"Old Dog Offers Advice on Training Humans"

[lhg0962]

Ktreva...
That is awful about the bulldog in Nashville! I'm sure dogs are shot in the country around here, but we never hear about it. That is a horrible story, and I simply can't believe such things happen in this day and age. I do remember that Ben (our English Bulldog) was very protective and actually bit a neighborhood boy one time when he got out of the fence. He was addicted to balls of any kind, soccer, basketball, etc. and he went for that boy's basketball and that was it!
As much as I love bulldogs (all dogs), I'm at my limit right now from a space and an expense standpoint. I have to travel out of town periodically and boarding my babies at a kennel I trust is very expensive. Two big dogs, a cat, two hamsters,etc., plus my 9 year old daughter, my job, responsibility for this house, etc. are forcing me to be prudent and not bring in every stray I can. I probably shouldn't have even gotten Lilly when I did, but she was born the day after I had to put my Cocker Spaniel to sleep and it just seemed right. And, we do love her, as does Honey. They are two peas in a pod and love each other dearly.
I'm going to remember about the rescue organizations though. That is a good idea. Do all of you see many English Bulldogs? I run in to very few. Fell in love with one at a Petland Store (I know that is a bad word to most of you because of the puppy mills)last year outside of Cincinatti and came very close to bringing him home. In my business, which is making small business loans, I often have to deal with owners whose line of business is something that I don't condone and I was attempting to finance 4 stores for this couple, who I happened to really like.
I'll shut up now, but thanks for listening!

[This message has been edited by lhg0962 (edited December 01, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by lhg0962 (edited December 01, 2000).]

[ktreva52]

Some may be shot, but most are simply dumped and left to fend for themselves. I know what you mean about finding a kennel you can trust. Most are the next best thing to hideous re: facilities and numbers and for the prices they charge, you'd think they'd do better, but the love of that almighty dollar...... Well, the rescue groups were just a thought. Maybe a lot of years from now when the ladies run on to the Rainbow Bridge. Pet shops charge waaaay too much for an animal that is probably considered "pet quality" at best. I knew of one that charged outlandish prices and then tacked on a dietary supplement or they wouldn't guarantee the animals at all. Greedy bas*****.
Where do you "board" a 9-year-old daughter?



[This message has been edited by ktreva52 (edited December 02, 2000).]

[lhg0962]

You know, Ktreva, right after I said that, I wondered who was going to ask about boarding my 9 year old? NEVER!!! She goes where I go when she isn't with her dad. She's with him right now for the evening and is so mad that it is supposed to snow here tonight and not where she is! I must brag....my daughter had her first basketball game today and although her team lost in overtime, she scored all the points they got! She is the tallest one and they all just threw the ball to her (when they didn't throw it away).

[dogncatluvr]

Logan,

Great for your daughter, you have every right to brag! (And you know we'll listen, LOL).
Is there any possibility of a house sitter type person where you're at? One that you could trust with your pets, house etc.? Some retired people sometimes do this. It allows them to be near pets, but not have the responsibility of looking after their own pets all the time. Just a thought.

[ktreva52]

Of course I had to ask it, I was in such a mood when I wrote that -- I never believed for a moment that you actually "boarded" her. Congratulations on her ball work. Is she considering eventually going into the WNBA? I think that's such a cool thing they've finally done for women.

That idea of a house-sitter is not a bad one. You'd want to interview anyone as deeply as you would a babysitter for your daughter, but there are many services that do that sort of thing. Ask too if they are bonded and insured and request a copy of the paperwork showing that, so you can check on it. Also, request references and check them out. Could be less expensive in the long run and the animals are home and fairly happy (I'm sure they're never really happy when Mom and Sister are away).

[lhg0962]

I had a lady at one time that would come and see the animals as many times a day as I wanted her to. She was so good and I trusted her. Never could work it for her to stay, but she would come twice a day, walk them, brush them, etc. Now she has a weekend job and isn't available when I need her. Plus, I hate having Lilly and Honey outside all day long. Honey is quite a barker and I feel better knowing she isn't upsetting anyone or herself. I think your idea is a good one. Just need to find the right person. In the meantime, other than the cost, they usually are fine at the kennel. They get lots of attention, go for walks, get a bath, etc. Honey doesn't like to go (she's too smart for her own good), but is usually fine once she gets there. Some good news is that I have my mother's permission to bring them to her house for Christmas. We'll only be there two nights and since its wintertime, they can't destroy her yard!! She'll have her new puppy, Mr. Darcy, by then (he's a Boston Terrier), but I think she understands I don't want to leave them all the time. Hopefully, they will past her test!

[ktreva52]

Well, this ought to be interesting -- these two giants invading that little guy's new territory. I can just see it. They'll either eat him or he'll convince them that he's perfectly willing to eat them (at first). Good luck on passing the "test". It's always difficult to believe that not everyone would love our wonderful companions and immediately see their good qualities. Frankly, (and this is not aimed at your daughter, Logan) I'd almost rather have pets visit than some children I've known. Much easier to control. Hope I don't offend anyone with that comment.

[karen israel]

Logan... No mom can resist those girls of yours! (esp; Helen! LOL!) Xmas at the house will be joyous and loud and FUN! I'm SO JEALOUS! That's what it's all about! Maybe I should take the next flight out?!

[lhg0962]

Come on down and bring Cody! Wouldn't that be a hoot? 4 big yellow dogs running through my mother's beautiful yard! I'm sure the new baby will be well protected by his new mom! What does that make him, my brother?

[ktreva52]

That's how we call it at my house -- my dogs (and cats) are the four-legged siblings to my two-legged children. Their pets are my grandpets. They are part of the family and need us much more than the two-legged kind after a time. On the other hand, they don't bring much in the way of income into the house. Hmmmmm, anyone know a good agent?



[This message has been edited by ktreva52 (edited December 09, 2000).]