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BS: For Dog Lovers Only
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Subject: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:12 PM For the past year I've gotten more active in breed rescue and transportation and additionally hang out over at a site of my breed, Weimaraners. Lots of nice folks there too and some good info and good laughs as well. We get a lot of guest dropping by wanting to get a Weim for Christmas and we try to discourage the idea until they are sure it's the breed for them (a lot of breeders refuse to even have litter ready for Christmas and responsible breeders often refuse to sell their pups to people they don't think are good owners). ANYWAY................ Some funny stuff comes up now and then and recently during the spate of "Christmas Doggie" requests, one of the folks put up this advice on............... How to Prepare for a Puppy: *Pour cold apple juice on the carpet in several places and walk around barefoot in the dark. - *Wear a sock to work that has had the toes shredded by a blender. - *Immediately upon waking, stand outside in the rain and dark saying, "Be a good puppy, go potty now - hurry up - come on, let's go!" - *Cover all your best clothes with dog hair. Dark clothes must use white hair; light clothes must use dark. - *Float some hair in your first cup of coffee in the morning. - *Play "catch" with a wet tennis ball. - *Run out in the snow/rain in your bare feet to close the gate. - *Tip over a basket of clean laundry, scatter clothing all over the floor. - *Leave your underwear on the living room floor because that's where the puppy will drag it anyway..... especially when company is coming. (and probably chew the crotch out of them!) - *Jump out of your chair shortly before the end of your favorite TV program and run to the door shouting "No, No! Do THAT OUTSIDE!" Miss the end of the program - *Put chocolate pudding on the carpet in the morning; don't try to clean it up until you get home from work in the evening. - *Gouge the leg of the dining room table several times with a screwdriver....it's going to get chewed on anyway. - *Take a warm and cuddly blanket out of the dryer and immediately wrap it around yourself. This is the feeling you will get when your puppy falls asleep on your lap. - I have another cute thing I'll post later. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Kim C Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:17 PM That is SO true!!!!!!! Our old girl Zenith died last week - she was 12, almost 13. We miss her very much - she was the first dog Mister and I raised together. But of course, we love animals, and will probably get a new puppy sometime after Christmas. So thanks for reminding me what it's like to have a baby in the house!!! :-) Although... Belle, our 7-year-old mutt, thinks she's still a baby... |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Murray MacLeod Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:18 PM I can relate to all of these, and we only have a cocker spaniel puppy .... Murray |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:26 PM Hey Kim.....Some beautiful Weimies in Rescues pretty close to you....... Okay......Here's the other thing. There is a new obedience competition now called "RALLY." It's more fun than standard obedience competitions and the handler can use any combination of commands. The dog and handler move through various stations where something is required.....sit, 360 turn, full down, etc. Now my two are pretty well trained but I thought that since it was a new comp, then maybe I could "modify" the stations a bit and assure myself a pair of National Champions. I suggested: STATION ONE: Handler sits in corner of couch, dog must hop onto couch and lay sideways up the side of the handler and fall asleep within one minute. STATION TWO: Handler stands around and dog must stare at handler looking bored and anticipatory at the same time, finally flopping down in any position at the handler's feet...additional points if the dog lays ON the feet of the handler. STATION THREE: Handler sits in recliner and dog tries to get up too. At the command, "Get the hell off of me," the dog will lie at the foot of the recliner with the proper amount of spacing so that as the handler reclines or comes forward, the foot of the recliner lightly thumps the dog on the head. If the dog awakes during either of these two thumps, there is a 10 point deduction. STATION FOUR: Handler gives dog a series of standard commands and the dog stares at the handler doing none of them. STATION FIVE: A queen size bed is ten foot away from a red line. Both dog and handler wait til the monitor says go and they race for the bed. A winning score is had if the dog gets there first, takes his half out of the middle, and also takes charge of the pillow. Additional bonus points are scored if the dog is asleep, on his back, and snoring within one minute. STATION SIX: Handler sits on floor and dog must lay down as close to the handler as possible, grunt three or four times while rolling onto his back with his legs spread out and his head curled around to the point of almost touching his ass. Again, if the dog is asleep and snoring within one minute, additional bonus points are earned. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: X Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:31 PM Kim C: I'm sorry to hear about the passing of you doggie. My hunting partner of 15 years, Mr. Alexander Woolcott, a Springier Spaniel, passed away one year ago Jan. I miss him, he was my best friend. I hope you feel better soon. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Tinker Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:41 PM Spaw-- how about a station where the handler finally decides to excercise and lays back to begin sit ups. Dog must immediately begin circling handler and lick face as they pass. Kat and I were waiting for you to recheck the buzzcock thread.. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Sorcha Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:50 PM ROF!!!! Too funny; wait til I send these out! |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: JenEllen Date: 14 Nov 02 - 12:50 PM Wonderful 'Spaw! In our house, Stations 3 and 6 are a linked trial. "Get off me! Go get on your rug!" followed by dog looking crestfallen, walking into bedroom, jumping on bed, rolling onto back, and snoozing in one minute flat. Extra points for drooling on the pillows. ~JE |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 14 Nov 02 - 01:15 PM I should have had something on both drooling on pillows and also licking the pillows (cleaning up the human drool or something I guess). Anymore when I get up at night and comeback to lay down I have to swap my pillows around because you can bet your ass that the top one has been licked to death. Nothing like laying your head down on a cold, wet, pillow........... Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Kim C Date: 14 Nov 02 - 01:23 PM Thanks Banjoest. :-) Spaw, what about something where the Handler is trying to negotiate a yoga pose, and the dog has to get right in the middle? I guess that is sort of like #6........ |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Leadfingers Date: 14 Nov 02 - 01:46 PM Non dog lovers would definately NOT appreciate this thread.Ahh memories. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Bobert Date: 14 Nov 02 - 01:53 PM Dog lover: yes, Puppy lover: No. I've had 5 dogs in my life including the present mut and they all were adopted as adult dogs. Only way to go. Let someone else go thru the misery and then find they have to move and can't take the wonderful dog they have just invested the last two and a half years training to be the perfect dog... Bobert p.s. Thanks fir the thread however, Spazer, it's been a hoot. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Mudlark Date: 14 Nov 02 - 01:55 PM Another suggestion: Handler deeply engrossed in favorite FM forum, in the middle of writing long convoluted political riposte when suddenly aware of being drilled by 3 pair of eyes.... points to dogs if they can drag handler away for a walk before she completes post. And about the tip on getting ready for puppies....the tennis ball one practices with should not only be wet but slathered in veg. oil for drool similitude....also, choc. pudding must be stepped in *before* being cleaned up, preferably walked about a bit as well. Both bits lovely....and well done on rescue work, Spaw... |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: GUEST,Jeep Man Date: 14 Nov 02 - 07:11 PM How about, Man fills up hole which Border Collie Pup dug. Dog will re-dig hole in one minute flat and look extremely pleased with himself. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 14 Nov 02 - 07:45 PM The Tuscon Weim Club published my rules in their newsletter. I wrote them quickly after reading the thread we had going about Rally. After giving it some more thought, I could have included many other stations as some of you have done! Like........ STATION 7: A toilet and a water dish are placed side by side with a chair facing both 10 feet away. Handler sits in chair and upon release command the dog will go over and get a drink and return to handler. Points awarded on the following basis: *Dog ignores toilet and drinks from dish, returns to handler's side and sits: 0 points *Dog ignores water dish and drinks from toilet, returns to handler's side 10 points *Dog ignores water dish and drinks from toilet, returns with water sloshing from flews and jumps on handler, licking his face 50 points Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Bert Date: 14 Nov 02 - 07:51 PM You should NEVER get a puppy. You should always get two of them. They keep each other company and are much less bother. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: katlaughing Date: 14 Nov 02 - 08:00 PM Good one, Jeep Man. Priceless Spawisms!! Can't wait to read these to Rog, tonight. KimC, sorry about your old dog. It's tough when they go. Bobert, I'm with you. I haven't had a puppy to break in since 1970! All of mine have been at least a year old and almost grown up. I think there needs to be one about how quickly the dog can clean out the tootsie rolls in a catbox, spreading them and litter around on the floor so that the owner steps in them in the middle of the night. Of course, my McNab Border Collie would like to see some more classy stations, too, i.e. Cooking with a Wok: the proper way to sautee feline toosie rolls; Mistake-Free Anticipation; Driving Ms. Daisy; you know, all those things the Mensa crowd of dogs are capable of!*bg* So how come we don't see bumper stickers like this: Proudly owned by an Obedience School Student of the Month; or, My Bulldog can beat up your smarty-pants Poodle!? |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 14 Nov 02 - 08:28 PM BTW, one of the most active Weim Club Rescues is in Kansas City. They recently scammed a puppy mill auction and managed to get out 6 of the Weims that will never be used in another puppy mill. The Rescue Coordinator there is a true angel with more heart and love then you will find anywhere. They have a really beautiful website (CLICK HERE) and if you want to read a beautiful and encouraging story, click on the story of Maximus and the updates. Then click on "Rescue" and see his picture now after two months of love and care (and a lot of vet bills). Gail is really just too much! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: kendall Date: 14 Nov 02 - 09:17 PM I have a 4 year old Labrador retriever that knows more than some whole families. He is NEVER allowed in my bed. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: GUEST,T-Tone Date: 14 Nov 02 - 11:26 PM Yeah Bobert, I agree. I rescued my Augie at three years of age on the advice of a friend at work. He is my first dog - Border Collie/Golden Retreiver. He is a great dog and he's helped me through a recent divorce. I'm not sure that I can even measure the degree to which he made that whole thing a trifle easier. He's barking outside right now - gotta go! |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Mudlark Date: 14 Nov 02 - 11:26 PM Kendall...Mikey isn't "allowed" on my bed either....so where does all this grit, damp leaves and mud come from then??? |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Hester Date: 14 Nov 02 - 11:46 PM It seems like this thread might be the appropriate place to mention the lovely (and slightly morbid) song "Ghost of a Dog" by neo-folkie Edie Brickell. Here are some of the lyrics: "How can that dog be Barking in the backyard? We ran over him years ago. ... How can that dog be lying under that shady tree where we buried him years ago." Cheers, Hester |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: NicoleC Date: 14 Nov 02 - 11:55 PM My Weimie mix was the easiest puppy I ever had. He housetrained without a single accident, except when I had to be out all day and left him in the bathroom, but I didn't expect him to be able to hold it that long. Super smart dog, and a real sweetie, too. I've transitioned to cats since I can't always make it home to walk a dog, but if I had the time to invest in another dog, it'd be a Wiemie! |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: sian, west wales Date: 15 Nov 02 - 06:52 AM Why do I think this might go down well here? Or even this ? sian |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: GUEST Date: 15 Nov 02 - 07:30 AM Do any of you good people clean up after your dogs when you go walkies. In my vacinity only one person cleans up after his dog, the rest, of which there are many, allow their animals to foul the pavements and walk away. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: KingBrilliant Date: 15 Nov 02 - 08:06 AM Guest - most dogwalkers in my area carry a couple of supermarket carrier bags with them. Though a generation ago all that was expected was for the crap to be pushed into the gutter - and anyone who picked up and took home their dogcrap would have been viewed as an utter nutter with possible sinister intentions. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Mrs Cobble Date: 15 Nov 02 - 12:52 PM Love your Puppy Prep Spaw, so true. I co ordinate rescue for my breed skye terriers. I'm not keen on letting dogs to new homes at Christmas time, but in some cases it can be OK . I don't think a dog(or any animal) should ever be given as a Christmas gift. To quote the Canine Defence League (UK) "A dog is for life not just for Christmas". Keep up the good work Spaw. Guest we always pick up and we carry extra bags to give to people we see trying to walk away without cleaning up after there dogs. See their faces! Mrs C |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Mudlark Date: 15 Nov 02 - 12:55 PM Thread drift warning...but this concerns dogs (and cats) at least... Has anybody else heard about the inadvisability of vaccinating every year, and that it can cause seizure and other problems? I've just read an article claiming that immunization lasts for many years, and vaccinating every year, in effect, overdoses the animal, creating toxic effects. Here in US rabies vac. good for 3 years, but all others, like distemper, lepto, etc. traditionally given every year. Health concerns, certainly, but also financial concerns, with 3 dogs getting "shots" every year; 6 in 1 shots run about $40/dog. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: kendall Date: 15 Nov 02 - 01:04 PM Mudlark, have you considered the possibility that you walk in your sleep? BTW I always take a plastic bag when I walk my dog. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: jeffp Date: 15 Nov 02 - 01:04 PM I have a cat that had to have a leg amputated due to a sarcoma caused by vaccinations (probably). There is no proof that the shots are needed every year because nobody has done the research to find out just how long the protection lasts. (This is not surprising. Why do research that will end up costing money and not leading to more profits?) |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 15 Nov 02 - 01:26 PM An awful lot of dog owners are now having blood testing done, some of which can tell whether or not additional shots are needed. There is also many breeds that need to have the shots broken up (puppy shots) because of Immune Deficiency problems. I'm of the opinion that if you are going to use the dog to breed, you need to give the shots all at one time and see what happens......the dog could die actually. If there is no reaction, then you have a dog with strong immune system genetics. If it's only for a pet, then break up the shots....why take a chance on serious illness or death? But for a breeding dog, it's stupid to pass on unhealthy characteristics. Big fight going on about this among Weim owners, but many of us and some of our best breeders remember that the breed was almost destroyed in the 50's because of unsound breeding practices. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Charley Noble Date: 15 Nov 02 - 01:28 PM I suppose I should provide a link to my brother's dog's website, www.exitfive.com/yuffie/, an advice service for dogs with prurient questions. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 15 Nov 02 - 01:36 PM ON A LIGHTER NOTE.......... Regarding picking up the poop.......... Last summer when we spent a 12 days camping at a remote state park, we had to keep the dogs on leads. I staked them about 10 foot from the trailer at the base of the steep hill which gave them plenty of room to move through camp or up into the woods (30 foot leads). Sissy immediately went up the hill about 20 feet and decided it was a good place for her latrine and Jaeger followed suit. Now this was just great as I reasoned if they kept using that spot it would eliminate the need to pick-up!!! It was also a hoot watching a dog taking a crap on a steep embankment, but they both seeemed satisfied. Remarkably, they kept using that one area all the time we were there! At first I was elated, but soon I was to learn the truth in the old adage that "Shit rolls downhill." My nephew David began referring to the space directly below as the "Turdfall Area." Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: katlaughing Date: 15 Nov 02 - 01:44 PM I had a vet tell me he didn't esp. believe in the leukemia vaccines. When I asked him about them, he said, "Don't you think that if it really worked, we'd have vaccines for children, etc.?" made sense to me. My indoor cats have never had anything but rabies. We used to do distemper when they were let out, but that was almost 20 years ago. The dog gets a rabies every 2-3 years. Charley, thanks for the update on Yuffie. She is such a doll! Didn't know you were related! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: NicoleC Date: 15 Nov 02 - 02:06 PM Kat, you may want to add distemper to an indoor cat's vaccines. It's horribly contagious, and they don't have to go outside to get it; you can bring it in with you. We've got a nasty little epidemic going on around here; hundreds of kitties put down in contaminated shelters. Poor guys! Otherwise, I'm with you. Rabies and distemper only for my indoor kitty. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Glen Reid Date: 15 Nov 02 - 03:41 PM I lost my best friend "Madame" less than a year ago and I havent been able to look at a Springer Spaniel since, without feelings of extreme sadness and guilt. Guilt because I had to put my little girl down, because of a thing called Springer Rage. When the vets(three of them)called it that, I though they were joking. You only have to look at the gentle and benigne qaulities of a Springer to laugh at the very suggestion of using the words Springer and rage in the same sentence. Sadly she went on a killing rage, starting with 6 week old puppies to a mature German Shepherd.She was only 4 years old. I would love to have another dog someday, but not before I come to terms with the loss of her. A few years ago I would have scoffed of the notion of me, ever being so attached to an animal. But I can honestly say, she was one of the best friends, I ever had. Glen |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Big Mick Date: 15 Nov 02 - 05:18 PM Wonderful post, Glen. I absolutely understand. I still think of my beagle buddy. Her name was Daisy Mae and her loss was one of the hardest things I have ever dealt with. She was my honey. Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: catspaw49 Date: 15 Nov 02 - 05:48 PM Sorry glen.....very hard I know. "Springer Rage" isn't really limited to Springers and it can happen in any dog. It does seem to be a problem though with about a dozen or so breeds and they suspect it's possibly caused by seratonin levels in the brain, a sort of seizure disorder. It is a form of Dominance Agression which any dog can and generally does exhibit at some point. The problem being that the natural Dominance Agresssion is then kicked in by some chemical imbalance in the brain. It does seem to be genetically passed and someone probably bred a Springer with the problem which kicked it off......possibly even a good breeder unaware that the problem existed.....just figured this otherwise beautiful dog had a temper problem. Under that scenario it is very easy to pass it along in a line as 3rd generation breeding is common. Anyway, I am very sorry for your loss. Dogs are too short lived to begin with, and, as someone once added, "Their only fault really." Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Mudlark Date: 15 Nov 02 - 05:58 PM Glen...very sorry for your loss, and it must have been a terribly difficult decision, even with the severity of the problem. I hope the sorrow and (to my mind inappropriate) guilt fade and you can once again think about having another 4-footer in your life. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Gareth Date: 15 Nov 02 - 07:45 PM Mmmmm ! When age, illness or behaviours problems catch up with them, then that decision is part of the cost of keeping a companion. We put, on vets advice, Guto the Terrier to sleep earlier this year, liver cancer at 13 human years, and I shall turn away from this computer, and miss the nightly fight for enough space in the bed for me to sleep. Gareth |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Genie Date: 15 Nov 02 - 10:09 PM So sorry about your loss, Glen. Spaw, thanks for this thread. You other dog lovers should've seen my neighbors' Yorkie climb halfway up a large walnut tree today to try to "get", and at least bark ferociously at, a squirrel. That's something you don't see every day! Genie |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: GUEST,Uncle Bud Date: 15 Nov 02 - 10:23 PM Glenn. You will not get over it. You must learn to accept it. Bud |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: kendall Date: 15 Nov 02 - 11:45 PM I was told about a 4 month old yellow Lab at the shelter. I dare not go look. |
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Subject: RE: BS: For Dog Lovers Only From: Banjer Date: 16 Nov 02 - 02:29 AM Waht the hell, Kendall, go look...It may turn out to be one of those once in a lifetime matches. The little feller needs a kind heart to share life with. Thank you 'Spaw for this wonderful thread. I still miss my Dee-Dee, she will have been gone three years this December 27th. She was a thirteen year old German Shepard. Every dog I have ever had live with with me (I never 'owned' one, they were all equal partners in my life) has a special place in my heart, and I miss them all. We lost Sasha, another Shepard last January. We now have Mr. Bear, a Shepard/Chow mix who is 16 years of age and still loves to run full tilt after his tennis ball(!) and our newest addition to the family, Ms. Beamer, a Greyhound, 3 years of age and retired from racing just 3 weeks before we adopted her. |