I figure if we have a cat owners discussion, we should give equal time to our dogs, especially since 80% of you have told Joan to get one! :)
I have a yellow lab, Sandy, who has some husky in him, and he is 8 years old. He has been my dog since he was six weeks old. Happy-go-lucky, and loves to play and fetch. Today, after much thought and heartbreak, my daughters are taking him to Houston to live with my grandson, his wife and their three small children (6,3 and2). Sandy can leap 3 feet straight up in the air (he is the size of a small pony) and clears the chain link fence. He loves us to chase him. So, we've had to put him on a tether leash across the back yard. He pulls on the leash when going outside because he's so excited, and almost pulled my DH down a couple of times. My fear that he would pull him down and he would be hurt while I'm at work is what made me decide to let my grandson have him.
We still have our German Shepard, Lady. She's 11 and totally obedient. She loves my DH and he loves her. She is his shadow and sleeps by his side of the bed each night. When I get home from work, I ask my DH if he has fed her, and if he says yes, and I sit down, Lady will come to me, sit down and talk to me and tell me he didn't feed her! :) If he really did, then she will just lay down!
i have two rotten to the core chihuahuas:) Bennie a black/tan 12yrold male, got him at 6wks and he bonded with my DH immediately. got a female a yr later for 'companion' to him, but no dice, they dont really even like each other now after 9yrs:) just tolerate each other. trixie is the fawn female and very overweight like her owner..i keep saying it was our 'hysterectomies' we BOTH had that added the lbs..hahah! she agrees. we are both dieting now an BOTH weigh in daily:) aww..they are what keep me sane in this AD world we live in. divvi
We don't have a dog anymore but we did have an English Cocker Spaniel. Not having any children you can imagine what it was like. LOL. We had to have him put to sleep when he was 13 years old. I cried like a baby and couldn't go in my sewing room for about 3 weeks because he always went with me and lay by my feet when I was at the sewing machine. We haven't had another dog since then because I couldn't go through putting another one to sleep. We still talk about him from time to time and it has been quite a few years.
Yep. Got one of those too. (in addition to the cats.) Her name is Freddi, and she's a 9 year old pound puppy. My best guess (based on looks and attitude) is that she is what you'd get if you crossed a German Shepherd and a Jack Russell Terrier. I know, that seems logistically awkward, but somehow or other, that's what we got. Luckily, she picks at her regular food, so she's not overweight, because the nice thing (from a dog's pov) about having an AD guy around is he forgets how many crispy chicken jerky strips he's already given you.
We have always had big macho chocolate labs, but after losing our last beloved one, we opted for a different style. Boy..did we! Bailee is a 7 month old Labradoodle..medium size (35-40 pounds) and a delight. She gives my husband something positive to focus on and to have unconditional love in return. It is a good thing she is so cute because she is also a typically destructive puppy..two seat belts, 3 pair of glasses, odd number of shoes, NEW deck trim, etc. We are trying NOT to keep a running $ total on her games. She keeps us moving and connected.
Kathy-I met my first labradoodle at our down town farmers' market. This one was bred by a standard poodle thus was a large but very calm dog. I fell in love with the dog. Tried to talk Joan into getting one. Funny thing-she had already seen them and also loved them. She's got a lot on her plate right now (as do we all) so puppy time might not be for now. That's what I like about pound puppies-a little older and you can eval their temperament bluedaze
When we first got married, my wife said we had to get either a baby or a dog, since she had the habit of talking to herself. Since I was still in school, we opted for the dog - A Manchester Terrier (Terror). When she died at age 8 years, I noticed that food was appearing on the floor under the dinning table. Seems she had managed to catch all the food the kids dropped. So we got another dog, a pocket beagle. She lasted to age 15 (very old for a beagle) and had to be put down. At that point we elected not to get another dog since we liked to travel a lot. Now a pet of some sort would be nice, but our retirement apartment does not allow dogs, and my wife is allergic to cats, so I guess we'll have to settle for a goldfish.
