Show us your pets!

[reddDesign]

daisy
http://redd-design.com/portfolio/portrait_photo/images/G10-5-07_Daisy%20Penny%20and%20Macy%20176.jpg

penny
http://redd-design.com/portfolio/portrait_photo/images/Fpenny.jpg

elli
http://redd-design.com/portfolio/portrait_photo/images/HIMG_1265.JPG

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

How come I can't see Pearl?

That's weird!- you mean Tulip can see my Pearl pictures but you can't? :confused: Tulip- are they still showing up for you?

[HoosierGiant]

How come I can't see Pearl?

Ditto.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ditto.

Ok, how about now?
If you can see the two pix of Pearl now in that previous post, it's because TE likes pix on Flicker web albums more than on Picasa web albums. (be sure to hit 'refresh') I put them on Flicker this time instead of Picasa, as a test.

[roadie gal]

Shiloh is adorable.

Pearl is lovely.

I had a Maine Coone named Fuzz a while back. He was the coolest cat. He decided that my roommate was his human. He'd follow her around and wrap his tail around her legs. When she was in the bathroom he'd sit outside the bathroom and guard the door. He was her self appointed guard cat.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Shiloh is adorable.

Pearl is lovely.

I had a Maine Coone named Fuzz a while back. He was the coolest cat. He decided that my roommate was his human. He'd follow her around and wrap his tail around her legs. When she was in the bathroom he'd sit outside the bathroom and guard the door. He was her self appointed guard cat.

Our Pearl likes to leap up from the floor unexpectedly onto guests shoulders to ride around. When we see her get 'that look' while she's eying them, we have to warn them (or guard them!). :D My daughters used to freak out when that happened, now they think it's cool.

[Biciclista]

Our Pearl likes to leap up from the floor unexpectedly onto guests shoulders to ride around. When we see her get 'that look' while she's eying them, we have to warn them (or guard them!). :D My daughters used to freak out when that happened, now they think it's cool.

I can see your kitties just fine. And the dog as well. I used to have a cat like that. I remember when the refrigerator repair guy came he shrieked that my cat was attacking him. :D:D (this particular cat didn't have a nasty bone in his body)

[HoosierGiant]

Ok, how about now?

Now I can see Pearl -- she's beautiful!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Now I can see Pearl -- she's beautiful!
Thank you!
Now I know that if I want pix to show up on TE, I should upload them to my Flicker album, not to my Picasa album. :rolleyes:

[lph]

we went to the shelter to look at cats today :)

My favourites so far are a large, athletic male with gorgeous leopard markings, he was a bit standoffish though, a tiny, heartmeltingly sweet female with the glossiest black coat you can imagine, she was a bit timid, and the funniest little female with thick soft orange fur, shaved off from most of her body because she came in with massive knots in it, wearing a sweater :D She was such a friendly little thing, every time I talked to her she perked up and leant her head back over the basket to reach my hand. She looked like one of those Chinese hairless dogs only worse, but seemed not to take offense. Wouldn't leave the basket though, so it was hard to tell how active she is.

[ailurra]

dog and cat don't get along...but I love them both the same!!

[beccaB]

Every time I see this title for this thread I think it reads "show us your PESTS"
I get a good laugh then because I have a few PESTS. 2 cats and a dog, and soon a guinea pig. I suppose they are PESTS because they have so much personality.

[mtbdarby]

Beautiful furbabies everyone. I am really warming up to the cats, lol.

Rusty is still doing well with everything but the marking:mad: I just don't get it. He's neutered and potty trained and the little stinker will mark my furniture when I turn around! He does it about once a week - ugh.

Off to walk to school with the boys and pick up my son!

[mayanorange]

mtbdarby- you can try taking a damp washcloth to his face (cheeks where they like to rub things) then go rub that on the spots he's marking so they already smell like him. I can't remember how frequently you have to do it- every couple days or everyday til he really gets that there's no need to mark. I think I saw it on the British show Barking Mad that's on Animal Planet and maybe a few other similar shows

[Trekhawk]

I can't believe time has flown by so quickly. Fergus will be one next week.
Here are a couple of shots from a family trip to the beach over Easter.

[TsPoet]

dog and cat don't get along...but I love them both the same!!

Shih Tzu?
Love the cat's attitude.

[jobob]

I can't believe time has flown by so quickly. Fergus will be one next week.
Here are a couple of shots from a family trip to the beach over Easter.


Happy BD to Fergus! (what a great name) :cool:

[sundial]

Kids and dogs just seem so natural. Fergus is such an interesting name. :)

Tulip, I chuckled when I saw Shiloh's expression. It's That Look. :D

BleeckerSt., your kitty seems to have the true character of a Maine Coon. :) I like how they are so curious.

[redrhodie]

we went to the shelter to look at cats today :)

My favourites so far are a large, athletic male with gorgeous leopard markings, he was a bit standoffish though, a tiny, heartmeltingly sweet female with the glossiest black coat you can imagine, she was a bit timid, and the funniest little female with thick soft orange fur, shaved off from most of her body because she came in with massive knots in it, wearing a sweater :D She was such a friendly little thing, every time I talked to her she perked up and leant her head back over the basket to reach my hand. She looked like one of those Chinese hairless dogs only worse, but seemed not to take offense. Wouldn't leave the basket though, so it was hard to tell how active she is.

I gotta worn you about long haired cats who knot. You will have to brush her every day!!! Did you take pictures? Are you closer to choosing?

Yesterday, Twiggy was in the bedroom playing with a disposable razor. Know how she got it? Eddy took it out of the bathtub! Luckily, no one was hurt. He has taken them out of the garbage before, so I know it was him. I usually re-cap them before I throw them away, but this was a brand new one.

Good thing they don't have opposable thumbs!

[Trekhawk]

Yesterday, Twiggy was in the bedroom playing with a disposable razor. Know how she got it? Eddy took it out of the bathtub! Luckily, no one was hurt. He has taken them out of the garbage before, so I know it was him. I usually re-cap them before I throw them away, but this was a brand new one.

Good thing they don't have opposable thumbs!

Yikes!:eek:
That just makes me cringe. Glad to hear nobody got hurt in that adventure.:)

[ailurra]

Shih Tzu?
Love the cat's attitude.


Amelie is half shih tzu half chihuahua!

[sundial]

They're cute, both of them. The kitty is the High Poobah.

[Zen]

Unless your pet is a wild Arctic Fox (http://videogum.com/archives/animals-on-film/your-beloved-pet-is-not-as-coo-1_064432.html)
Check out the screaming cats as well.
I hope i don't get like that when I'm old.

[crazycanuck]

This may be of some interest to those in NY DC, Chicago, Denver & LA...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8004122.stm

[TsPoet]

AKC is allowing "mixed breeds" in performance events, they've been debating it for years.
http://dogshows.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_american_kennel_clubs_mixed_breed_program

I'm thrilled, as I started agility with my rescues to build their confidence and socialize them, but we couldn't compete (in AKC, there are other venues). There is a lot of controversy about this on dog forums, but that's the way it goes.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/TsPoet/Finn1of1-2.jpg

[reddDesign]

I took these today :)

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430751645_108400085_30092718_2438820_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430756635_108400085_30092719_996542_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430761625_108400085_30092720_3287528_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430766615_108400085_30092721_3205780_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430771605_108400085_30092722_882597_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430776595_108400085_30092723_1414038_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430781585_108400085_30092724_3842978_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430786575_108400085_30092725_367751_n.jpg

[Zen]

That cat is exactly 18% gray.
She/he looks BW even in color!

[Biciclista]

I took these today :)

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430751645_108400085_30092718_2438820_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs023.snc1/3095_505430756635_108400085_30092719_996542_n.jpg



what a wonderful cat! I have one much like her; but your photos are wonderful.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes, those are very nice photos! Very artistic and they capture 'catness' perfectly. I love the little 'folded ear' one, and the curtain shadow one.

[reddDesign]

That cat is exactly 18% gray.
She/he looks BW even in color!

she, and yeah she's all grey except for her eyes, and some white on her belly. couple faint rings on her tail


what a wonderful cat! I have one much like her; but your photos are wonderful.

thanks!


Yes, those are very nice photos! Very artistic and they capture 'catness' perfectly. I love the little 'folded ear' one, and the curtain shadow one.

thanks :) I was bored and the camera was there and she was in the sun...

[lph]

Beautiful photos!! I love the first and the last one, they really pick up that way cats seem to be thinking of strange and mysterious and fierce things...

[sundial]

Beautiful pictures!

[Trekhawk]

AKC is allowing "mixed breeds" in performance events, they've been debating it for years.
http://dogshows.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_american_kennel_clubs_mixed_breed_program

I'm thrilled, as I started agility with my rescues to build their confidence and socialize them, but we couldn't compete (in AKC, there are other venues). There is a lot of controversy about this on dog forums, but that's the way it goes.


Love the pic!
Your pooch looks very determined.:)

[tctrek]

she, and yeah she's all grey except for her eyes, and some white on her belly. couple faint rings on her tail


ReddDesign, is that kitty a Russian Blue?

[trinena]

Pascua's 3.5 yrs & everyday we're so smitten by him. Ah we love this dog.:p

[sundial]

He has wolf eyes! His demeanor is very captivating. :)

[mtbdarby]

Pascua's 3.5 yrs & everyday we're so smitten by him. Ah we love this dog.:p

Trinena - he's beautiful! What kind of dog is he?

Well, we've been doing good. Rusty can not stay and hold hit. He's getting good with stop but I've discovered another issue....

I left this morning on a 18 mile ride and left the dogs tied outside. Guess I wasn't thinking because I do this with Zeus all the time and he's fine. But Rusty....well, he's a digger:eek: Guess I'm gonna have to dig out the buster cube and kong for him to give him something to do. I guess that was my fault.

When I was stretching in the kitchen I noticed dried urine on my new kitchen cabinet and floor, and later when I got out of the shower and was dressing, he left the room so I followed to bring him back and he went in my sons room and peed on his bed! I was furious! I corrected him and took him outside. Now I'm confused. He had just spent hours outside and comes in and pees - not just a little dribble to mark this time. When I'm home they go out every 1-2 hours and he makes it all night. Guess it's time to call the animal behaviorist. I can handle lots of behaviors but messing in the house.

I've also cleaned his messes with natures miracle and the vinegar/water combo and I can still smell it. He's kind of cat like - he rubs up against the love seat a lot and he scratches at the carpet. Is that breed specific or a behavior thing you think?

