LOL...Allison, the worst part was that it was a hot summer day and everyone was outdoors and when it happened, my mother snatched me up and pulled down my pants to see the damage. All the neighborhood kids got to see my backside. I never lived it down :-)
DonnieBrook's Subtropical Adventures!
oooohhhh nnnnnooooo that's terrible... nothing like childhood trauma... so sorry
Don't be. It was so long ago, I had forgotten it till i read this thread.As I'm typing this the puppies are yapping and jumping all over me. I haven't figued out yet what they are saying :-)
oh I know the momma come play hints... my two still don't like it when I am on the phone too long
LOL. They do demand attention...and usually get it :-)
What a horror story that was, Allison! I can't imagine having to go through that. The psychological scarring is the worst, I guess, especially in light of the fact that they had to put the dog down and you guys were neighbors and had been close friends.
Sharran, when you mentioned your friend losing her lower lip to her horse, it reminded me of the time when my Aussie mix decided to chase my horses. The one horse got a good kick in. Adolf was shaking blood all over the place, and I feared the worst. Thought he'd gotten his head kicked in, but it turned out that his lower lip got split. Fortunately it was an easy fix with a couple of stitches.
Him chasing the horses was my fault. When he was still a pup I would encourage him to chase cows. Thought it was funny at the time, but didn't realize what a difficult habit to break it was to become. I was quite young and foolish in those days. Later on when I got horses he really didn't chase them much. I used to take him with me on trail rides, but I remember one time I went on a really long one, and he was so worn out at the end. I hadn't realized I was pushing him too hard. The poor thing could barely stand up. I'm sure he was sore for days after that.
JJ, your experience sounds like it was just as bad. What did that guy do with the dog after that? I have a friend who has a German Shepherd that has bitten their son several times and tried to bite their daughter as well (both adults). Now neither one of them wants anything to do with the dog, and I don't blame them. Unless they can get in a trainer like Victoria Stilwell from 'It's Me Or The Dog', then that dog's life will eventually end up in tragedy, I'm afraid. She and her husband love the dog very much, as she's very sweet with them, but she was a neglected and (I suspect) abused dog that had no socialization as a puppy for the first 2 years of her life. They got her in trade for a job they did for the owner, who is a trainer and breeder of GS's. I can tell you know that I don't have much respect for the previous owner, and now she's trying to convince my friends to breed her. I've told them I think it's a bad idea, considering how nervous and socialized the dog is. I hope they don't go through with it. They will consult a vet first, though.
My Aussie mix was originally brought home by my first husband's brother, who lived with us. It was originally his dog, but became mine, as I was the one who spent money on him for food, accessories, vet, etc., and I was the one who trained him and cared for him and spent all my time with him. My BIL did basically nothing for or with the dog. Yeah, I hope he found a good home after he disappeared.
My Rottie/Lab mix, whose name was Shannon, was gotten from some kids giving pups away in front of a local grocery store. It was an impulsive thing, but turned out to be good. She was the cutest little thing, and the only one of the bunch who had the Rottie coloring. Even though she was a little too hyper for my liking, she was still a great dog, and I took her everywhere with me. We did a lot of hiking and bike riding together, and when I had a horse for a short time, she came with me then, too. She was very good with people and other dogs, and only barked when people came to the door. She was even good with strangers as soon as I introduced them to her and she saw they were no threat.
Karen
Wow, how horrible, Allison! No wonder you have small dogs.
That is horrible Allison. It's a wonder you're not afraid of all dogs.
A man where I used to work had a large dog that was crossed with a wolf. Everyone thinks it's so cute to have these animals crossed with wild things. And then it attacked his wife, and actually tore her face off. She almost died. They did put the dog to sleep. And then the man left his wife for some gorgeous blonde. Jerk.
Wow! How horrible, Polly! That poor woman. I knew someone who had a wolf hybrid. It was huge and looked just like a wolf, too. Beautiful thing. But then she moved and it started to escape and would kill chickens and such. She ended up putting him down. Too sad.