Marsh-you can't pet a gold fish. People have been successful getting an emotional therapy dog. They can probably be taught not to bark. If you don't have time to do a web search just hollar and I'll try. bluedaze
Marsh, what about a bird, a nice parakeet for example? They can be trained, they don't make all that much noise (mostly soft trilling and chirping), and they can be very affectionate. My father had a parakeet that sat on his shoulder and went all over the house with him. Liked to hop onto the rim of his plate at mealtimes to see what might be good, or sometimes sit on the rim of his glasses to help him "read", it was hysterical. They play with toys, it's very entertaining to watch them. And they LOVE it when you talk to them!!! -- they'll answer right back.
I had high end parrots when I was in Berlin. I babysat a parakeet for a week and it drove me crazy. All that constant noise. BIG decision on the parakeet. If I were to ever get another bird it would be a cockatoo. They are the only birds that don't take to one or the other family members and are quite affectionate.
...you had parrots and you're squawking about the noise a parakeet makes?
Cockatoos are cool birds, also cockatiels. Never had one, I just like them when I visit pet shops or watch bird shows. Loved the parakeets we had all the time I was growing up.
Well, parrots are much more intelligent than parakeets. I think they are more intelligent than dogs or cats. (Sorry Katrina.) They don't squawk all the time constantly. I had a cockatiel & she was mean. Yes, sometimes parakeets are neat pets, but I much preferred my parrots.
For Marsh: The Fair Housing Amendments of 1988 section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title 2 of the ADA protects the right of people with disabilities to keep emotional support animals, even when the landlord's policy explicitly prohibits pets. bluedaze
I was hoping we'd get into dog ownership. I did, at one time, have 6 cats, but I am really a dog person. We just had to put our 13 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Charlie, to sleep. He developed heart problems that are very common in Cavaliers. However, he was the catalyst for our getting 2 more Cavaliers. Bogey, 7, is a Blenheim (brown and white) and very sweet. Chip, 4, is a Ruby (reddish brown) and a real devil. They are absolutely wonderful with children, other dogs, everyone! I take them to dog agility trials (tunnels, jumps, seesaw, etc.) on many weekends and there is my emotional and social outlet. Although I moved to Florida just as my DH got really bad, the friends I've made through agility have been wonderful. One is even going to visit a couple of facilities (preparation for future?) with me. I've hired people through an agency to stay with DH so I can continue with the sport since both dogs do very well. I've decided that the cost is worth saving MY life from the stress and uncertainly of this disease.
We're both dog people all the way. As you already know from my series of "Should I Get a Dog?" Blogs.
When we were first married, we got a dog before we had a baby. In a period of 32 years, I raised 3 puppies, starting with Honey, a Dutch Keeshond, who lived (with Epilepsy) for 12 years, but when she was 2 years old, we got her a companion - Pepper (Shepherd/Lab/something), and she lived for almost 15 years, but when she was 10, we got her a companion - Brandy (Golden Retriever), so as you can see, we had double dogs for a period of 14 years. When Brandy died, we adopted Casey ( 6 year-old Golden Retriever). We loved, adored, pampered, and were generally crazy about all of our dogs. But Casey was the best. He was the smartest, quirkiest, funniest, best. We had him for 6 short years before bladder cancer took him. It was 2 years ago this week, and neither one of us has gotten over it yet.
I am planning on adopting a dog - smaller one this time, and NO PUPPY, thank you very much. I wouldn't consider having a baby at this stage of my life, so you can be darn sure I'm not going to have a puppy. But I'm waiting until after hurricane season, and I also want to make sure Sid is stable when he is on the Elan trial before I take on another responsibility. He would so love to have a furry companion - the dog won't care if Sid tells him the same thing 20 times a day, every day.
Nothing tops a dog. Not that I'm biased or anything.