I'm afraid I'm very frustrated with him right now and I need to figure out what I can do differently so he succeeds. Why can't they just talk to us:p

[Tuckervill]

He can't be trusted in the house, so I wouldn't trust him in the house at all. That means he would be watched like a hawk when I could, and attached to me via leash when I could, and outside when neither of those things can be done. I can watch them like a hawk and keep them in one room when I'm doing things like knitting and watching tv. If I'm up doing light housework or whatever, I might attach the dog to me via a leash. If I'm cooking a big meal or busy on the computer, and don't want them under foot, they go outside.

The dog I am fostering--I took him in the bathroom with me when I showered, just so he wouldn't be unsupervised in the house.

It's like having a very busy toddler around who can unlock doors. You can't let him out of your sight for one single minute.

And just because they've been outside doesn't mean they've peed recently. After you've untied them, walk them around the yard for a few until they go, then bring them in. Some dogs don't want to go while they're tied up. Maybe they think everything inside the perimeter of that lead is their den and they don't want to soil it.

Digging is a natural thing. Tie him up where you don't mind him digging. If I knew how to stop it, I'd have a beautiful yard! :)

Karen

[Selkie]

I have to admit it, I love to watch dogs dig. Most of ours were diggers when they were puppies but they seemed to have outgrown it.

Our backyard is for the girls, so it's gone "natural." The girls have trampled down most of the dirt, but they've saved one small raggedy patch of grass for "grazing!"

[Tuckervill]

I have a dog that will never outgrow it, so long as she can hear the moles chewing the grass roots beneath her!

My other dog just builds nests, and then goes back there time and again and digs a little more to find the cool spot on a hot day. Unfortunately, he likes to dig under trees and bushes and expose the roots. :(

Karen

[reddDesign]

ReddDesign, is that kitty a Russian Blue?

yup!

[roadie gal]

MtDarby, another thing to when you can't have him leashed to you is to crate him when he's in the house. They usually won't soil their den. A crate may seem cruel at first but it's better than being rehomed because he pees in the house.

rreddDesign, that's one gorgeous cat. And unbelievable pictures. You have a great eye for "catness".

[reddDesign]

Thanks :) Lots of practice taking pics of cars in motion makes it a bit easier to catch cats.

[mtbdarby]

Thanks again ladies. The digging I can tolerate, it's the peeing.

My elkhound was a digger. She convinced my border collie to give it a try so I put tabasco sauce in the hole. Once the bc licked his paws he never dug again. The elkhoud? Well, she licked her paws, looked me straight in the eye and kept digging:p Rusty's a spitz so I'm sure he will dig again!

He still won't go into his crate voluntarily. I've tried bones, treats, his food and still won't go in. We'll keep working on it!

[jessica47201]

This is Booger, I found I found him in a dumpster in Georgia about 7 years ago.
9102



This is Wiggy, my husband and I resuced him from the animal shelter.

9103

[trinena]

[QUOTE=mtbdarby;420305]Trinena - he's beautiful! What kind of dog is he?

we're not sure - our guess is malamute or husky with tibetan mastiff (body&markings) or shepherd or akita...sometimes we wonder if he has wolf in him. he was found dumped in a field in north-central CA.

ugh, today it took all of my husband to keep him under control-he was so scared- while 4 teens went by us on their skateboards. we did a good job of staying calm.

the other day an acquaintance surprised my husband from behind-not a good thing to do with our skittish dog -and he lunged & BARKED but did not try to bite. it's always an adventure & a reminder that we always have to work with him w/ training.

[trinena]

what a beautiful pair!

[QUOTE=jessica47201;421689]This is Booger, I found I found him in a dumpster in Georgia about 7 years ago.



This is Wiggy, my husband and I resuced him from the animal shelter.

[reddDesign]

This is Wiggy, my husband and I resuced him from the animal shelter.

9103

Russian blue!!!

Here are two vids I took earlier today :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U9EDCYR104

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoLUdNTk4FA

[jessica47201]

I like your vids, reddDesign!! Is yours a russian blue? We got ours at the local animal shelter. He is super vocal. I mean he doesn't just meow, it's more like what I would imagine a miniature pterodactyl to sound like!

[reddDesign]

haha yes she is...we got her a couple months ago from someone who couldn't keep her.

she's very vocal as well when she wanted to be...but other times she's super stealth.

[Nia]

That's a very fun thread! :)
This is Ebony...my little girl. She'll be two this May. She's quite a silly one and a great running companion.

[jesvetmed]

Ebony is gorgeous. Is she pure Boxer? I LOVE her face!

[ZenSojourner]

I actually do have a dog, but no pics of said critter.

So here's the closest thing I have to a picture of My Pet:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/ZenSojourner/Mepwetty.jpg

'At's mah boy!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So here's the closest thing I have to a picture of My Pet:

'At's mah boy!

That type of pet can eat you out of house and home! :D

[mtbdarby]

That type of pet can eat you out of house and home! :D


Ahh Lisa, but he's so cute:D

[ZenSojourner]

Fortunately for me he's off working on his PhD.

So he can eat himself out of house and home, LOL!

He's muuuuch better looking than either of his parents, must be that hybrid vigor, LOL!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Fortunately for me he's off working on his PhD.

So he can eat himself out of house and home, LOL!

He's muuuuch better looking than either of his parents, must be that hybrid vigor, LOL!

I had two wonderful girls, now grown, and they didn't eat that much really. My husband's son on the other hand was a total bottomless pit when it came to food...and he never became overweight! :eek: :D

[arielmoon]

New pic of my Plott Hound Jasmine. Next month I will have had her a year! Hard to believe.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jasmine/Jasmine4-19-09a.jpg
My neighbor took care of her last weekend while I was a family gathering and she taught her to go along side her on her bike.
http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc94/arielmoondance/Jasmine/Jasmine4-19-09c.jpg
She is a smart cookie!

[TsPoet]

That's a very fun thread! :)
This is Ebony...my little girl. She'll be two this May. She's quite a silly one and a great running companion.

You know that song...
ebony and vanilla?
Oh, wait, never mind

[Zen]

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/ZenSojourner/Mepwetty.jpg


I can't help ithttp://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/ShaggyScoobyDoo.jpg

[sundial]

Fortunately for me he's off working on his PhD.


What field is he working in? He's handsome and must get his smarts from his mother. :)

Arielmoon, I've not ever seen a Plott hound up close before. :cool: Jasmine's coat is so shiny and she looks happy trotting the miles away.

Nia--lol! Boxers are so much fun!

[ZenSojourner]

I can't help ithttp://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/ShaggyScoobyDoo.jpg

:eek:

Hey now! He's MUCH better looking than Shaggy!

[ZenSojourner]

What field is he working in? He's handsome and must get his smarts from his mother. :)

He's going in to Political Science and he wants to teach at University level.

He picked his major the day after the 2004 elections. To this day he claims there was NO CONNECTION. HA!

He originally picked Computer Science but decided early on that was not for him. Then he was waffling between teaching (high school) and psychology.

So the Polysci thing came totally out of the blue.

As for genetic contributions - when he was in High School he LOVED baseball, but he really wasn't going to be college material, let alone pro material. One day he got all mad at me because (and I quote) "You didn't give me ANY sports genes!!"

I told him I'd given him plenty of brain genes. But that didn't cut it with him because, he said: "If I had sports genes I'd be playing pro, making millions, and then I could PAY people to think for me!"

LOL! Us parental units just can't win sometimes.

[Zen]

:eek:

Hey now! He's MUCH better looking than Shaggy!

It's the chin thing :o

[Andrea]

I actually do have a dog, but no pics of said critter.

So here's the closest thing I have to a picture of My Pet:

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee318/ZenSojourner/Mepwetty.jpg

'At's mah boy!

Is he crate trained?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Not a good week for 2 of our kitties.

Lydia is acting 'ghostly', not eating much, and has been losing weight again. I suspect another go round with the kidneys again perhaps. I made a vet appt for tomorrow...meanwhile we are plying her with the water from cans of tuna, which she loves. And we ate a bunch of tuna salad today.

Meanwhile, I picked up something odd looking from the kitchen floor...turns out it was one of rail-thin 20 year old Ellie's big top canine teeth...looking pretty foul too. Poor thing had a little blood on her mouth. Oh, the millions of mice and chipmunks that tooth had crunched. :( Now I gotta decide whether that's worth a vet visit too or just chalk it up to natural decrepitude. Much be really embarrassing to be a cat that was a proud huntress and then lose your teeth. :(

[mtbdarby]

Lisa - sorry to hear about the kitties. Good luck at the vet tomorrow and I hope it's not the kidneys again. Since you're going I would have them look at Ellies teeth. I don't know if cats are the same, but my vet told me it can be a big deal when dogs lose they're teeth because of all the bacteria. Keep us posted.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa - sorry to hear about the kitties. Good luck at the vet tomorrow and I hope it's not the kidneys again. Since you're going I would have them look at Ellies teeth. I don't know if cats are the same, but my vet told me it can be a big deal when dogs lose they're teeth because of all the bacteria. Keep us posted.

Thanks Dar,
I can't squeeze Ellie into Lydia's appt though. I think maybe I'll make an appt for Ellie when I am there with Lydia tomorrow. I don't want any guilt hanging over me. Actually, Ellie was DH's cat from 20 years ago and she has a different vet...but maybe I'll just take her to MY vet anyway. DH seems kind of unsure about whether to take her in since she's so old and keeps muddling along ok. Losing teeth is a part of getting really old I suppose.
But maybe she should get an antibiotic shot or something while the tooth wound is healing, who knows....I guess better safe than sorry. I'll make an appt for Ellie too.

Lydia's the one who needs immediate attention. I bet we'll have to start the sub-cutaneous water shots again. :(

[bmccasland]

Patches, the little stray I've slowly befriended, disappeared for a few days, then finally reappeared yesterday evening demanding her evening meal like usual. What wasn't usual was that she has a wheepy eye. It didn't appear infected, but I'm not sure what's wrong. This morning she was on the porch again wanting her breakfast, and her eye is again wheepy and closed. Unfortunately it was too dark for me to really check her eye.

So far the best I've been able to do for her, is to feed her good cat food, and guard her while she eats. She's a timid cat around others, so gets chased away from the food bowl. She seems to like me to sit out with her while she eats, so that she gets her share, before the other neighbor cats that watch come and chase her off.

I'd like to get her inside.... Of course the other felines in the house may not agree.

Meanwhile I'm concerned about her eye. :(

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sounds like it may have been scratched in a fight.
It's your call whether to take her to the vet on it.

[jessica47201]

I'm gonna go with BleeckerSt on that. If the stray is always getting picked on and chased away, it's very likely that she got scratched in the eye. My two cats at home are always wrestling and jumping around and every now and then one of them will get it in the eye. I usually just try and keep it clean with warm water.

[mtbdarby]

Hey Lisa - How is Lydia doing?

