Anvik needs surgery...Updated

A couple weeks ago, Anvik developed an abscess on his right side. Came out of nowhere with no visible injury preceeding it. Two weeks of antibiotics should have cleared it right up. The lump did shrink, but is still about the size of my thumb. There is a second smaller lump right above it. So back to the vet today. The lump is not a lipoma(fatty tumor), it is very hard, doesn't seem to cause Anvik any pain. My vet says there are a couple of options--one it's a benign lump of some sort, two it's malignant, or three it's a foreign object that has become encased just under his skin. He hasn't gotten into anything like a porcupine since he's been here, but who knows if he did before he got dumped. If that's what it is, it still has to come out or it will just keep turning back into an abscess. He is booked for surgery tomorrow. My vet says the lump is in a good spot. They can take wide margins just in case it is a tumor and not have any trouble closing the wound.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...niepaxlead.jpg
Anvik seems fine. He went for a run this afternoon and never missed a stride. He's learning how to lead and doing alright at it. Paxil is a good teacher. He won't be able to run for a couple weeks after the surgery. He won't be happy with that!

I sent the shelter an email saying to consider him adopted. The fee for his surgery is going to be substantially more than his adoption fee! I think they'll be happy not to have to pay for it! Plus I had an animal communicator tell me that Anvik believes he belongs with me, that he thinks for the first time in several incarnations(he's an old soul) he is where he is meant to be and that he will bring things to my life that I will still be discovering in 20 years. How could I let him go after that!???

Awww we will be praying for Anvik. He looks so at home with the rest of your crew. Good luck to him in surgury.

Aww, he'll definetley be in my prayers and thoughts. Good luck to the beautifuld doggie and to you! I'm glad you're going to adopt him :D

I'm sure sorry to hear that your Anvik has to deal with surgury tomorrow, but, what are you going to do, huh? It just presented itself and it has to go!!!

And he was just building up confidence too!!!!

I'm so happy that you are adopted him, in that way, we will always get to see more pictures!!! He is such a soul for sure!!!


I'm hoping that all goes well for him ~ and that he can come home and rest up with no more problems.

Hi God! ~

Jest a lil re-mynder bout Anvik an his Sir Jury 'pointment tumorrow...

Put Your *skarf* & *mittinz* on affore You leave - It *SNOWED* onna Yukon!

Paleeze help da Withe Coat get allua lump & bump gone ...
an we're all Prayin it's harmless.
And how about ~ Give his Mom a big {{{God's HUG}}} ta help her thru da day.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glacier

I sent the shelter an email saying to consider him adopted...

I had an animal communicator tell me that Anvik believes he belongs with me ...

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Don't worry, God - She's gud fur da munnie!
And that wuz a *nice* message You sent to her ...
but he wuz gonna be a Keeper no matter what! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/wink.gif

THANKS, God!

/s/ the Prayer Pups

---------------------------

will keep Anvik in our prayers! Of course he belongs with you, you knew that already! But it's nice to hear it from someone else!
Oh, almost forgot - Congratulations on your newest official addition!

Take care Anvik...here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

Good luck, Anvik! Good thoughts and prayers going your way. :) Here's to hoping for a speedy recovery!

Prayers for Anvik. I hope the lump can just be removed and be done with. Congrats to you and Anvik on finding each other and the bond you found so easy to make. Yipee Anvik, its official, you've found your furever home!!!

Poor Anvik. I hope everything goes ok, I'll be hoping for a swift recovery so he can run out with the team again soon.

I'm glad that he is now "yours," he really seems attached to you and seems to be fitting in well. :)

I'm sorry, I thought I had already posted on this, :o Here's prayers &
best wishes for a successful surgery & quick recovery for Anvik. I'm sure
he certainly agrees with the communicator too. He has found the perfect
home & loves it. :)

Thinking of Anvik today and hoping it is nothing serious, and that the "lump" comes out clean and easy. Take it easy handsome boy, you will get your chance back in harness soon enough. He is such a pretty dog (I really do like red dogs).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glacier

Plus I had an animal communicator tell me that Anvik believes he belongs with me, that he thinks for the first time in several incarnations(he's an old soul) he is where he is meant to be and that he will bring things to my life that I will still be discovering in 20 years. How could I let him go after that!???

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:D :D :D

Anvik knows he's scored big time when you took him home. No wonder he told the animal communicator that he wanted to stay, he ain't no dumbie! lol

Good luck at your surgery, Anvik! We know you'll do great.

