White Shepherd mom

Happy birthday old man. Your people are so lucky to still have you around. I wish you a healthy year to your next birthday.

That's adorable! I guess he doesn't need the couch :)

I am so sorry for your loss of Bluff. Even if you'd been there for your boy at his final moments, you would have found something else to feel guilty about...it's just human nature. At least he was at home, in his favourite place as was his choice. It sounds like he had a wonderful life and he stayed with you much longer than most. Unfortunately we can't hold on to them forever, no matter how hard we try. Rest in peace Bluff, you will always be loved and remembered.

Thanks guys, he was definitely very loved. If love was enough to keep him here, he would have lived until my heart stopped beating. Panto, on Casper's last day, my vet told me that we kept him going long after most people would have euthanised. He said most people wouldn't have bothered with the wheelchair and would have given up when things got too hard. Your girl is so lucky to have you and I hope she gets a lot of mileage out of her wheels. I hope she's a fighter because I know you won't give up on her. Big hugs

Your kind words mean so much to me. You are all such lovely people to take the time to reply and I sincerely appreciate it.

Love the little white socks, she was obviously one of a kind. I am so sorry you lost another furry mate perse. Rest in Peace little April.

Thank you so much for your lovely messages everyone. He was definitely my most special friend, he has left a big void in my heart and my home.

Just FYI I posted PIA a claim form on 23rd September and the money was in my account on Saturday 27th. This was unusually quick but I've never had issues with getting my claims paid out. My monthly premiums had just gone up to $62 for a 12yo GSD. I hope this helps you in making your decision.

I have lost my buddy, my reason for getting up in the morning and my reason for rushing home after work every day. My joy, my shadow, my angel. I miss his big smile, his strength, his love for life, the kisses he'd let me plant on his forehead, the big bear hugs I'd steal when he wasn't expecting them, the beautiful eyes that followed me around. In the last 4 months, he needed a doggy wheelchair to get around. He took to it instantly and once again I had to run to keep up with him. Everybody stopped to pat him and talk to him, he has left such a huge hole. When he was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy in 2010, I was told most dogs are paralysed within 6-18 months. He made it to almost 4 years. Old age and the DM had to gang up on him to take him. I miss you my big boy but Bella has been on her own too long and she needed you with her. I hope you are both chasing birds and pouncing on lizards together again. Wait for me.

I am sorry to hear about the latest test results Dave. Is she still undergoing chemo? The most important thing right now is that she is happy and eating well and that her people are strong and still doing what's best for her. The end will come when it comes, make the most of the now, one day at a time. Big hugs, I really feel for you.

Damn those tears. They are the noblest of animals. It's all so sad. 13 years later, most of these dogs are gone now. Thank you for sharing. (eta, trifecta, petition signed)

It is a small consolation, but at least your girl is coming home. It can take such a long time for your heart to start to mend, I'm sure the good memories you all have of Georgia will stay with you forever. I have a photo of Bella on my pc desktop with this note written above it: "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, We would walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. " Big hugs to you and your family perrin.

Surely if this dog is so badly HA, the tradie would have lost his kneecaps coming onto the property? This guy got a nip on the ankle on his way out, AFTER spending a long time getting on with his jobs. This does not sound like a dog that is beyond all help. My Bella used to hate some men, children and cats. She once nipped a guy on the hand who walked too close to my OH when we were out walking, she didn't break skin but her message was clear. It's when something like this happens that you realise your dog has issues that need to be managed. All our walks from then on were on leash, we stayed clear of other walkers and dogs and only let the dogs off leash if we went to a deserted spot and could see there was nobody around. If nothing else, I knew that if I walked them on my own, she would protect me. Now that she is gone, Casper and I walk anywhere, anytime. He's in a wheelcart now so almost everybody we pass feels the need to come and pat him, including 3 year olds and he laps up the attention. I really hope Tippy can get the help she needs in her current home. The OP seems to love this dog so hoping you don't give up on her just yet.

I am so sorry for your loss Perrin. She looked like a beautiful, funny and much loved family member. Rest in Peace Georgia.

According to their website, the bags are 40cm long...that's a big bag! It's not a bad price for 600 bags, they should last a few days (Casper's nickname isn't "Poo Bear" for nothing )

Gorgeous photos. They all deserve our respect and admiration for their contribution to our lives. Thank you for the post perse.

I was wondering the same thing though I do admit to using private bins on the verge when they are full...never when they're empty and I wouldn't like it done to mine. It doesn't kill me to carry the bag home and dispose of it there.

OP, you were really mean asking us to list one thing only. Casper's survival spirit is one of the things I love about him the most. By all accounts he should have been paralysed years ago, yet he still gets up and walks around the house. He often stuggles to do it but he rarely gives up, only if he's tried everything and can't get up will he look at me to help him. He loves his walks more than anything and as soon as he's in his wheelchair, he's off like the wind.

How is your friend's dog Erny?

Sounds like good news. I'm glad the chemo is not affecting her (as much as it's affecting you!) I really hope that all your efforts buy her more time. She could not have landed herself in a better home than yours. Let us know how she progresses.

Hi Dave, how's your girl going after her chemo? When is she having further tests?

I am sorry for your loss of Jess. She lived to a good old age. Sounds like her passing was peaceful and pain free and that's all we can hope for at the end. Sending you all big hugs.

Happy birthday Nelsson. You look really good for an older gentleman. Glad you got to celebrate in style, I look forward to seeing a post about your 16th :)

Thanks for the back-up Lisa :) Re the Caveletti jumps, this is what we built for Casper (excuse the lack of focus!): He also goes to rehab every second week and does underwater treadmill. Which reminds me Angela, it's also good for your lab to walk in shallow water up to his belly as it helps carry his weight. You can put a floatation harness with a handle on him so that you can support him if he needs it.

I am sorry for your lab's diagnosis Angela. My white GSD has had DM for almost 4 years now and only in the last couple of months has he needed a doggy wheelchair to go on his walks. He still gets around the house mostly unaided but sometimes needs some help to get up. I don't feed him raw so I can't answer your question. He needs a low fat, low protein diet and he's doing well on his dry food (Nutro weight management) mixed with a little brown rice, chicken and veggies and a can of tuna every couple of nights. I do remember that his therapist suggested turmeric is a good spice to add to his food though I've been a bit slack with that. And of course it's crucial to keep him lean. I know your question relates to diet only and I'm sure you've spent hours looking through the internet but I'll impart a little knowledge here, your number one weapon is exercise, as far and as long as he can handle, every day. Make him climb stuff, like rockeries, small hills, logs, etc. Do lots of sit-to-stand, walk in circles, walk zig-zags up and down pavements. Also, watch out for arthritis, especially as the hind legs weaken and the front legs have to do more work. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Wishing you and your boy strength.