dogzone's topics - tribe.net

Why is there always drama at the dogpark(s)

2008-07-26T03:03:18Z

So I went to the dog park for a quick get-away from my friends' house, as it's a construction zone right now... After about 10 minutes this family arrives, looking like they're coming from a wedding or a quinsietta (spell ?)...They do not have a dog w/ them... So there they are letting their kids run around barefoot (gross) in the dog park. Then they start getting dogs to chase them (great idea, not). I notice a huge mastiff that is a formerly abused dog / rescue getting all tense, just keying in on these kids screaming and running ...so his owner leaves.
A few minutes later, my dog Kyra who is still puppy-ish starts chasing one of the little boys, he is screaming / laughing sort of terrified and having fun - whilst Kyra is getting all hyped up and the play is becomming aggressive-like. Because he keeps running I can't get ahold of Kyra and I am getting freaked...

I tell them to please ask their son not to run and have the dogs chase him. They do nothing. I tell them again and say that he'll get bitten and it'll be MY liability not theirs...they do barely anything. I tell them maybe they should go to a kids park and not a dog park...the other guy tells me they have just as much right to be there and to take my ''beast'' and get out of here...and that I should leave...

I'm like ''no I don't think so buddy..." So then he calls me a bitch. I tell him he's charming, a really classy guy. I'm in no mood for this and I swear he's going to hit me or something. Then I hear him say " I'm gonna kill that dog..." { Kid is still running }

Kyra is getting more and more aggressive, kid still running. I finally grab the kid so I can grab Kyra. Kid starts fake crying saying she bit him.

The other guys says... THAT'S IT...CALL THE COPS RIGHT NOW.

I ask to see the kids' leg, he won't show me...finally I grab his pant leg and pull it up there is nothing, not a scrape, nothing.

They didn't call the police... I waited till they left and I left...For some reason I just started crying. I think I was so angry and upset and felt
like I was attacked for something I was trying to prevent. It put a big damped on my day, those asshats.

Looking back I wish they had called the police.

posted in dogzone - 20 replies

anybody watchin?????

2008-07-26T00:44:34Z

"America's Greatest Dog"....anyone watchin? I got sucked in....... i think its pretty funny

posted in dogzone - 9 replies

Jolly Ball

2008-07-25T18:46:11Z

Has anyone tried a jolly ball? http://uniquelyyoursnyc.com/store/images/INTERACTIVE%20DOG%20TOY%20TEASER%20BALL.jpg

Our new dog, Barley, is the opposite of Saffy. He destroys every toy quickly and mercilessly. He's also very athletic, likes to run, chase, chew, jump, etc... He loves soccer balls, but he destroyed them so we went on a search for a solid shell ball and we found the jolly ball. In less than a second Barley was addicted and obsessed! If you have a dog that is slightly OCD and ADD consider the jolly ball (I sound like an ad!). Here's a video of him trying to get the inside ball out, which is impossible: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMIi1uf9GZQ

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

Rescue Remedy

2008-07-25T05:01:46Z

One of my Pit Bulls is a big chicken. She's deathly afraid of thunder, big airplanes, and even my cell phone! I mean deathly afraid! She shivers and drools and tries to crawl into my lap. She'll wake me up from a sound sleep shaking and drooling because there was one clap of thunder and stay freaked out for an hour!

I've heard from several people that Rescue Remedy works for anxiety in dogs. Anyone have any experience with this? How much do I use and how do I give it to her? The air races are coming up and she gets freaked out for days because the planes go right over our house. Should I have heavier artillery on hand (drugs) or should Rescue Remedy do the trick?

posted in dogzone - 5 replies

Scuba dog.

2008-07-24T20:30:48Z

http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/scuba-cat.htm :D

posted in dogzone - 2 replies

More photos, please

2008-07-24T20:27:18Z

It's happened again...I've run out of new photos to post here on the dogzone. Time for all you good folks to break out your cameras and start shooting.
And all you lurkers out there...yes, I'm talking to you! We all want to see your dogs make it as "dog of the day" along with the regular posters so please submit some more photos or I will start posting nothing but pics of Pippin!

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

When to let go?

2008-07-21T13:37:52Z

This is a bummer of a topic.

My old dog is 16 or 17. She has arthritis, is often somewhat confused from dementia, bad eyesight but not completely blind, almost deaf but not totally. Her appetite is good and she likes to eat, but seems to be having trouble lately getting the mechanics right; she chews but doesn't swallow right away, seems more to be swishing her food around her mouth. She spends most of her time sleeping, is much less social.

She has been in decline for a few months now, and I keep preparing myself that soon I'll have to take her for euthanasia, and then she'll have a better day and I go back to waiting. She has no specific fatal disease, aside from advanced age. My other animals had conditions where it became obvious that it was their time, and I was basically speeding up the process to save them the discomfort.

But I don't know what to do in her case. This week, she has had more trouble than usual getting to her feet. Every time she poops, her legs give out and she sits in it, and a couple times she has panicked and spread it around the floor. She's had three washings this week, which are even less fun for her than for me. I want to be sure I'm not rushing the process because I don't want to be cleaning up her messes. I keep comparing her to my father, who has some of the same problems at 86... but if he was soiling himself, we'd be putting him in a diaper, not putting a pillow over his face... although, I'm in favor of euthanasia for anyone that wants it, difference being of course that she can't tell me she wants out. So how do I know when to make the call?

posted in dogzone - 13 replies

trap trauma

2008-07-20T01:46:43Z

Poor max. so sensitive..... finally caught the house mouse in one of the traps last night. Only took a month or more. Of course it never kills em, only mames em . So as i pick up the trap to run her outside she (the mouse) is screaming (screachy-squeekin) and max jumps up and runs into his bedroom....... "dads killing stuff again"...... poor boy

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

Ouch!

2008-07-17T06:43:19Z

You know it's always something...This morning one of my dogs fell while jumping up on a lounge and broke one of her hind toes. We've been to the vet and he says that , just like people, there really isn't anything he can do for it except use pain meds. Have any of you had this happen? I've tried to wrap her foot but she's busy trying to remove the wrap right now. Does anyone have suggestions for how to deal with a broken toe? Thanks!

posted in dogzone - 14 replies

ultamatum time (where the dogs live)

2008-07-14T16:24:07Z

My neighbors always have many chihuahua's. I think they "casually" breed them as in "oops another litter, DOGS FOR SALE". I cant see over there due to the fancy fiberglass panels they attached to the fence but they keep em alongside their house and mine. Usually 4 to 10 by the sounds and infrequent sightings. I get frequent "smells and aroma's" much to my disgust. They are really good about resolving it when I ask If they could "take care of it" but damnit, Im tired of asking. Im gonna have to tell them (and sound all jerky) to keep it clean or Im calling the city, I peeped over today with my camera and saw this.... http://people.tribe.net/fd7f6a5f-c419-42ff-8b6e-34c021c9c33f/photos/91599cb1-d893-4be3-821c-574c7e1f8c4c one lady always says "I JUST LOVE ANIMALS" ....HAH

posted in dogzone - 27 replies

Oooops!

2008-07-10T15:31:37Z

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1033317/Moses-massive-hound-rescued-firefighters-cat-flap.html?Hiliarity

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

Eye issues

2008-07-09T03:20:48Z

Good morning all:

Hope you and your canine lovelies had a fabulous weekend.