Karen
They are beautiful. But they are still wild animals. It is very sad to have to put an animal down, when you've obtained and used it for a purpose it was not intended for.
Karen - beautiful dogs! Your Patches just steals my heart. I MUST meet him at some point. We have an awesome Bassett across the street named Kirby. Kirby's fav thing in life is to get loose and roam the 'hood. We all love him and coax him home.
Allison - what a horrible experience to go through. I never would have known it unless you told us that story. Kudos to you for having dogs! Yours are really adorable!
My wonderful groomer here (for Molly) recommended that I buy Cesar Millan's new book, How to Raise the Perfect Dog. It's mainly about puppies and how to communicate what you need to communicate with them in their own language. I've just started reading it. I'll share any pebbles of wisdom that work. I soooooo like having a well-behaved dog that is comfortable in all situations. That was our Molly, who is now my angel-consultant for these little floppy mops.
guy across the street has a couple wolf/Shepard mixes big dogs and bark like crazy - his are penned up.
Thanks, Louise! Wish I could take Patches with us to Florida so you could meet her. I thought you made it down for my RU back in July, but I guess I'm mistaken. Well, if you make it for next year's RU, then you can meet Patches.
Patches used to like to roam a bit herself. She got herself in trouble one day doing that and got hit by a car. Had a cracked rib, but otherwise okay. I was so relieved that it was nothing more. She has done very little wandering since then, I'm happy to say.
I happened to be looking at dogs up for adoption and came across this adorable guy. http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15126886 I'm thinking about maybe adopting him. He's just the kind of dog I would want, with just the right personality and temperament. I don't know how my sister would feel about having another dog in the house, though. We have Patches and my Dad's dog Buffy. Buffy is pretty old, though, and may not live many more years. Dad will be heartbroken once he's gone, and Patches would really miss him, too. I think it would be nice to have another dog around, and comforting to both Patches and Dad. I don't know what I'll do yet, though. I have to think about it.
Oh, I love Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer. What a great trainer. I also like Victoria Stilwell on the show 'It's Me Or The Dog'.
Karen
believe it or not.. I am a big dog lover... but I am allergic to most of them.. I would NEVER even thought of a little dog until Michele made me fall in love with them.. her dog Wily is the biggest cuddliest little dog I have ever seen... just a mush!!!.. and he loves me!!!.. when I would go visit he wouldn't leave me.. if I had my choice it would be a boarder collie .. but that one would kill me
OMG what a mix Karen.. never saw anything like it
I never had a dog but really like them. They're just too much work and I have enough already! Too high maintenance. (Already have my wife. ^_^)
If I ever did get one, it would be a big one. And I would name him Rufus.
Love my friend's dog. She practically tackled me at the door yesterday. Forgot the breed. Irish something. Anyone??
No.
Wheaten terrier!
doesn't look like a Wheaten
http://www.petplace.com/images-slide-show.aspx?id=5357&imageIndex=0
ok then it's the grooming throwing me off
I'm pretty sure. My son just said it. Don't know where I got Irish. I'll check with my friend.
it is an irish breed
Okay - that must be it!
It's a Wheaten, I think, Victor. We had one (Archie). The photo you posted is one that has had a short haircut. One vet I knew told me they are the Cadillac of terriers. LOL He was a neat dog.
Karen - I didn't get to go to your RU because it was my birthday weekend and my son came for the weekend. I'm sorry I had to miss it - and meeting Patches. That's a cute dog you showed. Go for it!
Victor, my son had a dog named Rufus....got him from a shelter, a wonderful mix of a dog and he loved me. Trouble was he outweighed me by about 10 pounds and I swear I had so many bruises when I left after a visit. That lasted about 10 years, then son had to move and travel more, so Rufus went to live on a farm with another family who loved him. They were bigger than I am, but I sure would have liked to have that dog.
