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Jude, you are hilarious! LMAO! Daffy Duck on speed! Is your head spinning around? Do you have green stuff coming out of your mouth? :eek: Are you starting to sing the chorus of "Diamonds are a girls best friend"? If you can do all three of those things at once, you could quit your job, and move to Hollywood! You could be in a broadway play! Oh, you're so funny, girl! :D We love you too... eh!Quote:
Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
Quote:
Originally Posted by starbuck8
And the person knew enough to go to another, totally unrelated thread, to give me a revenge reddie - so this is no babe in the woods.
But apparently it's over so I guess we turn the page.
Only time will tell who is being played and courted... and why.
Did you all hear of the dog breeder here in Atlanta, professional, dogs well cared for, with 100 plus all registered animals, all of a sudden their heath was too bad to take care of the dogs, her family could not or would not take over and they just called animal control to come in and haul them all off. I was just watching it on TV.
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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck
How sad - I understand animals are getting dropped off in shelters with the economy as bad as it is, also. I would guess there are also children wearing shoes that are too small. Sad business.
So this means you aren't taking in 100 dogs?
That would be your typical "puppymill,"... or at the very least, a "backyard breeder." A reputable and professional breeder that took good care of their dogs, would never EVER have over 100 dogs! These people were making a huge profit off these so called "registered" or "papered" dogs. I wonder what their surroundings were like! Maybe the owners were sick because it was likely filthy, and very unhealthy. That just sickens me. It isn't hard to get a dog registered at all. Does that mean they are of a good bloodline, or healthy, and are genetically sound?. absolutely not. I hope they charge these people. Sick or not, the people that ran this operation need to be held accountable, for their neglect. Very sad. :(... and infuriating!Quote:
Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck
No actuay the state representitives for the Ag dept were there that said they were fully licensed, were inspected every year and the animals were in the best condition that could be expected. In fact they and the humane society were stating the animals were so wonderful that they should not have any trouble getting rid of them. ( but of course this means the dozens of non perfect dogs won't be)
"The view" had a few dogs on their show last week, they were all rescue dogs that are currently in the shelter. Ya, there is an influx of dogs being surrendered because of the economy, it's sad. There was also a 12 year old dog on the show who's owner passed on and had no where else to go, at 12 years of age chances are he won't be adopted.
Times are tough, that's another good reason not to breed your dog, too many people out there can't afford to care for a dog right now, they're having enough trouble caring for themselves.
Judy sweetie, I hope my gut is right on this, but we'll see. I agree that the reddie was uncalled for, but like you said, it's just a reddie, it looks pretty with green. :) Take care of yourself chicky, we need you.
Hmmm, well I guess I would have to see the story. I'll try and find it. I still would question one breeder having over one hundred dogs though. The dogs could have very well been in a wonderful environment, but I would want to see how many people they had under their employ, that were giving these dogs the care and attention that they would need.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck
If it were to be a responsible and reputable breeder, they would need at least 2 people per dog, to give them the exercise, and affection that they would need, in order to be stable and make good pets for a loving family. That is also 100 plus dogs that are not spayed or neutered. The shelter will not likely have the funding to do this either. So not only will the other shelter dogs that are already there, that will have to die, but someone will take each of those dogs, and likely keep on breeding them. There within lies the problem.
Everyone get out their green markers and start coloring! We will have a color party! Who's in? Can we turn reddies into pinkies? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Altenweg
Red and green don't make pink Starby, they make a scary color that looks a lot like what my kids used to deposit in their diapers. Ew!
I'll stick with the red, they're a sign that I'm causing people to think. Okay, maybe not, but that's what I'm choosing to think. ;)
That brings to mind something that I have always wondered about when it comes to the transient and homeless folks in my neck of the woods. They always have large breed dogs. I understand that there is a sense of physical protection they could provide, but if you are having difficulty feeding yourself, how can you feed an animal that size? I would probably be a very short lived homeless person with canine companion, because I would go for the chihuahua size fellow, small appetite, always on high alert, fits in a small tote bag, and, well, leaves 'small deposits'.Quote:
Originally Posted by Altenweg
A chihuahua would never survive outdoors in my neck of the woods, a bigger dog is a must, it can keep you warm, protect you, carry things (however much a homeless person has to carry) and most importantly, survive. ;)
Actually the homeless in Edmonton don't have a lot of dogs, in fact, I've never seen a homeless person with a dog in Edmonton. I'm sure they're out there, but I've never seen them. Curious.
