Posts
by Kelly Marshall
When your dog softly whimpers that means: "I'm hurt!" "I'm frightened." The average human is most likely to hear this at the vet, when a dog is suffering, or when an obedient dog is in a strange location that appears intimidating. This is really a mewing sound that young dogs make when they feel cold, hungry, or troubled.
Loud, long-drawn-out whining sounds mean: "Please give me something . . ." or "I want something ..." A puppy usually uses this sound when he's waiting for his meal, or for the leash to be put on, or when they are trying to get his master's attention, etc.
When a dog sighs accompanied by a dog's lying down with his head on his forepaws, can have two meanings, depending on the context and his facial expressions. With his eyelids half-open, this is a sign of enjoyment, which means "I am happy and am going to relax." With eyes wide open, this is a sign of dissatisfaction when something expected has not transpired, this means: "I quit!"
When a dog is baying: This is the sound of hounds during a hunt. It is translated as "Follow me this way!" "Let us attack him!" or "All together now!"
When a dog yip-howls this is really more of a yip-yip-yip-howl, with the final howl quite drawn out. It basically means "I am very lonely" "I feel deserted!" or "Where is everybody?"
When a dog howls: "I'm over here!" "This is my space!" or "I hear you out there!" A confident dog will howl just to announce where he is. Howling also often happens in response to a yip-howl from another canine. It has a more echoing sound to the human ear than does the yip-howl, which is often called mournful.
When a dog moans: "ar-owl-wowl-wowl . . ." over a short period of time. It is a sound of impulsive pleasure and excitement that means "I am flabbergasted!" or "Let's play!" A dog usually moans when something he anticipates something exciting to happen.
When a dog is panting: "Let us go now!" This means he is very excited.
Pets can also learn vocalizations. For example, the bark that dogs often give to the command speak sounds are very different from an impulsive bark. The same can be said for the bark that police dogs are taught. Many dogs can be taught certain sounds for certain settings, from simple barks, moans, or play-growls to more complicated sounds that may sound like yodels.
Other Dog Bytes
To learn more about your hound and what it may be trying to tell you - -like what digging is all about right in the middle of the back yard, head to helpful resources on the web and locally. You can find plenty of free pet tips, for example, on pet websites - like those at Squidoo, MySpace and Hubpages under "dogs" searches in each place.
Or check with your local librarian to order a bookstack on the topic, available for pickup later on in the week for studying back at your home.
About the Author
Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies.
By Laura French
Minneapolis Pets
My favorite photo of Ernest Hemingway was taken at the end of what I imagine to have been a fabulous dinner party. The great man, seated at the head of the table, is absorbed in conversation with the person on his left. He is not in the least concerned with the cat that is picking its way through the plates and wine glasses.
Dave Gonzales, Events Director for the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key West, Florida, has his own favorite photo. Hemingway is flanked by his two sons. Each of the three Hemingway males is petting a cat.
The photographic evidence is conclusive: Ernest Hemingway, that most macho and masculine of all writers, was a cat lover. Use that fact to counter any claims that cats are for girls and only dogs are a real man’s best friends.
The phrase “Hemingway cat” has come to be a synonym for polydactyl—a cat that has more than five toes on its front feet. Hemingway’s first polydactyl cat was given to him by a ship’s captain in Key West, Florida. Cats were kept on ships and in seaports to control the rodent population. (Is that why Hemingway favored island locations like Cuba and Key West?) “Mitten-pawed” cats were considered good luck, so the captain’s gift was a sign of special favor.
Today, about half of the 60 cats on the grounds of the Hemingway Home in Key West have extra toes. In years past, the cats bred freely, and it was even possible for tourists to obtain a Hemingway cat as a souvenir. Happily, those days are gone. Now, a controlled breeding program keeps the population constant. Only the polydactyls are bred, but that does not insure that all of their offspring will inherit the recessive trait.
Visit the Museum Website and you’ll find a whole page devoted to the Hemingway cats. Today’s Mama cat is named Pauline, presumably after Hemingway’s first wife, the father of his two cat-loving sons. (Pauline was probably the inspiration for the Hemingway short story “A Cat in the Rain.”) One wonders what Hemingway would have thought of naming a cat “Nikki Adams.”
The cats figure prominently in the museum’s online gift shop—the logo on the baseball cap is an embroidered polydactyl pawprint. They even have their own Cat Cam on the website.