[bmccasland]

I'm gonna go with BleeckerSt on that. If the stray is always getting picked on and chased away, it's very likely that she got scratched in the eye. My two cats at home are always wrestling and jumping around and every now and then one of them will get it in the eye. I usually just try and keep it clean with warm water.

I have eye-wash solution for people, I wonder if she'd let me use that on her.... maybe if I bait her with treats. If it's runny clear / irritated I won't worry to much, but goey infection, I'll take her in. I just can't stand to see one suffer, especially when I know she'll let me catch her. I also need to check with my neighbor who has paid a vet bill or two (paid to have her spayed and see if she's done anything for her & the eye)

[mayanorange]

I have eye-wash solution for people, I wonder if she'd let me use that on her.... maybe if I bait her with treats. If it's runny clear / irritated I won't worry to much, but goey infection, I'll take her in. I just can't stand to see one suffer, especially when I know she'll let me catch her. I also need to check with my neighbor who has paid a vet bill or two (paid to have her spayed and see if she's done anything for her & the eye)

The eye wash should be okay. I bet it's just an upper respiratory infection- probably 90% of strays have them whether they're fully symptomatic or not.

[GLC1968]

Well, these are not really OUR pets, but they will be someone's pets (on a ranch down the road). For now, we get to enjoy their amazing company though!

Pepe and Oreo at about 5 days old:
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-pepeandoreoonblock_925675_original.jpg

Oreo face to face with Buddy (who is ours):
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-buddyandoreo_384317_original.jpg

Pepe using me as climbing equipment:
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-pepeonme.JPG

[ZenSojourner]

http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-pepeonme.JPG

YESSSSS!

BOW DOWN TO YOUR GOAT OVERLORDS!

BWAH HA HA HA Baaaaah, Baaaaah!

[trinena]

what cute kids GLC! is that a donkey in one of the pics? if so could you please take a pic of him/her & post it? i'm a citygirl w/ a thing for donkeys. oh that sounds bad!


Well, these are not really OUR pets, but they will be someone's pets (on a ranch down the road). For now, we get to enjoy their amazing company though!

Pepe and Oreo at about 5 days old:
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-pepeandoreoonblock_925675_original.jpg

Oreo face to face with Buddy (who is ours):
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-buddyandoreo_384317_original.jpg

Pepe using me as climbing equipment:
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-pepeonme.JPG

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey Lisa - How is Lydia doing?
Thanks for asking, Dar!

Lydia is home from the vet and she's ok.
Both the vet and I decided that her problem was the kidneys again (she had the same issue 2 years ago but had been doing well until recently). I chose not to get the $130 or so worth of various elaborate blood tests because we both felt it was pretty obvious what to do- get her on water injections again for a while.

Lydia is so funny- at the vet's, she always curls up on her side on the exam table into the tiniest ball imaginable and 'plays dead' just like a possum....you can slide her across the table and she won't move a whisker. :eek:
Anyway, we gave her a large water injection right there at the vet's, and I took home the usual 'kit' for starting up the (dreaded) subcutaneous water injections at home again. Ugh, it's a nasty ordeal that we hate, but it's really the only way to make her improve again. We'll start with once a day and see if we can go to every other day as soon as she seems noticably improved. She also has a daily pill with fiber (same as metamusil) and with digestive enzymes- to help her digest the smaller amounts she is currently eating, and to prevent constipation.
Lydia was very well behaved during her 'dead duck act', and seemed pretty tired out and relieved when she got home. I took this picture of her happily snoozing in the wing chair an hour ago, looking so sweet:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3471318103_cd78a2f9f9.jpg
Isn't that the cutest?
I have a feeling the water shots will help perk her up over the next few days. This is the 4th time with various cats we have gone through 'the routine', so at least we are experienced. Also, we didn't wait as long this time before bringing her in, so I think that will help her chances too.

I made an appt for Ellie as well, for tuesday. Ellie's the 20 year old kitty who dropped a big gross tooth yesterday. I hydrogen-peroxided her tooth hole today, as per the vet's instructions. :( We'll get her checked out too.

I actually feel pretty lucky since it's been a while since any of the 3 kitties has needed the vet, and even today's visit only cost $60 which included everything, even the take-home injection supplies.

[GLC1968]

Nope, no donkeys! That's the rear end of the kids momma in that first pic. That would be Sassafras:
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4-sassandbuddy.JPG

We have goats, dogs, cats, chickens and bees...but no donkeys, sorry!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey, we have goats too! (actually, they belong to 'the girls', their 4H project)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3472129130_0afe8493dc.jpg

[GLC1968]

Lisa - glad to hear that Lydia is doing better. She's the one that looks like our kitty, isn't she? You can definitely see it in that pic! Sooo sweet!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm afraid Lydia is not doing well at all, she's been getting worse each day. We are continuing the maximum amount of water injections and antibiotics, but she continues losing weight and not eating more than a few crumbs. She's been to the vet twice this week, plus I just got off the phone with the vet again. She's looking pretty bad right now, still walking around feebly, and we keep doing everything we can. I think the next two to three days will be the critical ones. :(

Here she is looking happy and healthy. What a sweet loving kitty she is. She was a rescue kitty I adopted 7 years ago from a cat rescue shelter. I'd greatly appreciate any good healing vibes you ladies can send to little Lydia....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3491996905_e29034925b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3365/3492810038_6f03027cbe.jpg

[wackyjacky1]

I'd greatly appreciate any good healing vibes you ladies can send to little Lydia....
You got it.

[ZenSojourner]

I'm so sorry. I'm hoping for the best for all of you.

Hang in there.

[PamNY]

All our best good thoughts coming your way. She is a beauty.

Pam

[smilingcat]

Hi Lisa,

I will keep Lydia in my thoughts. And I wish you well too. She is a beautiful cat.

Sincerely,

smilingcat

[msincredible]

Positive thoughts sent to Lydia.

[sbctwin]

Hugs to you and Lydia. She looks like she is content and that is what we pet-parents can give to our fur-babies...

[Aggie_Ama]

Lisa,

I am so sorry to hear poor Lydia is struggling, what a fighter. Tons of positive vibes from Texas and Heidi the schnauzer who really wishes cats loved her back!

[Tuckervill]

Poor little Lydia.

Perhaps she's way older than you knew (was she a kitten when you got her?).

Vibes for improved health!

Karen

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sadly, Lydia is getting worse, she now has respiratory infection on top of the rest of it, and has stopped drinking and eating altogether.
My vet is away for the weekend, but as she told me, there is nothing else that we can do to that we aren't doing already. She's already on antibiotics, and any more would be toxic- the water injections are not reversing the downward trend- her kidneys are not responding and seem to be shutting down.
The vet is out of town now for the weekend (God, doesn't it always seem to happen this way?). We're just keeping her warm, petting her a lot, and giving smaller fluid shots to try to keep her comfortable, but she's having breathing congestion problems now and I honestly doubt now that she'll make it through the weekend. Poor poor baby.
She's only 8 years old. All this seemed to have developed over 2 weeks, with just the past few days being very bad. Lydia had a kidney crisis already about two years ago, from which she had bounced back with the water shots and switching to wet food. I just hate this evil kidney failure thing that kitties seem to be susceptible to these days. Lydia and my DH are especially close cuddle buddies. We are so sad today. :(

[oxysback]

Lisa, my thoughts are with your family (human and fur-covered) this weekend. :(

[roadie gal]

My thoughts for you and Lydia. ((((((((Lydia)))))))

[Tuckervill]

I'm sorry, Lisa.

Karen

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thank you ....you are all so kind in sending your good thoughts. It's a comfort. We'll give her another small water shot before we go to bed, and see what tonight brings.
I didn't really intend to hijack this whole thread- sorry!

[Selkie]

Lisa - I'm so sorry to hear about your sweetie. Sending good karma your way and hoping she's doing better today.
Your cats are beautiful, by the way.

[bmccasland]

((((((Lisa and Lydia))))))

Good healing juju from the Big Easy.

[TsPoet]

Lisa,
I'm just glad Lydia has had you and your DH to cuddle with the last 8 years.
{{{{Lydia}}}}

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa,
I'm just glad Lydia has had you and your DH to cuddle with the last 8 years.
{{{{Lydia}}}}

We are too! DH just had a major cuddle session with her in the rocking chair, all warm, and cleaned her face and made her feel good.


I don't want to get my hopes up, but Lydia started drinking tuna water again this morning- yesterday she couldn't drink anything at all, she couldn't swallow with all her gagging and congestion. She looks just horrific, but she can still walk around, we can still manage to get her purring, and we'll see what today brings. I honestly thought she'd be 'gone' this morning.
We are continuing with the water shots and the antibiotic pills. Despite feeling pretty bad about doing it, I poked four little soft cat treats down her throat this morning to keep her from starving to death. :( But now, just ten minutes ago, DH got her to eat three treats on her own. :eek: Maybe all your healing vibes are reaching her?
Keeping my fingers crossed...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Strangely, Lydia has improved a little since Saturday (her day literally at death's door).
She is still so thin and weak, but her congestion/respiratory infection has definitely improved and she is still bravely lapping up tuna water. We continue with her water treatments and pills and drops, and showering her with positive gentle care.

Since she seems to have changed her mind about dying, for the moment anyway, I am going to start a new thread for her so I don't keep hijacking this "Show us your pets" thread.
Thank you all for your healing vibes- perhaps they are working! :eek:

Check in on the Lydia thread if you want to keep up with her progress.
Thank you all so much- your encouragement and sympathy has meant a great deal to me. :o

[mtbdarby]

Bump.

Lisa, sorry again about Lydia's passing. Are the other kitties mourning?

My doggie updates:
I spoke to an animal behaviorist about Rusty. He has still been marking the house and I'm at my wits end. She gave me some good ideas which were implemented immediately. She believes he might have been kenneled outside and was not able to socialize properly because he won't play with any toys. And his ability to open the door to let himself out would also be another indicator. He doesn't interact with the dogs at the dog park except to try and hump them to establish dominance.. We're working on it. He's a good dog that just needs some training. Looks like we're both learning:p

And poor Zeus is not having a good day. He looks really old today or in pain. He couldn't get into the car on his own today either and was a picky eater. Hopefully just a bad day and he'll be himself tomorrow.

[sundial]

Mickchick, yoo hooo! Any pics of your new furkid?

[Zen]

I let my dogs play in the creek today.
The dachshundmix dog loves the water, the other girl,not so much. well not at all, really.

After they got out of the creek I gave the doxie a bath, no fuss no muss. The other one, a death match. Then she went and laid in the mulch pile :mad: and I had to rinse her again!

