembled it and it looks a bit flash and OTT.

I don't know if I really like it

I think your Pasha dog bed looks hilarious. Embrace the OTT! :D

And thanks for the hint re dust masks. I actually have surgical masks I'm supposed to wear when I go out (but don't *ahem*) so I've got some Ernie stocking stuffers, yay me!!

All the tuffy toys I like are sold out.

I know.

I think Ernie might get another Kong Knot bear. He does rip it eventually but he loves them so. And a squeaker mat and a stuffing less raccoon that he can flap about. He does love flapping. :D

Oh sweetie. I cannot help, all I've done is Google madly. But I totally understand your devastation. I'm so sorry.

I'm sure lots of experienced DOLers will have good advice. Hang in there, ok?

Oh Gilly.

That's such sad news. Keep us posted. X

Jeebus.

That's awful. And there's nothing to stop him practicing again?

Note to self:

At least you aren't a tick researcher.

*beams*

I'm stumped for Ernie too.

I bought him a gel cooling mat (thanks DOLers) but he will destroy most cheap doggie stocking stuffer toys and food will be gone in a flash.

I love the snuffle mat idea - it might just be simple enough for me to try it. Where would you buy the rubber mat with holes? What's it's proper name?

"Give me a kiss"

FratBoy launches himself at me, remembers mid-air he's got to be 'gentle', comes to a screeching halt then ever so delicately licks my cheek.

I dont support these kind of studies - using Animals for testing,, so another reason to kill these innocents - just because humans are greedy to own everything in the world, and live longer

As someone whose mother died a slow horrible prolonged death at 65 from Parkinson's, this gives me hope.

While I vehemently oppose testing cosmetics or food additives or such on animals; I make no apology for supporting this kind of medical research. I realise this will make me unpopular here, so be it.

I think I want to change my reply ,,, I am sorry to hear that

I know we all want to live longer and testing animals, There should be a limit and regulated.,,,,

Gavin888, no need to change your reply - you are just as entitled to your opinion as I am to mine. Sorry if MY answer made you feel uncomfortable.

I wish we didn't have to test medical stuff on animals; I really do. But there doesn't seem a way around it. I only hope that it is done humanely and with a high degree of concern for their welfare. Testing for cures for diseases cannot be done on human beings - so how do we discover new cures and advances in disease treatment?

Something tells me that I may be sticking my head in the sand. But my mother.... Her death scared me and devastated me since it took so long.

I cannot stomach any other kind of animal testing. To subject any other living thing for a waterproof mascara or get slim quick pill seems immoral.

I know that's probably a contradiction, but that's me - a contradiction.

Oh, and welcome.

I dont support these kind of studies - using Animals for testing,, so another reason to kill these innocents - just because humans are greedy to own everything in the world, and live longer

As someone whose mother died a slow horrible prolonged death at 65 from Parkinson's, this gives me hope.

While I vehemently oppose testing cosmetics or food additives or such on animals; I make no apology for supporting this kind of medical research. I realise this will make me unpopular here, so be it.

For me drive & ability are selectively bred into a line or out of a line. I went through our kennels about 3 years ago and re-homed the bitches that had low or no retrieval and low drive ( the energy and focus they put into the retrieval ) While drive can vary in litters depending on how much stimulation they get I find breeding Labs with low retrieval or drive pointless. The majority of my dogs go to service, hunting or military homes - I am VERY selective on the people who get our Labs as companions dogs. The higher the drive the less suited they are as an ordinary backyard companion dog

Which is why I was sold on Ernie when I found most of his line are either pretty or service dogs. We owned a Springer with incredible focus and drive when I was a teen and I knew I didn't have the energy for a working Labrador. :D

My Amstaff desexed girl Georgia hated any bitch on sight. Males, both entire and desexed, she would leave alone but should a female of any description cross her path - she was on for the kill. I was that owner who carried a break stick. She had numerous scuffles while I was trying to work on her behaviour and she was never fooling around. She wanted to kill, not just dominate. I'd never ever let her just 'sort it out', there'd be a dead dog at the end if I did.

Great idea, Boronia. There's an IGA close by, I'll ask in there. Thanks!

Well I was leaning towards the ACV until the smelliness factor. No way Ernie the frat boy needs more smells. He's one step away from scratching his knackers through a leg of his shorts while watching the footie as is. :D

I can't seem to get turkey ANYTHING lately - no necks or legs or wings.

I feel sick. Especially after looking at the photos of the dogs they gave up on.

Sending love and gentle hugs.

Get the breeder to describe the pups temperament without you asking. If you can, watch the older dogs for clues to the lineage behaviour.

Def ask about inherited diseases and ask if she keeps in touch with her puppies owners.

Off to hug my frat boy now.

It depends I guess.

Labradors were bred to retrieve. They also were bred to be superb companion and service dogs.

Ernie won't push ahead of me going up or down stairs as I'm unsteady. Instead he leans into my bad side to lend support. I didn't teach him this, he does it on his own.

When I fell while walking him, he had the perfect opportunity to race off and play with his mates. He didn't. He sat beside me and let me use his poor back to lever myself up.

He comes from both show and service dog lines.

So I guess, given his breeding heritage, it is important. Or I'm just really lucky.