Didn't factor in the "keep you warm" part! Never thought of that. And yeah, a chihuahua in canada... definitely not an outdoors survival dog. The idea of a chihuahua is more of a perimeter alert than anything else. Super eyes, ears and nose, even asleep.Quote:
Originally Posted by Altenweg
I guess you could use them to haul something the size of a pack of cigarettes, or they could be a pocket warmer or neck warmer, lol.
Never underestimate the importance of cigarette retrieval! Any animal that would transport cigarettes is clearly doing God's work (he says, lighting another cigarette).Quote:
Originally Posted by vwdieseljunkie
Quote:
Originally Posted by Altenweg
I happen to like big dogs, live with over 200# of dog, as a matter of fact, and I also wonder how many people have to decide between feeding their dogs and putting sneakers on their children's feet.
I am getting 3-4 calls a week from the GSD rescue asking me to take in a dog. As it happens I pay the bills for my "foster dog" until the father is able to find employment. The dog gets to stay at home, the kids don't lose their dog (I always had a dog as a kid), the dog is taken care of and fed and gets his shots and medicine, when things pick up the family will still be intact.
I've posted before but I also feed an elderly person's cat - I never knew cats eat so little! It's a very inexpensive thing to do, including the litter, and the woman gets to keep her companion and she also gets to eat.
If anyone out there has a few extra dollars it's a very worthwhile thing to do - I do it anonymously through my Vet.
I never could get into the big dogs, but that was just me. I know it's a crude, farm-boy attitude, but it's basically sums it up for me:Quote:
Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
"If it eats more than me, or poops more, I need to be able to work it, ride it, or eat it." Like I said, it's crude, but it's my opinion.
I'm a cat fan myself, when it comes to an indoor animal. Perfect companion for me and my wife. When she wants attention, she comes TO us. Pet her and scritch on her a few minutes and she's done. She hops down and proceeds to go tend to her normal routine (90% sleeping, 5% bird-watching, 5% mystery). She lets us know when the food dish is empty (even if it's midnight) and she lets us know when she goes potty and the box needs cleaned. She's curled up in a 'kitty-loaf' right now, peering at me over her tail as though to say "I know you're over there talking about me". Love my kitty.Quote:
Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
My wife participates in some kind of "specialty-diet" food donation, thing, at our vet's office. Last time we bought some to donate, it was a big bag of kitten-specific, and a bag of what basically boils down to elderly cat food. It's similar to something Iams puts out, but by a different name. It makes her happy to know she's helping out, and she'd rather do it that way than to just donate money. It makes her happy, which in turn makes me happy. I like the anonymous aspect of the program.
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Originally Posted by vwdieseljunkie
Well, you may be crude but at least you're consistent.
I'll never claim to be more than I am! Good thing my wife has a rich sense of humor.Quote:
Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
Don't forget the beer Akoue! I think that will be Niksters game of the day. I'll teach her to retrieve stuff for mommy! :D Hey, I wonder if I can get her to clean? Hmmmm! I think she heard my evil plan. :eek: She just got up, gave me "the look" and went back to her pillow! This isn't going to be easy!Quote:
Originally Posted by Akoue
Oh yeah, you can hang it up, you've "been made", Niksters on to you!Quote:
Originally Posted by starbuck8
Damn... it was such a good plan too! Hhmmpptt! Plan B it is then. I wonder if I can get her to shovel the walk? She could stand to lose a few lbs. after all!
Yeah. Good luck on that. Let me know how that goes!Quote:
Originally Posted by starbuck8
But then again, if you try that one first, you may have much better luck on the beer retrieval scheme! I know I'd rather fetch beer than shovel snow!
Therein lies my dilemna. If she masters getting the beer, I'll have to drink them! I'll still be left with no one to do the walks, because I know once she learns to get the beer, she'll likely need lots of practise. I could just be sitting here all day and night, and well... wait... what was my dilemna?
Gasp! Akoue, I never would have taken you for a smoker. Then again, I wouldn't suppose that I would be taken for one either. There! The truth is out. Judge me at your discretion, you with the chubby pink lungs. Sure, it's a fact that leaves me in the shadows of shame, but quitting is t-o-u-g-h. I seem to remember someone else in here talking about smoking, too. Could it be that we're smoking while we're typing because we just can't take the stress hurled through us by some of the questions on the pet boards? That's the excuse I'll rest with today.
The last few posts reminded me of something I wanted to share about vet care and vet costs. We've talked about this before in related threads, but I can't get over how much more expensive vet care is in North America than it is here. Plus, in all honesty, the care we've gotten here has been better than the care we ever received from our vets back home. I'm talking about ultra-modern facilities, absolutely no rushing through our appointments, more than one vet available at all times to double check or even triple check any medical issues, an average cost of 25-35 euros for a complete check up and 6 euros for return visits (in one case, we went back every day for over a week for a dental abscess, and those 6 euros included a daily IV, antibiotics and vitamin boosters), plus an office that's open Monday to Sunday, 9am to 11pm with no extra cost at any of those times or days, and veterinary house calls (including an English speaking vet) available 24 hours a day for emergencies, all at the same price as an office visit. So what's with the big difference in costs?
