Once again, please read before you answer! The dog has been named Bela! New people to the site, I beg you, please read!Quote:
Originally Posted by leira
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Once again, please read before you answer! The dog has been named Bela! New people to the site, I beg you, please read!Quote:
Originally Posted by leira
Lol alona sounds nice but her name is bela :)
Please read posts before answering :P
Ana, trust me, I'm not always nice, I can be downright nasty when I have to be, but I really don't feel that I have to be with you. You have listened to what we said, and I respect that. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ana52408
You do have to try and understand where we are coming from. I'm 38 years old, I've had every pet imaginable, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, you name it. Right now I have a small zoo in my house, 3 dogs, 4 rabbits, a bird and a fish. I understand the love people have for fur babies, heck, I sometimes think that I'm overdoing it. Most of my pets are rescues, all of my pets are spayed or neutered, except for the beagle puppy, he's only 5 months old, will be neutered next month.
I've never impulse adopted a fur baby. Every one of my fur, feather and fin babies where well thought out, researched and planned.
I've seen things that I don't wish on any other human being. I've been present on euthanasia day at the SPCA, helped the staff put down these poor animals just because someone wasn't responsible enough to provide the care they needed.
I've seen dogs that were left outdoors with cancerous growths on their bodies, no food, no water, no shelter in -30 degree celsius weather while their owners lived in the lap of luxury without a care in the world.
I've seen videos of animals that were euthanized but didn't die the first time, where thrown into the pile of other dead dogs, still alive, still breathing, terrified and alone among rotting flesh and decaying bodies.
I've seen videos of animals skinned alive, still breathing and left to die a horrible painful death, all because someone wants a fox fur coat.
I've seen it all and that's why I fight for animals. They don't have a voice, that's our job, to give them a voice, to stop the inhumane treatment of living, breathing, feeling creatures.
I've met dogs that have seen the worst that human beings have to offer, they've been beaten, abused, starved, kicked, and yet they still come up to human beings and lick their hands and ask for hugs.
You're 15, I don't wish for you to see the things I've seen, but you do have to understand that the world isn't all puppy hugs and fur babies, tails wagging and tongues licking. There's a whole world of abuse out there that many people aren't aware of, or turn a blind eye to. I choose to watch, to listen, to witness, because to turn my back on these animals isn't something I can do and live with myself afterwards.
I don't make a hug difference, but I do make a difference, and if I have to do it by yelling, screaming, getting mean, well, that's a price I'm willing to pay, if I get through to just one person it's worth it.
So, yes, we can be harsh, but it's not without reason. I don't think you're a bad person, I think you really do love Bela and all your other dogs, and I'm glad, but please try and understand where we are coming from.
We don't know you, you don't know us, but maybe what I've said will make you understand us a bit better, because I'm not the only one that feels this way about animals. Starby and Linny are animal advocates as well, perhaps, one day, you will be too. :)
Ana, I know you haven't seen the horrible things some of us have seen that makes us so passionate when we talk about dogs or other animals. Some people will say, well it's just one dog, or one animal!. when in fact it's not. Ana, I really think you have the capability and spunk to learn more, and go out there and be an advocate for dogs and the other animals you love.
Here's just an idea for you, and maybe Danny would like to do it too! Find your local shelter, and when you are taking Bela, or your other 4 dogs for a walk, stop by and take one of the shelter dogs with you! You've got a whole crowd anyway! Take them to the dog park if you have one, or to an open field where they can run and play, and feel like they are part of a pack! This will not only let them get their exercise, but then you will be doing something to help out a dog without a home. If you volunteer and show how much you care, you never know what opportunities will come your way. There are so many dogs in shelters that are just waiting for some fresh air and a romp in the field!
Maybe you'll even decide to be a vet, or someone that wants to make a difference by rescuing others and placing them into loving homes. There are so many different things you could do to help out. I think I recall that you mentioned that you may want to become a lawyer? Well, maybe you could focus your energy and career on animal rights! You might even want to go into humane law enforcement, or something along those lines. Just a thought, but I think if you put your mind to it, that you could do it.
EDIT:: Do not be taking the other shelter dogs home. Help them find a good home if you can, but you don't need to be taking in anymore at this point.
I agree Starby.
Ana, you have your whole life ahead of you, you could make a huge difference in the lives of animals. You obviously love fur babies, so think about it, you could change the world! :)
Oh... I have to spread the rep! Alty, that was a deeply moving post. It gave me the chills! Ditto on the rep to you too, starby. Aw, you girls...
