White Shepherd mom

I love The Rose though I must say I prefer Bette Midler's version... ** sitting in the waiting room, fiddling on the laptop in quiet contemplation, the sound of the pouring rain outside the window, greatful for all of you sitting here (or popping in and out) willing Jed on to a solid recovery.

mmmmm....muffins and coffee...and the best company one could hope for while waiting. Thank you for the positive update Toohey, keep them coming!

*** goes to cafeteria to get a coffee...can I get anyone else one?

you made me teary again...it's a comforting image!

Happy Birthday Julie...you're one in a million. Have a fantastic day!

Dear Jed, I have been sending positive thoughts your way since reading about your tragedy a week ago. I would just like to say that we, your loyal public, are patiently waiting for some good news, so please, please get better as soon as possible. I can't remember when last so many people who have never met, have rallied together to support another. I will continue to look out for positive news and lighting that cyber-candle for you, those that have gone, those that remain and the angels that have stepped in when they were needed. Big hugs from Ann, and slurpy kisses from Bella and Casper.

Have you checked your lawn for weeds, like Wandering Dew (or Wandering Jew). I know that can cause allergies. Casper gets the itchies at certain times of the year. I give him half an anti-histamine a day for a couple of weeks and that seems to help.

you made sure her life wasn't a waste. How sad that she only got to know love at the end, and how wonderful of you and your family to give it to her. I have no doubt that she will be waiting for you at the Bridge so she can be with you once more. RIP Rosie.

Goodbye Zac. What a lucky boy to have led such a busy, happy life. I'm sorry for your loss.

A gorgeous boy. I am sorry he had to leave you. Goodbye old boy. ;)

I am so sorry for your loss. She is beautiful. She leaves you with love just like she lived with you with love. Goodbye gorgeous Tieke. ;)

I can't remember when last I felt this sad. I could only read a couple of tributes at a time to stop from crying. I am so sorry for your loss Bella. There's something about a Shepherd that fills your heart with joy and love, leaving a big empty space when they go. I hope it will not be long before you only remember the good times you had with Asher. My thoughts are with you. The poems and messages written here are trully beautiful.

Good God Harminee, you're going to have me sobbing like a baby in a minute. You are very talented. Those portraits tug at the heart strings, even for those of us who have not lost a loved furry one. I think you trully do have paw prints on your heart!

Saddest and yet most heartwarming story I've read in a long time. You gave Tess 11 years of love, acceptance and companionship. You saved her from her living hell and gave her heaven and for that she was always there for you. Don't take it all away with thoughts of one harsh word. You just keep the good memories because I am certain that's all Tess thought of when she went off. Thank you for sharing beautiful Tess's story with us. I am so sorry she is no longer with you. Rest in Peace Tess.

Casper used to get terrible allergies, especially at this time of year. Last year I had him on anti-histamines (the ones we take!) because he was so bad. Soon after I also started him on fish-oil capsules...the same ones we take. I have made sure to give him one every day and have found that this year he hardly scratches at all and I have not had to give him anti-histamines since last year. If he does start to get a little itchy, I increase his capsules to two a day for a couple of days and he settles down. It's also good for his joints so I'll be happy to keep him on them.

If I remember correctly (and this is going back a few years), when we got Casper he had kennel cough. I phoned the vet who vet-checked him at the pound and he said to give him Benadryl. I bought some normal Benadryl (the non-drowsy one) and gave him the child's dosage. It cleared up in a couple of days. Sounds awful though, doesn't it?

If you're concerned about your dogs getting fat, try cutting down on their meal portions and increase their exercise. Marrowbones only last about an hour at our place. Mainly because Bella buries hers, then steals Casper's and 10 minutes later buries that too. Poor boy doesn't stand a chance!

I was giving Bella a scratch on one back leg when I found a grass seed embedded under the skin. Surely it must be uncomfortable enough for them to chew it or something? That would at least give one an idea to look around? She didn't even seem hassled when I pulled it out. She is a bit of a toughy though

I find Bella's coat is too thick for normal pin brushes and she always seems to have mats that the rake snags in. So last week I bought a bottle of detangling spray, used it last night for the first time and the rake just slid through her coat. She looks so nice and shiny now!

Good grief...I think I'll start using the vet's one for myself too! How would you know by looking at the bottle whether it has mercury and arsenic?

I buy a big tub of fish oil capsules from the supermarket. Humans and dogs get the same ones! It's either Blackmores or one of the others...whatever might be cheaper at the time!

what's the difference between that and Rescue Remedy?

I started giving Casper an anti-histamine tablet (one of ours!) when he had the itches. It really helped. Then I started putting a fish-oil capsule in his dinner every night and he hasn't needed an anti-histamine in over a year. I hate seeing them in agony during the allergy season.

I have given it to my two as an occassional treat, however the past two times Casper has walked away from it and has preferred to go without food than eat it. I guess it's not much of a treat if he doesn't like it! Will stick to chicken necks as a treat instead!

poor baby. My first thought would be a sting/bite to the face too. I hope she's ok now. They really do give us these big scares every now and again!!