BatterseaBrindl

Anniee Bella sound perfectly 'normal' to me!! Actually...she sounds like the perfect dog! Some dogs are more food motivated than others. Have you tried clicker training? I had super results with one of our Dobes, using a clicker. Does your Therapy Dog group require that she heel/sit/down? I have had 4 dogs certified through St John Ambulance, and these are not part of their 'test'. They do have to walk quietly on lead without pulling/criss-crossing, but they do not have to be in the exact 'heel' postion. We've had Nixon for 19 months and he has never been food motivated. He knows 'wait','get back' and 'off'. For us, these are the most important ones. He did learn to 'sit' and 'down', but I had to use some pretty enticing stuff. We've had Ruby for 4 months and she came to us with 'sit' pre-programmed....it is something she just 'naturally' does. She has learned 'wait', 'get back', 'off'. We're working on down. We have not done 'heel' with either Grey. They do not pull on leash and I don't care if they walk a step or two ahead of me.

So very sorry for your loss.

for continued good recovery!

Glad things went as planned and hope your girl continues to recover uneventfully.

I would also say something to the vet. When Bandit was ill a couple of weeks ago, on our first visit we got charged an 'examination & consultation' fee of $68. Radiograph 'set up & interpretation' was $58 The actual radiographs were $48 per plate + a $7.50 processing fee. When she went back the following week we were only charged for the actual xrays + the $7.50 fee. The vet did examine her again but there was no charge. Her euth was done here at home...the 'call out fee' was $56 and the euth was $90. We also get a 5% discount if multiple dogs come to the same annual check-up visit. Of course, the Evet is a whole other matter...that was $169.50 'examination' fee. Our vets are going with every 3 years for vaccines, except Lepto, which is annual.

Run free, Stella

Oh Marc...Those eyes. Honey lived a wonderful life and you must feel so honored to have shared it with her. I hope she makes Bandit behave herself.... Nancy

We have lost two wonderful dogs since July and both of them let me know that it was time. I'm with Pat on this... Better a day too early than a minute too late. Your boy will tell you...just make sure you're listening. You can't give them a better goodbye gift than to ease them from suffering. Just hold them tight, with your voice in their ear, as they head to the Bridge.

Bandit, our 12 year old Springer/Pointer has been failing for a couple of weeks and today she went to the Bridge. She came to us in January 2000, as a 4 month old puppy, from the local pound. She was very athletic.... And loved Agility.... Was a Blood Donar Dog. One of our Dobes was badly affected with VWB and Bandit, along with our GSD, donated Blood for a year so the Dobe could have the necessary blood products for her spay. Bandit is the last of this trio to go to the Bridge.... She made an excellent pillow... Bandit was also a Certifed Therapy Dog and made well over 200 visits to the local old age home... She was also a real cutie.... Rest now, little girl. You sure deserve it.

I am so very sorry for your loss...but what a wonderful ten months you gave her. Run Free, Chase!

Glad Bella is feeling better!!

Glad Bella's home & resting. We'll check for an update tomorrow.

Maybe up the dosage again until he gets 'back on track' and then cut it back once he's built his confidence back up?? I have zero experience...just throwing out an idea

I have grandchildren age 5 and 3. They both know to never, ever go near any dog if they are laying down. The 5 year girl old especially loves all dogs and my two Greyhounds are very tolerant of her.... but being led around the house with a leash on is as far as the 'playing' goes. They just do not play. If things get too noisy or rambunctious, both hounds quickly retreat upstairs to their beds to keep out of the way. On the other hand, Bandit our 12 yr old PointerX loves to play...she'll chase, fetch, tug and allow them to dress her up. Our Bridge GSDx was also fabulous with all kids. We've had multiple dogs of varying breeds for many years and they have all been able to stay home alone for an entire day with no problems. Why would a Lab have issues staying alone all day? Greyhounds suffer from SA more often than other 'normal' dogs, as they have never, ever been alone in their life. I'm not trying to turn you off Greyhounds...they are the best kept secret in the dog world! But you should examine what it is your family is really looking for in a dog.

I Know a friend who swears by Yukka. Nixon & Ruby's vet is also certified in Chiro/Accupuncture/Chinese Herbs. Her recomendation for both my dogs and horses is 'Traumeel' http://www.ehow.com/about_5318010_traumeel-dogs.html I've had good luck with both the tablets and the cream.

Did you examine the 'pink/red something'? Any idea what it was? Is she eating? Drinking? How's her breathing? Heavy rapid breathing can indicate pain. If she seems 'normal' as far as her eating/drinking/behaviour, I'd just keep an eye on her. If she is any sort of distress...take her in. Nancy editied to say we posted at the same time... We'll look for an update later....

Your 'new' hound will probably be already 'crate trained'...as they live in crates at the track and are used to being on a strict feeding/potty schedule. My dogs are fine for 8 hours or so if necessary...but we have always had multiple dogs, so they are never alone. Do keep in mind that a newly homed hound has never been alone ever in his entire life and may not do well on his own for an entire day. Our Ruby had a home for a day or so when she came off the track. That adopter left her alone in her crate and went off to work the next day... and came home to a busted up crate and destruction. On the other hand, Nixon has never had any alone issues at all, and I'm very sure that he could be left all on his own and just sleep the day away. I'm sure your group will advise you and help you choose a hound...perhpas one that has been fostered so they know it does not have SA. Patricia McConnell has an excellent booklet..."I'll be Home Soon"...which all Greyhound adopters should read!

So sorry for your loss of the beautiful Lilac. She sure had a wonderful long life.

Our guys all wear the leather bolo tag necklaces from Long Dog Leather. Scroll down to see the leather ones.... http://www.longdogleather.com/index.cfm?content=67&Menu=31 They will break if caught, and they go back together very easily.

So very sorry for your loss. Run free, Miss Gee. to the Full House

So, so sorry. Sounds like she fought a good fight.

Nixon likes to know where I am but is not a Velcro' dog. Our last Dobe was a Velcro girl. And our Ruby has to see me. All the time. We've only had her for 2+ months and it is slowly getting better. I can now go to the bathroom and she will not follow me. Most of the time. I can not leave a room/go upstairs/downstairs without her getting up - even out of what appears to be a deep sleep - and following me. That said...we can accomodate this habit, even at bedtime. We have dog beds all over the house. Ruby has yet to get on any furniture and we are not encouraging it. For this short trip can you place his bed right outside your door so he can see/hear you? If not, I'd do as you are doing, but when you get home I'd start doing some alone training at bed time...slowly move his bed further and further away from yours. Given his 'bounce' history this could take a l-o-n-g time. Be patient!