Okay, ana, I understand where you're coming from. You know, I had a high school sweetheart named Danny from when I was 14 until we left for college (he really loved dogs too), so I can totally identify with your intense feelings toward him. It's a unique time in your lives. I know how happy I still am to have had such a wonderful , stable and supportive boyfriend by my side during our teens! It really was a great experience for both of us.
Anyway, I think this might be my last post in this thread. I think you know what I wanted to say, and that's all I can do.
Here's where the problem set in for me. The sympathy I had earlier left me after I read that other thread. It was so over the top, it knocked me over. I can appreciate what you've said in your last posts, but I cannot tell a lie... I'm just not convinced in my heart that all of the right things were done. It was like pushing a square peg into a round hole. Maybe you were able to shove it in to fit, but... I don't know. I still feel like something very fishy went on along the way.
Here's the thing. What I can't recall reading was anything from you saying that you know that it's wrong to give a fur baby as a gift to anyone, let alone to the big crush of your teen years in a home where the mom did not want it, even saying that you'd do it anyway. What you said in that other thread was just awful. I don't know how you could have had that in you 2 weeks ago. I don't know how you convinced her. I still find it odd. If I knew you had learned from everyone telling you the same things on this subject, I might have felt differently. All I found were excuses and justifications. I just don't feel comfortable with this situation, no matter how it ends.
Honestly, I just love all of the good things you've added down the road to your previous posts. That's the way to take care of the pure bundles of love that make our families and lives so much better. I know I would not be the same person had I not grown up with animals from the day I was born. I'm sure you feel that, too!
I have no ill will toward you whatsoever. Quite the opposite! You are a very sweet girl. That's incredibly apparent. I love how much you are drawn to animals, and that says a lot about your heart and your character. I won't think of you in a bad way for the rest of your life. However, I get to cut myself some slack and be honest with my feelings here. I don't think it will do any good long term by sugar coating them now.
I wish you, Bela and the gang all the luck, health and love in the world. Take good care of her. I know you'll be watching out for her.
I agree with starbuck about trying to involve local animal shelters in every day activities, but make sure bella has had all of her shots before you introduce her to too many dogs or places where dogs have been sick such as dog parks, pet smart, etc. It is too easy for a puppy to get sick and then at best you will have steeping vet bills. All of us here would hate for anything to happen to little Bella, and I'm sure you would to. I know what its like to lose a puppy and it may start with a simple walk in the park but it certainly doesn't end like one.
Of course! Well, I do community hours at a local pet store here in Florida and they get pups to put up for adoption almost everyday and our job is to take care of them and to play with them and to take them out for walks, and also I don't know if the whole US does silver knights in high school but it's a community service project which you have to either raise money or build something for the community and everybody does it for cancer, diabetes, autism, etc. but I thought I would go with a new idea and raise money for animals with out homes, and also animal abuse and such. I can host walks, and different events and I will have a good amount of money by my senior year. Then after all, I donate it to the humane society and all those animal foundations. I'm starting on it now and I'm so excited! Oh and alten, I do know where you guys are coming from and trust me I understand you guys fully. Yes you guys have been tough, but I know you guys don't do it to offend me, I know your doing it for a good cause. You all have excellent points, and oh alten, I've seen a couple video's about the dog's getting their skin ripped while alive because little ms. rich rich wants a fluffy coat and she doesn't want to wear a cozy cotton one! From the first second to the last, I cry because that is just so cruel and so sad, that's why my silver knights project is going to be based on all the fur animals and all the animals that don't have fur either :)
Ana, good for you, I hope that you raise a lot of money to help the poor animals that cannot voice their opinions, whose lives are in our hands, often cruel, uncaring hands.
My kids are 10 and 6, I've taken them both with me to the humane society, they've both seen the good and the bad that we human beings have to offer. I refuse to let them see the worst, they're too young, but one day, I hope that they too will fight for animal rights, as well as human rights.
I'm glad that Bela has found a good family, I wish you all the best. :)
Aww thank you! Don't worry that that isn't a bad thing for them, that teaches them a lot and they well learn and be as brilliant as their mommy with the animals :)
I'm going to post another thread now because I need to find a couple animal foundations, I know the humane society is a bigg one that one is great so I can donate!
I'm in Canada, we have many foundations here. There are a lot of "No kill" shelters, they're usually privately run, the people who house these animals pay most expenses out of their own pockets, or rely on the kindness of strangers and donations.