He tried to be careful, he really did, but he would forget and stand up to put his arms on my shoulders when I didn't expect it, or he'd land in my lap like he had done when he was a puppy...it really wasn't his fault, because I was not with him long enough at a time to help him learn. I really loved Rufus.
How's your wonderful weather, DonnieB??
Not bad today, Sharon. It got a bit humid today, but the next week is supposed to be really nice. And how is it in Kentucky????
My DIL has a friend who breeds Wheaten terriers---they're cute, but NO more terriers for me! My DH was in a small boat in Ireland & a Glen of Imaal, belonging to the boatman, sat in my DH's lap the whole trip---Doug was very taken with him. Karen, Winston sounds like a winner---go for it! Louise, I wish a had a photo of that walk---hope Hank is better! Allison---the only times I've been bitten have been by my own dogs----when I was a kid, I teased them, but never seriously bitten---don't know if I'd be as brave as you are.
It's a great dog. April is her name.
Oh, Karen, that Winston just tugs at my heart too. What a sweet loving face!
Winston sounds like he has some really nice traits - especially with other dogs, etc.
Yeah, I keep thinking of Winston. He seems like he would be perfect for us. Sweet, lovable and low maintenance as far as dogs go. I couldn't have an active, rowdy dog that barks a lot. A terrier wouldn't be for me, though that Glen of Imaal Terrier sure is a cutie.
Karen
Hurry up, Karen, before he's gone! :)
Well, I showed him to my sister, and she says she doesn't want 3 dogs. Don't know if I can talk her into it, though she's brought rabbits home without asking me if I minded before. Several, in fact. But I will give myself a week to think about it. Maybe I can convince her by then, and that will give me plenty of time to know I'm not making a hasty decision. If he is gone by then, I guess it wasn't meant to be.
I just discovered today that Patches has worms, so will have to get her into the vet on Mon. Yuk! Worms are just so gross (except for earthworms).
Karen
I've always had dogs. They're way less troublesome than cats. We had four big dogs until this past Spring when we had to put Buddy (a lab) and Pogo (a three legged shepherd mix) down eight months apart. They came to the doorstep at Maypop twelve years earlier. They were about two years old at the time. We rescued Pepper, a Plotthound, four years ago. She is seriously into depleting wildlife, so no more primary hunting dogs.
Goober came to our Maypop door starving, mangy and flea ridden two years ago. He's a gentle giant at eighty five pounds. Just watch out when he gives you a paw...it'll knock you over. The vet says he's probably a husky/shepherd; a common mix in Southern Appalachia.
Laurel
This may be the longest I've gone w/o a dog-->2 1/2 years now. I also find dogs easier, you just have to think like one to know what they need to behave and be happy. It's pretty impossible to think like a cat--LOL! Though I love the kitties too, I just don't expect as much from them.
Your Goober is cute, Laurel. I'm more of a dog person than a cat person, though I've had my share of cats. Some were sweet and some not so. I don't know if I can agree that dogs are easier. If you have time for them, then maybe. They are more demanding of your attention than most cats. And certainly you don't have to spend any time obedience training a cat. But I like dogs better because they are more interactive with their people than most cats. I love how a dog thinks their person is the be all to end all in this world.
Karen
There would be fewer bites etc. if dogs were given obedience training. I went to sessions with my cocker spaniel when I was eleven so kids can do it. A friend had a cocker who would snap at the kids, I knew the breeder so was surprised. They took her to the vet who found that she had a skin irritation. When it was cleared up--the dog was fine with the kids. Worms are common in dogs especially those who like to snif all over outside. But yes--ugh!
Asked my friend. April is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier.
Yes, Patches love to sniff all over outside, that's for sure. That's the Basset hound in her.
Still thinking about getting Winston. My sister seems like she's coming around to the idea of me getting him. She thought he was a cutie, too.
Karen