All of this attention to the cats has recently led to controversy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is contending that Hemingway House is an “exhibitor of animals” like a zoo or circus. The USDA contends that Hemingway House needs an Animal Welfare license—but refuses to provide the license until the museum puts the free-roaming cats in cages. Failure to comply could be punished with a fine of $200 per day per cat—obviously too steep for the privately funded museum.
“We are still trying to resolve the issues between us and the USDA and we feel that this should come to some conclusion in August 2008,” according to an email from Dave Gonzales. “In the meantime, the cats are still roaming the grounds as they did when Hemingway lived here. We have installed ‘cat fencing’ around the entire acre of property in compliance with the USDA's requirements.” To keep abreast of developments, sign the guest book at the Hemingway House Website.
If you want to know more about Hemingway’s lifelong love affair with cats, which stretched from Boise to Key West to Cuba, read Hemingway’s Cats: An Illustrated Biography, by Carlene Fredericka Brennen.
Laura French is a freelance writer who lives in Roseville with three cats — Gracie, Tennessee Tuxedo and his pal Chumley, and Sofie, whose breed(s) will forever remain a mystery.
Minneapolis Pets - posted by cmoon
There's a new pet food deli in the Twin Cities that is touted as a health food store for pets. Woody’s Pet Food Deli, owned by Enrique and Michelle Palma, is now open and located at 3008 West 50th Street in Minneapolis.
From its in-store kitchen, Woody’s makes a variety of "fresh, homemade, wholesome pet food, both cooked and raw." In addition, they sell an array of pet supplements and natural treats.
The store is named after Woody, a nine-year-old German shepherd mix the Palmas adopted who was malnourished, had inflammatory bowel disease and was losing hair on his head and legs. Soon thereafter, they added Fred to the family—an 11-year-old beagle who was 46 lbs (more than twice the amount he should weigh,) had pollen allergies, a heart murmur, severe chronic ear infections, arthritis, multiple cysts, anal sac problems, hot spots and excessive shedding.
According to the Palmas, "The changes to both Woody and Fred have been dramatic since moving them to a whole foods diet. Both have soft, shiny, and full-bodied coats. Woody has maintained a healthy weight, and is now seldom beset by diarrhea. Fred is now “buff” at 26 lbs. There are barely signs of his heart murmur and his arthritis and anal sac problems have disappeared."
For more than a year now, the Palmas have been assisting St Francis Animal Rescue by helping unhealthy dogs become healthy by feeding them whole foods. Says Palma "We’ve been seeing how the majority of these dogs’ health problems go away by simply giving them whole foods, be they raw or cooked."
On their website is the quote, "Woody’s Pet Food Deli is our grassroots effort to educate pet owners of proper pet nutrition."
And to that I say, "Amen."
I've yet to stop by, but soon will and am interested in seeing how my cats react to their cat food. I am a huge proponent of proper nutrition for pets. Also, the owners are local, independent and their hearts seem to be in the right place. If you go, let us know what you think.
(SkyNewswire.com)---You have settled into your favorite armchair, perhaps reading the final chapters of a gripping novel. Suddenly you are aware of the imploring stare of your cat sitting at your feet. You invite her onto your lap. Gently you begin to stroke her and your cat signals her appreciation with an audible purr.
One hand holding your book the other hand continuing to pet your mouser, you again get lost in your novel. All is well in the world with you and with your cat.
Suddenly your cat bites your hand
The experts don't agree on exactly why it is that some cats enjoy being petted, but end up biting. One thing that they do agree on is that when kitty bites at you, it's a sure sign that she has decided that she's had enough stroking.
Cats differ in the amount of petting they will accept, and not all cats respond by biting when they have had enough. Some cats simply jump from your lap and saunter off to investigate interests anew. But many cats will nip you and your animal is one of them.
Could you have known that a bite was on its way? Yes, there are often signs that cats give before biting. And, if you had not been so wrapped up in reading your novel, you may have paid heed to your little pets warning.
If kitty's tail begins to twitch, in a rolling flick, watch out! She's getting ready to chomp at your hand.
If your cats ears start turning towards the back of her head, or flatten against her head, that's a warning a bite is coming.
If your cat suddenly becomes restless, or stiffens and stares at your hand, she could be about to nip you.