Roxy woke up this morning with a sore eye. It's a bit weepy, she has some green goo (sorry TMI!) crusting around it too. She was rather blah this morning instead of her usual happy morning self. Any thoughts you guys? Infection? Doggie Cold? Am I worrying needlessly? My little love.........

posted in dogzone - 10 replies

Petmeds.com

2008-07-08T18:08:13Z

Aka, http://www.1800petmeds.com/.

Opinions? Experiences? Recommendations for or against?

I know some folks, including veterinarians, object to it because there is no prescription involved and many of the meds available are supposed to be by prescription only (from the manufacturer), so who's authorizing it? Are they knock-offs or imitations? Maybe coming from a country that doesn't regulate closely?

I'm asking because I'd really like to get my old doggy a new bottle of Temaril P and, being out of the US, this would be a really easy way to do it.

Found this article about it: http://www1.epinions.com/content_179138694788

Let me know what you think. Also, please let me know of any other good options.

Thanks!
SW

posted in dogzone - 5 replies

Smokey - ruined game time

2008-07-07T22:10:49Z

Im visiting my folks for the fourth and they have a nice lush rolling green lawn. Millions of great places for a dog to mark.
My nieces and nephews were playing x-box on the outdoor projector and Smokey went over and peed on the x-box, the power strip and the projector. Right in the middle of heated game of Halo 3.
Needless to say no one was happy with me or Smokey.

My parents have two acres and I cant figure out why he chose the x-box to whiz on...woops....

A little bit of air can cleaner/duster and they were back to playing.

Such a strange dog...

posted in dogzone - 6 replies

Armored Pugs

2008-07-06T00:51:10Z

I accidentally came across this site when I was looking at another tribe's bellydance costuming question about latex "armor" (for people), but these dogs are hysterical:
http://www.organicarmor.com/Products/Pets/index.htm

posted in dogzone - 7 replies

Looking for some help, please

2008-07-05T21:52:07Z

My sweet baby dog is a 13 year old medium rat terrier/beagle mix rescued from a puppy mill at about 6 weeks. She's always had serious medical problems: auto-immune, ulcers, irritable bowel, food sensitivities, and allergies. She has bad arthritis and isn't getting around well at all anymore. We've tried glucosamine/chondrotin but she didn't improve. She's on daily prednisone and gets immuran every other day, so pain meds are out, according to my vet. Do any of you have any suggestions for making her more comfortable? I'm really worried that we may be reaching the journey's end unless we can find some way to relieve some of her pain and it just breaks my heart!
Thanks in advance...

posted in dogzone - 11 replies

Amazing Super Cute Ball Trick

2008-07-03T07:48:06Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WzL_tu46mg

posted in dogzone - 4 replies

Cost of MRI

2008-07-03T04:48:22Z

--Hiya; new guy here. We've got a wiggler with a diagnosis of possible disintegrating disc and an MRI has been recommended. The kicker: it costs over $3,000! Does anyone know of any deals that may be had via clubs, orgs or whatever that might get the price to something we can afford? Location: Northern California.
Thanks for any advice,

posted in dogzone - 4 replies

crazziest day night weekend ...

2008-07-02T06:08:59Z

so i finally get my DL renewed after being in hospital for 3 mnths, freeeedom!

i take sox to the beach where he runs and plays like the madmen we both are, he injures his right shlder/paw ... emergency visit ... vet checks him out, leg not broken thank god - anti-inflammatories prescribes which are doing wonders.

also get vet to check a patch on him i'd beeen worrying about for ages but that my "parents" didnt give a fuck about ...

yeah, he's been stung by bees and had a severe allergic reaction to it ...

got special bath stuff which i have to do taday (im not allowed to wach him in the warrm bathroom in "my fuckarents home", so i have to wash him outside ... it's winter here ...

i am so glad that to me dog i am a mother, and that to my parents, i am NOTHING like them!

big sigh ...

and don't mention the bill ....

but the synchronicities? i too am allergic to bees, and have a chronic right side neck, shoulder back injury which also affects my paws and legs ...

we are soooo one!

posted in dogzone - 1 reply

Jumpin' Jackamo

2008-07-02T03:56:48Z

The other thread with the ball trick reminded me of this fantastic set of tricks from Jumpin' Jackamo. So talented!

http://www.jumpinjackomo.com/videolink.htm

posted in dogzone - 0 replies

auto water feeder

2008-07-01T04:54:06Z

A little plastic paranoid water question for y'all...

Anyone know if any of the plastic water feeders use safe plastics? I have a Le Bistro by Petmate and I can't find any info on it to indicate what sort of plastic it is but I bet it's not the safe kind. I will call them soon to check by in the mean time do any of you use auto feeders and if so maybe you know one that is safe.

i love the look of the fountains but I wonder if that is overkill and if they still autofeed if the power goes out.

thanks again everyone :)

posted in dogzone - 12 replies

Diagnosis help.

2008-06-29T21:28:56Z

I've been here in Alaska now for 4 weeks (4 weeks tomorrow, actually) and we have an Alaskan Husky who is 13, and has come down with some odd symptoms in the last 3 weeks.

First, I noticed a wound on his tail. At first we thought another dog got ahold of him, but we found that wasnt the case, and he has started to chew off his own tail. The area of fur missing is larger than my hand now (at first it was only 2 inches by 1 inch), near the base of his tail, with bleeding wounds where he breaks through the skin. This was 3 weeks ago, and for the last 2 weeks we have kept him wearing one of those head cones. We took him into the only vet here (we live very remotely) and she thinks it's because he's getting old and going senile. He has no other mental issues though, and Alaskan's can live to 17-20 years old.

Last Thursday, however, when I fed him breakfast (they get fed twice a day, by me) and he threw it all up within 5 minutes. He had broke his cone about the same time, and at first I just figured it was the stress of everything that happened. However, when I fed him dinner, he did the same thing. When he did the same thing Friday morning, I got a ride and took him to the vet. They x-rayed him, and he had a mass in his stomach, and his intestines were blocked up. It turns out he'd been eating sand, and had blocked up his whole system. After fasting him from food, and giving him a LOT of water, we managed to purge his system, but we're still fighting him on the sand eating. (Our sled dogs are kept on sand) we've put boards down so he cant eat the sand, which seems to be helping.

Everyone seems to have a different opinion on what is going on. I'm not so sure the two problems are not connected, that either the first caused the obsessive compulsive behavior of the sand eating, or that there is an underlaying cause that is causing both problems-- such as a new food allergy (which he has had none in the past) or a mineral deficiency (which is what I found online when I researched sand eating).

We have put him on a white rice and boiled egg diet, soaking the white rice in chicken broth with a lot of water to enourage him to drink more, in case it is a food problem. The dogs here are not fed cheap food (they get sled dog quality stuff, I mean they ARE sled dogs), and normally their diet is also filled with moose, caribou, salmon, halibut, and many other fresh meats from around here. The move to chicken has been just a catch-all since we know he has no chicken in his normal diet.

Sorry this has been long, but I'm hoping maybe you guys might have another idea that we have not thought of as to what could be causing these behaviors in him. If you take away the tail chewing and sand eating, he's acting perfectly normal and very energetic.

Any help would be appreciated! THANKS!

posted in dogzone - 10 replies

sneaky fun day............