Do a search for your area, just Google dog shelters, or cat, bunny, whatever you want. You should get a list of foundations in your area.
Post the link to your new thread, I'll do my best to help. :)
That would be an awesome help! I'm trying my best to find local foundations down here in south Florida and stuff but here is the link to my new thread :)
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/a...ml#post1564049
Ana, I'm so glad you are doing what you are to help. One word of caution, and something that immediately jumped into my mind. This pet store where you walk the dogs? Where do they get the dogs? Are they selling them?
Many pet stores will claim that they are shelter dogs, when in fact they are from puppymills. I'm not saying that these dogs don't need love too, I'm just saying that if in fact they are getting them from mills or backyard breeders, anyone who supports their business is contributing to the problem.
One store in particular who claims to be selling rescued dogs that come from shelters, is Petland!. although there are many more. The only one I trust is PetSmart. I recently watched an undercover video, where Petland and others Pet Store chains were buying dogs from the mills, and they pups lived in disgusting surroundings. They were overcrowded in their cages, and were deprived of food and water. The place was filthy dirty. They were breeding the pups from the "breeder dogs" who were deformed. Some had no limbs, eyes, ears, etc.
So, I just saying that you should make sure you know for certain, where they are getting their puppies. Hopefully the place that you are helping at is not one of the pet stores that uses this practice.
I'm going to post a few links for you, where you can help a little. You can feed shelter dogs everyday, just with a click. Give me a few minutes and I'll have them for you.
Aww thanks! And no its petsmart don't worry :)
That's exactly where I do it and oh they come from families that can't keep them and people that just can't have them and stuff, don't worry I asked lol
I remember when I moved here from venezuela, I had to live in this little rented house and the owner after 3 weeks of us living there said we couldn't have dogs so me and my family begged and begged and he kept saying no so when we told him were moving out because were not getting rid of the dog he changed his mind right away!
Here they are, and everyone should sign up to receive notifications everyday. It only take a minute to click everyday, and you are feeding dogs and cats. Also, when you click on the first link, there are other places to click on where you can help with breast cancer, the rainforests, children, and litteracy.
www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Freekibble
Sajjw, while socializing a puppy is very vital in its development you need to be smart about doing it! You have no way on knowing if all of the animals in public places have all been vaccinated and in a place such as a dog park it could be very easy to pick up something like parvo especially since its incubates for up to two weeks and a puppy can be hopping around one day and on its death bed the next. Proper socializing can come AFTER the puppy has had its shots.
Exactly, and I was very glad that you pointed out what I failed to say when telling Ana to walk the other dogs with Bela. Also another thing I failed to point out when I wrote, is even if a puppy is up to date with all shots, doesn't mean it is 100% immune. So I will have to say that the puppies that Ana is walking, even at the pet store, it is probably not wise to take Bela along at this point. Let her build up some immunity before she is around other young pups, so they are all free and clear. That way there is much less risk of Bela contracting the parvovirus.Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverfoxkit
Try naming it something that you guys call each other. Personally me and my wife ended up naming our dog pookie! Or just go with something cute like sugar.
The dog was named pages ago, it's Bela.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryanpm
Welcome to AMHD, but please, read all posts in a thread before responding, otherwise you miss stuff that has already been discussed.
Thank you.
Thanks alty lol aww pookie is adorable!! I call him squishy but I think that's boy name :) lol I love bela though and nahh I won't want to risk getting bela in between dogs I don't know where they have been. I mean she is still a pup and of course I love to walk every one of them but bela loves to run and play chase and play with toys and she mends my heart when I'm with her :) the other dogs I get so happy when I see them enjoying my play time with them, but again I don't want to mix little bela with the other doggies, she's so cute! Lol oh and alty I read on your other post you have a zoo! Hehe I'm almost there! I have 4 dogs, 6 beautiful fishes, a conure (amazing bird), and of course now little bela but she's with my boyfriend :) but I still count her as my dog of course lol and now my family is saving up because we want a rainbow parrot, it's the bird I've always wanted and wow its beautifull!!
I've always wanted a parrot, but my hubby isn't a bird lover. He adores our cockatiel, she's a rarity, very quiet, very loving, very gentle, hubby is her human, they have a bond.