If you noticed any of these signals, simply stop stroking your cat. Your pet will either stay on your lap or jump down and walk off, whichever happens you don't get bitten.
What you should not do is punish your cat for biting your hand. That simply does not work. Cats are more likely to identify the punishment with you rather than with their bad cat behavior. If you miss a warning sign and kitty manages to get her jaws around your hand, try to resist the temptation to pull your hand away or push your cat away. Simply freeze. Chances are that your cat will not sink her teeth in, she has got her message across, and you have stopped petting her.
If you try and push your cat away it is likely that she will fight with your hand resulting in skin punctures for you. (An animal bite can become infected quite easily, if your cat does draw blood clean up the wound scrupulously and seek the advice of your doctor.)
Why do some cats behave in this aggressive way? The degree of tolerance to petting may be genetic, or it may be learned behavior. If when your cat was a kitten you allowed her to chew on your hand in play, she learned that biting human hands was an OK thing to do. So, when she feels that she has had enough stroking (she's the boss remember,) she will bite at your hand to let you know - if you ignore her warning signals.
Some experts recommend the use of healthy tidbits, as a reward, in order to increase the time your cat will tolerate stroking. At the first warning signal offer kitty a treat, continue to stroke your cat gently for a time and offer her another reward. It is said that your cat will learn to connect petting with the tidbits and may, with patience, allow you to pet her for longer periods.
About The Author
Larry Chamberlain is a life long lover of cats. To find his articles and thoughts about the domestic feline visit http://www.best-cat-art.com the site for all the best in cat art, cat and kitten health and cat issues
Wonder How to Make Your Ferrets Happy?
by patrik.ewriter
Ferrets are often mistaken to be rodents. In truth, ferrets are from the order Carnivora and are related to otters, weasels, and badgers, among others. Their Latin name, mustela putorius furo, actually means spear-shaped stinky little thief's and this should give you a slight idea of what and how they are as domesticated creatures.
Ferrets are one of the most active pets that humans can own, and they are very playful by nature. This means that they need constant attention, which translates into many minutes of your time throughout the day. They sleep for an average of twenty hours a day, but when they're wide awake, they like to move around a lot and are likely to hurt themselves when lack of activity leaves them bored and anxious.
If you have a day job and cannot be there to shower your fuzzy friend with the pampering he requires, have someone who can be around to play with your pet.
One of the easiest ways that can help your ferret pass the time is by playing with toys. There are various toys specifically designed for ferrets and you can readily find them in pet stores in and outside of cyberspace. Some of these toys include balls, hammocks, socks, and towels. If you have old socks and towels that you no longer use, you can use those and save money. They also like to run through tunnels and around mazes - you can also buy these at the most convenient pet shops. Little knick-knacks that can be found in your home can also serve as toys for your ferret, though not intentionally. Ferrets are commonly nicknamed bandit's because they love to get their mouths on car keys, small articles of clothing, and other items.
You can also create activities that will satisfy your ferret's need for action. Ferrets are also trainable animals and you can teach yours a few tricks or even simple dance steps. Some ferrets also enjoy time out of their cage, which, by the way, should be huge enough for them to play in, You can buy a harness or a suitable leash and take your ferret out for a walk, or a swim if he likes the water.
About the Author
The most common advice that actual ferret owners give when it comes to keeping ferrets happy is to provide them with a playmate - a kitten, puppy, or another ferret. Ferrets are generally tame creatures and most of them get along well with cats and dogs. Oh, did I mention the Super Ferret Site? http://ferrets-guide.info/
Avoid Scam When Buying & Selling Horses Online
by Edna X Wilson
Internet fraud is prevalent everywhere and the horse industry is no exception. If you can avoid selling your horse over the internet, do so. But if the Internet is your only option or you chose to buy/sell your horse or tack on-line be aware of the following inherent obstacles.
Dubbed the Nigerian Letter Scam, it has been used in the sale of large ticket items including horses, cars, and motorcycles. The current activity noted by horse-related websites comes in different variations from foreigners in Nigeria, Africa, London, and Hong Kong seeking to buy purchase horses, frozen semen, or horse-related equipment. A third party representing a potential buyer in one of the aforementioned countries will attempt to purchase a horse using a Cashiers Check to cover the price of the horse and their shipping costs. After the horse is shipped, the third party asks you to refund the shipping charges as part of a 'finders' fee" arrangement. Or they may also send you a check over the amount of the purchase price and ask for a refund of the difference. Unfortunately the cashiers check is counterfeit. Many sellers don't find this out until the horse is gone and your money has been forwarded to the scam artists.
