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 Author Thread: Dog People
 Dan Solo

Joined: 7/25/2006
Msg: 101
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Dog People
Posted: 5/5/2007 10:29:50 PM
Hey people

Dog people rock if they don't have hard ons for controlling their dogs too much. And why get a bad breed (ie Rottenweilers or Pitbulls?)

Look after them they can be your best friend through their whole life time even when it's hard. Grrr,

Dan
 Random Entry

Joined: 12/30/2006
Msg: 102
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Dog People
Posted: 5/5/2007 10:32:57 PM
Luckily I have never had to put down a pet myself. When the golden retriever mix got huge growths the vet said she should be put down, but they were surgically removed and the dog lived til it was 15 years old! Long past when it was supposed to, I held her as she died and told her I loved her. So I guess I am saying I would question the vets so called expert opinion. They are not always right. Do you think the vet is right, bullielover?

The other dog, the beautiful German Shepherd I mentioned repeatedly above, was minding its own business in the backyard of a church and was shot by a cowardly redneck. I never felt so potentially violent as I did then. I had to fight to contain myself. The loss floored me. Naturally, I got depressed by it. A friend of a friend of a friend got word of it and wrote his pastor and they guy moved out of his house in that area, which he had resided in for over twenty years.

It is the worst when it is senseless violence and they are in their prime.

I guess I took most of my physical anger out on the dirt digging the dog's grave with a pickaxe because it was winter and the ground was frozen solid. Only a truly sick individual kills a nonviolent defenseless animal minding its own business.
 Dan Solo

Joined: 7/25/2006
Msg: 103
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Dog People
Posted: 5/5/2007 11:56:49 PM
Dear Random

Good man.

Take her easy. In all honesty my cat drives me up the wall sometimes. He's a good beast though,

Later,

Dan
 NocturnalPrincess

Joined: 8/26/2006
Msg: 104
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Dog People
Posted: 5/6/2007 12:35:32 AM
Dan Solo,
I have a Rottweiler, so I bristled at your comment. He is not a bad breed, and in fact they originated as working/herding dogs.
Rottweilers would herd the cattle to the market, and then the owner would carry the cash back home tied to his neck.
They are most certainly powerful dogs, but that doesn't necessarily make them a "bad breed."

The whole reason that I am a dog owner now is because a Rottweiler that was 8 weeks-old with an extremely sweet temperament was taken in a drug raid, and I am certain that he was int
ended to be trained to be vicious!
I got him out of Doggiie Jail. Tbe neighbors all love him, and he plays with their children and their dogs. He isn't food aggressive nor dog aggressive, and he is good with other children and with people. Everyone around here loves him!
I have used him with my neighbors to help them socialize their dogs, because he is that good, sweet, docile, and friendly with people children, and other dogs!.
Certainly he has a big bark! Do not blame the breed, blame the breeders and the owner!
Dan,
If you could meet my dog, you would understand totally how great and loyal Rottweilers are, and what a bunch of A$$holes are, the people that use their strength and their power and teach them to be vicious. When I take him to doggie day care, he is one of their favorites because he is such a total sweetheart and so wonderful with all of the other dogs!Too bad we cannot put the vicous owners down alongside the dogs they trained to be vicious, because that would solve a lot of problems on both ends!
 NocturnalPrincess

Joined: 8/26/2006
Msg: 105
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Dog People
Posted: 5/6/2007 12:50:12 AM
Bullie,
When my beloved Tiger Kitty was not well, at my insistence we took him to be euthanized. For the record, I think euthanasia is humane and should be permissable for humans also, and there is no reason Jack Kevorkian should have wound up in prison, but that is off topic, a bit, at least.
When we took my Tiger to be eutahnized, it was his tim, completely.
I held him, caressed him, and told him how much I loved him, and they gave him the injection, and HIS LAST BREATH WAS A PURR!!. Certainly I cried, as tears arise right now, Yet, he was old, ill, suffering, and what a better way to die than that?
I really believe that euthanasia should be extended to the human species, but that is another thread! Right now, I cannot handle getting beat up that badly, so I hope someone that agrees with me starts it up!
 gtadaizee