I have the three dogs, 14 years old, 7 years old and 5 months old. The 4 bunnies, ranging in age, the bird and the fish from hell! I kid, but really, this fish is huge, I was told he wouldn't outgrow his tank, I was also told he probably wouldn't live more than a week or two, the lied! He's over 4 years old, still growing and will probably outlive us all! ;)
Each of my animals get quality time every day, have their run around, their pets, scratches and affection, except of course the fish, not much you can do with a fish. ;)
Sorry, Silverfoxkit I thought we were talking about after a puppy had its shots. I won't let my puppies on the ground outdoors whatsoever until it is vaccinated. Then I take it to all the most populated places I know so it can socialise and learn doggie communication skills. I have always had the importance of doing this drummed into me. 'It' sounds awlful but quicker than keep typing he/she!Quote:
Originally Posted by Silverfoxkit
Dear Linnealand
As promised in a previous thread, I am writing in response to your post. Sorry for the delay, I should have done this sooner, its just I have been discouraged from the subject of breeding as I was so upset by some of the comments I have received previously and didn't want to start it all off again. I now want to post a question about backyard breeders in the general discussion area so thought it best if I clear up some misunderstandings first.
Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
Once again I have to say, if someone comes on this site claiming to be a breeder and is asking a question any breeder would know, then we have to assume that he/she isn't a breeder. A breeder knows that when a dog is hemorraghing that dog should be brought to the vet. A breeder knows at what age a dam is ready to breed A breeder knows how to care for pups born to the dam. So, if someone comes here asking these sorts of questions, well, they're quite obviously not a breeder and have no business breeding their dog.Quote:
All I was commenting on was that people on this site are so quick to start criticising when they don't know the facts. All Ana asked for was suggestions for a name. If people wanted to lecture her about buying dogs as presents it would be better if they checked with her things like 'does your boyfriend want a dog?' first. Likewise with me, before tickle starts saying "you would be considered a backyard breeder" perhaps she could establish if I were one or not. It has been explained to me that it's the experts job to answer questions not ask them but I still feel that people on here are very quick to judge. It has also been explained to me why that is -that you do gets lots of stupid questions from backyard breeder and have all seen some horrible cruelty and I sort of understand. I never suggested that buying dogs for people is OK. I didn't comment on that.
Sajjw, we've all been her a long time and we get questions like the ones I mentioned every day. So, when a person comes to ask one of those questions, we know they are reputable breeders and they will get our wrath because we've done our homework, we know how many unwanted, unloved, genetically defective dogs are out there.
When someone comes online and defends these backyard breeders, it's usually because they themselves are backyard breeders and they want to justify what they are doing.
I know many breeders, none of them would ever recommend that someone just mate their dogs and hope for the best. None of them would give someone a pat on the back for trying to be a breeder without any info on breeding and without having taken the necessary precautions. You see, legitimate breeders don't only care about their dogs, but others as well. They want to ensure that only the best genes are brought out in each specific breed of dog.
So, when you defended a backyard breeder, we had a very hard time believing your claim to be a legitimate licensed breeder. Do you understand?
I don't want to keep fighting back and forth with you, that's not something I enjoy doing. But, rest assured, if you do side with the backyard breeders coming here to AMHD, don't expect me to slink off into a corner and say nothing, that's not something I'm willing to do, no matter how many people end up hating me for it.
I'm sorry that you felt attacked, but when you've been around for a while longer, start answering the same questions over and over and over again, because you feel you must, well, sooner or later you're going to get frustrated that so many people are doing something so very harmful to dogs. It's gets to you, it's gotten to all of us, but we still come here every day hoping to get through to these people and make them understand.
No hard feelings.
The problem with a lot of these "breeders" who come here is that they jump in the ocean before they can swim, so to say. After the fact is not the time to be doing research or asking questions. There shouldn't be any "I think my dogs in labor but she's just bleeding and straining...." or "how can I tell if my dog is pregnant?"
They should have already been responsible enough to have those sort of answers before even considering breeding, let alone doing it! Breeding should not ever be treated like a trail and error sort of thing. An "error" can easily cost the dog and/or the puppies their lives. No dog is "just a dog". Dogs are living, breathing, thinking, feeling, loving creatures that deserve to be treated like such, not puppy factories, not money makers.
Silver, I had to spread the rep. Great post, so true. You said what I wanted to and did it with a lot fewer words. Bravo! :)
FYI, my poodles name was Silver. :)
Thanks. I just wish that people would start getting the point, but no one ever seems to learn. They just get angry and defensive, some of it is probably from sub-conscious guilt that they know they are wrong, but instead of admitting it they choose to deny it and get angry. They wrap themselves up in a web of illusionary justifications.
"It's just one litter......" What if every dog had just one litter?