2008-06-29T18:25:24Z

saturday I had to work . Its an office tower that usually had 100 or more people per floor. Well, knowing Id be the only person on my floor and that max likes being carried around in paper bags....I snuck him into work. We (he) had a great time . We played "chase me" and the cubicles made great mazes. Its the biggest area he has been able to play that game as our yard is smallish and we dont do the dog park. I dont trust his stubborn ass off leash elsewhere. He sat in my lap while i worked or sat in his own ergo chair. we played fetch and rolled around on the carpet. Several nice runs and walks thru the floor too. He was ready to go home after about 6 hours tho, so I wont do it again. Those tiny lil eyes burning into my soul with his "lets go, lets go, lets go" face is more than I can take. It was cute when he needed to pee he ran to the window and flashed me the "outside?" look, LOL. Guess he exrected me to flip open the glass wall so he could step out 10 floors up. He did like sitting by the windows looking down at all the people tho too, he loves heights. Add all that to a walk at home thru the hood, a walk thru the park by work before going in and a walk around the toen after work and he had a pretty active day. Least now he knows what i do all day (less the fetch and chase me games).......LOL

posted in dogzone - 0 replies

A new beginning

2008-06-28T03:42:17Z

I had a customer who had 2 standard poodles, a male and a female, both around a year old. The woman was a certifiable nutcase who would probably have trouble caring for a potted plant, much less two very large, high-maintenance living entities. These dogs were nothing more than a status symbol to her. She could not/would not care for their coats, but wanted them in a full, scissored trim. Money was no object....except she didn't want me to charge too much.
We went several rounds because I refuse to continually de-matt an animal...it is uncomfortable at the very least and to some dogs, it is the ultimate of tortures. I had shaved her dogs a couple times, and she was not happy. Then came the bitch's first heat. She was upset that I won't take in a dog that is in season. I gave her the old spay/neuter speil and she told me that she thought that spaying and neutering was the ultimate torture you could put on a dog. So it was no surprise that the bitch turned up pregnant on her first heat. Then she wanted to know why I wouldn't groom and de-matt her very nervous, very pregnant bitch? She had absolutely no thought of that dog's condition or sensitivities, but I was not about to stress that poor girl to the point where she might miscarry. Both her dogs were very nervous and unbalanced...a perfect reflection of their owner.
She finally got fed up with me because I put the feelings and well-being of her dogs above her own fairy-tale ideals. I thought I would never see either dog again.
Well, today a couple walked in with a standard poodle female they had just adopted from the animal shelter. She had been clipped, badly, but they just wanted a bath on her. The whole time my other groomer was working on her, she kept looking at me. Then it hit me. It was her! The little bitch that was owned by the nutzoid woman! I'm not sure how many pups she had had, but her new owners told me that she and one puppy had been surrendered to the shelter because the previous owner just couldn't handle them anymore.
I am really glad to see that this girl is getting a new life! Her new people seem really good, and look like they're experienced dog owners. I'm sure she will blossom with some proper care. I just wonder what's become of the male? I know the woman was more attached to him, but I really hope she found a home for him as well.

posted in dogzone - 4 replies

Deramaxx

2008-06-28T01:04:49Z

My vet just prescribed Deramaxx for Daisy's arthritis- the Rimadyl isn't doing the trick anymore and he thought we should switch it up. Anyone here had any experience with this med?

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

shihtzu seizure

2008-06-27T00:17:42Z

My neighbor and good friend for the last 15 years got a shihtzu from the pound in february. He is appx. 1 year and some months old. He is my godson. Anyway last night he started having what looked like a seizure for about 5 minutes. He calmed down, waaay down after that and kept sporadically twitching, he had terrible loss of coordination. Was not drooling and was coherent. His head looked like a bobblehead toy. We rushed him to the emergency vet, $400 later they still don't know what happened. The vet suggest it was not a seizure but tension tremors and that it could be caused by the Comfortis that he is on, or that maybe before Grace got him that he had a mild case of distemper and this was an after effect. He just told us to watch him and if he seizes again bring him back. Any suggestions?

posted in dogzone - 5 replies

You're assignment for the weekend....

2008-06-21T13:40:02Z

Post more photos, or you'll be subjected to daily pics of me!

posted in dogzone - 0 replies

Plus one - Barley!

2008-06-16T03:34:29Z

Our family has grown recently with the addition of one more frenchie we've named Barley. Saffy now has a friend! Barley on the left, Saffy on the right http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2559697302_7053f20147.jpg?v=0

We've been told having 2 dogs is easier than 1 (especially if you just started and have your first dog ever), but I'm not finding that right now! Maybe it's because Saffy's 2 years old so we've gotten used to a well mannered, well trained dog that's able to tap into our daily rhythm, and I think we expected too much for Barley from the get go. I realized last night that we need to start over with him, taking the time to train him independent from Saffy to catch him up with our expectations - I know he can do it, he's very smart. He knows a few commands, but has a short attention span for staying in position. He needs a lot of positive reinforcement and attention to get him on track. He's got a lot of bad habits and as the days go on they seem to be creeping out more and more (we just got him on Friday). I came home to toilet paper unrolled onto the floor (luckily he doesn't tear it up or run around with it!) and big paw prints all over the bathtub with a shower curtain disheveled because apparently he just HAD to get in there.

Also, the honeymoon is now over - Saffy realizes he's staying and I think he does too so both are pushing boundaries. Hard. I broke up my first (of probably several...) dog fights last night. They both got time out and the toy went away. Any anecdotes on integrating a new guy into your family?

posted in dogzone - 18 replies

New Career in Dogs (and possibly cats)

2008-06-13T16:58:29Z

I am seriously thinking about an exit strategy from my current job... time for me to follow my heart... I am pretty sure that my income will be much less, but so will the stress and I'll be following my dharma.

So - can anyone shed any experience or light on average incomes... I know this is a broad question - b/c there are a number of things to consider such as # of dogs that you have etc...but anything would be helpful. Such as what do places charge, what do you think realistically one can make etc... I am researching this of course, but an open forum might brain storm something for me.

I am thinking of opening a kennel on 3 acres - I live in Northern San Diego - this could include grooming as well and simple daycare as well...

Any ideas ?
( Maybe Thistle can shed some light on Grooming - if you want to PM me, that is fine...)

posted in dogzone - 9 replies

my new fave dog website - so cute it hurts!!

2008-06-11T15:54:11Z

www.ihasahotdog.com

same people who do the i haz cheeseburger site with the cats - i recomend that one too....

posted in dogzone - 2 replies

Tumiko boy.......

2008-06-10T03:17:51Z

Tumiko boy all black and white, you passed away so late last night. Your loving owner slept right beside, you never panicked, you never cried. A lil bark, your only sign, he caressed your head and eased your mind. A dream he thought , your daddy dear ,not knowing that your end was near. You laid back down and settled in ,seeming to know you couldnt win. You closed your eyes and seemed to sleep, not another noise, not another peep. You were not sick. you were not ill. The morning came yet you lay still. It wasnt till you didnt rise, that he suspected your sad demise. Oh lil boy I miss you so, I hoped you didnt have to go. Tumiko boy, so blind and deaf, I cried all day because you left. Your other pals soon you'll get to hear, we hold you close. we hold you dear. The rainbow bridge now you will see, youll run and play and wait for me.

posted in dogzone - 15 replies

The great plastic bowl vs metal bowl debate

2008-06-08T17:27:21Z

So how bad is it really that my kids eat from plastic bowls?
I wash them daily and once a week they go in the dishwasher.
Both my dogs are fairly healthy, sans the teeth and uti issues.

