Paul777

Absolutely, I had to make sense of it from my perspective, from my experience, until I worked out an understanding that I was comfortable, that I could live with.

Until science finds the tools to measure the paranormal energies in a more tangible way, then they're flogging a dead horse.

On the spiritual side of things, superstitious preconceived nonsense often gets in the way.

And off-course, both sides are guilty of allowing egos to often obstruct the possibility of actually learning something new, or a different way of looking at things that a broader audience can accept.

When I went through my 'awakening', 2 different churches offered me a position on their clergy as their official 'Exorcist' (a title that I really don't care for - anyone can do what I do) until I was heard contradicting doctrine once too often

My parents have not spoken to me in 20 years because they say that I'm "lost to Satan". Sad, but that's what fear does to superstitious minds.

Thanks T.

Dried lamb lung, yum yum, lol. Well I guess if he loves the taste of cat poo, dll should be simply delicious.

Extra calcium - So even a large breed gets sufficient calcium from their diet? That's good to know.

Zagan is fed 3 times daily - 3-4 chicken necks, approx mug full of beef mince & a good handful of grain free kibble every feed. And he still looks up for more once finished, the little guts.

Sounds pretty good to me... shouldn't need extra calcium input.

You don't want to grow him too fast either. Check out http://www.greatdanerescue.com.au/Docs/diet_section.pdf - written by one of our very own DOLers... it will explain a bit about growning giant/large breeds, and where caution needs to be exercised.

T.

That's a very informative link, thanks T.

Zagan had his booster vaccine yesterday & the vet said that he was 1/2 a kilo too heavy - he's more than doubled his weight in just 4 weeks. 12.5 kilo - but he didn't say why.

I had no idea that excessive weight as a pup can often be the cause of joint issues in large breeds later on Now I know :)

I would've thought that it was something that the breeders were aware. Sent them a pic of Z yesterday & they said he looked great.

Lying down he looks all belly but standing he looks quite stout & well proportioned.

Moosmum

Ever since I was a child, I've experienced spirits, usually of the negative kind. Being indoctrinated with religion certainly didn't help.

Years back I went through what I call a 'spiritual awakening' that forced me, for sanity's sake, to rebuild the foundations of my beliefs.

For 7 years I studied, researched, meditated & practiced High Ritual very intensely.

It got to the point where I realised that I'd probably only see, or be able to comprehend, the tip of the iceberg. The rest is hidden by the restrictions of the physical. What I knew was sufficient to be comfortable & free of fear of the unknown.

Trying to work out questions like my son asked when he was 5yo; "Who made 'God' dad?", would only give me a headache & best left to the philosophers to ponder. The truth to those unanswerable questions are neither here nor there to my mind & will no-doubt be realised once one reaches Enlightenment.

Since then I'm called every now & again to clear negative entities that have run off the religious & the delusional.

Quite often I'm not even sure what I'm dealing with, so I use the term 'negative entity'.

What they are exactly aren't necessary to perform my duties. It's one of the Divines creatures regardless & will be treated as such (although many do need to be put in their place like delinquent children)

In a sense, ignorance IS bliss :D

I don't think science, done properly, discounts 'the spiritual'.

Some scientists may. I think its mostly that science hasn't had any conclusive, repeatable evidence that it does. Seems to me religion and science are just 2 different sides to the same coin and both can provoke a spiritual Awe.

Maybe its a human Drive?

Science basicaly looks for purpose. Why does some thing behave as it does and what are the properties and limits that make it so?

Religion gives one- to serve a 'higher' conciousness. Religion says we can't understand it, its beyond us.

Science says we must, to serve it.

Religion tells us purpose is there. Science tells us to find it. Spirituality seems like the glue between.

The form of Conciousness is still the Great Mystery. The Cambridge Declaration of Conciousness says its not confined to Human beings, but we have no real idea of its limits or properties.

I've had a lot of experience that can't be explained by known Laws. It doesn't mean they aren't there. We just can't explain them. We can't prove what we can't explain.

Science can't accept Laws with out explanation or verification and still be science. Unfounded beliefs limit understanding, and how we respond.

Understanding the nature of conciousness might explain a lot.

I think its pretty Awesome... How does a culture of cells, bound together by the limits of their common purpose, achieve conciousness? What IS it?