Potential buyers/sellers watch for the following:
* The emails come from free web-based accounts written in poor English, riddled with misspellings and often too familiar and friendly in tone.
* If the party makes big promises, such as offering to pay more then the asking price without first making contact to talk about the horse, it usually a scam. Be careful of anyone who wants to send you more then your asking price.
* Beware if an individual tries to speed up the transaction beyond your comfort range. A legitimate deal isn't going to move as fast as your money. Think things through and don't let yourself feel pressured.
* If they ask for bank information, don't give out financial information including personal account numbers without first establishing a comfort level with the buyer or seller. The European e-mails do try to establish a comfort level, but it's a bit false. If you suspect anything dishonest don't give out any information.
Take the following precautions:
Never complete a transaction without some sort of contract. Retain a lawyer to draft a contract and represent you, but if you can't afford one, the terms of the deal should be written and signed in English by both parties. A buyer or seller that resists or is hesitant is usually a strong sign of a potential problem. To avoid further problems, it's best to use a law office that specializes in equine business issues, such as Equine Legal Solutions in San Jose, California.
If you're buying or selling a horse, make sure you get a pre-purchase exam on the horse considered for purchase by the buyer's Veterinarian of choice. One customer who ships horses outside the USA came up with a solution. She requested that all horses be paid for in cash or by bank transfer - no checks, credit cards, money orders or cashiers checks. If they want to pay using anything other then cash, the horse stays at her place at their expense. The horse wasn't allowed to leave her property until the bank confirms all the funds are there. It worked. She never heard back from potential scammers.
And finally, keep in mind the internet is a service provider of online classified advertising, not a dealer, agent or broker. They are not involved in the actual transaction between buyers and sellers and accept no liability for any type of dispute or fraud. http://www.HorseClicks.com for example, does its best to educate both buyer and seller about fraudulent activity. They intercept, report and record all contacts that seem suspicious and protect your email address from public display. All internet sites may not take the same precautions, so contact other sites if you think there's an issue.
If you think the potential party is not legitimate or if you suspect you've been scammed, contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center or your local FBI office.
About the Author
Edna X Wilson is a writer for www.HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of horses for sale, horse trailers, farms for sale.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
The Behaviorist
I will spend what ever I have on my pets. I spent over $4,000 on my last dog before I had to put her down. I thought the $4,000 was well worth it, she was my friend and companion and no money could be put on her head.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Mattie
Too many variables to answer this one. Age of the dog, chance of recovery, previous medical issues, and quality of life come to mind. If all results point toward positive, then I would spend whatever it took to treat them.
July 17th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Ken
Give me a break. I’ll spend as much as I spend on grooming. If it’s going to be more than that, grass always used to work, why not now.
That’s one of our problems today, we value any and everything but what matters most.
I’m with Allen Hunt on this issue!!
July 17th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Shonta
My silky terrier has no cost, she is like my child. I think my baby is well worth any amount I have to pay.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Patty
I agree with Mattie on this. For the most part, if there is a good chance of survival, quality of life, etc…factors a lot into how much we might spend. Recently, I spent close to $1800. on my dogs emergency care. Thankfully, she’s doing much better. I look around my home and see many “valuables” that are worth more than $1800. My pet is worth more than any material item that I own. I’d sell something, if I had to, in order to care for her. But one must weigh the pet’s age, diagnosis, and prognosis when facing this decision.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Brenda
I will pay whatever is required to give my pet a happy and healthy life. If I am told my animal has a terminal illness but can get another six to eight months of good quality life if she has a surgery costing $4,000.00, I would spend it. If the prognosis is for survival, but with pain and severe quality of life problems, I would not. I would continue to treat her as long as it was beneficial to her and when it became just keeping her alive to say she is alive, but is in pain and fear, then I would hold her and tell her how much I love her while the vet administers the shot that will painlessly give her peace.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
JJ
I recently had to take my lab in to have a couple of “fatty tumors” checked out. I informed my daughter, and this sounds horrible, but I told her if the vet said the “C” word (cancer), I would have her put down before she got too sick. Fortunately, that was not the case, and she is ok.
