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hattie
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2011 15:41
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bugs - Oh how cute! Don't you worry about her escaping out the door? I love the "bat display". hahaha
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hattie
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2011 15:53
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This is our dog getting ready to put her toys away before bed. *S* In the evening she brings them out to us for treats and then she puts each toy back into the bedroom before bed and gets more treats (of course). *S*
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bugs
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2011 17:30
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hattie
It seems Fergie has you well trained!!!!!Tee Hee.
Regarding our bird escaping66545
545 (She is helping me type this!). We are careful not to open outside doors when she is in the room. We usually put her in my office if we are hauling things in and out. But yes, it is always a concern especially with company. But so far so good.
I think not clipping her wings has made her a much healthier bird. Dare I say psychologically more competent (or will that open me up to ridicule and derision lol !!!). I have seen clipped birds and they seem to be missing something and appear bored and they are often overweight.
Oh well no matter what the pet, they do enrich our lives so much. Especially in times of stress they can sense something is amiss and often help a person get through the tough times just by being there.
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hattie
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2011 18:49
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bugs I agree with you and not clipping the wings. I used to have budgies years ago and they seemed much happier when I stopped clipping their wings.
You are right about it not mattering what kind of a pet you have. When I had my first child (ohhhh soooo many years ago *S*), I remember coming home from the hospital with her and my husband at the time had to go back to work. I sat on the couch with my new baby and felt so alone. Then my little budgie started going crazy when he saw me home again. He chirped and squawked and did little summersaults around his perch. I felt so loved. *LOL* I know that sounds insane, but that little bird's antics meant more to me than anything in the world at that moment. *S*
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bugs
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2011 18:53
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Hattie
What a great story! Brings a tear to this old stone cold heart! There is something special about a bird that I have yet to figure out. They are different than cats and dogs.
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Hatties Hubby
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# Posted: 29 Jun 2011 12:17
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Our faithful Fergie.... German Shepard x Border Collie.... is on her last leg.... She has a slow growing tumor on her left shoulder and now both her hips are giving away as well.... so she's basically down to one good leg, her right front.... She's not complaining but it breaks our hearts to see her hobbling around.... The Vet says there is nothing he can do.... He changed her medication the end of last week and it didn't agree with her and she came close to dying before we realized it was a reaction to the new drugs.... She's been back on the old meds for a few days now and although she is once again responsive and seems happy.... her mobility just keeps declining.... The Vet is only in town on Thursdays and Fridays so we decided a couple of days ago that Thursday July 7th would be the day.... We're sure going to miss her.... She is over 12 years old and we got her from the SPCA when she was about a year old....
Now comes the strange part.... We have a wonderful dog breeder just outside of Princeton called White Robin Kennels.... They raise Labradors, in particular Chocolates.... My wife and I have talked for several years about getting a Lab from them when Fergie is gone .... We need a shorthaired dog because of the burrs in this area.... I would have preferred a Springer Spaniel but it's virtually cruel to see the state they get into from just one romp through the fields here.... It takes my brother over an hour to comb out his Britanny after a hunt with the poor dog yelping as it loses hair stuck to nature's velcro.... Anyway, a week or so ago, I emailed the kennel to see if they had any pups available and we were told they have a litter coming in mid-July and the pups would be ready to go 8 weeks later....
The wife and I figured that was pretty cool.... Our only concerns were that the last time we lost a dog (11+ years ago) my wife became depressed in a matter of just a couple of days.... We had discussed not getting a new dog for a while.... but she literally didn't even want to get out of bed.... I figured this just wasn't good, so I got Fergie for her.... Anyway, September was looking a long ways off, but we didn't really have an option.... We didn't have a preference for a male or female pup, but were even talking about names, and "Molly" popped up from my wife for a girl puppy.... We decided to go out to the kennel yesterday to meet the Mom of our prospective puppy.... While we were there, the owner mentioned that they still had a couple of female pups from the last litter that weren't spoken for.... We had a look, and the two pups were as different as chalk and cheese.... One was yappy and quite aggressive and I saw her flip over one of her brothers onto his back and pin him in "play dominance".... The other was the sweetest thing you can imagine.... She immediately took to us, came right over and starting licking our hands and face.... Not a bark, a bit of playful finger nibbling but when I corrected her she stopped immediately.... We sat on the floor with her, and she went back an forth between us and was very affectionate to BOTH of us.... a huge plus.... After just a few minutes she curled up between my legs and started to fall asleep.... Needless to say, we have found our new "Molly"....
