winnie

Our neighbors Bernese Mountain Dog was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at less than a year old. He's not even 2 y/o yet and has had two hip surgeries. They also take him to swim therapy, etc. Igor is a wonderful dog and his owners care a great deal for him. It's too bad he's had so many problems at such a young age.

Welcome! I have a friend who just adopted a 3 y/o golden to be a companion for her 9 y/o grey. They get along greyt! It's all about finding the right personality combination. Good luck and keep us posted!

You don't need an RX to get Frontline Plus. Lots of pet stores and catalogs sell it. So, yes, it's probably the same one your vet's office carries.

Good for you! Finding a vet you like and trust is very important. DH and I really like our vets office. They aren't the cheapest in town. However, they don't push procedures you don't need and don't charge anything to write a script. They won me over when they looked at our greys teeth during "Dental Health Month" and told us they looked fine. You'd think they'd want to push dentals those during "Dental Health Month," but they didn't...

Our greys are all on Synovi G3 Soft Chews too... we get ours from Valley Vet Supply. In fact, I just ordered the 240 count tub today for our grey girls. I'm not sure if they ship to Canada, but here is the website: http://www.valleyvet.com/

I agree...

What a handsome boy! I've never seen a color like that... looks like he can be a greyhound/dalmation cross.

Welcome Lou! Blue sure is one handsome pup.

Yup - Celeste had the same problem. However, her limp would alternate between her front legs. Our Darcy also will limp this time of year. She has some arthritis which seems to get worse when it's cold outside.

Jennifer4719 - What policy do you have with PetFirst? I just did an online quote and WOW - prices are much better than VPI. The Basic w/Routine for three greys is $566/year.

My insurance broker is the Equine Equine Insurance Center (http://www.equineinsurancecenter.com/). My policy is actually through Great American. After the initial deductable, I was reimbursed 100% for all costs associated with my mare's check ligament injury last year (approx. $1,800). Unlike VPI, there is no "fee schedule," etc. They pay 100% of whatever your vet charges. They didn't cover the farm call fees, but paid for her ultrasounds, shock wave therapy, medications, etc. I was VERY pleased. My equine policy costs just under $500/year for mortality and major medical. The premiums vary based on the value of your horse and what they are used for. I think my mare is valued at $6K and is primarily a pleasure horse. I'm going to check out PetFrist now for our greys... thanks! VPI renewal policy for just one of our greys was $483.

DH and I got VPI for our two greys last year. It's been OK. However, the premium costs seemed to have gone up a lot. We now have a third grey too. I just can't afford VPI right now. I still like having insurance though. I've never been very good at saving for a rainy day. Insurance has been a godsend with my horse - whose policy covers 100% and is actually costs LESS than a VPI policy for just ONE of our greys. So... any other good pet insurance companies out there that cost less than VPI?

We take our greys to PetSmart once per month to get their nails done. It costs $8/dog, but we figure it's worth $24 per month to have someone else do it for us.

So sorry to hear about Beau! Healing thoughts for a quick recovery...

Congrats on getting your first grey! Were in NY are you from? I'm originally from Long Island (Blue Point) and went to college in Geneseo. I now live in Northern Virginia - home to many NY transplants. I like your "handle" too - DH and I are also of Irish decent.

I've never tried acupuncture on dogs, but have tried it with my horse... My friends horse gets regular acupuncture treatments. He just stands there, head hanging down, falling asleep. My horse - total lunatic! The vet could only get in one needle before my mare ripped the lead rope from my hand and bolted down the barn aisle. I haven't tried it since.

Beautiful family picture!

I just did the same! Thanks again Jeff and Trudy! This was my first GT Secret Santa. I really enjoyed both giving and receiving. I can't wait until next year.

Me too. Me three... so I didn't vote.

You don't have to send Priority to Canada if the package weighs less than 4 lbs. I sent a pair of riding breeches to Canada (sold on eBay) in a padded envelope and it only cost me about $7-8.

I think I spent between $7-$9 to ship each package via Priority Mail - pretty typical. What on earth were you shipping?

I'm very close to Chantilly - in fact, it's the next street up from us. We welcome visits from fellow GT'ers. Thanks again!

Thank you Miss Molly and Shelly for my wonderful Secret Santa gifts! I've already tested out all of my new toys. Mama let me have some treats too, but I had to share those with my sister Darcy and "friend" Bonny. Mommy says thank you for all the nice people gifts too. Celeste OK Celeste... time to wake-up and open gifts! Nothing says Christmas like biting on Santa's head. TREATS!!! Oooh... this brush is nice! OK... I'm all tuckered out again, but look at that smile you put on my face Secret Santa.

PM me and I will contact them, then delete your post and I will delete mine Thanks! I already had a couple of people volunteer to be evil elves, so I think I'm good. I just don't trust USPS tracking enough... will feel a lot better once I get confirmation from the recipient that the package arrived. I don't mind if they want to wait to open...

The USPS tracking says that one of the SS packages I shipped was delivered on December 2, but the person still hasn't acknowledged receipt on GT. I don't want to PM the person and ruin the surprise... any suggestions on how to handle?