Go ahead a blast me if you like, but I will not spend myself into the ground to keep a sick animal alive. If her time here on earth is over, then so be it.
But that is not the case, and I see several more years with this baby.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Steven
My 11 year old beagale mix just had her sixth major surgery in her lifetime. Another $1000. Doctor found tumor while she was getting blood work done for her hepatitas. First surgery was when she was about two years old. This was her second removal of a cancerous tumor. She has cost about $15 -$20 so far and I would do it again without hesitation.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Steven
Let correct my previous post. She has cost about $15 - $20 THOUSAND dollars so far and I would do it again without hesitation.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Vince for prez
Hate to say it but if my dog is hurt or needs a procedure that is going to cost more than 1,000 dollars he will be put to sleep. there are more dogs and cats out there to adopt and need your help
July 17th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
DogRealist
Too many variables to answer this one. Age of the dog, chance of recovery, previous medical issues, and quality of life come to mind. If all results point toward positive, then I would spend whatever it took to treat them.
This is true for me, too. It all depends on quality of life, and how much will be left.
Go ahead a blast me if you like, but I will not spend myself into the ground to keep a sick animal alive. If her time here on earth is over, then so be it.
You’ll get no blasting from me. I agree. it’s a personal decision, but so many people jump headlong into costly and painful procedures that will not actually increase the pet’s quality of life. It’s more than a money issue.
My vet tells me he sees way more people who won’t euthanize until the animal is way far gone. So many people wait too long, and that’s a shame.
July 17th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
gttim
My little 9 year-old dog recently was diagnosed with a large growth inside of her. She was very sick. She has never liked anybody messing with her and hated any kind of procedures. She also hated being away from me. I knew she would be miserable if I put her through a bunch of treatment, and she would not understand what was going on. I stopped all diagnosis and treatment right then. I took her home and spent a month of quality time with her. When it was obvious that she was suffering, I had her put down. It killed me, but it was what was best for her.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Boxer Lover
I love my 2 year old boxer but if vet care costs more than $500 I will have to say forget!! I will hate to do that but my well being comes first.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Sadie’s mom
My dog has been a lemon from the start and I got her pet insurance through VPI pet Insurance. This insurance has at least paid for itself each year since I’ve gotten it and should more than pay for itself next year b/c I realized that the Routine Care endorsement is really a rip off. This insurance has covered every emergency we have had and we pay the $50 co-pay for each incident. I recommend the insurance to anyone. My husbands friends were laughing b/c we have pet insurance, but not even a week later Sadie ate a diaper and back to the vet we went for X-Rays and observations to make sure she was ok. WELL WORTH THE MONEY!
July 17th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Idiot
I just spent over $500 for surgery on a TURTLE!!! Did it for my little boy not the turtle!!
Worth every penny!
July 17th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Pamela
I have money set aside for such emergencies. If I have the money, it will spend it as long as my pet has a good recovery/surival rate. I am very lucky that my vet has a pragmatic approach. He does not promote excess treaments. I wrote a check for $1000. It was money well spent and this cat is still with us. I spent several hundred dollars to remove a growth from another cat. The growth was beneign. I hate to think how much I have spent in smaller increments. But as long as I have the money.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Fred
My 1st Lab of 11 plus years had extensive skin allergies. I spent thousands of dollars over the course of her life. In the 5 Years alone it was in excess of 6-k. But she did not ask for the condition and I was able to shoulder the cost.Trips to the University of Georgia animal hospital were routine.However, toward the end of her life there was an intown Vet that was staffed kinda like an emergency hosiptal. You never got the same care provider(a different person) and the would routinely try an order needless test for her. It was run like an emergency pet clinic. I hated to go there because the seemed all about the money. I will not name it the exact clinic but it was near Ansley mall.To this day I resent themand their needless greed.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Lori
We spent $10,000 for two surgeries and 10 days of emergency care for our 6 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel when he ate part of a Booda Bone (very dangerous toys by the way). Thank God we have the finances to do so- I know that not everyone does, but we would spend whatever it takes to take care of our animals.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
sherry
our family pet, a lab, was diagnosed wtih cancer in may. we took him to a specialist for confirmation. while waiting on that appointment as a family we decided that there would be no over the top treatments because the fact of the matter was, if it was as bad as they were thinking it would only prolong the inevitable~and once you start treatments then you have to decide when to stop…..our worst fears were confirmed and the vet assured us we would know when “it was time.” she was right and about 4 weeks later it was time. it was the hardest thing ever, but i keep telling myself it was for the best….