"I found them good homes..." Are you so certain that your puppies won't end up on the curb in a few months or years? The statistics argue otherwise, and they weren't made up either.
"I want my children to learn about birth..." Yes, lets raise another generation of people who taking breeding with a grain of salt. Its seems you need a lesson about death. Go assist in shelter euthanasia of puppies just like your own and see how you feel about it then. If you really want to teach your children. Why not search out a local reputable breeder and ask if your children may be witness to one of their dogs giving birth? Teach your children that not every dog should have puppies and that it should only be done by special people and with special dogs.
"If everyone stopped the breed would die out..." Not everyone should quit breeding, only the uneducated, unqualified breeders, which is probably 75% or more of them. We should be more worried about quality and not quantity.
"I want to have fun and make a few bucks at the same time.." Yeah? So do drug dealers. Does that mean they should have the right to push drugs?
Hi, sajjw. For the record, as you and I know this but others members probably don't, we got to talk a little about some aspects of these things in private. From my side, I wanted to let you know that you had managed to soothe some of the concerns I had because of some of the things you had included in other posts. Unfortunately, it appears that the post in which you had included the information that inspired me to think differently about the kind of person you are (for the better) was pulled, and the thread was also closed, so there was no way for either one of us to establish that there. At that point I had mentioned that, personally, I didn't need you to do what you just did for my benefit, but I see you went through the trouble of posting it just the same. I'm a little curious to know why you didn't mention any of it again in your message and why this post was worded in a way that made it seem like that conversation never happened, but I suppose this is really about clearing some things up for your image in the public eye. I'm sure it might give any other members who were also (at that point legitimately) questioning some of the things you had brought up a chance to get to know more about you.
I know that it can sometimes be difficult to transition into becoming a part of the community here. I think there are a number of reasons for this, but one of the most significant can often be because this site runs a bit differently than many other sites. While there are a lot of places that have a "post and run" style, these boards have some "post and run" members, but its foundation is really based upon a good community of people who believe in supporting each other and are passionate about making sure that they can help dogs get the best care they can. I also know it can sometimes be as difficult for new members to learn the right approach through their tone and their content as it can sometimes be for older members to guess the real ideologies, backgrounds and reasons behind the information that different new members post here. I think this is something that you've also realized, and I'm impressed that you are attempting to establish yourself as a responsible player.
Overall, the fact is that this site can only benefit from people who do (and want to do) the right things, and people who are able to share their knowledge and experiences in various facets of dog care can do a lot to help the people who come here seeking good advice.
It looks like you've become inspired to do some good things through this site, so I'm looking forward to seeing you do your best to achieve that success in the future.
p. s. for future reference, there's a quote button above the reply box that you can use to separate another poster's quotes from your own responses. Using that method can help keep your post from getting lost in the original quote, or from making it seem as if the other poster was responsible for the new additions.
EDIT: p. p. s. silverfox, if I could have rated both posts back to back, you would have gotten 10 gold stars. I'm so glad you're here to say the things you say. And alty, I've got to spread the rep for you, too! Aw...
Hi Linnealand, thanks for your post. I didn't mention that we had sorted things out via private message because I was concerned that this information might cause problems for you as other members seemed to have taken against me so strongly. Also, I didn't want it to sound like I was saying "well Linnealand thinks I'm OK". People should decide this for themselves based on information they are provided with. Yes you are right that its more others that I was trying to clear things up with because I want to be able to post questions on here without getting nasty comments in reply because members believe I am a backyard breeder.
I'm not sure which bit of my message on the closed thread you are referring to that I didn't mention in my recent post but I think it is the following... When I said that if nobody bred dogs, they would more or less die out eventually, I meant NOBODY. I was not in any way trying to justify backyard breeding. I had misunderstood things that had been said and thought that ALL breeders were being condemned, even the reputable ones like me. I was then misunderstood and taken to mean that its OK for peole to backyard breed when this is not whatsoever what I was saying. Of course I would never defend backyard breeding , I think it is a depicable practice.
Thanks for your advice Linnealand, it is much appreciated.
Sajjw, I'm glad that you came back to clear that up. You're correct, we did think you were condoning backyard breeding and that's why you got our wrath. I have no patience for backyard breeders. I just finished answering a thread about a 4 week old puppy that can't poop. The OP, obviously a young girl, said that the puppy was given to her early by the "breeder" because they were selling the dam. No puppy should be taken away from its mom at 4 weeks. These are the posts that make me sick to my stomach.