You're a thinker, aren't you Moosmum? lol.

'All things exist, yet man can only understand that which he's been educated to comprehend.' - Imre Vallyon.

Today's magic is tomorrows science

Religion & science are just very different perspectives that are often trying to explain/understand the same thing.

For e.g., the Theories of Evolution & the Big Bang are describing the process of Creation.

There are truths & there are higher truths. We are limited by the restrictions of the physical.

We are eternal beings with untold inherent ability. The clue is to be found in our so-called 'junk' DNA. As a very old book says; 'Ye are Gods'.

In my world there are billions of shades of grey.

Now if I could just get the brain to quiet down sometimes. It's far too busy in there sometimes :)

Meditation is the easiest way to 'quiet' the mind.

I've learned dozens of techniques, all with their own particular value.

There's plenty of different ways to meditate. Sitting quietly watching a sunrise/sunset, for e.g., is a form of meditation. The trick is to find the one that suits the individual.

My favourites are 'guided' meditations & the open-eyed meditation as taught by the Brahman Kumaris.

Up until the age of seven, our minds go to alpha level at rest (sitting, lying down for e.g.) After that age our minds stay at beta at rest.

After learning the open-eyed technique, my brain waves go straight to alpha at rest. It's changed the way my brain works for the better.

Very handy life tool, especially when stressed or laying awake at night when one's mind is troubled.

Good for you Simply Grand.

I've seen far too many people who just freeze in that situation.

"Sounding like a crazy person", lol. Yes, often it startles the attacking dog & takes it's focus off your dog, and at the very least, it will alert others, possibly the owner, to come running. People are usually good like that.

The more dangerous type dogs that are intent on attack will not be slowed down in the slightest by a squirt of water.

Having witnessed many attacks over the years, one dog would not even let go off his victim even when grabbed by his testicles

Although I cannot stand dobbers, protecting the innocent going about their business does not a dobber make.

Reporting irresponsible owners will hit them where it hurts, in the hip pocket. It's the only thing that some people listen to.

If the dog is declared dangerous then so-be-it.

Was going to report that Zagan had been so good over the last few days, licking my hand & arm before nibbling gently.

Then in a fit of over-excitement, he sunk his teeth into my arm yesterday, drawing blood. I pinned him down while growling until he relaxed & then ignored him for several minutes.

He has improved quite a bit, none-the-less.

Thanks T.

Dried lamb lung, yum yum, lol. Well I guess if he loves the taste of cat poo, dll should be simply delicious.

Extra calcium - So even a large breed gets sufficient calcium from their diet? That's good to know.

Zagan is fed 3 times daily - 3-4 chicken necks, approx mug full of beef mince & a good handful of grain free kibble every feed. And he still looks up for more once finished, the little guts.

"I hate loose dogs" What I really detest Karen, are the imbeciles who think they've got the right to leave their nuisance dogs, that they've got no control over, off leash.

Unfortunately, there's no cure for stupid.

My Rotti from years ago was the best behaved house dog ever ...... except when I'd forget to take out the garbage.

If the bin held anything that contained butter or oil, I'd come home to a guilty looking Ponti, who'd hang his head rather than his usual happy greeting.

And then I'd find little pieces of packaging, ripped & sodden from being licked clean, all over the lounge room floor.

On one occasion, I'd left a dozen stale 'special cookies' in the bin. On my return, Ponti was prostrate at the door, I thought he was dead. Nuh, just very stoned, with a grin from ear to ear. He had eaten the lot, enough for 12 people He slept over 30 hours & his failing back legs were fine from then on.

Thanks S & M

Zagan is fine, although he gets the hiccups a lot.

Looking at the other pigs ears, some are real leathery & he seems to massage his gums on those. And some of them seem to be easier for him to demolish.

I still haven't found the piece & am starting to think that he chewed it right down?

His poos are really healthy looking (how does a little pup crap such big turds?) firm long stools but not hard & he's acting normal.

Imagine one of these off leash dogs charged at a kid on a pushbike for example, & the kid swerved onto the road to avoid the dog?

One of my many 'professions' over the years was as a postie. The amount of times that I was charged at by an off leash dog, followed by a cretin who'd say "Don't worry, he's friendly" was numerous. Idiots. Never mind that I nearly stacked swerving to avoid hitting the dog, often with a fully loaded bike.