[sundial]

Lol! They know how to push your buttons. :D

[tctrek]

This isn't of my pets, but it's so darn cute I couldn't resist sharing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqhuTRNjuQI

[tulip]

This isn't of my pets, but it's so darn cute I couldn't resist sharing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqhuTRNjuQI

That is too much. That cat is awfully patient, til it turned into a vampire.

[Reesha]

My cat Monkey is my plant-gnawing, floppy, tennis ball chasing pride and joy!
Here are some pics from when she was a kitten!
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v125/6/52/511688654/n511688654_157053_4143.jpg

This next picture is a high speed shot of her trying to eat a little plastic cat that my brother and I tied to a string and swatted around.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v119/6/52/511688654/n511688654_95725_8731.jpg

[jessica47201]

I just wanted to post a picture of one of my retarded cats, his name is Wiggy. I guess he just got so tired studying the map of Indiana that he was pooped!!!
9307

[LittleBird]

This post is the best!:D

I don't have my Border Collie anymore but I still love showing pictures to everyone of him.

[Trekhawk]

Oh they are all so cute.
Love this thread.:D

[Reesha]

I just wanted to post a picture of one of my retarded cats, his name is Wiggy. I guess he just got so tired studying the map of Indiana that he was pooped!!!
9307

ahaha the name-- the pose-- classic!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

DH and i looked in on a dairy goat show this past weekend....we absolutely fell madly in LOVE with the baby Nigerian and Nubian dwarf dairy goat kids...just the CUTEST animals ever invented!!!! Thier tiny little sweet faces and mouths!!! It was KILLING us that we live in the village and too close to the neighbors to keep them here....it KILLED US!!! :(

So I guess we will just have to settle instead for vicariously enjoying the 4H goats being raised by Agnes Anne and Edith right now....
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3472129130_0afe8493dc.jpg

(.....sigh......)

[Reesha]

Hahahaha! Before I moved to St. Louis, I lived on a farm in Lake Placid, NY. We had a baby goat there aptly named "Goaty" by one of the little kids nearby. This was a goat that waggled its tail and licked your face and munched your hair. The sweetest little tagalong there is!

Here's a shot of a goaty kiss attack:
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v235/6/52/511688654/n511688654_488114_9808.jpg

Goaty is a nubian btw

[jesvetmed]

Love goats! They are a hoot!

It's been three weeks... I gave my foster kitty / saved kitty to a friend and her family, and so far, it seems that everyone is in love. I am SO happy for her! She needed LOTS of entertainment, and got 2 younger children (2 and 3 yrs), and one older, more calm child -- 14 yrs) in her house.

She seems to love the 3 yr old boy, but is still scared of the the 2 yr old (she screams a lot and throws temper tantrums -- I'd hid under the bed too at this point!).

I miss her - -she was a bundle of fun around here. My other kitty misses her too. I have to keep telling myself that I've made room for the next one to be saved. I know it will come -- usually 1x per year or so I have to take one in from the clinic that would otherwise be put down. HAve to make room, but it is really hard letting them go after they are all healed.

Here are some photos -- one alone (Typical playful thing!), and one with my keeper kitty, Smudge. They actually started to like each other. I feel bad for Smudge -- she is bored again.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

What a happy ending for your foster kitty- made my day to read it! She looks so wonderful and happy and healthy compared to when you took her in!
Fostering homeless animals is such a generous thing to do- people who do this should get medals, but I suppose the good feelings you get from it are reward enough, huh? :)

[jesvetmed]

Nice note Lisa! Thanks.

Like I said, there is at least one a year that comes through the clinic that I know will be fine with some TLC, but the owners can't do it financially or emotionally. So, in they come to the house! Just had a dog go to another vet's house last weekend... that is the third she took in, and has kept the two from before! It's hard not to haul them all home!

[tulip]

Shiloh's really warming up to the world!

Yesterday a little girl in the 'hood wanted to pet him and walk him. In the past he was terrified of children because he was abused by some before I got him. But he wagged his tail and let her pet him and even walk him on the leash. This is a huge improvement.

He's also been very wary of strangers, to the point of pooing out of anxiety. Tonight my neighbors had a garden party, and I brought Shiloh over because someone wanted to see him. He was a bit shy at first, but then warmed up and let everyone pet him. As people were oohing and ahhing at him, he just relaxed and settled down at my feet.

After about 20 minutes, I took him home and he asked (with the bell on the door) to be let out into the backyard. So I did. About 15 minutes later, my doorbell rings--it's my neighbor with my dog. Apparently, he escaped through the fence (gotta fix that again) and returned to the party on his own for some more lovin'!

[Zen]

Party on, Shiloh!

[sundial]

Yay Shiloh!! Making lots of progress for his mama.

All the pictures of the furkids and their names--this thread makes me smile. :)

[ASammy1]

tulip-

Great news about Shiloh and that's hilarious that he went back to the party. What a party animal! :cool:

[TsPoet]

I've posted photos of my two rescue mutts before. I started agility with the second one, Finagle, because she was so incredibly soft that she could barely function from the terror of daily life. Agility has been wonderful for her.
So, I started my 10 year old extremely fear aggressive mutt in agility. He's 20 lbs and has 3" long legs - a body not made for agility.
But, he loves it! He gets along with the people and dogs in class and just enjoys life!
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/TsPoet/doggies005.jpg

and this is him hanging out waiting for his next turn to run the course
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee139/TsPoet/doggies064.jpg

[Zen]

What a cutie and great photos too!
I don't know if I've ever seen a happier looking dog.

[Aggie_Ama]

So I guess we will just have to settle instead for vicariously enjoying the 4H goats being raised by Agnes Anne and Edith right now....
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3472129130_0afe8493dc.jpg

(.....sigh......)

This is hysterical! I would love a goat but we have a HOA that would frown on it. We had dinner with DH's college roommate and he just bought a place on a little over an acre, first thing is to get a goat. :)

[Aggie_Ama]

TS- That looks like fun for puppy and mom!

[badger]

I've narrowed my search down to three (last two are tripods):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3433507127_420242124b.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3531916313_308939ddaf.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3207/2950371797_ea10eae490.jpg?v=0

[invsblwmn]

Nothing, And I mean NOTHING beats a tripod! Her beautiful nub is the back right one. Hunting for a bike cart now. :) She makes my soul smile! Happy hunting!

[Zen]

Number 2 needs you ;)

[jesvetmed]

TSPoet: That is just so wonderful that you are using agility to gain confidence for your little guy! He looks THRILLED! What a great idea.

BADGER: Good luck choosing your dog! Can you take them all? That first one looks SO HAPPY!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well I have more unfortunate news to report. :(
Tomorrow is 4 weeks since our Lydia died, and now it looks as though our 20 year old kitty Ellie is going to pass on now too.
She's been losing weight for over 10 days and her kidneys and system is shutting down. We tried a few things and vet visits, but she's fading fast.
We don't think she will last more than another day or two. She's sleeping most of the time in her heated comfy armchair, getting very weak but does not seem to be in any bad pain. We'll keep her home with us unless she seems to be in significant pain or distress.
No chance for a turnaround and recovery I'm afraid- so please send vibes for Ellie's peaceful serene passing surrounded by love and in her favorite soft heated chair.
It's very sad of course, especially on the heels of losing Lydia, but at least Ellie had a very full happy extra-long life- all that a cat could possibly want. She was a formidable mouser in her day. Tiny and always thin, but tough- born a barn kitten.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3593704597_0e65d7c0d8.jpg

[badger]

I'm so sorry to hear you're losing another beloved, Lisa :( I'm sure she misses Lydia a lot and her death probably fast-tracked her present state. Like you said, it's very sad, but she certainly did have a very long life, and a very fortunate one at that being loved by you!

[7rider]

Oh, that's too bad, Lisa. I'm sorry to hear about your Ellie (and Lydia).
I hope the end is peaceful.

[bmccasland]

((((((Lydia & Ellie)))))))

Sounds like Ellie had a long full life for a kitty. May her final days be peaceful. Sigh.

[andtckrtoo]

Lisa - Hugs and Prayers for Ellie and for you!

[tulip]

Best comforting thoughts to you and Ellie, Lisa. She's a lucky cat to have found you.

[andtckrtoo]

Quick update on Barley, my foster dog. He found a great home with a very handsome 46 year old engineer who is recovering from lymphoma. They are a perfect fit (their hair even matches - it's cute), and they absolutely adore each other, so I'm very happy. It was hard to let the sweet guy go (the dog, of course), but so very nice to know he was going to such a good person.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1308/4836116/10006168/360721783.jpg

[ASammy1]

((((( Lisa and Ellie )))))

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That Barley is one spectacular looking dog. So heartwarming to know he got an extra special new owner who loves him. I bet they will become inseparable. :)

Thanks for good Ellie wishes. We feel Ellie will likely last a few more days. She's so tough!
We feel she is still enjoying all the attention despite being so frail and weak. We had her cuddled in bed with us this morning and she was purring like mad- so as long as she doesn't seem in pain or distress we will keep making sure she's comfortable and loved, and let her gracefully structure her own exit.
Yes, the one very good thing is that it doesn't seem as tragic and heartbreaking to us as Lydia's death, since Lydia was only 8 and was cheated out of half her life, and Ellie is 20 and has had a fabulous golden life. :o

Another thought that comforts us is that when Ellie is gone, there will be a spot for a new homeless shelter kitty to come into our home. Only our beloved Pearl will be left, and we have always felt that having two cats is ideal for us. So, Ellie's exit after her long full life will give a new kitty a good loving forever home at a time when shelter kitties are so extra desperate for homes. :o

[Aggie_Ama]

((Lisa & Ellie))

Maggie passing was awful but not having a blind dog allowed us to open our home to a shelter kitty. Tortilla was at the kill shelter which means taking her saved her and freed her kennel to another cat that may have not had the chance. Tortilla is a bright revelation and she had already been there nearly a month, I wonder how long she would have been allowed? Either way I still cried the other night thinking of Maggie, Tortilla isn't a replacement but she is a heartwarming addition.

[mtbdarby]

Aw Lisa - I'm so sorry to hear about Ellies failing health. ((hugs)) to you guys and I hope she has a nice peaceful passing.

Gee, now you'll have room for me! :D J/k but I couldn't resist.

And - glad to hear Barley found his forever home! He sure is a good looking dog! Yeah!

Badger - did you pick one yet?

Rusty update - Sundail has been great working with me on his behavior issues. He has some fear aggression/biting issues going on that are triggered by the doorbell and the vacuum cleaner. The doorbell issue is getting better. We'll work on the vacuum after that. I found a new trigger today - the fly swatter! Expect he is very afraid of it - he ran and hid when I took it out to swat a huge fly. Then he went slinking into my room and wouldn't come out. I had to put a leash on him and lead him out he was so afraid. I'm betting he was hit a lot in his former life poor guy.