Anyway, here's the part I really wanted to get to. In Italy, for the whole month of March, veterinary checkups will be free for all pet owners. You read it right. Free. They're doing it to inspire people just to get their pets checked. I think it's amazing.
I know there was a thread a few months ago about financially challenged pet owners. With the turn the economy has taken, I think this could become an even more significant discussion. Maybe it's worth starting another thread on this topic.
Linny, the dogs and I will be arriving and spending the month of March in Italy with you. Clean out the spare room and please make Vet appointments for both of them. I have had a cold for about 10 days and I have no problem seeing the Vet if he will see me because my Doctor is doing me no good.
I'm off now to make my airline reservations.
Linnykins? Do you have room for me and Snickers too?
http://www.postsmile.com/img/dogs/30.gif
Yes, you should start a thread about this! The costs of vet care here are INSANE!
Linnykins, can you make room for 4 more, we don't eat much. ;)
Starby, you can teach Nicki to get you beer, you just have to show her how, over and over and over again. Wait, are you training her, or is she training you? Interesting thought, after all, who jumps up and runs to the door when they hear a scratch? Who jumps up and fills up a bowl when they hear a whine? Who moves over to make room on the bed? I think we've been played! :eek:
Linny, I gave up smoking this year, its been two months now. I did it with nicoteen patches and a nicoteen inhalator and it really wasn't as bad as I expected. Im not saying it was fun but I certainly wasn't tearing my hair out. The patches help tremendously with the cravings and the inhalor gives you something to do with your hands. Im ever so pleased about it.
Well, Linny, at least you can still gasp! That's a good thing, right?Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
For my part, I haven't the least desire to quit smoking. Nicotine is a demanding mistress, to be sure, but she is so very tender and loving.
This is a great idea.Quote:
I know there was a thread a few months ago about financially challenged pet owners. With the turn the economy has taken, I think this could become an even more significant discussion. Maybe it's worth starting another thread on this topic.
Congrats!Quote:
Originally Posted by sajjw
I wish patches would work for me. I'm looking for a method as we speak to kick the habit, so much so that I started a thread in the Health and Wellness/addictions area. I just did some quick figuring, and a low-ball estimate is that I have consumed over 131,000 cigarettes thus far. I don't even WANT to know what my lungs look like. Add a few years of professional firefighting to that, plus a few decades of burning fields, underbrush, and brush/debris piles, my lungs probably look like raisins.
come one, come all! We've got free vets, dog friendly beaches, and dog parks. You can bring dogs into many cafes, to various restaurants, in trains, on buses, and while dress shopping at Gucci. My dog accompanies me to the bakery, the produce shop, the butcher shop, the cheese shop, the hardware store, and while picking up other household things around the city. There are also pet friendly hotels, and I personally do not know of anyone who was ever turned away from renting a house or an apartment because they have dogs, cats or both.
here's another kicker (just don't ask me how I didn't find out about this years ago because I'm still trying to figure that out for myself, but I'm in the middle of preparing a brand spanking new thread on this). The use of euthanasia as a means of ameliorating the dog and cat overpopulation problem has been deemed illegal on a national scale since 1991. This means that every shelter in the country is bound by no-kill laws.
Judy, my dear, you wouldn't have to sneak a helping hand from a vet for your awful cold because the doctors are also free. I think they may have instituted a new law asking for something like 15 euros as a flat rate for non-residents, but that would cover a trip to a family doctor, a specialist, a trip to the emergency room, or a stay in the hospital (including x-rays, sonograms, a necessary surgery... all of it). And if you don't want to use any of the thousands of affordable doctors that are available, you are equally welcome to go to completely private doctors, private specialists, and private hospitals. Prescription meds are often free to residents, or under 10-20 euros for non-residents. If you don't want to visit the doctor, you can stop by any local pharmacy and speak to the doctors there at no additional cost. I've tried various options from this list, and I have nothing to complain about. A few of the doctors and my German dentist (I love saying that--"German dentist"--sounds scary, no offense intended, lovely Alty!) are among the best I've seen.
the countryside is like a dream, the cities are dripping with art, the food is amazing, the wine is delicious, the clothes are beautiful, and the shoes are gorgeous, kids are well behaved, taking your time is considered a social necessity, and the average number of vacation days is an unreal 42 (it's closer to 28 in the UK, 26 in Canada and 13 in the U.S.), which usually includes a month long paid vacation at the beach or somewhere else in the world for the entire month of August. How do they do it? I don't know, but seems to work well enough for Italy to maintain one of the largest economies in the world. The only explanation I have so far is magic.
