Scarlet

My oldest was a rough collie, Kurie who I PTS at about 16.5 yrs as he was in the later stages of bowel cancer. This was many years ago and in the days when you could take dogs anywhere and he had the best life. I was young and traveled to many states and to NZ and Kuri came with me. We just got on and off trains, buses etc and no one ever stopped us.On interstate trains he did have to go into the baggage compartment but not in a crate and usually I was allowed in with him and the guard.People didn't have to follow policies and procedures back then and staff would just make the decisions themselves. He was the most socialised dog. I can't even remember him being on a lead a lot but I would walk with one hand on his shoulder-he was like velcro. After I settled down we lived in the country on properties so he has lots of space, and I had additional dogs. He wasn't fed anything special, Pal and bones; and he loved ice cream. We didn't go to the vet much except for a broken leg, the cancer of course and he got heartworm before I had even heard about it. He was immunised and he did have medical checks going into and out of NZ. I didn't treat for ticks but would wash him occasionally in "gamawash" that was so "chemically" that I'm sure it kept them away!

OMG my son has spent a few thousand dollars having his BC tested for a range of things as the vets have no idea what is wrong with her. It's BC collapse as I've just googled and checked it out. Now to let teh vets know.

I'm very fortunate in having 4 dog loving sons who I know would care for any animal that outlived me. One son has actually kidnapped my two at the moment; he calls it giving them a holiday and though I miss them I know they are well loved and cared for.

I think it is very personal. I'm 60 and simply love my BCs but they're 11 and 9yrs. I'll have a dog as long as I can but I don't think I'll ever have a pup again; I simply couldn't be bothered. I know my next dog won't be a border collie and I tell myself I'd like a non shedding dog after 40/50 yrs of hair on my clothes. I'm liking the idea of tibbies but if a larger, older dog came along of another breed at the right time then who knows.

According to the OP, the vet diagnosed and treated for Parvo... to the tune of a $1400 vet bill. T. I meant what did the vet say re the incubation period. I would have thought the vet, after treating the pup, knowing the size, progress of the symptoms etc may have the best knowledge and information to estimate the possible incubation period

What did the vet say?

Thinking of you and yours, those with you and those passed on.

One of my children's first dog was named Sally after Spot's mum. I'm now reading Spot books to my grandchildren Such a wonderful legacy to leave

I'd start working with your sons first as you can control what they do; unlike strangers at a cafe. I wouldn't expose the dog to new, threatening experiences for a while. Keep getting your sons to sit on the floor but to drop small pieces of food next to them and letting the dogs approach them - but do take it slowly. Build up confidence slowly and keep your son's movements to a minimum while feeding them. Good luck

This is what I would do

Thinking of you and your beautiful dogs. I'm sure they are getting the best of care but please take care of yourself; both physically and mentally

Your dog has leftovers!

I'm planning on a Tibbie for my retirement. I'd also like a sheltie but they can be yappy.

My BC's are older now and one will sleep during the day (the other chases birds and planes) but I used to freeze stock or water in ice cream buckets with bits of kibble scattered through it. I still do this in summer. Hide treats/kibble in a sandpit and scattered around the garden (not where I didn't want them digging/playing. I did have a "home alone" ball hanging from a tree-they loved this to death. My dogs didn't fight over bones so I'd sometimes leave a HUGE bone for each for the day

Now you can breath. I hope she continues to improve

Sorry to hear about your cousin. How is his dog, was it attacked at all?

My 10 yr, 18kg BC has a hammock bed that she has never slept on, a futon which she uses sometimes in hot weather and a cheap donut type bed that she uses the most - even in hot weather. She does choose the bathroom tiles sometimes. My 8yr, 18kg BC prefers to sleep outside or under the house on the cooler concrete, but he rarely sleeps on a bed in summer or winter. I should set up a bed under the house (a Queenslander) as it is the coolest place. You can lead a dog to bed but you can't make them use one

Thank you; that was so funny but so true to life

I know you love your dog but you made the first comparison to a material purchase. If I sold the lap top and you had it repaired without consulting me first I wouldn't repay you anything. I may have wanted to get a second opinion or I may have preferred to have given you a refund or exchanged the goods. I'm not sure if you discussed this with the breeder before you undertook the surgery but I think this should have been your first step.

I think a collie would be good for your situation. I've only had one collie but I had him for 16 yrs. He was very gentle and was great with cats so a small dog should be fine. I wouldn't have a collie with very rough children, Kurie was great with kids but if they became too much for him he would go off and hide somewhere. But he didn't grow up with children When I had boisterous children I had another breed. I did find the grooming quite a lot of work.

I think a lot depends on what your options are if you didn't take them. I left my dog with my family for approx 18 months at one stage. I knew he would be loved and treated very well. When I returned it was like I hadn't been away-dogs don't forget. But 3 years is a very long time.

Congratulations; I'll be watching. A couple of years ago I gave it a try for a couple of lessons - the dogs were great but I was hopeless! I enjoy watching though.

I've seen a standard poodle as a guide dog - maybe ring and ask what pups they are planning.

I have 2 older border collies and my son has an in your face BC pup of 5 months. Maddy will growl and snap at the pup, who rushes in and just has to lick their face and just be very persistent and rude. Thats OK the pup will respect Maddy, give her space and later Maddy will allow a little play. My poor Charlie just puts up with her, he doesn't like the full on face attention but he just won't grown so she gives him a hard time till he hides with Maddy and then the pup will leave him alone. The pup will eventually settle down, after about 15 minutes but Charlie is never really comfortable in her presence. I so wish he would growl at her!

Exactly. Animal welfare shouldn't be different but it is. Other charitable organisations funded by Govt have many forms of accountability, which they should. But the RSPCA doesn't answer to anyone. They receive Govt funding and appear to be able to do exactly what they want to do. And yes I have written to my MPs and it is from conversations (including on forums like this) that I have become aware of the concerns I have.