Not only would I roar my objections at the dog owner, I'd report the incident to the local council every single time.

As a relief postie, I didn't often see the results of my complaint, but when I did go back to the same run, I'd smile to myself when I'd see the reported imbecile with his dog on lead on most occasions when I'd see the offenders again. (for some reason, it was always a man)

It would seem that most councils take these complaints seriously.

Rarely do scientists say that. If it cannot be explained or proven by science then it isn't so, generally.

There are un-explainable things that people see, feel, experience that cannot be proven. The naysayers say well it's just cannot have happened, the believers believe. It's that simple.

Shades of gray, OSoswift :) Plenty of people in between the naysayers and the believers.

There sure is DDD :)

Hmmmm not sure it has as I have always been a bit different ;)

I often just know things with no plausible explanation. These days I will tell my husband as he would ho yeh yeh and brush it off. When my I just know feeling is verified, he goes wow you said that. I am not often wrong.

I have had other unexplainable things happen with my dogs and other pets - whilst they were still alive.

I read a book called "Dogs never lie about love" and went yep.

I have dogs in the kennels who's behaviour changes when their owns have come home a day early but I have no idea until they turn up.

Lots of little things.

So has it changed how I view the spiritual world, no I don't think so. It has given me a vastly new appreciation for life and I still believe there are things science cannot explain.

Hmmmm not sure if I made much sense there :)

I am also an empath.

You certainly make sense to me OSoSwift :)

Moosmum

I don't think that the little terror is any worse than the average pup. It's just that his teeth are so sharp.

And yes, I really like a confident dog. IMO, a confident dog is less likely to make a bad decision.

My last Rotti was very confident & very level headed (unless I was in public & someone dared to walk too close to me)

Yes, the stare down, lol. It's hard not to laugh at times, like when he goes to attack my shoe (while I'm wearing it off-course) When we lock eyes he'll freeze mid action, with mouth open, deciding what he should do next, hahaha.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the tips Persephone & Simply Grand

I'll see if my pet food shop has "lamb puffs" (never heard of them before) & "goodos" are in the supermarket I think.

Zagans a little guts & eats everything that I put in front of him.

I like giving cheese to pups for the calcium (learnt that from Great Dane breeders in my youth)

When I first got Zagan, it seemed that he didn't tolerate cheese (only gave him little bits) & like all of my dogs, he loved it.

Is it worth trying very small amounts now that he's a month older?

Someone mentioned goats cheese might be more easily tolerated. I think it's because it's lower in lactose if memory serves.

Thanks Persephone

Yes, I use 'yucky' for disgusting stuff - I have a problem with cats using my garden as a toilet & Zagan has a thing for cat poo! He tends to hold it in his mouth for some reason - when he goes sniffing around the usual cat poo spot it's obvious that he knows he's not supposed to.

Hahaha, I either cough or say "excuse me?" in an incredulous voice when pup is contemplating doing something that he shouldn't (it's so obvious sometimes when he's considering 'should I?' lol) I've done it with all of my dogs.

Not using "dog training words"; our voice & our body language really does convey a large part of the message. They read us a lot better than many give them credit.

"swap/gimme", what an excellent idea. I'll have to remember to keep some kibble with me when outside (works brilliantly for 'come' & 'sit' training so far) or a favourite toy for that purpose.

"mum dog uses a growl for many things" Indeed she does. Hmmm :)

Just for the record people; for those with a different perspective, still feel free to post your thoughts.

As long as it doesn't contain Devils & Boogy-men, I'm very comfortable hearing different points of view.

My beliefs are based on experiences that many wouldn't even consider possible, I fully understand that. As a result of my experiences, I'm really 'out there', lol.

(no, my mother had me tested )

My boy Tip regularly appears in my dreams, and they usually involve him protecting me in some way, which I take as a sign that, just as when he was alive, he has my back! It is comforting, even when sometimes (like last night), these dreams are nightmares.

I regularly wake up with a warm feeling behind my knees, which is where he always slept... a spot Jingo never chooses for some reason!

I treasure those little reminders!

Di

What a beautiful story, thank-you for sharing.