Scarlet & Smokey have been eating and drinking out of plastic bowls since their induction to the house of Turner.

Now that we are finding out about BPS in the nalgene type bottles, im assuming that its the same thing with the plastic bowls.

What about ceramic feeding crocks?

posted in dogzone - 35 replies

Humpy Humperson

2008-06-07T11:22:47Z

Someone brought this up in another tribe and I wanted to run it by ya'll.

Basically, i brought up the fact that my dog humps other dogs (he's selective. He's a neutered male and humps younger, male dogs about his size. He likes labs :)). This person then asked how we feel to be OWNED by our dogs, as any humping is a sign of dominence. I know he's showing dom to these other dogs........

So my contention is that he knows I'm above him (and he never humps people, knows he's a dog). This person seems to think that any humping means the dog thinks he is the top of the pack. I believe that dogs know the heirarchy, there are levels. They hump the under dogs to establish their rank.

So, does humping anything mean they think they are top dog or are there levels of dominence?

posted in dogzone - 23 replies

Advice request

2008-06-04T18:01:04Z

I live in an urban area, on a long street with a lot of houses and apartment buildings so it is fairly anonymous. My backyard is chain link, as is our neighbors. Along the back of both of our fences is an apartment complex, with a narrow walkway between the building and our chain link. I noticed yesterday that at the far end, by the corner of our neighbor's yard, there was a cardboard box moving around. A minute later a head popped out: a dog! I remembered seeing a young kid running around back there recently, and realized that he must be keeping a dog tied to the fence out there. This worried me, because it seems like clearly he isn't allowed to have a dog inside and so he has this dog tied to a fence outside.

In the afternoon, I went out into my yard to see if I could confirm that the dog was tied up. It clearly is, because it is barking and straining at my dogs but can't move closer. Right then, the kid came along. I asked him some questions, he seemed very earnest and excited about the dog and said that he feeds and waters her and takes her for daily walks. His parents know about her but can't have a dog inside their apartment. He says his dad is currently building a shelter for the dog so she has something to sleep in. I told him that the dog couldn't stay out there, and that they needed to come up with a solution soon. He promised me that it was okay and that he was taking good care of the dog.

I am worried for a number of reasons. I don't like thinking about that poor dog sleeping outside by herself, tied to a fence. I don't know if the kid is telling the truth about his parents knowing, and even if he is they sound like they aren't making the best decision of letting him tie the dog to a fence in a public(ish) area. So what do I do? Calling animal control and having this dog sent to a shelter in Oakland is practically a death sentence. I have nowhere to put this dog (all full here). I'm at a loss. Do I give it a few more days and see if he finds a better place for the dog (based on his judgement so far, I don't know if it's the best idea). I know that having a dog is a really exciting thing for a kid, but I don't know how to explain to him that this isn't the right way. I also feel weird parenting someone else's kid. Any advice is welcome.

posted in dogzone - 22 replies

Lost or Found Dog site that I thought was wonderful

2008-05-30T04:04:15Z

http://www.findtoto.com/
they will call up to 5000 people with a recorded message about your missing pet. A friend of mine received a call from them and was very impressed. Hopefully we won't need this service, but I wanted you all to know about it. You can also use it if you have found an animal - they have three types of messages: lost, found and missing (use for stolen).

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

Looking for well wishes for Astrid

2008-05-29T23:18:20Z

ugh!
Astrid is sick again.

she's having her fourth leg operation... on her third leg. This time it's a torn ACL... the other leg. last operation was her first torn ACL. I guess she's a high maintenance pup.

don't know if this is the right forum for this, but she needs all the well wishes she can get.

http://people.tribe.net/fuck/photos/866fc6f5-36eb-4487-9435-dd05b5fda507
http://people.tribe.net/fuck/photos/37a2106b-1991-4260-8eb6-e5735894447d

more info to come in my blog.

posted in dogzone - 6 replies

BSL ... your thoughts ?

2008-05-29T22:20:29Z

Curious as to DogZone members thoughts on BSL...breed specific legislation...

http://www.stopbsl.com/

I am wondering what our lovely politicians are in favor of... for me, this is important.

posted in dogzone - 61 replies

Controversy in New Orleans

2008-05-29T14:02:09Z

As if we didn't have people murders to worry about, everyone is up in arms about this! Its been on the front page on nola.com for 2 days!

http://blog.nola.com/updates/2008/05/owner_of_catkilling_canines_fi.html

Cat was killed inside its own Beau Chene yard

Dogs hope for new leash on life

By: Benjamin Alexander-Bloch
St. Tammany bureau

Capital murder cases are rare in St. Tammany Parish, but Max and Rufus have been consigned to death row since September.

Their crime: killing a neighborhood rival on his home turf, in broad daylight.

The murder occurred in the tony Beau Chene subdivision near Mandeville. It sent gossip roiling throughout the suburban community, with muffled fears soon spreading about the safety of local children.

In the eyes of the law, Max and Rufus have been deemed dangerous and, thus, menaces to society.

Their supporters beg to differ. Don't think of them as outlaws, Chevies Newman pleads on their behalf.

After all, dogs kill cats. It's in their nature, just as cats kill mice.

When Rufus and Max made their way under Mitzi and Gillis Melancon's fence and killed Tiger the cat, though, they landed in the pokey -- at the St. Tammany Parish Humane Society near Abita Springs -- and seemed headed toward death by lethal injection.

Newman, the owner of Rufus, a mixed-breed bulldog, and Max, an Australian shepherd mix, has gone to court seeking a stay of execution and a change in the parish ordinance that governs the kind of behavior that got his pets into trouble.

His recent civil suit against the St. Tammany Parish Department of Animal Services argues that the department's ordinances are "unconstitutionally vague and overbroad" and that they deny pet owners due process before their animals are seized and classified as dangerous.

His goal is to change the parish's ordinances, though they would spare his dogs if he agrees to strict rules setting their control and confinement.

Max and Rufus have been in parish custody since September. Newman has visited them weekly at the Humane Society, where he says they are indeed being treated humanely.

That fateful Sunday, Newman was letting Max and Rufus play outside in a field behind his house on Ninth Street near Mandeville, where they had frolicked many a time and admittedly, killed the occasional squirrel or raccoon.

Newman was preoccupied with burying a raccoon his pets had killed earlier that day. So the dogs darted off, sneaking under a nearby fence that leads to the Beau Chene community. The canines, medium-to-large dogs weighing about 55 pounds each, then slipped under the Melancons' fence and attacked their cat.

Recently recalling the events that unfolded outside their kitchen window, the Melancons described it as "horrific to watch," but they praised Tiger for a heroic death.

"When the dogs broke around the corner, we saw a flash of colors, and Uncle Tiger, as we sometimes called him, stood up to protect Buster," said Mitzi Melancon.

Buster, a small orange kitten, was curled up asleep beside Tiger. He survived the attack.

"If I had had a grandchild out with Tiger, it too could have been mauled," said Melancon. "I was just trying to protect the children of our community."

Anticipating a legal battle, Newman had a temperament test conducted on his dogs soon after the incident.