You are more than welcome here, I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot. A little secret, when Linny first came to the site she got a bit of our bad temper too, a big misunderstanding, do you remember Linny? Now she's one of the first people I PM when I need help with a dog question. I respect her greatly, her knowledge, her compassion, her love for dogs.
So, can we start fresh? I hope so.
I hope to see you on the boards.
Alty :)
I agree that there could likely have been a misunderstanding here. We get so many posts from backyard breeders that aren't registered or licensed to do so. Many that are only in it for the money, and will breed any and all that they can, just for that extra buck! Many claim that they are breeding for the love of the breed, and truly believe they are doing the right thing, when often times they just don't understand that the breed that they have is in fact not a dying breed.
Then of course there are the backyard breeders that say they do it because they love their dogs and want their dog to just have the "experience" of having one, two, three litters. They are unknowledgeable, and ignorant to the reality of it all. They get very angry with us, because we know the damage and hurt that it causes, to these precious lives, and how many other dogs have to die, because of this.
I've not heard your credentials Sajjw, but if they are good enough for Linny, they are good enough for me. I know of Linny's dedication, as well as Alty's, and my own. And yes, I remember our little short lived spat Linny. We were on a different page in the same book, and we were both trying to find the same page! Haha! ;) We love you to death, Linny. We couldn't do without you here!
Hello again, sajjw. The post that inspired me to write to you, in part to save you the time of posting the details of your test results, was the one where you had offered to do so. I assumed that you were being honest, and, truthfully, a lot of those questions were really rather rhetorical in nature in the first place. I don't expect that others need to satisfy my criteria to make me happy, but I do just hope that more people consider the kinds of questions I included in my post to you for the benefit of their dogs. I sincerely applaud the things in your response post that you've done as a responsible owner, from using a mentor to testing your dogs. I cannot overemphasise the importance of these things, and I'm glad you also take them seriously.
Okay, I'm in for a soapbox moment to discuss, simply as a point in general, why this is the case. In my opinion, genetic testing is surely amongst the most responsible things a breeder can do when choosing the parents of a litter. It's fairly expensive to have done, so most people who don't think it matters, for whatever reason -- because they aren't breeding extensively, or simply don't want to be bothered with this step (and in some cases don't even know this option exists) -- just don't do it. The truth is that this method of testing is still relatively new as far as breeding is concerned. Obviously, since it wasn't even an option before, everyone just bred without it. However, long term, some devastating consequences took place because of this lack of information, unfortunately including many cases where the breeders weren't aware (or couldn't have known) that they were breeding from dogs that were carriers of various hereditary diseases that weren't showing up in their dogs of breeding age. When a dog with one of those hereditary diseases was used to give birth or sire litters within the breeding world, it was a little like opening Pandora's box. Following generations could continue to breed other carriers, populating beloved breeds with some of the devastating hereditary issues we've come to know all too well. Among them range serious eye diseases like CEA (collie eye anomoly) and late onset progressive retinal atrophy, which causes blindness (although this can also be discovered in younger dogs), to other infamous muscoskeletal disorders like hip dysplasia. Unfortunately, those are just the beginning. For example, I'm swept away with love for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but the extent to which a number of extremely serious genetic disorders has infiltrated the breed, from mitral valve disease and luxating patella to the horrors of Syringomyelia (a truly devastating brain and spine disease) is beyond belief; more than 90% of the breed is believed to carry the genes responsible for SM. Although the cost of testing for "rare" diseases such as SM can be extremely costly, I think that testing is going to be the hope and saving grace to really help this breed to survive, and I can't imagine anyone could even consider breeding them without having them fully screened beforehand.
Technically, even if your dog's parents were cleared for the diseases that are most frequently found in their breed, the offspring that are being considered for breeding are also supposed to get tested (if you think about it, it makes more sense that one might initially assume, and there are a number of reasons this is considered the ultimate standard. For one, although a dog's parents may have been tested for a well planned pregnancy, there have been cases where more than one sire mated with the mother during her heat cycle, of which the breeder was not always aware. I think much of it comes down to the old "better safe than sorry" adage.)
Now that genetic testing for hereditary diseases is available to prevent some of these problems from continuing to infiltrate the world of breeding, I think it's the most ethical choice as far as big breeding is concerned. It does cost money to do, but I don't think the price of testing can even be compared to the veterinary costs associated with trying to handle a serious problem once it arises, not to mention the immense suffering a dog with a serious hereditary disease can endure, and the heartbreak and emotional pain felt by all involved.
