Some Bad News

[Twisterdog]

Well, yes, I have had all of the medical stuff done. It was done the week before we brought him home from the Vet hospital.

How long ago was that? If it has been a while, he may have developed something recently.

My father is a horse rancher and has ACD's and he agrees that my place is just to darn small.

It's not the size of the place. I have a small house, a small yard and ten dogs. It's the amount of time, stimulation and activity the dog gets. You can keep an ACD in a studio apartment if you spend enough time stimulating and exercising it.

anything that costs money to put him in is a no go for us, as we are an extreemly poor family, and I can't afford that stuff.

You could find out umpteen zillion pages of information on the internet for free, and do your own stuff. Tennis balls are cheap. Also, I think I saw that you have kids, right? Most areas have 4-H, which is very low cost or even free, and they usually have a dog club.

But, having said all that .... I can tell you have made up your mind and are done. I hope you can find your dog a good home. I seriously would re-think the people who are going to keep him outside, just MHO. I'd recomend placing your dog with a reputable ACD rescue, where his temperment and requirements can be evaluated by an experienced foster home BEFORE placement with a family. NO reputable rescue places a dog site-unseen with a family that won't let it come inside. If you would like me to get you some rescue contacts for good ACD rescues, just let me know.

[CattleDogMom]

Originally posted by Twisterdog
How long ago was that? If it has been a while, he may have developed something recently.





It's not the size of the place. I have a small house, a small yard and ten dogs. It's the amount of time, stimulation and activity the dog gets. You can keep an ACD in a studio apartment if you spend enough time stimulating and exercising it.





You could find out umpteen zillion pages of information on the internet for free, and do your own stuff. Tennis balls are cheap. Also, I think I saw that you have kids, right? Most areas have 4-H, which is very low cost or even free, and they usually have a dog club.

But, having said all that .... I can tell you have made up your mind and are done. I hope you can find your dog a good home. I seriously would re-think the people who are going to keep him outside, just MHO. I'd recomend placing your dog with a reputable ACD rescue, where his temperment and requirements can be evaluated by an experienced foster home BEFORE placement with a family. NO reputable rescue places a dog site-unseen with a family that won't let it come inside. If you would like me to get you some rescue contacts for good ACD rescues, just let me know.

First off, I feel like I'm sort of being attacked and judged by you. I HAVN"T made my mind up yet.

Second, these are people who have raised Blue Heelers for many years, and it was A Heeler Rescue that put us in touch.

Third, his last vet visit was approx 4 weeks ago. I am a people nurse, and I can tell you I am prety well qualified to know when something is physically wrong or not. Granted things in animals may be different, but like I said, his VetDr is my best friend, don't you think she is just a phone call away for me?

In all honesty, I don't believe I can do it.

[CattleDogMom]

Also, I wanted to add....

I am now getting anonomous emails from people telling me if I "want to ensure my pet's safety" I will charge them $50 bucks.

Since it is anonomous, I am not accusing anyone here...but just in case it is someone here, please stop. Things are hard enough as it is for me.

[micki76]

Everyone is being very harsh. In their defense, they're only doing this because they care about what happens to Casey. I think you have to do what's right for your family, but they want to make sure you do what's right for Casey, too. Everyone's just very concerned for him.

Regarding the emails, it is a good idea to ask for and adoption fee to ward off predators. Many dog fighters and other bad people will respond to "free" dogs for bait and such. Just an FYI.

Good luck to you, your family and Casey and keep us updated, please.

[CattleDogMom]

I understand this, but I don't have any "free dogs" ads up.

[ramanth]

I ask again.... Do you crate Casey?

[CattleDogMom]

Originally posted by ramanth
I ask again.... Do you crate Casey?

Ok, what exactly is "crate"

My dog roams around the house and yard with us at all times as if he were a kid. He is not trained very well on being without his leash so in th front/public he is always on a leash with a family member.

If crate is what I think it is, it doesn't sound like something I would want to do with my dog.

[zippy-kat]

Link = Crating Your Dog

What Is Crating?
A crate is a portable "kennel" that is just large enough to contain the dog it is intended for, made of either metal or plastic. "Crating" is the practice of using this kennel for training purposes, usually in housetraining and houseproofing a dog

[CattleDogMom]

Originally posted by zippy-kat
Link = Crating Your Dog

Oh yes, I have seen people do this. I have never been interested in crating. He is very potty trained, and I just can see how locking a dog up teaches them things. It's apersonal thing I guess, stemming from when my mom used to lock me in my room .

[lovemyshiba]

If Casey has always been able to do what he wants, that's probably why he's so crazy now.
Crating dogs is a very humane way of keeping them out of trouble. If Abbey had been crated the other night, she wouldn't have chewed up my husband's cell phone.
I can only imagine what the house would look like if my 3 had the run of it while we were at work

[CattleDogMom]

OK...let's clear up some miscommunication:

I don't let Casey do what he wants or let him run wild. I just have never seen the point in locking them up in a small cage. He does get time outs. He knows when he has done wrong. It just doesn't stick with him.

At any rate, the people that want to adopt him told me to take time in making my decision and will understand if I say no. I feel that they have been very respectfull and reasonable. They have sent me a picture of their farm, and yes, while I'm sure it could all be one big elaborate lie, I just can't see why an older couple whould do all of that and then drive 5 hours to get him AND offer to keep in contact with me so I can see Casey's progress.

I will withdrawl and meditate and try to figure out what is best for HIM regardless of what our feelings might be.

[Aspen and Misty]

How old is Cassey? Is s/he spayed or nueterd???

Ash

[shais_mom]

Keegan is 'very potty trained' also, but if I left her out for the whole time I was at work, I would have very little left in my house, she would destroy it, simply b/c she is still a puppy. We are working on keeping her out for short intervals, but crate training your dog is an asset, not a punishment.

[CattleDogMom]

Originally posted by Aspen and Misty
How old is Cassey? Is s/he spayed or nueterd???

Ash

Casey id 6 months old and was neutered at 4 months. Now I know he is just a puppy. I realize he is just a baby, which is why I'm trying to hold on until maybe he will outgrow it and calm down.

[CattleDogMom]

Originally posted by shais_mom
Keegan is 'very potty trained' also, but if I left her out for the whole time I was at work, I would have very little left in my house, she would destroy it, simply b/c she is still a puppy. We are working on keeping her out for short intervals, but crate training your dog is an asset, not a punishment.

I am home with Casey all day. If I have to go somewhere, he goes with us. He is NEVER alone.