Joined: 10/22/2006
Msg: 106
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Dog People
Posted: 5/6/2007 3:52:34 AM
Sadly I think I am getting nearer and nearer to THAT desicion time. My resuced American Eskimo is approximately 13 or 14 yrs old (my vet thought he was 4ish when I adopted him) now. He has severe cataracts and is losing his hearing (but I think he still has selective hearing and seeing), his balance is way off, he stumbles a lot, actually falls over, sleeps most of time. He has a humogous 2 lobe tumor (it may have been a spleen injury by being kicked in his first four years of abuse. He has rotten teeth which I think contributes to his gastro instestinal problems.

Anyhow I worry about his quality of life (not that serious yet but will I know when it is time). Just when I'm starting to think that he can't take anymore then WHAMOO, he'll behave just like a puppy, he loves to run and play with dogs he chooses to play with and then I think, he is so happy and so having fun that no way is it even near the end. It sure is a roller coaster ride.

He walks into things, walls, etc..... and yet from our glass balcony he can see even the littlest dog a great distance. I know he can't hear 'most' of the time and yet sometimes he can hear the slightest rustle of plastic bag >>>food, food, food.

So like old people I guess he has some days, some moments better than others. He shivers a lot (and trust me its not from cold) and it concerns me to no end. Yesterday I came home to a 1 foot puddle of pee in the living room (first time!) so I know that the deterioration has started. I wish he could tell me when the time is correct but if I have any doubt, I won't be able to.
 bullielover62

Joined: 12/2/2006
Msg: 107
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Posted: 5/6/2007 4:46:45 AM
Thank you ALL for your comments and your support...

Just when I'm starting to think that he can't take anymore then WHAMOO, he'll behave just like a puppy, he loves to run and play with dogs he chooses to play with and then I think, he is so happy and so having fun that no way is it even near the end. It sure is a roller coaster ride.

This is the ride I'm on now.... having to decide if she's ready.... day to day, waiting, watching, crying, laughing, medicating, carrying, (which isn't easy.. she's 65 lbs!)....and LOVING!

As for Solo... my, my... I'm shocked that people are STILL so uneducated with regard to breeds and violence.

My ex has an ENORMOUS rottie and he's the most gentle lamb you would ever meet. He was treated with firm love growing up and has nothing but love to return.

It's the PEOPLE that train dogs or treat dogs to be violent that are the issue. Dogs aren't born mean, they're taught to be that way.

This is where euthanasia with people would come in handy....

Again, thank you and my heart and prayers go out to those going through the same thing my Sophia and I are facing.... Let our decisions be made with empathy, sympathy and love.....

Bullie
 NocturnalPrincess

Joined: 8/26/2006
Msg: 108
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Posted: 5/7/2007 5:56:46 PM
There was a story in the news last week that I am about to share.
Pit Bulls are very dangerous because not only can they exert 3,000 pounds of pressure with their jaws, but they can also clutch with the front part of their mouths while they chew with their hind teeth, or something like that~detain and destroy simultaneously.
Two children were attacked by two pit bulls, and the youngest child was four. Their Jack Russell Terrior valiently fought these two pit bulls and saved the lives of these children. His injuries were so extensive that the owners had to put him down, but he gave his life to protect his family.
I hope this is not a repeat story, but it is a great story so worth repeating.
 Pitmaster

Joined: 3/20/2007
Msg: 109
Dog People
Posted: 5/7/2007 8:29:43 PM

And why get a bad breed (ie Rottenweilers or Pitbulls?)