It's very easy to get carried away with these thoughts, and perhaps I've just digressed.
Anyway, the point of all of that was simply to say that it's important. Of course, there are so many other aspects that are involved in breeding and overall dog care that are at least as important as all of that is. It's good to know that you're looking to take so many of those elements seriously, and I've appreciated your changes in the threads, which have been quite apparent. I've enjoyed many of your latest posts.
Because of the major difference in the tone and content of your posts, since you have been putting forth big efforts, and since you have gone back to try to clear up some of the things you had talked about, I'm surely willing to keep looking forward and chalk the past up to some elements of miscommunication, and I'm not only one willing to do that. So you understand things from our position, the difference between the earlier posts and the recent posts is tremendous. I think it would have saved a whole lot of time and concern had some of those significant details been referenced earlier. I know that a lot of members were thrown off by a lot of the things you wrote earlier on, and, whether it was your intention or not, I do think there were occasions where it was a little too easy to read as argument for argument's sake, or as appearing to defend the people who were making poor choices while putting down people who were saying a lot of the right things, as waving some significant looking red flags in general. I think the proof of that was in the reaction they stirred up, and many of us were naturally concerned about what you meant in writing them. Despite all of that, I'm glad we're moving on to better things now.
I know that some of us can be tough cookies when it comes to red flag posts in general, especially if there is any possibility whatsoever that the person posting them might appear to be doing anything that could be bad for the well being of any pets or animals. I'm sure you realize is that it's all based on the best intentions. Frankly, while, in the end, you might not fall into elements of the risky category, there are some eagle eyes watching out for those big red flags at all times simply because there are people who regularly brush through here asking the kinds of questions that can only lead others to assume that they haven't done a fraction of a fraction of the work needed to care for their pets with the utmost level of responsibility. For that reason, I really do think there are times when a somewhat stern reality check is certainly in order. I don't think that's anyone's favorite time of day. Things like that are usually very sad or plain old frustrating to deal with. The best times are when we get to be totally supportive, caring, and compassionate, and fortunately there are so many occasions to celebrate all of that as well. Surely this site benefits from everyone who is here to help others, and I'm glad you've really turned things around to become one of them. That's great news.
As for you, alty and starby, you lovely, gorgeous little devils... :D I'm so glad I get to just love and adore you girls as much as I do. No doubt, to some extent, we're all tough cookies (probably always have been, probably always will be)... but we're still cookies, aren't we? ;) yes, it's all true. Even li'l miss linny went through a little initiation process via the pet board machine. I could compare it to the existence endured by some pledges at some hardcore sorority house at a crazy party school, including the hangover but excluding the alcohol with which one could otherwise hope to numb the awful pain, ROFL (I think that analogy might wind up in my signature). As the story goes, we got into a discussion on a subject in which we all agreed completely in the first place, but fortunately the "beating in" didn't last too long, LOL. Really, the best part is that it didn't take long for us to become friends, and I honestly can't say enough good things about them today. I'd be there for them in a flash whenever they need me, and I know they'd do the same. Tough cookies we may be, but we're also sugar coated, heart shaped and topped with rainbow sprinkles. I swear. :)
p. s. I love the avatar. And the links to the pics... totally gorgeous.
Don't forget crunchy, we're crunchy! ;)Quote:
tough cookies we may be, but we're also sugar coated, heart shaped and topped with rainbow sprinkles. I swear.
Aw Linny, right back at you sweetie, love you to bits, don't know what we'd do without you.
Believe it or not I also had a tough initiation into AMHD. I made one mistake, a little spelling error/wrong word and got knocked down a few notches by the experts. I stayed off the site for 2 months and then one day I got a notice, "we haven't seen you in a while, why not check if there are any questions you can help with" heck I didn't even remember my password, had to request a new one.
Then I started getting into a groove, got some greenies, started feeling like I was making a difference and voilà, I'm still her a bit more than a year later.
Sneezy and I actually fought the first time we "met" as did Scott Gem and I. Cred and I got into so many fights that as soon as the mods saw us on the same thread they were likely to shut it down before the fireworks began. I extended an olive branch, we became friends, albeit with very different views, and we've never looked back.
It's funny actually, some of the people I hold most dear on this site started with a difference of opinion. So Sajjw, who knows, maybe one day we'll all be saying "remember when you first joined, boy did we disagree!" ;)
AMHD: cookies + advice. If we were licorice, we'd be All Sorts + advice. If we were donuts, we'd be donuts + bear claws + advice. If we were... okay, I think you get the point.