"Killing a cat is not abnormal dog behavior any more than killing a mouse would be abnormal cat behavior," wrote local dog trainer Julie Hill in a report placed in the court record.

Newman, who is quick to show pictures of his dogs licking children, says animal services did not give his dogs a fair shake.

"There should be more analysis done before (animal services) get to the point where they can simply 'juice' them," Newman said. "There was no investigation conducted at the scene, no proof of ownership required by the cat's owners .¤.¤. they never even were required to produce a corpse."

Melancon counters that the law is written to punish misbehaving dogs "so that even an owner who is irresponsible will be held responsible."

Newman could save his dogs if he added a larger fence, put up signs warning of dangerous animals at his house, secured liability insurance for them in an amount not less than $100,000 and proved they had completed an animal obedience training course.

He believes those provisions are fine. But if the dogs are declared "dangerous animals" under the parish law, he would no longer be able to walk his dogs on public streets or sidewalks or in parks. He also would immediately have to notify animal services if his animals were "on the loose" or unconfined, attacked another animal or human, died, were sold or given away or were relocated.

If any of these conditions were violated, the dogs would be immediately euthanized, according to the parish ordinance.

While Newman has not yet complied with the ordinance's requirements, his dogs' planned euthanasia is on hold pending the outcome of the lawsuit. Newman's attorney, Stephen Conroy, says he hopes to resolve the matter in a few weeks.

Benjamin Alexander-Bloch can be reached at bbloch@timespicayune.com or (985) 898-4827.

posted in dogzone - 1 reply

Raw food?? I think we are ready for the jump to it..

2008-05-29T13:46:32Z

Ok I think Im ready to start making food for my dogs.
Im super new to this so lots and lots of q's.

Does it need to be raw or can it be cooked.
How much do I feed?
Veggies? what types
Grains? what types?
So many questions!!

Both my dogs have health problems -
Scarlet has chronic UTI's - she is not supposed to eat chicken. She also has IBS, she has an extremely sensitive tummy. She is eating white fish and sweet potato from Wellness.
Smokey has 4 teeth - so food has to be super soft and he LOVES BEEF. Fish and chicken is not his fave but will eat if he has no other option.

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

Fish Oil

2008-05-29T00:17:12Z

Has anyone heard, good or bad about giving fish oil to dogs for dry skin? I live in a very dry climate and my poor poochie is having a time with the cold dry weather.
Thanks,
CoCo

posted in dogzone - 21 replies

hilarious traumatizing dog memories

2008-05-28T21:01:31Z

meant to be funny, not sad or depressing...

When I was little we had this little terrier mix who would steal my barbies and chew their heads off then leave them in the hallway. I would find them when I came home from school and would have a melt down.
He also used to steal my cabbage patch kids and hump them...just wrong....

When Scarlet was a puppy she liked to hump blankets and pillows, she then found Pookie (my childhood stuffed animal) and would have her way with him. Then in a fit of passion she ripped his head off. 10 years later when I think of the carnage I shudder.

Smokey brought in a dead half decomposed squirrel and left it in my brand new king bed as a gift for me. I came home from work to the most awful smell and a very proud dog. Apparently the mattress warranty doesnt cover dead squirrels. Smokey got two baths a day for weeks and I had to get a new bed and linens. And sleep in a different room until the bedroom aired out.

When we moved into our last duplex, the dogs would find all sorts of fun things in the yard. One afternoon I could see Scarlet throwing something up in the air and dragging it around. I freaked the F*%K out b/c it was a snake. I ran outside to find her playing with it. I kept yelling at her to stop and throwing things at the snake to scare it away but it wouldnt leave the yard. And both dogs kept on playing with it. I figured they had killed it. So I go get rubber gloves a shovel and a garbage bag to dispose of it. Scarlet finally dropped it and I went to go dispose of it. So then I think it moved....I run around the yard screaming and Scarlet comes back for more action, and follows me around with it and Im clearly in panic attack mode...finally she rips the snake in half...and I go to dipose of it again. And when I get close to it, I find .......Made in China on the bottom.

posted in dogzone - 22 replies

Dog friendly lodging on the Oregon Coast?

2008-05-28T15:36:56Z

Any recommendations?
Thanks!

posted in dogzone - 4 replies

Smoke in the lungs?

2008-05-25T18:16:52Z

Hi folks! I live in Santa Cruz and we have some wildfire issues going on right now. I live in Pleasure Point (near Capitola, Eastside Santa Cruz) and the air quality is pretty bad here today. I am at work and my beloved Roxy is outside in the yard as she always is whilst Momma is toiling. I'm a tad concerned about her breathing all the fumes. (She's half boxer, half retriever) She's 2 1/2, brimming with health and vitality and is a joyful handful, but I'm still a tad worried.......any thoughts? Am I just being daft?

Thanks folks and I hope you all and your canine companions have a fabulous weekend!

posted in dogzone - 8 replies

Happy Birthday Saffy!

2008-05-25T03:14:36Z

I almost completely forgot it was Saffy's 2nd birthday today. *Bad Mom!* But I got a call from the parents of her littermate reminding me and they came over with her sis and they got to have a little party just now. YAY! For her treats we ran to the store before the arrived and she got a great toys inside a big plush toy thing, a fancy dinner of white fish and sweet potato, and a new smoked bone with lots of marrow. My sweet girl, I can't imagine how we enjoyed life before we got her! >^.^<

My favorite pic of her from when she was just a puppy: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/248/449090684_c228de905e_o.jpg

posted in dogzone - 6 replies

Idiot child...

2008-05-23T18:37:37Z

My mighty mouse hunter has discovered the holes under our shed. She's always dug at them, but this year it's like someone flipped a switch and she is absolutely determined to get them little mousies even if it hurts. She is trying to thrust her nose under the foundation of the shed and is scraping it absolutely raw. Dig, poke with nose, yelp ('cause it hurts), repeat. I have tried fencing the shed off, but she is digging under the fence and prying it up (with her sore nose, of course). Any suggestions how to resolve this? I have GOT to figure out some way to keep her out of there!!

Thanks a bunch!!

posted in dogzone - 11 replies

this is for me right ?????

2008-05-21T17:48:17Z

someone couldnt wait for the sod to get installed. The pic says it all...... CUTIE PIE http://people.tribe.net/fd7f6a5f-c419-42ff-8b6e-34c021c9c33f/photos/9e13ca20-6010-440c-a8a9-5bedc4ed9984

posted in dogzone - 6 replies

Critter survivors. :)

2008-05-20T15:25:54Z

http://www.attitudemedia.com/tornado/

posted in dogzone - 2 replies

"Giving the dog a bone"

2008-05-20T00:12:41Z

So .. Do you give your dogs bones... Most people FREAK OUT at the idea.
Of course, yes NO chicken bones, rib bones, pork etc...anything that can splinter...but
I have given my dogs beef knuckle bones and the marrow bones (raw) for years with no problems.
I have heard it is good for their teeth and it gives them something to do when they're bored and I can't
take them somewhere or for a walk...

Any thoughts ?

Thanks. Oh and........... Happy Friday ! Yay !

posted in dogzone - 16 replies

how to die?

2008-05-19T22:16:10Z

my friends dog is nearing the end. she barely eats. she isn't getting around too much.

my friend has made appointments twice to eutanize and twice not gone.

i told her i will go with her on moday to put her girl down.

does anyone have experience with letting a dog die without putting them down? how does one let their dog die?

posted in dogzone - 18 replies

Pet portraits

2008-05-18T15:27:35Z

Has anyone here had a portrait painted of their dogs?