Had to jump in here because of this comment. These are not "bad" breeds, they are actually by nature very very sweet dogs, without human training to be vicious (because of their natural size and power) they are actually extremely protective and loving towards all humans. An adult Rotti or Pitbull that has not been negatively conditioned can be trusted to be the guardian, alone, with an infant human.
 Genrae

Joined: 11/10/2006
Msg: 110
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Posted: 5/8/2007 12:35:27 AM
The biggest lap dogs I've ever seen was a Great Dane, a Rott, and a Pit...big frickin babies! Any breed can be trained to be mean. It's all in how they are bred, trained, and socialized.
 Summer Teeth

Joined: 3/2/2007
Msg: 111
Dog People
Posted: 5/8/2007 1:38:34 AM
The biggest lap dogs I've ever seen was a Great Dane, a Rott, and a Pit...big frickin babies!


I have a pit mix, and all she wants to do is either be on my lap or play. The most relaxed dogs I've ever been around are Great Danes, Rotts, and--heaven forbid--the totally ferocious bassett hound! All of these dogs when they want to be petted at least gently crawl their way to your lap, although Danes and Rotts pretty much just lay a head and neck on you because they know they're so big, but a pit will jump on you--PLOP! "Here's all of me right on your lap all at once. . . pet me!" a pit might think because they sometimes don't understand how compact and muscular they are. Well, that's what they'll do unless you train them not to jump right in your lap. Dogs want love. Even the more typically "aggressive" breeds want to be near humans, even if they don't like other dogs.

The first Rotti I ever met was the neighbor's dog. She let me in the yard, and she wanted to be petted. Once I got on the porch, her demeanor changed. She wasn't aggressive, but she plopped herself right infront of the front door, sitting down, and just looked at me as if, "The yard's fine, and you're my friend, but you can't go in there until someone invites you." A well-raised dog knows the rules and knows not to be aggressive until someone is aggressive with him or her or someone they love. Any dogs's behavioral problem(s) can usually be tracked to a human being causing that problem. And knowing that will make you a dog person . . .
 Dan Solo

Joined: 7/25/2006
Msg: 112
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Posted: 5/8/2007 3:06:20 AM
A dog's temperment or mood is probably a combination of genetics and training. There are "sucky" dogs and cats even. Charlie my cat is a baby. Everyone loves him. I treat him well (pet and praise him etc.) Again he's a good beast. He can fight too if need be. A dog I think will usually back down if outclassed. Correct me if I'm wrong especially a nice dog. Dogs are social creatures looking for the alpha male. However breeds like pit bulls and dobermans have been breed GENERALLY as viscous breeds to guard their masters at all costs. Pure breds may have a wild combination of genes through inbreeding. When a pair or more of dogs gets into a pack they if let loose, can become unpredictable. Many a mail carrier or small child has been mauled by a dog especially when the owner isn't around. Again I know not all "tough" breeds fall into that category.
IMHO why take a chance? What is the need for the "killer" pitbull or junkyard doberman? To guard or intimidate or get an animal to submit? BS some people like the attention and the feeling of power with the wild dog at their beck and call apparently. I know they're good companions as well.
Heck I'd love a doberman or and african (Anubis-like) breed. I don't have the time or money to handle a dog now again anyhow.

Later,

Dan
 NocturnalPrincess

Joined: 8/26/2006
Msg: 113
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Posted: 5/8/2007 6:32:33 AM
Dan,
One problem with dogs are the irresponsible inbreeders that contributes to genetic disorders, both mental and physical (Genetics 101).
There is a difference between a critter that is a pet and one that is simply an animal, as someone else said here.
A feral cat is a mean cat, a surviivor, because it has learned to be savage for basis survival.

I am new to the world of dogs, within the past several years. I got bit on the ankle by a dog while checking on his welfare, and he began to drag me towards his dog house by my ankle until I pepper sprayed him. The dog was situated on public property. The owner was ticked off at me, and never once asked if I was okay. I talked to the City Kennels, because I really did not want them to put down the dog, and any fine assessed could also be used to erect a fence. I am just glad it was me that was attacked and not a child, and now the situation is being monitored by the dog warden thanks to my being attacked.