don't get me wrong, I still love the U.S. as I will for the rest of my life on this earth, and I still consider myself to be as patriotic as ever. I'm happy here, but I'd be happy back home, too. They're simply two different places. Of course, that doesn't mean we can't learn from each other! ;) 42 vacation days, 42 vacation days, plus weekends, plus weekends...
you can stay here, and bring along your dogs and cats. I live in the old library of a 14th century palazzo that's covered in the 16th century frescoes of cherubs, statues and angels . If you hang out until August, you can help us renovate the beach house. So if we're not unknowingly in Heaven, I'll be picking you up at the airport.
Good Lord! "my lungs look like raisins." it's so horribly funny, and then it's not. Maybe the patch would work better if you smoked it. When I've worn it, I've found myself massaging its powers right into my skin, I suppose to release its flavor. I think I'll be joining you in the "break my addiction" department sooner or later. I commend you on your valency.
In the meantime, I consume leafy greens in an attempt to counterbalance my vices. Come on, we all have them. A near-compulsive answering of posts has been joining my list. Other than that, I'm still very healthy, and I can say with pleasure that I feel really good. Plus, I can still run, jump and swim. Oh, yes, and I can gasp.
I'm waiting for my next quitting window. That's how it works. You need to be ready to do it. If you're like me and you live with a smoker, though, you have to slap the patch on them too. I've done that before. We set a quitting date, and anyone who hadn't quit by that time would get the patch stuck right onto them. It worked too, at least for a few months. The part that's harder than quitting is not going back.
Akoue, until then, you, I the Marlboro Man can stick together. You can't hate it if you're doing it, can you? No point in being miserable about it. That's right, it's like a party in a box, especially when parked beside a good cup of coffee. Coffee, a cigarette and a good thread make for one fine trinity. Although, if I were a man, I might consider a pipe instead. I'm a sucker for the Sherlock Holmes / Masterpiece Theater look. I know, I know, but I think it's hot.
Sajjw, you earn big kudos for being able to demonstrate such super-human quitting prowess. The patch definitely helps, at least with the physical side of things. Still, it ain't easy. Many congratulations to you.
Couldn't have said it any better!Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
When I was wearing mine, I found myself "smacking" it all the time. I think I'll pass on trying to roll up a patch and smoke it!Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
My wife is an ex smoker, got sick right before entering into basic training, and had to put them down, then went through basic, and by the time she was out, she didn't have any desire for them. In that instance, it was circumstance that brought her through it. In basic training, there's no opportunity, no availability, and simply no time to even wish for one. My quitting window it two-fold: not only is my wife about to have sinus surgery, one that will significantly improve her nasal passages, but it will increase her sensitivity. Also, I am re-entering the armed forces in a different career field in this same window, and will have a great deal of pre-occupation, that hopefully will work for me like basic training did for her.Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
You sick, sick woman! LOL. I love the smell of pipe tobacco. I simply never found a pipe that was comfortable to smoke.Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
One of my best friends was diagnosed with bladder cancer last Friday. Do you know the #1 cause of bladder cancer? It's smoking.
The outlook for her is grim.
Smoking will never be a problem for me! I'm horribly allergic to the cigarette smoke. I can hardly breathe if it gets near me. If it gets any worse I'll have to get an inhaler.
Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
No I wouldn't say it was easy and I'm the worst when it comes to self control (especially where chocolate is concerned!) but so worth it for the health benefits. I get my breath back quicker after legging it around the agility course and I don't get a chest full of goo when I get a cold. Also, I don't need to worry so much about the big C. Judy makes a very good point. Oh God I've turned into one of those dreadful ex-smokers who try to convince everyone else to do it lol -sorry!
Darn, now I feel like I should quit. I have a feeling I could cover my body with patches and it wouldn't work. :(
Poo, this sucks! :(
Judy, I'm sincerely sorry to hear that. It really is both serious and sad. Still, someone should have told her not to smoke from down there. I prefer to put them in my mouth.Quote:
Originally Posted by JudyKayTee
Quote:
Originally Posted by linnealand
Lean over here, Linny - I want to slap you but I can't quite reach.
"Do you smoke after sex?"
"I don't know, I never looked."
Nice comeback, Judy, and well deserved, I must admit. There are just some things that are too hard to resist saying. Still, I meant no real offense. I wouldn't wish that on anybody. All right, so hit me. I said hit m--holy mackerel! Where did that Singapore style cane come from? ::running away::
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