I found an artist on ebay who does quirky commissioned artwork. Im thinking about getting one done. Well two since it wouldn't be fair to my other dog.

posted in dogzone - 1 reply

new trick.......

2008-05-17T16:27:45Z

Max has learned a new way to make me get up in the morning. He is very aware of my wakeup time and is pretty prompt at waking up ontime himself as well as getting me up too. This week Ive attempted sleeping in twice. He has been known to get in my face really close and stare till i get up. Suddenly he has felt the need to expand on this . What he now does is to snort outward and blow doggie snot on my face..... LOL, what a creative and sucessfull new trick. If it werent so funny, it would be maddening. I think Id rather he'd paw at me like most dogs, but Ive always known ...he isnt most dogs. funny lil boy. I may have to wear a sneeze guard on mornings i wanna sleep in.......

posted in dogzone - 0 replies

Wrasslin' Time!

2008-05-17T06:05:16Z

My boys locked in ferocious combat!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08PhqsWP6UY

posted in dogzone - 8 replies

new video of our boy

2008-05-17T05:31:33Z

Just in case you want to see the newest silly video of our boy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHa_QqTpKgE

posted in dogzone - 9 replies

Good dog!

2008-05-15T23:57:02Z

Sunday my Toby-girl caught a mouse - hooray! However my puny little Terri was back with her assisting. They didn't eat the mouse or anything, but basically washed it to death. I'm worried that Terri might contract something from the mouse since she is not healthy and is imuno-suppressed. What do you think? Should I be worried?

posted in dogzone - 5 replies

any hints for kidney failure?

2008-05-15T04:27:53Z

we rescue a lot of dogs and fell for this aging Rottie with big sweet eyes.
his blood panel came back today with Low Albumen,
high protein antibody, and low thyroids.
His hips are pretty bad so we put him on Duramax plus glucosamines and fish oil.
I know he won't have a long life, but I couldn't leave him at the shelter.
Thanks in advance. I really like reading the posts here

posted in dogzone - 3 replies

Those Vengeful Robin's

2008-05-13T23:19:33Z

I live on the bottom floor apartment, with a half-in ground patio. This morning I got up with Hiei, and when we went out to potty (she jumps on a patio bench, then up to the grass), I heard a noise and it was a baby robin from the nest that's in the tree next to my patio. The little robin had somehow fallen down into my patio.

Just at the same moment that I realized it was the baby robin, the parents of the robin started dive-bombing Hiei and I and screeching at us.

One of the robins hit Hiei twice, (no injuries, thankfully) and I got her in as quickly as possible. The baby robin has since managed to get out of the patio, back in it, and out again. The parents, however, are still peeved at Hiei and I and have been constantly squacking and screeching at us all day through our patio door, regardless if the baby is in the patio or not.

^_^

Hopefully they wont be mad much longer and Hiei will be able to sit outside again soon.

Here's a photo of the baby bird, perched under the patio bench.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/koorikijo/babyrobin.jpg

posted in dogzone - 9 replies

Bad doggie memories

2008-05-13T18:42:13Z

Heyall. First post here. I have a 140 pound rotie-mastiff-chow mix I adopted though petfinder.com. When I got him he was half feral. For a while I had to be a real dick to keep him from going down near the highway but he soon figured that if I don't go down there Ownerguy won't get all pissed. Anyway, I've had him for six years now and I can't imagine life without him. We are totally inseparable.

What I was posting about is that now he is a total sweetheart through my efforts, and after killing another dog before I got him, and now the only times he growls at other dogs is when he sees yellow ones. I am asuming the pack he grew-up in out in the Idaho woods had a yellow dog. Anyone else have experience with bad doggie memories?

Swaz

posted in dogzone - 16 replies

Farewell Percy

2008-05-09T02:15:06Z

One of the Tribe-dogs, Percy, aka P-Dawg has passed from this world into the next. In honor of him, I am keeping his picture as our main photo for the rest of this week. He was such a sweet, good-natured little guy and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his Sister and Mom.

http://people.tribe.net/77304a20-e6de-42f2-a299-18188acf36b2?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Person%5B77304a20-e6de-42f2-a299-18188acf36b2%5D

posted in dogzone - 6 replies

speaking of fur

2008-05-07T05:04:04Z

I have seen commercials for these fancy de-shedding combs that are supposed to remove lots of the undercoat and stuff like that. Has anyone every bought one and what kind of success have you had in eliminating the amount of fur everywhere?

posted in dogzone - 12 replies

Raw food diet (aka B.A.R.F.) info links

2008-05-06T23:10:04Z

This came up in a couple of other threads, so I thought I would create a new one specifically about raw food or the BARF diet. BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods or Bones And Raw Food.

I am in the process of investigating it for my own dog, and I suspect that it is the way I'll eventually go, but I haven't changed over yet. I currently feed Bil-Jac food, which I really like (I'd be happy to tell you why it's great if you want to ask me).

So here are some links to info about this diet, for those of you who might be interested. I suggest doing your homework before making significant changes to your dog's diet.

This is a link to a pretty good FAQ and overall info page: www.home.earthlink.net/~pawsreflect/nutrition.html

The books that seem to be the major ones in this area are:
"Switching to Raw" by Susan K. Johnson (available at www.switchingtoraw.com ), and "The BARF Diet" by Ian Billinghurst, a vet in Australia who has written several books on the subject, and "Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats" by Kymythy R. Schultze.

This site is a BARF webring: www.geocities.com/heartland/flats/7244/barfwebring.html

This is a list of Yahoo discussion groups on BARF:
http://dir.groups.yahoo.com/dir/Science/Biology/Animals/Mammals/Dogs/Diet_and_Nutrition/Bones_and_Raw_Food_(BARF)?show_groups=1

Miscellaneous other sites:
www.willowglen.com/barf.htm
www.bluegrace.com/barf.htm
www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm

Please note that I'm not endorsing any of these particular sites/books, just sharing info. I tried to pick sites that weren't closely associated with selling anything. Enjoy!

posted in dogzone - 18 replies

Need advice quick, on a sheltie...

2008-05-06T16:46:11Z

My dad just got my mom a sheltie two days ago for mother's day. She has been wanting one for years. She brought the dog home and totally feel in love with her. She just took her to the vet today and found out she has a heart condition, which apparently will take over $2000 for surgery. We don't have this kind of money, so our only option is to take the puppy back. My mother is really sad and I don't know what to say to make her feel better.

Does anyone have an opinion on this? The puppy is only nine weeks old. Is this seriously our only option? Anything I can tell my mom, to make her feel better?

posted in dogzone - 15 replies

attemtping the impossble - a realtively fur free abode...

2008-05-06T15:17:12Z

I have 4 kids. Two of the canine variety — chows, and two of the feline variety. So happy that they are not long hair.....whew....

My other half has very bad allergies. And we have an awful lot of pet hair/dander. Im pretty tide, although if you saw my cubical you wouldn't believe I was...
I don't have allergies, but he takes a day time one and often a benedryl at night. We have two ionic breezes one in our room and one in the living room.
What's a better way to combat the dander?