I was working part time and in the yard next to my job, there must have been 40 dogs (mostly Rottweilers) that were entirely vicious, and I was shocked. I only know of my big sweet Baby Boy. I fed one of them for an hour and when I tried to pet him through the fence, I nearly lost my fingers. LOL. I met the owner, and older European man, and just a delightful person, that builds them a dog house, gives them food, water, and shelter, though by now they are all resistant to accepting love.
We have one Rottie at the shelter, Vinnie, that I had heard was vicious. I met him and he was completely sweet with me. He is sweet with all of the ladies, but not at all good with men. I wonder if one of the genius men that have told me I should pop my dog once really good is responsible? Anyway, Vinnie would be a great dog for a woman with a yard, but we cannot adopt him out because of his defensive nature when men are around. I am trying to place Vinnie with him, because we do not want to put him down. Right now, he is living in a generously sized cage, gets out three times a day, ges food and shelter, and strokes from the women, but we cannot adopt him out because of liability and his animosity towards men.
If I did not have Riley, and I had a fenced yard, I would probably take Vinnie.
Rescuing a critter is more than picking them up and dropping them off at a financially strapped no-kill shelter. Finding them homes is the other half of the rescue. I drop off food all of the time, even though anymore pet food seems to be a cruel form of euthanasia.
Before I wound up adopting Riley, when Liz agreed to take him in to protect him, I also gave her a check. It costs a lot to care for all of these animals. My shelter gets no public assistance, and neither does my best friend's. They are labors of love.
I am currently working to put together a motorcycle event, Criiter Run 2007, to raise funds for our shelter.
I have a bigger vision of getting shelters to become cooperative rather than competitive, but I suppose that whole concept of working together for a common cause is pretty ridiculous.
 NocturnalPrincess

Joined: 8/26/2006
Msg: 114
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Posted: 5/8/2007 6:45:14 AM
***Critter Run***
I forgot to tell you about Daisy Mae!
One night I was working, and some Idiot was beating this young Doberman with a tire iron.
A neighbor chased him away and secured the dog and waved down the police. Naturally, my fellow officers called me, and naturally, I called my shelter.
Poor girl was probably over a year and less than two, and just the sweetest thing.
I met her and she was just full of kisses, just a real lover.
He had broken her front left arm, but fortunately it was a clean break. Our shelter got her healthy and she got placed into a good home.
This monster beat her with a tire iron, but it would be inhumane to put him down, though it would probably save the taxpayers a lot of money in the long run.
One thing that rubs people the wrong way about our shelter is that we do interview them, much like an adoption agency, because we care very much about our rescues. My (thankfully former) neighbors had a dog that they chained up outside, and he would bark. I heard one of them frequently tell him to "shut up before I take you to the pound!"
My dog, as he just reminded me while he lays at my feet doesn't need to bite. He has a great big bark, and if I were going to make him a comic book hero, he would be Flatulence Man, with a cape,, and could put anyone down with that stuff. Oh my goodness!
 bullielover62

Joined: 12/2/2006
Msg: 115
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Posted: 5/10/2007 5:56:39 PM
and if I were going to make him a comic book hero, he would be Flatulence Man, with a cape,, and could put anyone down with that stuff. Oh my goodness!

cough cough cough......

I'd have to disagree Night Goddess.... as I sit here with my sweet Sophia bullie, almost dyin' from the stink that came outa her back end just now!!!

Thank you to all who have prayed. She's off one of her meds, MY CHOICE, and seems to be better off without it.

I don't know how much longer I have with her, but the vets aren't always right. I don't remember who it was that asked me if I thought the vet was right in his decision, but thank you. I trusted my own intuition and did some legwork on the meds and she really didn't need to be so doped up! EDIT: It was RandomEntry... thank you!!!

Sending all of you four legged lovers a super power huggie from myself and my little girl.

Bullie
 gtadaizee

Joined: 10/22/2006
Msg: 116
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Posted: 5/11/2007 4:32:28 AM
Bullie, I think of you in your situation a lot. Right now we (Simba & I) are going thru a tough time. He's very lethargic and sticking to me like clue, no oompth and his stools are pretty bad. He's starting to have accidents in the house now. He has always drank loads of water and urinated a lot so I can't even use that as a judger. I wish that if dogs could speak only once, it would be to tell us when they have had enough of life.

 bullielover62

Joined: 12/2/2006
Msg: 117
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Posted: 5/11/2007 5:01:50 AM
Oh Daizee...