[Zen]

Oh, poor Rusty. No wonder he has issues!
I'd like to swat the person that made him so fearful.
With a baseball bat :mad:

[tulip]

Oh, poor Rusty! I can see why he was surrendered to the pound, with all these issues. Great job in keeping your faith in him and not giving up. I know he must be trying your patience.

I saw a Dog Whisperer episode that had a little sheltie (I think) that went crazy every time the toaster popped up. Cesar made that dog confront his fears by popping that toaster in front of him over and over again. Of course, easy for Cesar to do!

Are you able to take him for long walks? The dog trainer who has helped me with Shiloh said that long walks with the person as the leader (dog walking next to person, not in front) goes a long way to improving the dog's confidence in his person/leader. I'm fortunate that I can take Shiloh out for two hour-long walks every day. I think it's really helped him. Long walks also kinda wear the dog out, which makes acting out less appealing. Shiloh would rather nap than pace and worry like he used to do.

[andtckrtoo]

Oh, poor Rusty. No wonder he has issues!
I'd like to swat the person that made him so fearful.
With a baseball bat :mad:
I'm right behind you!! One of my friends adopted a little Chihuahua named Yoda who is also afraid of the fly swatter. I would like to take a really BIG fly swatter and let his previous owner know how it feels.

I'm so happy you are working with a trainer and putting the time and energy into making Rusty feel less fearful. It'll be hard work and he will never be an outgoing, friendly dog, but you will make him a much happier one. Bless you!

[crazycanuck]

I think it was the same for Yukon :( Shenton park dog refuge does its best in giving as much background info when you adopt from them but sometimes you figure out that your adoptee was obviously mistreated.

Yukon hates water bottles being squirted near her, doesn't like the hose nor a kiddie pool plus is terrified of thunder & lightning. The water thing is odd because when i fill up a water bottle, she'll come running because it might be a sign of us going to the beach... She loves the beach :)

[mtbdarby]

Thanks you guys. Trust me, I am not doing a great job. I'm ashamed to admit I was at the end of my rope when he bit me again and then layed into Zeus. I had even made an appointment to have him put down, but I just couldn't do it......

I'm trying the best way I can. He has definitely challanged me in more ways than one. Unfortunately, my son is now afraid of him when he starts barking because he doesn't want to get bit. If Rusty ever does bit my son he will be gone - that I can not live with. I do my best to make sure there's no situation where that will happen.

Tulip - he loves going for walks but we don't get out every day (I need to change that). I did get him out hiking for an hour and a half the other day and he loved it. He walks very good on a leash.

We take it day-by-day. That's the best we can do:p

[badger]

I think you'll find that taking Rusty out for an hour walk every day will make a huge difference. They so need to have that walk to burn their energies off as well as bonding with his pack member. But like Tulip said, don't let him walk in front of you.

[andtckrtoo]

I'm not a fan of Cesar Milan's techniques, especially with a fear aggressive dog. I have seen more issues than results from showing dominance to a dog who has no self confidence. They tend to know who's boss, and unfortunately, that boss has not always been nice, so the techniques tend to backfire.

Now, my disclaimer is that I am not a professional dog trainer, but I have trained search dogs and several of my good friends are aggressive dog trainers, so we talk a lot. I think the most important thing you can do for Rusty is to give him plenty of exercise (a tired dog is a good dog) and plenty of training work in something like basic training (positive only and plenty of rewards) or basic agility. Know that training can have the same affect on a dog as heavy exercise (think about how tired you are after an exam), so start with short 5-10 minute training sessions.

You want to build his confidence and let him know that he can be successful. You said you were working with a trainer, which I think is so key - I'm so glad you're doing it. Ask her what she recommends to work on. It can start as basic as "sit". Use a clicker or another marker (verbal "Attaboy" or something) and treat when you click. Even if he already knows it, it will help him realize that he will get rewarded for specific behaviors. Dogs do what works. It's important to show him positive rewards for the behaviors you wish to see. What you are doing is giving him confidence that certain behaviors are appropriate to you, the pack leader. When he knows what he should do, it's easier for him to know how to behave properly and his confidence grows - the more confidence he has, the less fear, and the less fear, well, you know... (If you get a chance to get a copy of "Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, I highly recommend reading it - it's a great book).

And, seriously, I absolutely understand that if he bites your son, there is no compromise. Sometimes that just has to be the answer, unfortunately.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks you guys. Trust me, I am not doing a great job. I'm ashamed to admit I was at the end of my rope when he bit me again and then layed into Zeus. I had even made an appointment to have him put down, but I just couldn't do it......

I'm trying the best way I can. He has definitely challanged me in more ways than one. Unfortunately, my son is now afraid of him when he starts barking because he doesn't want to get bit. If Rusty ever does bit my son he will be gone - that I can not live with. I do my best to make sure there's no situation where that will happen.

Darby, I know you are trying your best to help this dog. I think you have gone to great lengths to try to modify his behavior, and you should be commended.
I feel I should tell you that if the dog has now bitten you more than once and you have a child at home who has become afraid of the dog....well if it were me I would not hesitate to have the dog put down. Not to 'punish' the poor dog, but rather to prevent a possibly very tragic biting incident where anyone might be the victim- you, your son, someone on the street, or a visitor...
The poor dog does not seem a likely adoptable prospect by others either.
I only say this to try to assure you that I would not think you were 'cruel' if you opted to put the dog to sleep. It's what I would do if the dog started biting.

[Zen]

True, and the really sad part of it is that it's probably not Rusty's fault.
It's likely the fault of a cruel human.

[PamNY]

Regarding Rusty, I second the recommendation of "Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, and the avoidance of anything at all recommended by that Cesar person. I'm not a professional, but I've learned from my own rescue dogs and some very skilled professional people.

My fear aggressive dogs improved a lot with positive training techniques and some desensitization. I also recommend clicker training, and a few sessions with a good positive trainer or behaviorist (someone with legitimate credentials).

BTW, I don't have children or other pets, so that's a whole separate issue I'm not qualified to address.

Pam

[smilingcat]

two of our foster kitties. 10 month already and no home yet :(

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

two of our foster kitties. 10 month already and no home yet :(

Oh, what a wonderful photo! How could anyone resist them??

[Selkie]

Smilingcat - Did they pose like that without prompting? That's a hoot, particularly the expressions on their faces. It's true "cat-itude" - "don't you mess with us, we are bad-azz cats!"

[lph]

Especially the grey one's left ear... "I'm staring at'choo. (but I can still hear a can being opened in the kitchen)"

[Aggie_Ama]

Smilingcat that is awesome!! I was pretty sad to be at the shelter getting Tortilla because there were so many cool adult cats and this was the kill shelter. DH said he could only do one cat, I wanted to take them all. Kudos to you for your work.

[sgtiger]

Smilingcat, I'd take them home if I lived closer to you. I don't know how Leela would handle it though. She's terrified of cats. She wants to chase them until they turn around and hiss at her. Then she hides behind me shaking like a leaf. So funny to see a 65 lb. dog get pwnd by a 6 lb. cat. Not that I would laugh at my poor baby.:rolleyes::D

[TsPoet]

Darby,
I have a lot of experience rehabilitating fear aggressive and under-socialized dogs. On an individual basis (I'm not a trainer, I'm just a sucker).
1st - Lisa's post is on the mark. I know it's hard, but you can't let yourself feel guilty and wait too long to remove a dog that could be dangerous for your family. Also a fear aggressive dog is stressed all the time, that's a difficult way to live.
2nd - you are on the right track with training and the like and as long as you feel like you can, keep it up. But, see #1 - it's very important.

I have 2 dogs that have issues. I've had Murphy for 6 years. Murphy is extremely fear aggressive and with what I know now, he should have been put to sleep, for everyone's good even his own. They considered putting him to sleep as unadoptable before I came along, he should have been. I love Da Murph with every fiber of my being and I'm so glad to have him around. But it was 3 years before I could have anyone in my house without locking him up. It was 4 years before anyone other than me could touch him. I still can't take him to a public place without watching him like a hawk – I do it all the time, though.
I got Finn about 2 years ago, I had gained a reputation as being able to rehabilitate a dog with Murphy, so when a feral dog was caught in a badger trap, they called me. One thing I learned from Finn is that I learned nothing from Murphy. The other thing I learned from Finn is that dogs are completely different from each other. Within 6 months of having Finn, she passed her CGC (canine good citizens) and she's a sweet love, with huge fear issues that are always on the verge of turning into aggression, but so far haven't. I can't believe they were considering putting her to sleep as unadoptable.
Murphy and Finn are both much smaller than Rusty, and that's an important point.

Learn doggie bad “words” and avoid them – never make eye contact. Staring is aggressive to a dog. Ask people not to make eye contact with him.
Never hug Rusty, never hover over him – these are aggressive behaviors to a dog. Never kiss, him, again, face to face is aggressive to a dog. Let Rusty “greet” people not head-on, never come up face to face – polite to a human, rude to a dog. Come up to him from the side and let him go up to people from the side. Don't walk behind him, either, never out of where he can turn his head and see you.

And the most important thing -
After you get basic obedience with Rusty, I highly recommend tricks. Tricks build confidence and are fun. Tricks are how you distract a fear aggressive dog from what they are afraid of. Tricks, tricks, and more tricks. Shake, spin around... roll over is a tough one, a dog is very vulnerable doing a roll over. But, if you can get a roll over in the privacy of your home, then that forces him to have confidence in you in a controlled environment.
Clicker training to do tricks is also recommended for many dogs (Finn is afraid of the clicker, so it doesn't work for her).
Don't hesitate to use treats, make sure the tricks are fun. You can get dog food like this
http://naturalbalanceinc.com/dogformulas/DandP_Treatroll.html
at Petsmart – I would **never** feed it as dog food, but chopped up into tiny (and I mean tiny, dogs don't know the difference between a 1” chunk and a speck) it makes a wonderful treat for doing tricks. Any situation that might make him upset, quickly make him do a trick, make it fun. When you are playing to distract from stressful situations, feed multiple tiny little specks as if it's a huge party, rather than one big chunk – makes it part of the fun.

Consider a CGC class.
Check with your local dog training clubs, most cities have them, and they will know about CGC and trick classes. Don't worry about passing the CGC, no way Murphy will ever do so, but he's taken 2 classes. In fact, over the 6 years I've had him, Murphy and I have taken: beginning obedience (2x), intermediate obedience (2x), CGC (2x), beginning rally, beginning and intermediate agility, and now we are in beginning freestyle. Murphy doesn't need many of these classes, is obedience it excellent. But, the controlled environment is perfect.