She is 10 weeks old, and I can't believe how well socialized she is.... The breeder hand raises these pups and it shows.... When Molly wants you to pet her, she will come up and sit in front of you instead of jumping up.... The breeder teaches all their dogs to do that.... and she's pretty much got it down already.... She followed us around the whole time, happy to be with her new "Pack".... We gave the breeder a deposit and have decided to pick her up on July 7th.... We know we will be a mess after just putting Fergie down.... but what better way to get over your grief than take up another member of our pack.... I don't believe in coincidences.... but I can't get over the feeling the Fergie has simply set this whole thing up somehow to reduce our grief.... her last unselfish, loving act....
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naturelover66
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# Posted: 29 Jun 2011 13:54
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As a Vet Tech who has assisted the sweet animals of our earth a peaceful escape i know how hard it is to lose a beloved family member. It tears my heart out to lose my own..... and see others in their grief. We let them go out of love..... and when the time is right each individual person can find love again in their own time. ....... everyone is different. You wont forget your "Fergie" ..... and will always love her. Your new pup will be so lucky to have such a loving home .
Fergie has lived a nice long life..... full of love .... shes been so fortunate.
Im so sorry....... Please give my best to Hattie.
Lisa
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turkeyhunter
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# Posted: 29 Jun 2011 14:21 - Edited by: turkeyhunter
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Hatties Husband,
this brings tears as i read this, my Molly a 12 year old yellow lab is in her last days as well. This heat is getting to her---breathing problems, she now has seisures as well and on meds for it. I know you will miss Fergie so much--having a dog put down is one of the hardest things i have ever done. I would take me few days --before i picked up the new pup,,,,,but hey thats just me. I will keep all 3 of you in my prayers.
I have had to put 2 labs down in the last 6 years, on was a choc, that lived to be 17 and a black that lived to 12 and had cancer.
On a happier note my newest lab a choc. female Scout ( got her at 6 weeks old) just turned one on the 12th of this month. Get ready for the chewing stage~~~~~~~!!!! :-)
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hattie
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# Posted: 30 Jun 2011 13:33
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Thank you for your kind words naturlover66 and turkeyhunter. It's going to be a crappy week for sure next week. *sad sigh*
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naturelover66
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# Posted: 8 Jul 2011 15:12
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Hattie..... and Hatties Hubby.........
Just wanted to let you know im thinking of you .
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turkeyhunter
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# Posted: 8 Jul 2011 16:46
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Quoting: naturelover66 Hattie..... and Hatties Hubby.........Just wanted to let you know im thinking of you .
X 2 ~~~~~~had you guys on my mind this week for sure.
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mrmiji
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# Posted: 8 Jul 2011 18:59
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I had a pet mouse but I didn't understand the proper care for rodents and accidentally killed it with a block of food that apparently had arsenic in it.
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hattie
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# Posted: 8 Jul 2011 19:10
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turkeyhunter and naturelover66: Thank you so much for your kind words and for your thoughts. Fergie went downhill more every day last week. She wouldn't even lift her head for food, so we knew it was time - but it was still heartbreaking.
Yesterday was a very difficult day with so many mixed emotions. We said goodbye to our beloved Fergie, took a crying break and then headed out to pick up little Molly. Her antics have certainly helped to comfort us and she is a real sweetheart.
She is quite smart and goes to the door when she wants out. Last night she was very comfortable sleeping on her little bed on the floor beside our bed. She woke me at 4 am to go outside, did her business and came back to bed. She was a bit restless, but as soon as hubby reached over to her, she licked his fingers and fell asleep. *S*
Today we tried taking her outside on our property off leash and she stayed right with us. We reopened the Motel today and weren't sure how she would react to people coming in the front door. She doesn't bark or rush to the door. She just stays with us, so we are really pleased with that. Our guests are smitten with her too. *S*
Molly - 12 Weeks Old
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Relaxed Molly
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Sleepy Molly
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naturelover66
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# Posted: 9 Jul 2011 09:58
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awwww shes just beautiful......... i love the picture of her sleeping with her little bear toy.