I'm sorry for what you're going through.... Just recently I went through this with a friend from POF.... he had an Old English Sheepdog that was having so many health problems, pooping in the house, lethargic, getting ill...... and then moments of "puppiness" that would leave him bewildered.....

He ended his sweet boys life when he KNEW in his heart that his quality of life wasn't what he would have wanted for himself.

His heart was big enuf to grasp that.

I know yours is too.... even though we haven't met..... but by your words here.....

We must trust our love for them. Are they living the life we envisioned for them in the end? Would they be better off running through the fields of doggy heaven with their brethren?

Taking ourselves out of the equation is the answer... For if it were up to me, my sweet Sophia would be with me til the end of time..... not her time.....

My prayers are with you Daizee, and your sweet Simba love.

Bullie
 FabulousSmile

Joined: 4/9/2007
Msg: 118
Dog People
Posted: 5/12/2007 2:53:46 PM
i will pray for those in need and I wish them well. I cant imagine the thought of loosing my companion but i am sure it will happen one day.

like Jimii says unconditional love....i agree...they become part of our lives an family. after my seperation i was alone for 1 yr and didnt like it much so I decided to go to the pound to get a dog for companionship and i am glad i did...best thing i ever did. she counts on me to take care of her after all she was abondonded and i look forward to coming home to someone...its doesnt give me that empty feeling when i walk in the front door of an empty house. its been her and I for the last 9 years and shes been there for me thru thick an thin and loves me no matter what. she maybe spoiled but shes very well behaved an well mannered, she has her own couch and bed an pillows an blankees an toys....and a mommy who loves her....what more does she need....lol.
 NocturnalPrincess

Joined: 8/26/2006
Msg: 119
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Posted: 5/13/2007 10:05:37 AM
The other night, I met an adult female Rottweiler that had not been spayed and previously had a litter of pups. I learned from the dog's owner that she nourished a litter of kittens with her breast milk after tragedy had befallen their mother. How cool is that?

I interact with people while I am at work, and it is refreshing to come home to the unconditional love of my faithful companion.

Daizee and Bullie, sending more prayers your way, and truly not envying your plights.

Here is an excerpt from an article on APL HUMANE INVESTIGATIONS:
...children growing up in homes where is pet is neglected or abused will follow in a parent's footsteps. Children who grow up seeing one or both parents for barking or leave a dog outside all winter without shelter because 'the dog has fur to keep it warm,' will likely grow up to pratice similar abuse...
'Today, we are finding young girls engaging in the same animal cruelty behaviors as have come to be accepted by society as part of the right of passage for young males...We need to teach children that compassion for animals is not a weakness but a virtue.' "
The latter point is interesting, because the majority of our street fight calls rececently have involved teenaged girls and not boys.

Finally, I thought I would share something that will either make you laugh or lead you to condemn me.
The street behind me is overpopulated with Section 8 housing and a lot of drug activity, though through neighborhood cognizance our street is pretty good. The disrespectful cretins insist upon cutting through my next door neighbor's yard, even though they have repeatedly told them not to. They have ripped a hole in our fence at least three times, but my "Rockweiler" is a deterrent to using our yard.
I have confronted numerous people cutting through their yard. One young man was polite and I have not seen him since. One couple, I learned had already been asked at least half a dozen times to stay off their property, and each time they have ignored and mocked the request. The last man I confronted actually got very SH*TTY with me and used the F-word a few times. He might have had more to say if Riley had not been at my side and there was also a chain link fence between us.
I suggested that in response to their SH*TTY attitude and complete lack of respect, that we get SH*TTY right back with them! Instead of scooping Riley's horse like poop and throwing it away, we decided to make a poop minefield at the base of their property where they cut through. We have an endless supply! They have a dog, too, but he is not intimidating.
Two nights ago, one of the regulars was M-Fing up a storm and examining his shoes. It will only take a few weeks, and I guarantee you that they will stop cutting through. We tried asking everyone nicely, and they were the ones that got SH*TTY with us first!
[For the record, if one sets up a booby trap that could knowingly cause physical harm to another, you are very likely to get sued. I do not recall the case, but there was a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on this matter many, many years ago, just so you know. That is one of the reasons you are supposed to have a beware of dog sign in your window, because if someone breaks into your home and your dog mauls them, it is your fault for not warning them that there was a dog inside. Don't you love those aspects of our legal system?]
With this being an on-going problem, I suggested
 bullielover62