It's constant work with these guys.

[TsPoet]

in case my last post wasn't long enough:

You can never correct Rusty's aggressive behavior. That's probably the hardest thing to not do. But, "no!", or jerking the collar or slapping the butt all tell Rusty "see, you were right to be afraid". meanwhile, you cant comfort him, either. Comforting him just tells him its OK to be afraid.
that's why the tricks - without tricks to distract him in a positive way, you've got nothing you can do!

[Zen]

pssst- it's not Rudy, it's Rusty

[TsPoet]

pssst- it's not Rudy, it's Rusty

oops, fixed with edit button,thnx

[Trekhawk]

Darby, I know you are trying your best to help this dog. I think you have gone to great lengths to try to modify his behavior, and you should be commended.
I feel I should tell you that if the dog has now bitten you more than once and you have a child at home who has become afraid of the dog....well if it were me I would not hesitate to have the dog put down. Not to 'punish' the poor dog, but rather to prevent a possibly very tragic biting incident where anyone might be the victim- you, your son, someone on the street, or a visitor...
The poor dog does not seem a likely adoptable prospect by others either.
I only say this to try to assure you that I would not think you were 'cruel' if you opted to put the dog to sleep. It's what I would do if the dog started biting.

I agree with Lisa.
I have three boys and if I thought our dog was a danger to them I would not hesitate in removing the dog.

I must add that I love our dog and it would break my heart so I understand that it would not be easy.

[sundial]

two of our foster kitties. 10 month already and no home yet :(

I LOVE that photo. How darling!

[Aggie_Ama]

I agree with Lisa.
I have three boys and if I thought our dog was a danger to them I would not hesitate in removing the dog.

I must add that I love our dog and it would break my heart so I understand that it would not be easy.

20 years later my Mammaw will still firmly tell you she did the right thing having her dog Joe put to sleep for biting just once after not being overly aggressive in the past. The animal control that picked him asked if she really wanted to euthanize Joe and she sternly replied "I have 5 grandkids I keep, he bit me and he will bite them. I am sorry but yes, you must do this." At the time I was 5 and there is one cousin younger than me but almost 2 years.

Sorry MTBDarby, you are trying very hard whether you think so or not!

[papaver]

About the fear agressive thing...

Meet Bertrand:

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee261/fattiebert/koekoek.jpg

He is my 4 year old frenchy and at the age of 1 he was diagnosed as an fear agressive dog. I went to a dog psychologist and the first visit was a disaster. Bert was shaking all the time and was really really scared. The psychologist took a video of our first visit. She honestly thought that it was best for Bert to be put down because he wasn't having much of a live. But I wanted to try to work with him for six months or so and see if we could turn things around. AND WE DID!

It took a lot of time but now our little Bert is enjoying his life at the fullest!!!

What did we do?

- First of all you have to learn the dog that whenever he's scared he can flee away instead of attacking.
- If you walk the dog and you see that something frightens your dog, cross the street.
- If someone comes over to your house, before you let that person in, put your dog in a bench or in a room where he feels save. Give him a cookie.
- Ask visitors not to look your dog in the eye and don't let them pet your dog.
- Don't take your dog to busy streets or events.
- Learn your dog new things, and reward him lots. It will boost his confidence.

And yes, we gave him pills. Human pills for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluvoxamine.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluvoxamine

It helped to give him more confidence and at the same time learn his new behavior. We gave him these pills for about two years. Now Bertrand is already a year pill free and he is absolutely great. We still put him in a room first when we have visitors but after 30 minutes or so we let him loose. The first 5 minutes he barks and shows he's the boss of the house but after that he doesn't mind that there are people.

I'm glad that I didn't put him down. Bert is right now lying next to me, snoring very loudly. :D

At the last visit to the psychologist she showed me her notes and the video of his first visit. The progression he made is really amazing. She could even play with him. :)

[laura jane]

My 'kids'.. 2 Australian Cattle Dogs, Bella and Cole

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa223/lobenski/IMG_0083.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa223/lobenski/IMG_0082.jpg

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I love seeing photos of everyone's pets, and hearing their stories, both the sad and happy ones. :) Even the sad stories make me feel good because they show how much we feel for and care about our animals.

[sweetpotatopie]

Ben and Baxter:p

[jesvetmed]

They are beautiful! I love beagles!!!!
And great work with Bertrand... I'm glad that you have given him a better life.

[Zen]

Belly Rubs For Everyone!!!!

[emily_in_nc]

Meet Bertrand:
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee261/fattiebert/koekoek.jpg
...

papaver, thank you for not giving up on Bert. He is absolutely adorable and a wonderful friend, I'm sure. We are Boston Terrier owners who think Frenchies are delightful as well! :D

[papaver]

@Emily: I have a boston terrier too. :)

[mtbdarby]

Good news! We spent this morning with a dog behaviorist in our home to help with Rusty. He spent 3 hours working with all of us - me, my son, Zeus and of course, Rusty. We tackled the doorbell issue and the vacuum cleaner issue, which left the fly swatter a non issue (it no longer phased him) by the time we got to it:D

Both Rusty and Zeus were retrained to not lunge at the door when the doorbell rang or there was a knock. Rusty is still a bit nervous with the vacuum cleaner, but trusts me much more to make sure he doesn't get hurt by it. I am so very proud of all of my boys! (Bryce was the official doorbell ringer). The trainer commented that he was easier to work with than he had thought and he had even anticipated getting bit a few times, which never happened. He will be back on Thursday to do some outside work introducing one of his pups on Rusty's turf, and to work with Rusty on going into his crate on his own. He will also work with my son on how to behave around strange dogs, since he was bit by a dog at the park and is a bit afraid right now.

All-in-all, I was very pleased with the progress we made in just the first session! I will continue to work with him daily so that we both get the reinforcment we need. I know one session isn't the be-all-end-all and I'm willing to do the work. Rusty was pretty exhausted when we got done with the work and went and layed down at Bryce's feet. Bryce was so happy he gave the trainer a big hug and thank you! Rusty is gonna be a fantastic pet and I'm glad we stuck with it!:p

Signed one proud Mamma!

[andtckrtoo]

Dar - your whole post just made me smile!!! I'm so happy for you, Rusty, Zeus and Bryce!!

[tulip]

That's great, MtnDarby!

I don't know if your trainer addressed it, but I just wanted to add my two cents in about teaching the dog tricks. It's a great way to teach them success, give them an opportunity to please their person, stimulate them mentally, and wear them out a bit. Combined with a good long walk (or two) every day, I think many dogs will really settle down. Tricks and walks have been an important part of Shiloh adapting so well, and overcoming many of his fearful behaviors. It's helped us bond, too, so that when we are out and about, he trusts me and listens to me.

I brought Shiloh to the local farmers market on Saturday and he was great. He got lots of attention because he's interesting-looking, and he behaved very well. The only issue he had was with a young Aussie. Shiloh growled at him from a distance. Shiloh has issues with Aussies for some reason. Perhaps other herding dogs stare at each other, I don't know. He doesn't have those issues with other types of dogs. Strange.

[7rider]

Rusty is gonna be a fantastic pet and I'm glad we stuck with it!:p


Great news!!!

[elk]

That's great, MtnDarby!

I don't know if your trainer addressed it, but I just wanted to add my two cents in about teaching the dog tricks. It's a great way to teach them success, give them an opportunity to please their person, stimulate them mentally, and wear them out a bit. Combined with a good long walk (or two) every day, I think many dogs will really settle down. Tricks and walks have been an important part of Shiloh adapting so well, and overcoming many of his fearful behaviors. It's helped us bond, too, so that when we are out and about, he trusts me and listens to me.

I brought Shiloh to the local farmers market on Saturday and he was great. He got lots of attention because he's interesting-looking, and he behaved very well. The only issue he had was with a young Aussie. Shiloh growled at him from a distance. Shiloh has issues with Aussies for some reason. Perhaps other herding dogs stare at each other, I don't know. He doesn't have those issues with other types of dogs. Strange.

I second that ....!!! We spend too much time smooching and petting and loving on them like monkeys....which happily they tolerate...but watch thier joy when you go and DO something together.

[TsPoet]

That's great, MtnDarby!

The only issue he had was with a young Aussie. Shiloh growled at him from a distance. Shiloh has issues with Aussies for some reason. Perhaps other herding dogs stare at each other, I don't know. He doesn't have those issues with other types of dogs. Strange.

Murphy hates Aussies. I think you are right, it's because they stare. For some reason, Aussies really stare at Murphy. Border Collies aren't nearly so bad, but that's because they have a shorter attention span :p. There are a couple of Aussies in my dog training club that can stare at Murphy forever - or until I ask their owners to stop their dogs, which I usually have to do!
Murphy now sees an Aussie and gets upset whether it's looking at him or not.

Darby,
I'm so glad, keep it up. It's worth it in the end.

[andtckrtoo]

Murphy hates Aussies. I think you are right, it's because they stare. For some reason, Aussies really stare at Murphy. Border Collies aren't nearly so bad, but that's because they have a shorter attention span :p. There are a couple of Aussies in my dog training club that can stare at Murphy forever - or until I ask their owners to stop their dogs, which I usually have to do!
Murphy now sees an Aussie and gets upset whether it's looking at him or not.

As the owner of a sweet Aussie who does not stare, please accept my apologies.

[TsPoet]

As the owner of a sweet Aussie who does not stare, please accept my apologies.

:D Almost all Aussies stare, the've been bred to do so.
I've met lots of Aussies over the last few years, and all of them have been sweethearts.
Murphy's taste in friends is questionable (he likes me, so that's proof).

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

As the owner of a sweet Aussie who does not stare, please accept my apologies.

This reminds me of when we were kids, riding in the back seat of a car...
"Mommy, he's looking at me!!!" :D

Dar- I'm so glad that progress is being made with Rusty. :)

[andtckrtoo]

:D Almost all Aussies stare, the've been bred to do so.
I've met lots of Aussies over the last few years, and all of them have been sweethearts.
Murphy's taste in friends is questionable (he likes me, so that's proof).

Too funny! Jimmy is a big ole doofus. He's smart, and he does like to herd all of the dogs chasing the ball, but he's from a show line and does not have a lot of the instincts a field Aussie does. Barley stared, but only at the ball. Man that dog could focus! But, yes, staring is absolutely a sign of aggression in dogs and I can absolutely understand why other dogs do not like Aussies.

Lisa - well, I have heard that dogs have the mental capacity of 3 year olds - that would explain the staring thing.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

We've been looking over about 70 homeless shelter kitties for the past couple of days. We have had just too many weeks of sadness here after two of our cats died, one after another, as most of you know.