We have an Anatolian Shepherd that was our "rescue mission. He is GREAT with AD hubby. I taught him from a puppy to "Go home" ,"Find Pops" and things that I felt might be useful as he and "Pops" grew to be buddies. I knew if they wandered and Pops needed to go home , he would take him there. Our dog has been an "angel in disguise". He has been GREAT! for both of us!! I can tell him anything and he won't tell- ha! He also sleeps in the room with us and is very alert to any changes going on around him. He and "pops" walk the driveway several times a day, sometimes my ONLY breathing time without both underfoot! He wont take the dog past our mailbox, so I havent had a wandering problem!
Because of Joans blog on "should I get a dog " We;re getting a dog... a Coton .. they were born on the 20th of this month so we will be gettin HIM about the middle of August... To avoid the daily questions and the confusion prior to the middle of August I hav;nt told Dee yet.. We hav;nt had a dog for about 20 years.. I hope he will be a great companion for her... Dan
We also have a medium labradoodle puppy. She has been a godsend for me. She definitely gives me something to focus on besides AD. I wish she could walk with DH and keep him from getting lost. We had another "first" the other day when the police called and had my DH at the station. He had gone on his usual walk and I had passed him on the road on my way to Pilates seeing he was on track. Apparently he turned where he normally goes straight and that was all it took for him to get lost. An army recruiter saw his confusion and took him to the station. He loves his walks so much I don't want to make him stop. I'll now stay close to my computer and track him every 15 minuted to make sure he doesn't make a wrong turn. We'll see how long this lasts. Next step will be finding people to walk with him.
We have a Chow Chow dog, nearly 3 years old. We have always had Chow Chows (25 years now). Our first one died @ age 10 in the backseat of my car after I had picked her up @ the vet's after boarding...a very very sad day -- they said she had an anurism (sp?)...my DH had bought her for me when I was pregnant with our baby...now 24! Then we got another about 6 months later -- we had her for nearly 10 years as well but one night by DH left her outside (front yard) & I didn't realize it until about 2 hours later...we searched & searched & the next day decided to check the hwy, which was about a mile away...found her, but very unrecognizable, of course...very very sad day! That was in 2005 & my DH was still driving then -- he went to the "site" daily for about 2 weeks. We got another Chow shortly after that...I guess I am glad, but it's alot of work -- they shed so so much! This puppy is so so sweet and loving & my DH just LOVES her. He is still pretty interactive with her, but sometimes just "walks on by"...That's the beauty of dogs, though, no matter how often he just "walks on by", when he DOES speak to her, she waggs her fluffy tail and is just THRILLED to have him "back" in her world...I love her too & if anything happens to her, well, I'm not sure what I'll do...perhaps it won't! For a while anyway. So, we are definitely DOG LOVERS :)
We've had pets forever. I already posted on the Cat owner thread. But we belong here too. Dog ownership didn't work out very well until we bought our home in 1983. I stopped working in June 1984, to go on disability. We had promised our daughter that we would get a dog when we could have enough space and there could be someone home much of the time, because they need lots of companionship. We already had 2 cats(*apartments with mice).I stopped work 2 weeks before school let out, thinking I'd have a little time to adjust before my first summer as a stay-at-home Mom. I spent the 1st week after stopping work, caring for our daughter as she healed from secondary junk from chickenpox. The second week I started housetraining a 7 week old Dachshund--Chantey. That was 1984 and in spring 1986 I brought Nixie home, a mini-dachshund. She got me through the next years. In 1988, the same month my Hubby was diagnosed with Schizo-Affective Disorder, we brought home Tess, his Basset Hound. Once she was full grown, you should have heard our Operas as they would all put up their noses, make little O's with their mouths and "Ahh---wooo" together--a soprano, tenor, and baritone. We lost Tess at 5 1/2--leukemia. And then there was Babe. We lost Chantey at 15 1/2 and