The chows are bathed 2x a year many times only once a year, they have awfully dry skin and Scarlet B gets a wicked hot spot under her curly piggy tail after the baths. Smokey rips his claws out when he is bathed, I limit the baths. Plus since they are magical and have a very nice chow chow scent (they do ask any chow person), I don't bathe them as often. Chows are also notoriously clean animals, so that helps a lot...

I also am having a bad time keeping the pet hair off my clothes. We have hard wood. I swiffer daily ,and do a hard core shop vac and cleaning detail once a week.

Who has a better idea to keep the fur population down?

Oh and one more small detail..I brought the dogs into the relationship and he brought the cats, the cats sleep cuddled around him at night and the dogs on the floor at the foot of the bed on my side.
So no chance of an animal free room...I also have a cat sheet that we keep on the bed to keep the dander off of us.

posted in dogzone - 22 replies

ticks!

2008-05-06T14:00:54Z

So recently we found 2 ticks, one on our dog and one on my wife. Found the first 1 day a hike at Tilden on the dog , just cruising around his fur, the next just today about 2 weeks later my wife had on on her shoulder not burrowing in just yet.

Anybody had tick problems near Albany or from going to Tilden, is it possible these are just around the area? What can you do to get rid of them for good on the dog?

posted in dogzone - 19 replies

Awesome Pup needs temporary (perm?) housing (santa cruz, ca)

2008-05-05T20:35:40Z

Craigslist post with pics! : http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/pet/669001248.html

Hello :)

I hope this email finds you abundantly flourishing in all areas of your life. o:) Except (for my boys sake) the love of a four legged friend.

Maybe you'd like to see if having a dog is right for you? Maybe you'd like a pooch but aren't sure if you can afford one? Maybe you want a dog, but you'd like him to be trained?? Maybe you want to share a dog?

Wherever this day finds you, I've been advised to ask around to see if I can find someone to befriend my four legged pup for temporary/perhaps permanent care... I can certainly pay for all his expenses including his holistic food, holistic treats and holistic veterinary care. I am also available to take him out at your convenience and/or watch him for a few days/weeks should you need me to, until I find a more permanent situation for him.

I could possibly offer some other exchange/barter/trade for your assistance such as cleaning, organizing, computer or nutritional counseling, etc. I'm open to many possibilities.

As for "Memphis", he's a 10 month old Pit Bull Shar-Pai. FULLY Trained. SUPER sweet. Good with people of all ages. Jumps a little bit still, but is about 95% under control, with a little "top dog" guidance. ;-) He sits, stays, lays down, rolls over, speaks, waves, and waits politely for his food, water, walks, as well as when getting in and out of vehicles. He's good both on and off leash. He's learning fetch and loves fetching sticks from the ocean. He's house trained, can be left alone, chews on his bones/toys for the most part but he has chewed a few shoes so it's a good idea to keep his chewables in abundance and your shoes in the closet!

He loves chewing on sticks too. He likes car rides and is great in dog parks. I do keep him away from aggressive dogs as I do not want him to learn poor behaviors from other untrained critters. I keep an eye on him and if I see another dog getting agro, or if Memphis seems uncomfortable (hair standing on back, tense) we leave the park. Luckily this has only happened twice!

He's a charmer that smiles a lot and doesn't require too much maintenance. When not in play mode he loves snoozing in the sun or on the rug by your feet and also loves to be cuddled in bed. He's an awesome friend to pal around with. He's also good with other dogs and has literally played with over a hundred of them from month one, through today. He's not yet neutered but will be before I hand him off to anyone for any amount of time. He's healthy, though has not yet had all his shots.

I would like to and feel a need to visit him (again at your convenience) especially to be sure no anxiety behaviors sprout up due to my need for his temporary foster care. I don't currently have the right home (I'm staying at a place where dogs are not allowed) and I'm also starting a new business that is taking a lot of my time. Two things that, once solid in my life, would put him in a much more stable situation then the one he (we're) currently in.

This could be the start of a wonderful relationship?? God only knows why "Memphis" came into my life and why he's possibly coming into yours. He was a rescue dog from the streets of Memphis; way too young to be away from his momma and under poor living conditions. I chose to take him in rather then leave him to some other fate. Now, so I can settle us both, I need a little assistance from another who can offer an understanding heart and welcome home.

I keep saying "temporary" but for the right person, who would also become our friend, I'd consider permanent adoption. You'd have a free doggie sitter for life and I wouldn't loose my friend!

I would love to hear any of your thoughts. If you are seriously considering offering us assistance, please respond with some information about yourself and your life that would be pertinent to know if this would work or not. Feel free to respond with any advise you may have for me or to pass this email along to another who may be more suited to assist us.

Thank you for your time.
All the best,
Summer and Memphis - woof!
831-431-7024 (need to connect the number)
646-330-5880

posted in dogzone - 0 replies

Crows vs. Winnie and Kyra

2008-05-05T16:27:24Z

OMG. I have about 3-4 crows who are nesting in some of the trees in my back yard. They are super protective of their nests and so they GAWK GAWK all day - so annoying. Poor Winston and Kyra try to do their little hops to get the crows above ( they never will ) and then they bark and bark and oh dear god - I miss peace and quiet.

Do any of your dogs have issues with birds. My two hate any other bird in their domain...

posted in dogzone - 8 replies

bather

2008-05-05T05:11:30Z

I took a part time weekend job as a dog bather. I'm exhausted!!!

posted in dogzone - 8 replies

Just a note

2008-05-03T17:22:42Z

I just wanted to let everyone know that I deleted an entire topic that was posted sometime today after I had gone to work.
It had to do with a non-dog related subject.
Mebbe the person posting thought that since we went off-topic in another thread that it was okay to start a completely off topic thread.

It is not.

I do not want to make a habit out of deleting, but just to be clear on the matter, there are things that I will delete as soon as I discover them: advertising for personal gain, Non-dog related topics and any kind of spam or trolling.

Although it is hard sometimes to always stay on track in different threads (I myself have a magpie-like attention span) and things can veer off into unknown parts, please everyone, let's try our best to keep this the Dogzone. If you really want to talk about something other than dogs, then please do so in another tribe, or start your own.

Thanks,
Your Friendly Moderator

posted in dogzone - 7 replies

info on blue heelers

2008-05-02T19:49:01Z

why do i keep reading that this is a really hard breed to own...?

and i have a really bad feeling about the local vet and am trying to convince myself that there HAS TO BE ONE good reason NOT to get him fixed (the appointment is tomorrow)
haha
so, i know what you're all gonna say but i figured id ask anyway lol
=)

posted in dogzone - 39 replies

Costa Rican Man starves dog and calls it ''art"

2008-05-02T19:27:11Z

This is pretty heartwrenching, I warn you ahead of time.
Please sign petition and also to galleries displaying his other (shit) art.

Please read more here:

guillermohabacucvargas.blogspot.com/

pluginamp.com/network/node/3575

And sign this petition to stop him from repeating this "installation":

www.petitiononline.com/ea6gk/...on.html

This came from Eibhlin...I wanted to repost. You may have already seen or heard bout this, but want as many people as possible to know about it.

posted in dogzone - 13 replies

Dog Health Insurance

2008-05-02T19:12:12Z

What do you guys think of dog health insurance? Good idea, bad idea? Any good companies or bad ones to avoid?

posted in dogzone - 14 replies

Sunday Dog Walks in Santa Cruz

2008-04-28T17:36:59Z

Every Sunday I lead a free walk, for you and your dog, to some nice spot in Santa Cruz. We walk for about an hour and a half and then go have Yappy Hour at a dog-friendly restaurant in Santa Cruz. (what? dog-friendly in SC?)