Joined: 12/2/2006
Msg: 120
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Posted: 5/18/2007 8:27:55 AM
Thank you to ALL OF YOU for your prayers and kind words.....

Sophia was raised to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday after work.

She came with me to work every day for the past few months and yesterday she just couldn't get her legs out from under her to stand... and when I tried to help she yelped in pain. Bulldogs don't 'yelp'.... they withstand pain unknown to us humans....

And I knew.....

I carried her 65 lb self next door to her vet and said so long for now.

My heart aches like I'll never recover, yet I know I will, for it was a year ago this month that my sweet bear Humphrey crossed that bridge....

I ask for your prayers all... and will continue to send them to you as well.

Sophia.... you were a blessing and a joy and I must have done something right in my life to have experienced the incredible love you gave me for 11 1/2 years.....

You are missed my sweet girl....and will be til I see you again.....

Bullie
 gtadaizee

Joined: 10/22/2006
Msg: 121
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Posted: 5/18/2007 8:44:31 AM
bullie I am sorry for your loss. It will take time but you will be okay. Sophia sounds like she knew just when to let you know for sure that her time had come. I'm hoping that Simba will be able to tell me when he's had enough.

Even though he frequently stumbles in his back end, yesterday he was outside boxing and wrestling with a 12 week old Mastiff pup having a ball. I was watching him closely and then the puppiness got to him and he got very snippy so we separated them after about 15 minutes of play. THAT's what I am finding the most difficult to deal with, his joy to play and to see people he really likes.

Keep your Sophia in your heart and I know everyone says something like this but you know she is not in pain anymore. I'll think of you often.
 bullielover62

Joined: 12/2/2006
Msg: 122
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Posted: 5/18/2007 9:18:52 AM

Even though he frequently stumbles in his back end, yesterday he was outside boxing and wrestling with a 12 week old Mastiff pup having a ball. I was watching him closely and then the puppiness got to him and he got very snippy so we separated them after about 15 minutes of play. THAT's what I am finding the most difficult to deal with, his joy to play and to see people he really likes.

Oh Daizee... thank you for sharing that... and your kind words and love.... for Sophia had the same moments.... that would last for a wee bit and then she would be in pain for the rest of the day.
Yesterday she just couldn't walk... and barked and barked in the office kitchen... and we all laughed thinking 'what a spoiled and adorable little girl she is... knowing to bark at the 'fridge when she wants something'... only for me to figure out she couldn't stand... and that's why she was barking.....
sigh
Her eyes, the fear that I saw at the vet's office will forever be with me... and I can ONLY HOPE that I made the right decision.

I cradled her face in my hands as she took her last breath and only hope with all my heart she knew it was for her that that decision was made.... my love for her.... my want for her to feel no more pain.....

Daizee, you and your baby Simba will remain in my daily prayers.... I wish you the strength and courage it takes to say goodbye to one we love....

Bullie
 4realRU

Joined: 4/7/2007
Msg: 123
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Posted: 5/18/2007 10:44:38 AM

and I can ONLY HOPE that I made the right decision.


Four legs that always followed, so very close behind,
their sound now a memory, of a love that was truly blind.

Gone now from sight, the empty dish no longer tended,
but your shadow remains, planted deep for my mending.