Anvik had his lump removal surgery today. My vet called at 2:30 and opened with "as you can hear, Anvik is awake." I'm leaving work early to pick him up! I warned them that he would howl like he was dying all day! He makes the most awful noises when he thinks he might be alone for a second or two!

Dr. Kim did the surgery and reports that he's a bit confused. He can't find any object in there--no remnants of a quill or foxtail, no stick, no nothing! The lump does look and feel like Anvik's body tried to encapsulate something. Dr. Kim thinks whatever it was may have dissolved over time, but Anvik's body didn't stop reacting to it. He called it an inflammatory granuloma, but couldn't be more precise. He did save a section that could be sent out to a pathologist for testing. I did have pre-op blood work done and it was all perfectly normal.

Dr. Kim was aggressive in his removal and took very wide margins with plenty of clean tissue on all sides. That should take care of it. Just have to watch him closely for any reoccurance. The stitches have to stay in for three weeks and then Annie is clear to run again.

Poor Anvik. I hope the surgery is quick as well as the recovery time. *HUGS*

Oh, Poor Anvik~ He sure has been through the Mill today!!!! I feel so bad for him, but I'm glad that his lungs are working !!!!! ;)


I'm very optimistic since reading your up date, ( blood work is normal :o )

He'll just have to take it easy for a few weeks, and you'll have to keep an eye on him!!!

Thank-You for posting the up date, and Please give Anvik a Hug!!!!!

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/smile.gif

Oh, Happie Daze - Anvik is gonna be OK!!
THANKS for Your Help, God!!

Have you thunk of HOW you're going to keep him from disturbing the Sir Jury site?

An E-collar or one of those newer NoBite rigid collars may keep his mouth off the site;
but what about him *scratching* it open with a back paw?

Can Anvik find a spot in the Shop with Stuart acting as WatchDad?

Here's hoping for a speedy heal-up!
http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/wink.gif

Big hugs to Anvik, what a good boy! He'll stop howlin' when he sees his Mama! (That's so cute) Hope he cooperates with being quiet for a couple weeks, which is probably an eternity for a sled dog, and heals up quickly. :D

Aww, I hope he heals well :) Glad the surgery went well. Can we please have lots of pictures :D ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

Have you thunk of HOW you're going to keep him from disturbing the Sir Jury site?

An E-collar or one of those newer NoBite rigid collars may keep his mouth off the site;
but what about him *scratching* it open with a back paw?

Can Anvik find a spot in the Shop with Stuart acting as WatchDad?

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Anvik freaked right out when I put the e-collar on him. I think he did more damage trying to get out of that than a little licking would do! I'm going to order one of those no-bite collars. I can't find one locally and I always forget to order one until I need it! :rolleyes: Just have to find a website that will ship to Canada. I might just go buy a cervical collar tomorrow at the medical supply place and see if that will work.

Right now, I put a dog jacket on him. I won it a couple years ago at a skijoring race, but I've never used it. It's made for hound cross sled dogs who can't handle the cold, but it fits Anvik perfectly. It completely covers the surgical site, wraps around his belly. It should protect the shaved area from the cold when he's outside too. He didn't freak out in it so hopefully he will keep it on overnight.

Stuart is working 12 hour days right now, but when he's home, Anvik can hang out with him in the shop. My FIL might be around tomorrow. He works in the shop several days a week. If he is, I'll ask him to keep Kayleigh outside and let Annie hang out with him.

I don't think he can jump the fence in the isolation/sick bay pen so he has a safe place to hang out and get some fresh air too. The pen attached to the shop is off-limits. Kayleigh would inflict far worse damage than the surgery!

Thanks for the good wishes for him everyone. He's really a very special dog!

Anvik you special boy you!! So glad you got thru the surgery ok. You be a good boy and leave those stitches alone so they can heal. That means no fence climbing mister. Sit back and take it easy, probably easier said than done.

I was wondering myself, how you were going to keep Anvik from scratching and licking the wound site!!!!
You came up with a brilliant idea!!!! ;) You know the old saying, Nesessity is the Motherhood of Invention~ Well, Anviks new jacket is a prime example of the "methods" our minds can reach in a pinch!!!!

Since knowing that he can be in the shop while Stuart is home, and that your Father-In-Law can also look after him from time to time, is also a bonus!!!!

Just be a good boy from now on ,Anvik, and you'll be out in the snowy weather~~ running free again!!! :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glacier

Anvik freaked right out when I put the e-collar on him.

I'm going to order one of those no-bite collars.