The walks start at 10:30am. Again, the walks are free, but you have to pay for your Yappy Hour bill.

This week, we are walkin' on the Westside. Meet at Kelly's Bakery (402 Ingalls - near Mission and Swift Streets). We will be walking to Antonelli's Pond, Natural Bridges, West Cliff and back to Kelly's for people chow.

For more info:
www.societydog.com

posted in dogzone - 1 reply

PDF: "What does an animal reiki session look like?"

2008-04-28T04:06:29Z

I've written a new article called "What does an animal reiki session look like?" that is available on my website as a PDF download.

http://theartofdog.com/articles.html

I wrote it for my clients to better understand what to expect when their pets get reiki. I hope some of you find it interesting and useful, and I would love to hear feedback too if there's anything that you find confusing or missing. If any of you have considered reiki for your pets I hope this article is helpful.
Thanks,
Margarat - The Art of Dog

posted in dogzone - 0 replies

insight?

2008-04-25T14:24:20Z

Okay, my apricot standard poodle, Tess, is nine months old (and as I type this she's the main pic for the Tribe. Yay! :-)--). Generally speaking, she's a huge fan of people. She loves dogs more--if there are dogs around, people don't exist--but in lieu of dogs, she's very sociable; likes being petted, must still be discouraged from jumping up. She's also not usually very vocal (unless there's a dog in our front yard, or we're cutting up meat).

However, three or four times now she's reacted badly to random people while we're out and about--barking, even growling a little, and hiding behind me. The people have been of both genders, all ages from kids to the elderly and in between, it's happened at high noon as well as at night. In fact, the only common thread I can see is that she's been leashed all of those times, but then again, except at the dog park, she's *always* leashed when she meets new people. I socialized her extensively from the time she was 12 weeks old, especially with kids (took her to school at pick up time every school day from the time we got her--she is *totally* comfortable with kids), but also with both genders and every possible age range.

My question's twofold, I guess--
Any insight into why this would happen so randomly?
and
How would *you* handle it when it happens?

Thankfully, the people I've met have all been very understanding about it, but I feel as though I ought to correct her, and I do....but at the same time, her reaction seems fear based, somehow, and I don't want to come down on her too hard for expressing anxiety. At this point I've been pretty much staying neutral and ending the interaction fairly quickly (although I don't end it while she's either barking or growling. I don't want her thinking for a moment that that's the *way* to end the interaction, you know? I wait until she's quiet and relatively calm, but I don't drag it out).

It's not a huge deal, but I am curious as to everyone else's take on this.
:-)

posted in dogzone - 13 replies

Trying to get Scarlet B to eat greens/veggies/fruits

2008-04-25T02:24:47Z

Scarlet loves to munch on the grass and I think she may be part goat. But she wont eat greens I give her.

She is the worst begger in the world. She is so bad that I am so embarrassed by her ruthless attempts when she begs. She will beg for any thing, I mean anything.
I wont lie, I give in to her begging. I eat pretty healthy, I do not give her things like ice cream, pizza, etc. I give her what I am eating and she really wants noting to do with it and she usually stops begging.
I have been trying to give her fruits, veggies and greens, but she doesnt want anything to do with them. She will eat strawberries as long as they are sweet and room temp, thats the only fruit she will eat. Seriously, if it doesnt smell like meat or cheese she wont eat it.

How can I "trick" her to eating more healthy snacks.

And no I wont stop the begging habit now...she is 10 and soooooo cute and my doggie soul mate. My other one has better manners and seems he has read Mr Manners for dogs.

posted in dogzone - 17 replies

Dog's silent prayer...

2008-04-24T21:28:04Z

Get out the kleenex.

Your Dog's Silent Prayer

Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ears. Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. And, my friend, when I am very old, and no longer enjoy good health, hearing, and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with my last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands. And always remember that I love you.

--- I got this off of a daycare / training website - I did not write it.

posted in dogzone - 1 reply

Dog Nicknames

2008-04-23T05:28:25Z

My rott Monkey is also known as Mr. Whiffers
Badger the terrier is AKA Mr. Waggers and Scruffy Muffin

posted in dogzone - 23 replies

Winston's 10 seconds of fame...

2008-04-23T04:20:32Z

We were on (barf) Fox News tonight...

They did a clip on Escondido at our Dog Park and a new law that 'might' come about in regards to aggressive dogs and posting their addresses and making it a law that they must wear muzzles - kind of like the sex offender Megan's Law...public records would state where aggressive dogs live....Witch hunt ? Maybe. In certain cases, it could be a good thing, but could get out of control...as in a witch hunt.

I hate Fox and the way they report stories.

I had all 3 of my 4 leggers there with me so I waited until they left...My girl, Kyra has been having some dog aggression issues lately with other dogs, especially smaller / weaker ones - not good. The last thing we need is more bad press on Pit bulls. Anyway, Winston my big lump of love, Boxer, walked over to the fence to see who I was talking to (the reporter about the story). Not realizing they WERE filming me and Winston - he was doing his ''wooo wooo wooo'' bark - howl thing - I overheard them say - Oh yeahhhh, look at "this one", look at the size of his head, get a shot of him...

So tonight at 10pm the news clip comes on and shows him only barking at them, not his talking (woooooooo) and says that people might have to muzzle their dogs, like ''this one" whilst showing Winston. I nearly rolled over laughing - he is the sweetest boy and they portrayed him as aggressive....too funny. Our 15 SECONDS of fame...lol.

posted in dogzone - 8 replies

Two-legged Dog is Amazing!

2008-04-22T13:28:44Z

Check it out... (I think this web address will work).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLXHvBFG-CI&feature=email

posted in dogzone - 0 replies

Miss Chewy Mc Chewerton

2008-04-21T12:51:59Z

Ugh...this is what I have been dealing with...

http://people.tribe.net/jenn/photos/83f98135-cc50-4c55-a31d-c4d28ebc3c78

I know, it is an energy issue, her boredom. BUT....I have been either running her or taking her to the dog park every day.
Doing as much as I can....

I tried bones, but she and my older Boxer got into a tiff one day when I wasn't here, according to the neighbors. Bone aggression.

I really don't want to crate her, but I am not sure what else to do....any suggestions.

posted in dogzone - 11 replies

One cruddy ear.

2008-04-20T01:22:57Z

Looking for some advice.

My doggy, a 17 year old Bichon, has one ear that has become really cruddy in the last few months. At first it was both ears, though one to a lesser degree, and I cleaned them out with rubbing alcohol. Plucked the hair, too. One ear cleared right up. The other, however, is worse than ever. It doesn't smell particularly bad and it's not infected, just really oogie, with lots of dark brown wax. Bothers him a little, a bit itchy, but not like in the past when he's had infections. When I clean it out it stays clear for a few days, then comes back.

Any idea what it is? I'll take him to the vet if I have to, but I've been avoiding it because of the logistics and language barrier (crazy Naples traffic is fine for me alone, but I worry about him even in a seatbelt, and the fact that I speak very little Italian). If it was mites, wouldn't he have it in both ears? Are there any online remedies you can recommend?

Thanks muchly!

posted in dogzone - 6 replies