Sophia was saddened, but twas not from her plight,
it was her thinking she had failed you, as she neared her twilight.

I can't leave you now, who will guard you in my stay,
and your answer was love, you will never fully go away.

Thank you for knowing, that our shared time must now end,
my body is spent, the years are gone without amends.

Bully for you for helping me through, but one last request,
if I may be so bold?

Make me one promise, of you I'll ask no more,
share your love of loving, and being loved for evermore.

Four legs have little meaning, if their sound is not yearned for,
so share your love of yearning, your heart can give so much more.

Dwell not on my passing, or the days we didn't have,
but celebrate all our good times, ah, what good times we did have.

So to answer your question, yes, you made the right decision,
thank you for loving me, twas the greatest gift of my living.
 gtadaizee

Joined: 10/22/2006
Msg: 124
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Posted: 5/18/2007 10:49:36 AM
Well 4real I can hardly see to type this. I'm going to copy that and put a copy where I can see it. I think that that will really get to bully but I also know it will comfort her. THANK YOU from her I am sure. It also gives me something I will need. Wished I'd had it 13 years ago. Beautiful &
 Silver Vixen

Joined: 6/21/2006
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Posted: 5/18/2007 10:51:58 AM
Hi all - I'm so much a member of this cult that I am into it threefold. I have 3 Belgian Shepherds (Tervuren) that give me reason to live.

Just a couple of things I'd like to say. I didn't read ALL the posts here, but on the first page there was some mention about breeders considering their dogs as livestock. This couldn't be further from the truth for all the breeders I know. Our breed does not have a huge genetic base as it is not a very old 'purebred' dog, having been used for centuries as the herding dog in Belgium, but the standard wasn't written until the late 1800's. All the breeders I know are so very, very careful to keep disease out of their stock, to provide only the most excellent homes they can find for the puppies, recognizing non-breeding stock and not using it, training, showing, competing in obedience, herding, Rally-O, agility, flyball, ski-jouring, etc. etc. Homes are very, VERY carefully screened to make sure the future owners realize that they're getting into a very high energy dog that needs lots of socialization, training and positive re-inforcement. Any owner who decides it's too much dog, or situations change and they can't keep it, or they figure the dog isn't getting what it needs can almost always go back to the breeder who will gladly take it back, foster it, re-train the dog and then find a better home for it, or keep it for the rest of it's life if they can't.

In the end, what you're getting from a breeder is an animal that should - for all intents and purposes - resemble as closely as possible in looks and temperament - the standard that was written for that dog, in healthy condition with a lengthy and thorough guarantee for health defects and/or temperament issues.

You can pick up a purebred dog in a pet shop and have absolutely NONE of those assurances. Yes he's a purebred 'Billybob' breed, but who are his parents? what afflictions did they have? were they temperamentally sound? were they hugely oversized? are they who the papers say they are? Who knows. It's entirely possible that a dog from the pound has more of a known history than one of the ones from the friendly neighbourhood pet shop (sorry - my biggest, loudest, most vehement soap box subject is pet shops selling dogs).

Humane societies, municipal pounds and rescue societies are the best place to get dogs, but you never know if there are medical issues there either. But you are definitely an angel on earth for giving some of these dogs a new lease on life. And most of them are so grateful for a second chance that they give you even more than you expected in return.

But breeders aren't all bad. Purebred dogs, who have been bred by caring, intelligent, knowledgeable, experienced people come with certain guarantees, not of the paper type, in how they will grow up, behave and working abilities just by virtue of the planning, love and attention to detail that went into their very existence.

BTW - my 3 dogs do the following:
Trixie - 7 years old - obedience, Rally-O, herding and visits the folks at the local nursing home
Dite - 6 years old - obedience, Rally-O, flyball, agility
Lily - 2 years old - obedience, Rally-O, herding, soon agility.

All 3 live in my home, sleep on my bed, lie by my feet when I'm cooking, on the computer, on the john - well all except Trixie who thinks it's her mission in life to hold down the blankets on my bed all day and night to make sure they don't move. LOL.
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