Nixie when she was nearly 15 1/2. Babe was lost without them. I tried adopting a 7 week old Beagle-Basset pup from a rescue, but had to return her when after 9 months, she was still totally terrified of everything. I couldn't get her to the door. With only positive reinforcement and absolutely no loud or aggressive responses I had gotten her paper trained, until somthing scared her. She never sought out a pet or cuddle or took a treat from my hand. Th deciding event was when she flipped a blanket over herself about 5 feet from me and then peaked out at me. It was so cute I chuckled, and she raced to her "safety corner" terrified of my noise. After Brindy, I was about ready to give up, when my sister called and asked if I would consider adopting her daughter's Boston Terrier. He would have faced 10-12 hr a day, crated if she kept him, while working full time and going to school full time. She didn't want to just drop him at a rescue. My sister flew "Jamie's Gentleman Otis" aka "OT" to Michigan---Her stuff for 4 days in a case overhead; OT in a crate under her seat and the most humongous suitcase possible checked. That was 6 years ago. Babe has left us as has the Breagle, Candy that came after her. Candy was a wondeerful dog but I couldn't get her completely trained, with my disability, andf Hubby couldn't help. When VaD joined the household, changes had to be made, to faciltate having help. OT is a great companion. He and Hubby have their little games and OT's a pro at playing off us to get double treats. I like having a dog, but already know any others possible in our/my future will be a little more mature. Ou puppy days are done.
We had cats forever. The last one, Fritz, died in my arms at 20 yrs old, march 2007. DH was totally brokenhearted. Memorial Day 2007, Frankie, a havanese, came to live with us. What a joy. The dog stays in the bedroom until DH gets up in the morning. he forces me to walk, which is wonderful. DH doesn't walk him, but the dog is protective of him, and stays in the room where he is, unless I call him. I can go out for grocery shopping and feel OK, because he does have company. Best thing i ever did.
I already put the cats on the cat owner's thread but we also have two dogs.
We got the first one 2 1/2 years ago. She is a beautiful 3 1/2 year old yellow lab/golden retirever cross with a very gentle personality. When we first got her, she was afraid of just about everything. We think she had been abused. She would walk with me but would not do anything with DH. This was heartbreaking for him. I got a trainer to come to the house and we started all working together. The first time my husband took her for a walk by himself was such a huge sucess. They did a lot of walking together after that. He adored her and she him. Today I take her to the facility where he is to visit sometimes and she does so well with all the residents. She is always excited to see her Daddy even though he doesn't really remember her and sometimes isn't too sure how to handle her.
The second dog is totally different, she is a 2 1/2 year old full golden with a very rambunctious personality. I wanted the second dog for several reasons - one to keep the first one company when DH had to go to a facility and the other for entertainment. It is too bad that DH wasn't able to stay home longer to really start to enjoy her as she has settled down. The first dog is still the better behaved dog but she chases cats. The second one still needs a lot more training but she doesn't chase cats.
The kittens (now 2 yrs old) have always done fairly well with both the dogs. The female will walk between the dogs legs, under their stomaches, rub against them and tease them.
Honestly, they are all my lifesavers. Their being in the household is what makes me get up and walk. Their antics make me laugh and the unconditional love that they give even on a bad day makes it all worth it.
We are definitely dog lovers. I told my son Jeff when we moved into our first house (after living in apartments for 5 years after a divorce) he could have a dog. The next day we were at the Humane Society!!!
We now have two dogs. My baby is an 11 year old Golden Retriever mix named Twisty. He was about 3 months old when he took refuge under Claude's truck. He tried to run him off but he wouldn't run :-). He was going to be an outdoor dog until one nite we had a horrible thunder/lightning storm. He was scared to death so we brought him inside and inside he still is.