My husband and I have had Labradors for 23 years....... its my breed.
Molly is fortunate to have such a loving home and will bring you years of love and companionship.
Congrats........ xoxoxoox Lisa
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Erins#1Mom
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# Posted: 10 Jul 2011 18:56
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hattie,
when missing fergie and feeling sad, go to www.rainbowsbridge.com. it's a web site for we owners whose animals have gone before so.
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turkeyhunter
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# Posted: 10 Jul 2011 21:32
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Quoting: hattie little Molly.
what a cutie!!!!!
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hattie
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# Posted: 10 Jul 2011 23:19
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Erins#1Mom - Thank you for the link. It looks like a wonderful site!
I thought I was handling things pretty well but then a couple of our guests (regulars) gave me a beautiful little frame with Fergie's picture in it. That did it for me.....Then at dinner tonight we had spaghetti. Fergie always ate all my meatballs. I haven't eaten a meatball in years! I took one look at that plate of food and that was it for me. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat that meal again without melting inside.
turkeyhunter - Thanks...She has become Hubby's shadow. *S* She has softened his crusty old heart. *S*
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spee
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# Posted: 11 Jul 2011 13:59
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happy thread turned sad, at least they lived a good life.... I lost my little shitzu "Willy" 3 weeks ago.. I was on my honeymoon when he passed and my parents had to put him down after his seizures got really bad.
He lived to 18 years old, ate filet migon and chicken breast his whole life( parents own a restaurant and he hated dry dog food)
As owners/parents all we can do is enjoy our time together with them and make sure they live a great life.
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hattie
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2011 02:56
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spee - I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like Willy had a very happy and long life.
You are correct in referring to us as parents because that is what we are. I'm sure those without pets think we are all nuts, but anyone who has loved a pet looks at themselves as a parent and not an owner.
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 12 Jul 2011 21:36
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Quoting: toyota_mdt_tech French bulldogs are not supposed to get over 30 lbs, mine is 48lbs. Gadget is almost 50lbs now. Growing like a weed.
Well, update. Gizmo is now 62 lbs! Yes, he is a french bulldog. Gadget it at 72lbs. Both full grown. Gizmo have a sever brain infection, menigitis and we spent just over $7000 on him. He is doing fine, but has slowed way down and behaves more like a cat now, ie lay around, sleeps a lot. Gadget is still a handful. Gadget is the English bulldog.
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Malamute
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2011 12:47 - Edited by: Malamute
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I have two of these.
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hattie
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# Posted: 27 Jul 2011 17:37
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Malamute - Now that is one contented looking dog!!
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Montanagirl
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# Posted: 2 Aug 2011 18:52
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Standard Poodle
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 18 Aug 2011 18:59
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Just finished an odor free potty box for my blind cat Mr. D. who will be sharing my new small home with me.
Simple, effective and portable and oh....it WORKS!
See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwntV--BDHY
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cabin_pal
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# Posted: 17 Sep 2011 22:18 - Edited by: cabin_pal
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Camping at the cabin wouldn't be the same without a dog , or two, or three... They love to run free and rut in the dirt. That's what dogs do, and you have to be a dog person, yourself, to appreciate it. It's rewarding to see them happy in the great outdoors.
Pictured in the sweater is my dog, Buster, shortly before or after (I can't remember which) he gaily rolled in a freshly-laid cow pie (my cabin is in open range land). He was so proud of himself! Evidently, there is something very desirable about rolling in a cow pie.
Needless to say, he got a spur-of-the-moment outdoor bath, and we all had a good laugh!
The lab is Birk, a neighbor's pet, and has lived his entire life in the wooded Okanogan Highlands. Birk and Buster are best buds (or, at least, Birk puts up with him).
..... Many fond memories of these dogs "in the wild."
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hattie
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# Posted: 17 Sep 2011 22:34
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hehehehe...I love the sweater. *S*
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