The Humane Society just called- my adoption application for a particular kitty has been approved!!! I go pick up our new shelter baby in an hour!!! :eek: :eek: :p :p (well, at between 3-4 years, she's not exactly a 'baby', but she's a baby to us!)

Pictures later!
She is the most affectionate kitty I have ever met, and came from a cruelty/neglect removal case 3 months ago.

Too exciting!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Tuckervill]

Can't wait to see the pictures. How kind and brave you are to get another so soon.

I want another cat, but it's got to wait until after August.

Karen

[andtckrtoo]

Oh, how fun, Lisa!!! You need some furry happiness. I really want to see photos!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can't wait to see the pictures. How kind and brave you are to get another so soon.

Not brave....getting her is helping me feel better too! (not to mention helping her, and helping the next homeless kitty). They told me at the shelter that her spot has already been given to another desperate homeless kitty. :)

Here is the photo of her from the Humane Society website, rather a nice picture! (yes, the tip of one ear had to be amputated when she was rescued, hard to believe she was emaciated and very sick 10 weeks ago when she was removed from her former owner):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3611508667_a7d3db4af6.jpg

[Norse]

Aww........ How lucky she is to be going to such a good home where she will be loved and treasured all the days of her life. Congrats on your new "baby" Lisa!

[badger]

I'm so happy to read all these happy posts! I hope I have a good post soon, too, but so far it's looking more confused than anything. Maybe the fact it's so hard to decide whether adopting now is a good idea or not is a sign in itself that I'm not there yet. *sigh*, I'm so in love, though.

[PamNY]

Dar, that's such good news about Rusty. When I first worked with a behaviorist years ago I had no idea how much there was to learn. It really is a wonderful experience when things go well, as I'm sure they will for you!

Lisa, that's a beautiful kitty and I'm so happy for all of you.

Pam

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm so happy to read all these happy posts! I hope I have a good post soon, too, but so far it's looking more confused than anything. Maybe the fact it's so hard to decide whether adopting now is a good idea or not is a sign in itself that I'm not there yet. *sigh*, I'm so in love, though.

What is your situation? In love with who?

[mtbdarby]

Lisa - congrats on the new kitty! Do you have a name yet?

Badger - sounds like you're having second thoughts? You have to do what's right for you and your lifestyle. Good luck with the decision.

I worked with Rusty on my own this morning. The vacuum cleaner went well but he has a way to go with the doorbell yet. It's still a big improvement though so I'll take it.

[Tuckervill]

I love your new kitty's eyeliner, Lisa!!! :)

Karen

[smilingcat]

Oooo Lisa,

She is really cute. I wish both of you many happy years together.

sincerely,
smilingcat

[badger]

What is your situation? In love with who?

look at this thread (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=30894)

[badger]

Badger - sounds like you're having second thoughts? You have to do what's right for you and your lifestyle. Good luck with the decision.

I worked with Rusty on my own this morning. The vacuum cleaner went well but he has a way to go with the doorbell yet. It's still a big improvement though so I'll take it.

the second thoughts may be my head talking over my heart. I really want the dog, but I also know my lifestyle may not be conducive to a dog right now. I can probably take her to work a couple of times a week (but in a crate), but the other couple to three days a week she'll be home alone. Then there's the fact I have 2 cats, one of which is 16 and starting to wind down.

I really want to do right by the dog, too. I don't want to get her for selfish reasons and end up with an unhappy dog or one that I can't devote as much time as she certainly deserves.

Hopefully this may be an incentive for me to think of ways to work from home, or at least be able to work only part time.

and I'm so glad you're making headway with Rusty. I commend you for taking on a dog with issues that many people may not want to deal with.

[jesvetmed]

Lisa she is BEAUTIFUL! Congratulations. Can't wait to hear how she does in your home.

[sundial]

Bryce was so happy he gave the trainer a big hug and thank you!

Awwwwww, that made my day! :)

[elk]

Hey Lisa

what a pretty girl!!! She reminds me of my new puppy's mother's name:
"Wintercreek No Mascara Needed"

SHe looks like she recently had kittens and was spayed...am I reading that belly right?

[elk]

We lost our Gus back in December. He was my husband's heartdog and obedience partner and they were quite a thrill to watch in performance, as M is 6'3" and Gussie was 7lbs.

But the Universe has her eye on us for openings....and within 3 months had a plan. I was talking to a breeder friend who had a puppy she didn;t quite know what to do with and as we've seemed to have a kind of magical rapport with her more sensitive dogs...she asked if we wanted to bring her home for a few days and see what we could do....and maybe keep her. The problem was that she was just shut down and unresponsive....

well. here she is. Emma. She is my new agility/obedience friend and next week we make our debut in the breed ring (shetland sheepdog)....SHe is the most active, nosiest, in the way PITA we've ever had and I'm just NUTS about her!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey Lisa

what a pretty girl!!! She reminds me of my new puppy's mother's name:
"Wintercreek No Mascara Needed"

SHe looks like she recently had kittens and was spayed...am I reading that belly right?

Emma looks like she is extremely happy to be in your family! How lovely and how lucky she is, and what a pretty name! :D

Yes, our new kitty has very pretty eyes and eyeliner.
Progress: Pearl and New Kitty sniffed each other today from 2 feet away face to face and did NOT hiss! After a cautious air sniff, they both quietly turned and walked away. A standoff. :D This was the first non-hiss meeting.

About her tummy... she was spayed about 4 weeks ago and therefore her pink tummy skin is still showing, having had her whole tummy shaved. I'm afraid those are little FAT ROLLS on her tummy! :eek: No one at the humane society could tell whether she had had kittens at some point- her nipples indicate not, but she has an appt at my own vet in two weeks for a check up and my vet should be able to figure that out, along with a better age guess.
She was emaciated and sick when the humane society seized her from former owner...but obviously they more than compensated for that over the 3 months she was recovering. There were quite a few 'sassy' chubby kitties there at the shelter. :eek: I kidded them about it even. So poor New Kitty has to lose about a pound or so to be sleek and healthy- she is quite heavy and chunky to pick up! From above, she looks too roly-poly roundy. :cool:

I'll try to get some more pictures soon- we are so happy with her! DH is now falling under her spell too.
And picking a name is SO hard. Good to get to know them a bit first.

[elk]

You know about that DAP stuff? The kitty feel good spray? I'm sure you do.
A friend just adopted another girl kitty...she sprayed that stuff everywhere, including on both cats and the process of acceptance went much faster.

Lucky new Lisa kitty!!! Isn't the world amazing...!

Maybe you should call her Luna...;)

[andtckrtoo]

Lisa - she's a beauty!! I love, love, love her eyes!! You'll get her into shape and she'll be a wonderful companion for you!

Elk - Emma is adorable!! What a pretty girl!

[TsPoet]

She is my new agility/obedience friend and next week we make our debut in the breed ring (shetland sheepdog)....SHe is the most active, nosiest, in the way PITA we've ever had and I'm just NUTS about her!!!

Elk,
I hope you come up to our (CBDTC, Kennewick, WA) agility trial next spring. We'll have to get together and compare agility dogs!
Your beautiful, purebred girl with flowing locks, and my short haired plane 'ole mutt!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ok, so forgive me for showing off my new baby girl- but I'm so thrilled with her!
Here are pix I took this afternoon....she's the absolute sweetest!!!!! :p :p :p

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3615331540_2719c4eaf8.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3614514187_ebb46f1531.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3614515225_cce4a78929.jpg

[emily_in_nc]

Awwww, Lisa, she is beautiful! She looks so content already in your home.

P.S. I am very sorry about your loss of two kitties in such a short span of time. I've been away from TE for awhile (just too darn busy), so I missed your posts about them. My sympathies.... :(

[TsPoet]

Ok, so forgive me for showing off my new baby girl- but I'm so thrilled with her!


She exudes cattitude.

[Aggie_Ama]

Lisa- Congrats and enjoy the "getting to know you" phase. Tortilla's name came out of nowhere so you will find a name when she is ready.

Elk- What a cutie. Must be the name, my niece Emma is the cutest but biggest PITA. Way more so than her big sister and smart as can be. :p

Our pound kitty, Tortilla, is really coming out of her shell. She plays with Heidi and has a signature move that I can only describe as a round off. She turns on her front paws and gently kicks Heidi with the back ones. I am slightly concerned that after two weeks she is already getting chubby. :o We probably should start measuring her food.

[Biciclista]

Lisa, your new kitty looks like she KNOWS she scored big.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa, your new kitty looks like she KNOWS she scored big.

Oh, we are so totally in love with her! She keeps doing new wonderful things and surprising us in some new delightful way every few hours.
After endless consideration.... we've named her Suki. It really suits her perfectly and DH and I both love the name.

Aggie-ama, Tortilla sounds like a real winner. I love that she and your dog took to each other right away- that's so rare! Isn't it wonderful to have a new 'baby' in the house to fawn all over? :p

[tulip]

Suki--that's a great name for her. Welcome home, Suki!

[Trekhawk]

We lost our Gus back in December. He was my husband's heartdog and obedience partner and they were quite a thrill to watch in performance, as M is 6'3" and Gussie was 7lbs.

But the Universe has her eye on us for openings....and within 3 months had a plan. I was talking to a breeder friend who had a puppy she didn;t quite know what to do with and as we've seemed to have a kind of magical rapport with her more sensitive dogs...she asked if we wanted to bring her home for a few days and see what we could do....and maybe keep her. The problem was that she was just shut down and unresponsive....

well. here she is. Emma. She is my new agility/obedience friend and next week we make our debut in the breed ring (shetland sheepdog)....SHe is the most active, nosiest, in the way PITA we've ever had and I'm just NUTS about her!!!

What a great story. Emma sure is a beauty.:)

[crazycanuck]

Lisa, that's one cute kitty :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa, that's one cute kitty :)

thanks. :)

This morning things are really settling in nicely between Pearl and the new little Suki. First they were touching noses in the living room with no hissing or growling at all..... and a few minutes ago this was the scene in my office here...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3625982480_a232f0867e.jpg

[sundial]

Awwwww. I'm glad things are going well for you. :)

[mtbdarby]

Wow, is Emma a beauty!

Lisa - looks like Suki owns the place, lol. Glad to hear the adjustment is going well and quickly.

I had the behaviorist over again on Thursday and he was so delighted with the progress he had nothing to teach! Rusty did perfect on every test he threw at him (not Zeus, lol, he did a bit of growling at the trainers pup he brought by). I am beyond delighted with his progress. Yeah!

[Aggie_Ama]

Lisa that is awesome news! My Heidi and Tortilla are thick as thieves, isn't it a nice relief when their personalities don't clash? It is stress bringing a new critter into the fold, I remember I agonized about if Heidi would accept Maggie, then Tortilla it was the same.