July 17th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
JW
These discussions are saddening. I truly hope that all of you who have so much money to spend on an animal with a life span of likely no more than 15 years find love that is more enduring. The value of an animal’s life cannot be compared to the value of human life yet as a society, we increasingly waste money on expensive pet items, led by immoral, superficial role models in Hollywood. Be angry at me if you will, but the bottom line is that very rarely does any animal make any sort of lasting impact that will extend beyond the owner(s), whereas even the most passive individual is estimated to influence more than 10,000 people in a lifetime, influence that will last generations. If you are so desiring a worthwhile cause to pour your heart into that will truly bring purpose and meaning to your life, try channeling yourself into a place like caringbridge.com, and think about whether or not your priorities are misplaced the next time you are faced with the decision of whether or not to spend $100, $500, $15,000 on an animal. I will kindly step down now…Sorry for the rant but this struck something in me and hopefully I’ve struck something in you.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Truth
I work for Public Safety and if you are asking if we are spending too much on our police dog I must tell you this.
Police dogs, Fire Search and Rescue Dogs and Fire Cadavire Dogs are sworn officers of the department and as such recieve as much emergency care as one of our firefighters or police officers. In fact there is a standing policy for our paramedics to transport an injured or shot dog and we have a standing agreemenet with an emergency vet center. These dogs provide more for their communities than most humans that live there. We treat them as members of our departments and rightly so.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
jct
@JW
You may chose to believe that pets don’t have an impact but ask the family on yesterday whose dog alerted them to the house being on fire and everyone got out safe. Ask the folks who have made life long friends with people they have met at a dog park; people who have found their spouse because their pet ‘introduced’ them. My own personal story is my dog alerted me to a problem with my 6 month old neice. She had a fever and the dog would not leave her side. She would walk to me and then walk to the baby, bouncing on her back feet (never touching the baby) until I picked her up. We were able to quickly take her to the emergency room where she was treated immediately. That is what my dog has done for me.
You obliviously have never had a pet so you can not understand the impact a pet will have on your life.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Elaine
Our 1st lab went through two surgeries and two rounds of chemo trying to beat cancer, but the tumors kept coming back. The vet advised we could try radiation if we took her to Alabama. The cost was astronomical, but we didn’t do it because we had already put her through so much treatment to no avail. We stopped all treatments and she survived another 18 happy & loving months.
7 years later, our 2nd lab suddenly couldn’t walk. We rushed her to the vet and tried several medicinal treatments, each one causing more damage to her system. Again, the vet offered other treatments (with no idea if they would help or hurt), but we realized she had been through enough, refused the further treatments and three days later she was gone.
We did whatever we could until we realized that more treatment could do more harm than good, and wanted to spend quality loving time with our pets.
July 17th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Fred
Sherry, cancer also claimed my first lab. The Vet told me I could take her home for one last night after her lung collasped.He had put a breathing tube in her chest. I declined thinking it would be cruel to take her home only to bring her back the next day to be put to sleep. It crushed me. To this day I hurts after almost 3 years.
July 17th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Steve
I have two wonderful Dalmations. They are middle aged. One has a heart murmur and is on high blood pressure meds. His condition might deteriorate, but I will give him new meds if necessary. But when he reaches the point of suffering and pain, I will sadly but rightly put him down.
This is about common sense. Dogs don’t live that long. They shouldn’t suffer just so we can have them hang around and keep us company longer. Pay what you can afford but don’t pay a fortune to sustain a dog for a few months.
Like another poster said, there are so many other dogs on death row needing to be adopted.
July 17th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Spacegirl
I am debating this one right now…
My sweet baby dog needs to have a stone removed from her bladder. It will cost more than $1000 for the surgery.
The Vet says the stone will not get larger with proper food, but it will not break down on it’s own.
The dog will continue to have the occassional bladder infection because of the stone
I know I am going to end up doing the surgery, but I have put it off.
The dog is not in pain and is not bothered by it.
I guess my point is that $1000 is where I draw the line.
And believe me, I really love this my little girl.
But I agree with those that say when it is your time, it is just your time.
July 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Shelley
JW
I get more from my pets than most people! They are happy to see me, I don’t have to do anything for them besides feed and pet them.
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