Cathie went out to get the mail two years ago and heard a rustling in the bushes. Thinking it was a kitten or cat, she looked and found a six week old black lab someone had dumped. We kept him and Duck is now an 80# baby. They say labs don't grow up until they are two years old. He is now 2-1/2 and he still hasn't grown up. Has anyone seen the movie, Marley and Me? We have our own Marley!!!!!
I will never understand why people dump animals. Wouldn't it be great if unwanted pets could be dropped off at fire stations and such if folks don't know or care where humane societies are.
we have our 2 chihuahuas i have commented before -they can be the third wheels to my DH the hooligan then they all act out.! they seem to be his accomplices and get into trouble right along with him. 12y blac/tan male, and 11 yr old fawn color female. female is over lbs like her mommie:) the black male is in good shape like his daddy body wise-all 3 of the hooligans are the loves of my life.:) divvi
We are dog lovers. Have had several, but now have a 6 yr. old Shih Tzu, Millie. She is DH's friend, protector and entertainment. Follows him everywhere. Once he fell at the top of the stairs and I was outside. She came to the back screen door and started barking. When I came in she bounded up the stairs - and there I found him! When he is having a bad day she crawls up on his chest and nuzzles his neck and gives him kisses. She's a delight.
Let me jump in here...I have three dogs. A solid black Shih Tzu that we purchased, 8 years ago. She is named Sugar and spoiled rotten and does everything HER way! Very Smart. Next we adopted a Japanese Chin from the pound about 7 years ago, we think he is about 9 years old. He was abused and still has flashbacks. His name is Higgins. Then two years ago we rescued a Peekingneese (sp). She had just been used as a breed dog and was getting to old. She is also about 9 years old. Her name is Monkey (I did not name her!) and she is the sweetest thing in the world...so gently and cuddley.
A few weeks ago we found out Higgins has congestive heart failure. My DH is devastated! He will sit and pet him and cry. I told him I think he will live 6 months or so longer.
We had a wild shepherd mix when the kids were young and following him a pound puppy golden retriever mix whom we adored. When she died at 11, the same week as Jim Henson, of a sudden overwhelming infection (as he had), we were devastated. I decided we'd get, just once, a purebred. Got a Golden who was beautiful, sweet, loving, and totally impossible. She lived for 13 years and when her bone cancer got so bad she couldn't walk, we took her to the vet to be put down. Now usually I worry about taking an animal in, but she LOVED the vet. She stayed there when we were gone on vacations. She went in on a stretcher, happy to see her friends again. She NEVER grew up, Redbud!
DW grew up on a farm with Rottweilers. Our neighbor had "inherited" a Rott puppy a couple of years ago and was trying to get rid of it. DW quickly told her we'd take it - it would have broken her heart if I had said no. They were instant best buddies. If it makes my wife happy I'm all for it. We now have a 95 lb. "lap" dog - as gentle a dog as I've ever been around.
I have both cats and dogs, and would hate to have to choose between them. All dogs are rescues, three of them big guys - lab mix, golden retriever, bulldog mix - and the fourth is a not-too-bright chihuahua who weighs all of four pounds. Everyone gets along, and I don't know what I'd do without them.
Black lab here 3years old weighs about #120,keeps my lo busy taking her for walks,a couple weeks ago lo came back an said the dog went down in the sewer in a nearby field an she had to go down in get her out,keep in mind the sewer tile is about 12" an lo weighs about 160 an dog almost half of that,oh the stories I could tell lol
After having chocolate labs for twenty years, we now have a chocolate Labradoodle, Bailee. She doesn't know she is supposed to be a fou-fou dog...chewer, digger, thief, major mischief maker...far smarter than her "parents" and she tolerates us old folks. She's a delight.
The first time I saw a Labradoodle I fell in love. Huge dog, beautiful, calm and smart. Joan was considering a dog at that time and I thought she might get one. They're almost as good as cats!