Your girls are delightful!

[smilingcat]

Suki looks so comfortable. Looks like... definitly adjusted into her new home. So wonderful. And Emma is so cute. All fluffy. Thank you all for opening your heart and homes to all the wonderful animals.

bless you all,

smilingcat

[badger]

happy news all around, I'm so glad everyone's happy!!

[Zen]

"By the way, if you ever wonder who has the more unconditional love for you, put your spouse and your dog in the trunk of the car for one hour. When you open it, who's still happy to see you?"

From In Memory of Blue (http://store.saddlebackleather.com/37-in-memory-of-blue)

[Selkie]

All four (I have three dogs) would be happy to see me. My husband is a keeper and an all around good sport.

Poor Margot's worms won't go away. Regardless, she's up to 14.5lbs (12 weeks old). She saw the vet last night and is now on her third course of meds. Our regular vet was off, so I was reluctant to take her in. But she had the runs so bad there was a little blood in her "squirts." Poor girl. All this has had NO impact on her energy level (Holy Terror) or appetite, thank goodness.

On Tuesday, she goes back for her next well puppy checkup and shots with "our" vet.

I'm going to have to get a digital camera and scanner. Margot is just such a beauty, as are Maeve and Fiona. I would love to share pictures of them w/everyone here.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am watching poor Tortilla go mad hearing birds singing. Her head shoots towards the window, left, right. "Where are they, can I get them?" Poor little clawless girl can't go outside to try. :o

I am currently trying to talk my Aunt out of declawing my Mammaw's kitten, I didn't pay to have Tortilla declawed she was that way at the shelter. I am not a fan of animal cosmetic surgery. Maybe we should chip in for a scratching post?

[Zen]

That's not cosmetic surgery, it's animal cruelty. Most people don't know that when you declaw a cat you are essentially removing the first joint of their "fingers".

[littlebit]

I have to show off my kitties.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Beautiful beautiful kitties!!! :p

There's a kitty like that in our local shelter right now, "Romulus":
http://cghs.org/images_cats/romulus.jpg
I hope someone adopts him soon.

[Aggie_Ama]

That's not cosmetic surgery, it's animal cruelty. Most people don't know that when you declaw a cat you are essentially removing the first joint of their "fingers".

My aunt's boss told her there is a new method of lasering them off that is different from the traditional method. But I met little "Tuffy" yesterday and he is a born adventurer. I do not support declawing and would not do it to my own cat so I am really trying to keep my aunt from doing it to my Mammaw's kitten.

I wonder how Tortilla's were done. I had another shelter kitty, Sasha, that was decalwed prior to being there and she always walked funny. Tortilla doesn't seem to notice her lack of claws at all. I am still anti-declawing. ;)

[Zen]

I had another shelter kitty, Sasha, that was decalwed prior to being there and she always walked funny.

Yeah :(. It affects their balance, too. They make some kind of covers or 'nail tip' that are applied over the claw but they eventually fall off, like a dime-store fake nail, and have to be replaced.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I do not support declawing and would not do it to my own cat so I am really trying to keep my aunt from doing it to my Mammaw's kitten.

You should suggest to your aunt that she have it done on herself first, to see how it feels. Have herself surgically de-nailed.

[Zen]

You've been hanging around Ruby too long ;)

[Biciclista]

I agree. whether they do it with a laser or a knife, the end result is the same; a cat with less digits, poorer balance, damaged nerve endings, and less of an ability to defend themselves.
My grandmother despite my loudest protestations declawed a cat I gave her.
Whenever things went bad (like a scary cat outside the front door) he bit her. He bit her hard and left scars. She NEVER EVER complained about it. But if there are children or other pets involved, remember, a declawed cat is going to overcompensate for anything that a mere growl or hiss would suffice for another cat with claws. A lot of them have serious litter box issues , because, well, their toestubs hurt.

[Aggie_Ama]

We saw a wonderful scratching tower with sissel rope at Petsmart for $129. I am sure that is cheaper than unneccessary surgery for poor little Tuffy. I found a site on what they really do when declaw for my mom to send her sister. It is expensive and awful. The cat is 3 months old and has yet to start scratching anything. He does bite some and that is a bit problematic for my 92 year old Mammaw but they aren't suggesting he get his teeth removed. :rolleyes:

[badger]

I'm happy to say that Foster as he's now known, is so very happy with at his new forever home. I'm glad I was a part of this journey.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/nvwolf/CIMG1794.jpg

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The cat is 3 months old and has yet to start scratching anything. He does bite some and that is a bit problematic for my 92 year old Mammaw but they aren't suggesting he get his teeth removed. :rolleyes:

...Maybe a new formidable set of choppers for Mammaw so she can bite back? :D


I'm happy to say that Foster as he's now known, is so very happy with at his new forever home. I'm glad I was a part of this journey.


You should be very proud of having done this. What a wonderful thing you did! :p

[Aggie_Ama]

I'm happy to say that Foster as he's now known, is so very happy with at his new forever home. I'm glad I was a part of this journey.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v400/nvwolf/CIMG1794.jpg

You did a wonderful thing. You know my Nanny had a male boss with a last name Foster but everyone called him that. :p What an adorable little guy and lucky to have briefly known you!

[Trekhawk]

I'm happy to say that Foster as he's now known, is so very happy with at his new forever home. I'm glad I was a part of this journey.



Oh he is so cute! Well done badger.:)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Our new adopted kitty Suki is enjoying her 'turbo-trackball' gizmos....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2628/3681427373_352506c698.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2565/3682242408_ce89f62cd0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2450/3682241370_38287a7fac.jpg

[Biciclista]

wow, those are REALLY COOL photos!

[oxysback]

I have to show off my kitties.

I love the striking coloring on your kitties, especially the 3 lighter grey ones. Are they littermates?

[Aggie_Ama]

Our new adopted kitty Suki is enjoying her 'turbo-trackball' gizmos....



Lisa where can those be found? I think Miss Tortilla would have a blast. It is so hard to figure out what toys they like. Heidi doesn't like any. Tortilla loves one of those rattling balls on a stick/string but has no interest in the bell balls.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa where can those be found? I think Miss Tortilla would have a blast. It is so hard to figure out what toys they like. Heidi doesn't like any. Tortilla loves one of those rattling balls on a stick/string but has no interest in the bell balls.

Try here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001RTTL1W/ref=sr_1_olp_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1246587232&sr=1-1

Suki likes the figure 8 green one WAY more than just the round one.
If you type in the name of it on youtube there are tons of wacky clips of various cats going wild over them. :D
Suki happily plays with hers several times a day.

[MartianDestiny]

I have a "puppy" again finally!

Meet Luna (I think that's going to be her name anyway). She's a ~4yr old Border Collie x Australian Cattle Dog. Smart as a whip and HERDY! Man, this dog has more cow than any of my "cow horses" ever dreamed of having. She was found as a stray in Utah and shipped to Colorado where I picked her up from my local humane society.

She's already made herself at home and seems to really love ear rubs. She'll even flop over with her head in my lap if I hit the right spot (after only 2 hrs out of the shelter!).

I'm gonna have an energy/herding challenge on my hands, but I'm looking forward to it, and I think she'll encourage me to get out and do more. Seriously thinking about trying agility. I think she could jump the Moon if you hung a tug toy from it!!

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs171.snc1/6411_525584707448_57702024_31339669_1054801_n.jpg

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh, beautiful dog!! Sounds like you two were made for each other.
My new kitty Suki flops over on her back too when you rub her ears just right....and then she gets a belly rub. I know how endearing this is in a newly adopted 'baby'.
I bet you are 'over the moon' with joy over 'Luna'. :D She's soooo gorgeous.

[tulip]

MartianDestiny, Luna is beautiful! She should meet my Shiloh (although I think he's Border Collie and English Setter).

[papaver]

@ tulip, that's a really cool dog!

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee261/fattiebert/IMG_2331.jpg

These are my little mongrels. Just after we moved in. :D

[TsPoet]

@ tulip, that's a really cool dog!

These are my little mongrels. Just after we moved in. :D

Um, you aren't supposed to ship your dogs in boxes, next time let them ride in the car with you! lol

Cute photo

[TsPoet]

I have a "puppy" again finally!

I'm gonna have an energy/herding challenge on my hands, but I'm looking forward to it, and I think she'll encourage me to get out and do more. Seriously thinking about trying agility. I think she could jump the Moon if you hung a tug toy from it!!




I think you'll have to do agility, not thinking, just do!
She'll love it. She'll also get in a lot less trouble if you keep her mind and body occupied. :D

[papaver]

Um, you aren't supposed to ship your dogs in boxes, next time let them ride in the car with you! lol

Cute photo

Funny thing is: on the box it says warning glasses. On the box behind them it says cushions! :D:D:D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Cute boxed dogs!! :D

Here are my two babies this morning. It was my husband's birthday, and of course as soon as the red wrapping paper was tossed on the bed....both kitties just HAD to claim it! :D :D

Suki and Pearl are slowly becoming buddies. :)
Older/wiser Pearl (on the right) 'showed' Suki how it's a cat's job to get on the paper right away. Now Suki knows.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3749465881_8b2bb99358.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3750254360_a8986966a9.jpg

[MartianDestiny]

MartianDestiny, Luna is beautiful! She should meet my Shiloh (although I think he's Border Collie and English Setter).

Wow Tulip! They could be siblings, though your Shiloh looks a bit bigger.

[Michelemarrano]

I was blessed to have this mare for 16 years. In this pic she was a "fancy show horse" but in my world she was an excellent trail horse and pet.

She made us all feel so loved!

[MartianDestiny]

I think you'll have to do agility, not thinking, just do!
She'll love it. She'll also get in a lot less trouble if you keep her mind and body occupied. :D

Yes, I do believe you are correct.

The "thinking" has more to do with trying to decide which avenue to try first: agility, frisbee competitions (she already does the half backflip, turn in mid air, and catch trick on her own...), or trying to find somewhere she could actually herd.

First and foremost will be some obedience classes though.

Today she decided the water bowl was for her to stick her foot in and paw and I got to mop the floor :rolleyes::D:p .

[Ana]

I do not have a geographically or financially stable enough life to warrant getting pet(s) yet but I do have bikes! Bikes are like pets, right? You love them, take care of them, take them out for rides and in return they serve you well. Sometimes we rescue ones that other have discarded. Some of us name them.

I can't wait to get a dog, though :D But for now, I only have bikes...

[Brandi]

I was blessed to have this mare for 16 years. In this pic she was a "fancy show horse" but in my world she was an excellent trail horse and pet.

She made us all feel so loved! That picture looks old? How old was she when she passed and what was her name?