I can't find one locally and I always forget to order one until I need it! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif
Just have to find a website that will ship to Canada.

I might just go buy a cervical collar tomorrow at the medical supply place
and see if that will work.

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** Firstly - search using the porper name - it's BiteNot http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif
(Only took me about 45 minutes of searching to get the Name Right!)

They have a web site page = http://www.bitenot.com/suppliers.html

That page lists several Consumer Dealers for the USA; none for Canada.
Below that are the VET Rep/Distributors - several for USA, ONE for Canada.

Canadian VET Rep is: Veterinary Purchasing Co Ltd -
web site: https://www.vpcl.on.ca/home/index.htm
{EDITED to Add}
Veterinary Purchasing Co Ltd
485 Queen St W
St Marys ON, N4X 1B7
Phone: 519-284-1371
Fax: 519-284-2361

I'd think that SOMEbody in Canada is selling BiteNots to Consumers ...
but so far I haven't found a Canadian outlet for them.
Maybe Ask da VET.

OR - Build one yourself!
Cut up a round 1 gallon (or the Canuk Metric Equivilant) Milk Jug ...
get rid of the tapered top; and cut out the bottom ...
All you want is the curved, round BODY of the container...
* Trim to fit AROUND his neck - fit between the shoulders and base of skull/ears
* Trim to length - but allow for a tight *wrap* around his heck with generous overlap
* Add cushioning a towel or foam rubber between the collar and his neck -
* Allow some to cover the edges of the "tube"
* SECURE with Ducky Tape
* It needs to be *TIGHT* so he can't paw it off over his ears ... but let him "breathe".

* It's "good fit" if he can't BEND his neck (and can still breathe) http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/tongue.gif

The "real" BiteNots are made of THICK plastic --- IF the Milk Jug copy is too
flimsy and he can crush or krink it ...
use several jugs and tape them into a Looong coutinuous strip;
then just WRAP them around his neck to add layers - 2 or 3 wrap-arounds and
then taped at the last joint should make an un-bendable collar.

/s/ Phred

I'm glad he's doing so well after his surgery. I hope he recovers quickly!

:confused:

Hmmm ... It's 9:30 PM Yukon Tyme ...

We could use a RE-port on how Mr. Anvik did on Day 1 of his Recovery.

<durms finners> <drumm> <drumm> <drumm>

;)

Tamara, Phred recommended these to me, and I got a Bite-Not collar for Star -they are the best! No freak-outs because it doesn't interfere with their vision.

I called the company, VetAmerica, and they DO ship to Canada. Also, they had the lowest prices of all the sites I looked at. (about 25% lower!)
Here is their link to the Bite-Not collar page:

http://www.vetamerica.com/index.asp?...S&Category=116

Now...you do have to cinch it up pretty tight - my very clever husky has managed to slip out of it a couple times. Not a problem, though, cause the shoulder/belly strap kept it from falling off and becoming a chew toy. They're washable & mine is holding up well after multiple uses. (for hot spots :mad: ) Hope Anvik is being a good boy!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cyber-sibes

I called VetAmerica, and they DO ship to Canada.
Also, they had the lowest prices of all the sites I looked at. (about 25% lower!)
Here is their link to the Bite-Not collar page:

http://www.vetamerica.com/index.asp?...S&Category=116

PHONE = 1-888-838-2637

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Vet America is one of many Distributors of BiteNot Collars ...
and they do have GOOD Prices!! (And *FREE* Shipping - to USA Addresses!)

BUT ... the claim of "We Ship to Canada" is quite a bit different than being
able to say "We're *IN* Canada" ...

There's added COSTS to ship from the USA, over the border, into Canada!!
And the "Customs "Inspection" can take a couple of WEEKS if YOUR package gets
picked for a "random inspection".

It's a lot FASTER, and cheaper, to purchase an item from a Canadian vendor,
rather than "import" a product to Canada from a USA vendor.

/s/ Phred

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

We could use a RE-port on how Mr. Anvik did on Day 1 of his Recovery.

<durms finners> <drumm> <drumm> <drumm>

;)

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Anvik is doing fine. Acting like nothing ever happened! He was running and bouncing around the yard last night. He tried digging under the gate yesterday, but didn't make much progress. I'd rather he digs than climbs! The fence line is pretty much dig proof and the ground is frozen now. He's eating like I starved him for a week instead of one day! He has figured out that he can do all his usual stuff with the jacket on. The first night he wouldn't pee with it on and he wouldn't lay down. He's not bugging the incision.