I've heard often, some peoples dogmatic (no pun intended!) view of our 'Guardian Angels', that wouldn't even dare consider that we can have many, including our furry family watching over us. Tip protecting you in your dreams (astral plane), how sweet.

Did you see Griffs post on this thread? (bottom of page 1) How appropriate when thinking of Jingo's respect for Tip's spot :D

"I treasure those little reminders!" That's the point of this thread. To you, me & those of like mind, they ARE reminders that we haven't really lost them, that they're still with us.

For those with an Atheist perspective, at the very least, it's a reminder of how fortunate we are to have had the pleasure of sharing our lives with special little souls :)

I don’t believe in the spiritual, I’m sorry. We just dream of loved ones and some event through the day triggers dreams.

I have to say, though, that when one of the most pragmatic and sensible person I have ever met told a story about “someone visiting”, I was pretty shaken. However, over the years I have “caught” this person out telling absolute porkies and even stories (totally fabricated) of events where I was.

As the son of a preacher, I witnessed first hand the practice of what I call 'Lying for the Lord'. Ugh, it's so disingenuous & dishonest.

Spiritual groups seem to be no different, where I've heard many a wannabe guru telling porkies to convince others to believe in their special brand of stupid.

My abilities dealing with spirits is not something that I chose nor went looking for. It caused me a lot of grief & fear until I worked it out.

As a kid, I was told that the spirits that I sensed were 'demons' & that it was a sign that the 'Devil' was trying to recruit me. Lovely thing to teach a child. I was terrified of the dark for years as a consequence.

I've known plenty of people who are Atheist until they've had an encounter with spirit. Although it's not that common in places like Aus., it's by no-means rare.

One family that I helped (after the official Catholic churchs 'exorcist' fled in terror) had experienced poltergeist activity & 2 family members were so ill that both had spent 3 days in hospital for a battery of tests that revealed 'no known cause'.

One family member has since played rugby league for Australia. That story will one day be made public (they ripped me off bad - went halves in lotto, it won, they held the ticket & refused to give my share)

Were it not for my experiences with past lives (I've 'seen' 15 & helped others to witness hundreds of theirs) & spirits, I'd definitely be Agnostic.

To my understanding, belief is no essential requirement. It's psychologically healthier to be Atheist/Agnostic than to have a mind full of fear : )

I've tried to save the growl for when he's doing something dangerous for fear that, if overused, it'll just be something to ignore because he usually does those things when having a puppy fit of excess energy.

At the moment the flying foxes are feasting on the ripe palm seeds in my neighbours yard, eat them while in my gum trees & drop the seed in my yard.

"Leave it" usually works but Zagan often thinks it's a game. He'll watch me clearing up the seeds after his breakfast, wait until I'm watching, grab one & take off for a game of 'catch me if you can', the little terror.

Thanks for sharing your experience T.

The dog trainers where I bought my 18 month old Rotti many years ago, would only train males & I've always wondered why. I've known many "bitches" who are excellent protectors of family & especially kids.

Sandgrubber

What a link. That is just downright scary.

And what about the TWO rubber ducks, swallowed without chewing!

It makes me wonder how blind people keep their seeing-eye Labs safe. It looks like they'll eat anything that's not tied down.

You know you have a Labrador when you don't even bother with hand protection to help them pass something... because you do it so often... lol!

The worst one I have for pica is actually a mutt... she will eat anything at all... and poo patrol is an adventure here... lol!

T.

Labradors have been very special doggies to me since childhood. At 4yo I was jumped on by an overgrown, over-playful GSD pup & was terrified of dogs from then on.

It was a neighbours gorgeous Lab that taught me to trust dogs again.

But that's really stretching the friendship T. I put a plastic bag in my pocket after finding that 'assisting completion' with an uncooperative pup in one hand & trying to use 2 sticks like chopsticks in the other, really doesn't cut it. Now if it has a handy string of carpet hanging out the end ...........

Must have been an elephant ear to get down to 5 inches square. I doubt there will be a problem but just be on the look out for a bit of funny poo, either extra hard or extra soft.

I was thinking 'elephant ear'??? Consulting a ruler I see my guesstimate skills are wildly out of whack.

Let's revise that to 3 inches square, lol. Then I throw them out.

Strange thing is, I still haven't found the pigs ear & pup is usual self.