Perhaps the reason we've been more prone to discussions from the get-go is because we're a solidly passionate bunch. The truth is that there are a lot of people here with great intentions and a lot of character. We're all pretty different, too. No doubt, there are some truly amazing, beautiful and magnificent people on this site. Sure, there are some crazy, poop-caked monkeys in the mix too, but you'll find some of those in any group this large. Sometimes striking the perfect balance between being nice and being "honest" ain't so easy. Admittedly, there are some people whose company I always adore, and there can be others whose posts will have me tapping the ignore button in my mind with abandon. I think it's simply par for the course. We're also fairly limited in being able to understand who we're speaking with since everything we do gets written and read over the internet. It would be much easier if we were face to face. (plus, a lot of us girls and boys have some very pretty faces, which would make the experience even easier. Alty and starby run high on that list.) ;) I'm waiting for the profile feature to start working again. I think that could help quite a bit regarding new members. The introduction section can be a big help, too, although I still have to put my intro together. Hmm...
Alty, wouldn't I jump at the chance to chat away like silly girls in a statue tipped piazza with some espressos on the way! Of course, you, starby and I could just as easily crack open a bottle of Chianti and accomplish the same thing. Ah... Canadian snow angels and a whole day of sledding? Love it. Oh, what I wouldn't do just to see icicles! It feels like forever since the last time I touched snow. (well, it's only been a year, but still. You know I'm a winter's winter kind of girl.) of course, window shopping (um, yes, I meant going googly eyed over the tall dark and handsome types) on a sunny beach wouldn't be so bad either. Okay, so we're not on the market, but I'm buying into the "you can look but you can't touch" rule.. . were we talking about puppies and our beloved dogs? Okay, we must bring them along. Do Italian trained dogs bark with an accent? We'll have to ask Chewy and the gang to find out, eh? :D
Okay, I'm off to start cooking. It's cold and rainy out, and today is a homemade chowder and pajamas sort of Sunday. Loving it!
Poop-caked monkeys?. ROFLMAO! I can send you a box of icicles my sweets. How 'bout the 10 pounder that hit me in the head a few weeks ago? Lol. I could pack it up tight with a bottle of Chiante, and it would be nice and chilled, by time time we get to Italy. You want to jump a flight to Italy right Alty? I know you do! :D L'italiano degli uomini inchinandosi a nostri piedi, e swooning noi! Lol!
Of course, we could also be ski bunnies, and sit in the lodge with a cup of hot buttered rum, around the fireplace, and wait for the muscle bound ski instructors to arrive! We of course would need our sled dogs to bat their adorable big eyes, so the guy behind the bar would keep them coming! Then of course, we would have to go out and make snow angels, and build a snow hunk!
Oh so much fun! ;) :D
Not sure when this thread went from "naming a dog" to something else...
But... I heard I'm pretty good at naming things... dogs... cars... girls...
Darnit, it's true. Sneezy named our beagle puppy, I don't know how it happened but it did. He's like mold, he grows on you. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by ISneezeFunny
As for girls, sweetie, I'm still not terribly fond of the nickname you gave me and Sydney absolutely despises hers. :(
HAhahahaha, I'm in. snow hunks. That's excellent. Rum buttered ski instructors? Lol, emergency! I'm on my way. Madam, I don't know how you put that translation together, but I got your message. :) I would love AMHD in Italian. Languages unite! By the way, what's up with everybody on the language pages getting translations from English to Sanskrit for their tattoos? I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be getting a tattoo on my body from something a total stranger told me over the internet. Couldn't they be lying? Or wrong? Yeah. You know, one of the reasons I stayed with AMHD was to keep my English in gear. It has gotten rusty! It sounds weird, but I live 99% of my life in another language. I think that's nuts. You know, we wouldn't have to limit those plans to Italy or Canada. I think there's a line of umbrella tipped pineapples with our names on them in Jamaica.
Sneezykins, you're totally right. I know Bela got her name, but the next dog that comes in here should be named Jamaica. See how that works? It's like tying a bow. ;)
Alty, what names could possibly be that bad?
Then again, sneezy named himself after a dwarf.
Trust me, they're bad. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
He calls Sydney (my daugher) "Dimples" she hates it, actually growled at him once. It's cute.
He has nicknames for all his girls because he has trouble remembering their real names. Personally I think the nicknames are harder, but that's just me.
But he did name our Chewy and the name fits. :)
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