He actually slept through the night last night without howling or wanting out at 4am. I could get used to not having to get up in the wee hours of the morning with him! The howling and 4am pee breaks have been constant since Anvik arrived.

He had a painkiller this morning, but I'm not sure he really needed it. The vet said to give him Meloxicam for four days. I don't want him to feel so good that he finds a way over the fence! It's 7 feet high in that pen, but Anvik is the best escape artist in the yard!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

There's added COSTS to ship from the USA, over the border, into Canada!!
And the "Customs "Inspection" can take a couple of WEEKS if YOUR package gets
picked for a "random inspection".

It's a lot FASTER, and cheaper, to purchase an item from a Canadian vendor,
rather than "import" a product to Canada from a USA vendor.

/s/ Phred

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I order stuff from the States pretty frequently. It does cost more with customs, duty and the exchange rate. Some places charge crazy shipping rates to Canada too. I order Feliway from an American pet site since it's cheaper even with all that than the price my vet charges for it! I found the bite-not collar on the site I usually order from(entirelypets.com). They charge a flat rate of 20 bucks USD to ship to Canada. I'm going to call the place cyber_sibes posted too and see what their shipping rates are. Since Anvik is doing alright with the jacket, I'm not in a big rush to get it here. Might as well get one now though--I'll need it for somebody eventually! :rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glacier

Anvik is doing fine. Acting like nothing ever happened! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/biggrin.gif

... without howling or wanting out at 4am.

I found the bite-not collar on the site I usually order from(entirelypets.com).
They charge a flat rate of 20 bucks USD to ship to Canada.

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http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif TWENTY Bucks! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif
Is that per ITEM or per ORDER ??

Either way - That's kinda *steep*!! (OUTRAGEOUS if it's per Item!)
If it's $20 per order - I'd order a truckload of sumpin!

Glad the Boy is feelin so good!

As for the 4:00 AM Potty Call ... do you **DO** That?? http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif OMG!

"WE" had an understanding - like on Day #1 - between Me and the FurKids ...

"I'll do almost ANYthing fur ya, Kid - EXCEPT get up before *I'm* ready to!
Don't ask, don't <whinper>, don't <whine> ~
You can cross your legs or use da Kat's Box ...
But DO NOT ask to "go out" after we're in bed!"

Maybe you could get an amendment put on Anvik's Contract.

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/biggrin.gif

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif TWENTY Bucks! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif
Is that per ITEM or per ORDER ??

As for the 4:00 AM Potty Call ... do you **DO** That?? http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif OMG!

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It's per order, unless it's really heavy. Postage in Canada is much more expensive than in the States; even to send a plain ol' letter within the country costs much more here. And I won't even go into how much slower the service is!

Yes, I do that! Anvik is pretty consistent with the 4am wake-up call. I let him back out at 7:30am when I leave for work. I can't remember the last time I slept through the night without getting up at least once! Someone always wants out or wants the water bowl refilled or starts making noise or or or...... Can't risk a noise complaint from the neighbors so I'm up PDQ if I hear anything outside at night.

Glad to hear Anvik is doing alright - in fact, if he slept thru with no 4 am nature call, he's doing better than ever! At time like this, I'm glad mine stay out in their own house at night - I don't think I'd be too thrilled with a 4 am wake up, my baby-raising days are over! Sure wish our neighbor had your awareness, though. Their darn dog barks non-stop every morning at 6 am when they put her out on a chain till she "goes" -- :mad: and there is NOTHING to bark at. I wonder why we can hear it but they can't. :rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cyber-sibes

Sure wish our neighbor had your awareness, though. Their darn dog barks non-stop every morning at 6 am when they put her out on a chain till she "goes" -- :mad: and there is NOTHING to bark at. I wonder why we can hear it but they can't. :rolleyes:

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If my neighbors started to complain, especially if they went to the local by-law department, I could loose my kennel liscence. That would mean I'd have to sell my house and move in a hurry. Not an easy task with 24 dogs,9 cats and an extremely limited real estate market!

I've always told my neighbors if they ever have a concern to call me anytime. Only ever had two calls. One when I was dogsitting and that dog barked compulsively and one the first night we had Anvik and he did his death howl for ages. I thought he'd stop and settle down, but I was wrong. I was actually on my way outside to get him when the phone rang! Anvik's never spent another night outside and if I know I'm going to be out late, he goes in his crate when I leave the house. Fortunately, he loves his crate! I do suck up to my closest neighbors a bit too--a plate of fresh baking or treats for their dogs goes a long way! As does a good fence--good fences make good neighbors!