We have two Daschunds, they are my DW's little babies, they are always at her side. They have been great for her they keep her company and entertained. She still lets them out, feeds them and takes good care of them. If you want a good people dog these are the best, they are lovable and snuggly little lap dogs. The only drawback is they are very protective of your property and can get very yappy at times.
jimmy I so agree, we have two as well and they are the most loving little fur babies, we have one yappy and one mellow, he's an exception! BIG GRIN. The other is the entertainer of the family. She's hell on wheels and doesn't own a car. She has a Napoleon complex, lil man complex but shes a girl. But you got to love her. Both will love on you when you need some lov-in, I think any animal can tell when someone is in need. Rk
A lot of dog lovers here! I have a Havanese, Winston (3) and a Havana Silk Dog, Mia (18 months). Mia is in heat right now so she is pretty persnickity.
We have only 1 dog now, a 7 yo Boston Terrior (terrorist), but had 2 female Rottweilers, the last one passed away Jan 2007 from adrenal cancer. She was a sweetie and a very loving, calm dog. DH adores the BT but can't remember when he feeds him and has to carry him around all the time. Since DH was released from hospital with a bad case of scabies, gave it to me AND the dog, he cannot hold him until we get the dog cured. DH can't seem to remember he can't hold him, so we continue to fight the scabies battle. Love dogs!
We have a 1 year old medium labradoodle. I expected her to be around 40# but she grew to 55#. She's just the best dog we've ever had. No shedding but still needs a lot of brushing.
I was hoping there would be a discussion on dogs. DH & I have had dogs all our married lives until about 6 years ago. I would love to rescue a dog or two but he is opposed which surprises me. We watch our "grand-puppies" and SIL dog several times during the year and he loves it.
I've been afraid he would get abusive with an animal or forget and leave it outside while I'm at work. No fenced yard and difficult to fence it. I saw a few negative things on this thread and wondered what all your thoughts were.
Bluedaze, Bailee goes to the groomer once a month to get clipped and lovely. We do keep her coat shorter than some do, but she is still lovely and FAR easier to keep clean and nice looking.
lfl - all of us who own Boston Terriers seem to call them Boston Terrorists! LOL Ozzy is 7, and is my DH's constant companion. We also have a Pit that we rescued from New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. We've never owned a Pit before ( have had 3 Bostons), and she is a love. She's definately my dog. I put a lot of time into her. For the first 6 months we had her, she lived under our bed. She was a big scardy cat. I can't imagine that now!
Jodij--- Responded to you about getting another dog. Don't know why it showed up obn he thread titled "Teeth". Try there to see it. I have no clue how to get it moved.
Jodij, Our yard is not fenced. We are in the city. Our dogs have always gone out on ropes,or chains(a chewer)chosen to fit their size--12# mini-Dachshund was on a light chain, compared to the chain for our 70# Basset. If not on a chain, they were on a leash to go for walks or away with us. I can count on one hand the times we had any problems with this system, and have fingers left over. Even when they were out at the same time and got tangled, there were no hassles. I am speaking of over 25 years of dog ownership with 2 or 3 most of that time. Even now, with DH in stage 6 and only 1 dog--OT, our Boston, we are doing fine. O course there are a few special rules. When splitting the cans of cat food (2 for 3 to share) OT gets his bit--the portions never come out in 3rds evenly. He always gets a treat when he comes in from outside--reward for good behavior and parking his bum right by us until his rope is off. Of course, if I put him out and bring him in, but DH delivers the treat, OT tries to remind me he's due for a treat--and gets one if DH doesn't tell me he already gave him one. I would say your decision should be based on a couple key things. One, how long are you gone, that your DH would have to be responsible for the dog's care? Second, consider a dog a couple years old so you're past the house training. Third, determine how big a dog you want to be dealing with and cleaning up after. You said your DH has always enjoyed your dogs and enjoys the ones you've cared for, perhaps before adopting you'd consider fostering (like babysitting) to break your DH in to having a dog around--then just keep it (one).