Lots of the dogs sleep inside. The seniors are always in at night, as are Franklin, Hobo, Mac & Founder--all prone to barking incessantly at things only they can see in the dark! Deuce is a big night time howler. Of course, Deuce doesn't get along with most of the other dogs, doesn't like cats and hates being in the house! He does not respond to having SHUT UP yelled at him! He does settle down if I go outside and tell him he's a good boy. I thank him for warning me about whatever he's wooing at and tell him he can stop now. Much more effective with him than yelling!

Stuart often doesn't hear the dogs. He either sleeps right through the ruckus or he wakes up as I get back into bed. Sometimes he'll wake me up to ask who's whining! He never gets up to deal with it though! He does go from sound asleep to awake and outside in a split second at the sound of a fight. Normal wooing, barking, playing he can snooze through. He does wake up when the inside dogs start howling! Cracks me up when they have choir practice in the house!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glacier

If my neighbors started to complain, especially if they went to the local by-law department,
I could loose my kennel liscence.

I've always told my neighbors if they ever have a concern to call me anytime.
Only ever had two calls.

I do suck up to my closest neighbors a bit too -- a plate
of fresh baking or treats for their dogs goes a long way!
As does a good fence--good fences make good neighbors!

Lots of the dogs sleep inside...
Cracks me up when they have choir practice in the house!

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http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif
I never considered the Down Side of 24 Furry Mutts ... 24 VOICES! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/tongue.gif

So, just How Far is it to the closest neighbor??

And How Many neighbors live within Howling / Barking earshot distance?

I hope the Cookie Bribes are enough to keep the neighbors happy!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif
I never considered the Down Side of 24 Furry Mutts ... 24 VOICES! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/tongue.gif

So, just How Far is it to the closest neighbor??

And How Many neighbors live within Howling / Barking earshot distance?

I hope the Cookie Bribes are enough to keep the neighbors happy!

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We live in a rural subdivision. All the lots are four acres. I can see the roof of one house and the yard lights of another from my deck. We have completely undeveloped forest on two sides of the property, plus lots of trees between lots.

The dogs can be heard for a long way. I've been able to identify Franklin's voice from 5 miles. I can hear the protests of the dogs left at home for a long time when I take the team out or go for a walk! There is another dog team nearby of about the same number of dogs. Our dogs converse frequently! There used to be several big dog yards in the area, but they have all moved farther out.

The subdivision was originally designed for horses and dog teams. The animal control by-laws didn't apply here. That changed in 2002. The people who were already here were "grandfathered". I pay an annual fee to keep a kennel permit now. If I sold my property, another musher couldn't buy it. They would be limited to four dogs, six if everyone they share a property line with provided written consent.

http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Glacier

We live in a rural subdivision. All the lots are four acres.

The dogs can be heard for a long way.
I've been able to identify Franklin's voice from 5 miles.

The subdivision was originally designed for horses and dog teams.

The people who were already here were "grandfathered".
If I sold my property, another musher couldn't buy it.

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A sad commentary on good planning gone astray ...
But I see the same thing happening in my "Rural Community" ...
* The Horse Lover buys 5 acres in the wilderness - a mile to the nearest home.
* Within 5 years they have a few "City Slickers" living within a stone's throw ...
* And the complaints begin ...

City Slickers:
* There's horse poop ALL over their "yard" ... and they never "mow" their "grass"!

Horse Folks:
* Uhhh, that's my horses' PASTURE - not my "yard" ...
* And we call it HAY, not "grass".

"Changing the Rules" - AFTER the Dog Kennel has been established -
just isn't right!

They should be happy you don't *charge* to listen to your Husky Choir Concerts!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cinder & Smoke

A sad commentary on good planning gone astray ...
But I see the same thing happening in my "Rural Community" ...
* The Horse Lover buys 5 acres in the wilderness - a mile to the nearest home.


"Changing the Rules" - AFTER the Dog Kennel has been established -
just isn't right!

They should be happy you don't *charge* to listen to your Husky Choir Concerts!

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The part that annoys me is that they only changed the rules for dogs and cats(I won't even mention how over the cat limit I am!) Horses and other livestock are not affected. One of my closest neighbor has 25 horses. NO restrictions on her! I could raise chickens and pigs without any issues! No legal issues anyway, I'd have issues since I'd be unable to butcher them and end up with 300 chickens!