Today''s dogs are like children...

[fire&ice]

Date: 6/2/2005 5:31:45 PM
Author: Mara
Oh and F&I...we are dying to get P into some agility...or do some earth dog training.

I have to say - never heard of earth dog training. We''ve done Search & Rescue training. My one dog really showed promise. But, man do you have to be dedicated. You have to agree to accept a "job" anytime. I''m not that unselfish as to get up at 2am & go outside in the freezing cold. Though I truly admire people who do this.

Agility is great fun. It''s fun bonding experience. Your dog really learns to read you. Dogs pick up on the most subtle stuff. I just can''t picture a WHITE westie digging down in the dirt.

 

[Mara]

Oh P tries not to stay white for too long...her fave color is GRAY...

Westies originally came about from Scottish and Cairn terriers, who are not white but rather black and shades of brown/grey...they had litters where one or two white dogs would be born, finally someone hit upon the idea of only breeding the white dogs to each other and therefore the West Highland White Terrier was born...

They are very cute of course but just because they are white, they are not any less of a working dog than a Scottie or a Cairn or other dogs of this size..their small size benefits them when they are burrowing through the dirt to find the rat! Though nowadays, they do man-made tunnels through the dirt, not actually IN the dirt like the old days!

http://www.westieclubamerica.com/activities/earthdog.html

 

[fire&ice]

Learn something new everyday.

What classification are they? Are they in the terrier catagory. My Aunt had a Westie. That dog was intense on chasing squirels -sweet dog though. Full of life - kept my empty nester Aunt entertained. Our first pup & the westie had play dates. That little white ball of fire kept my 45lb ball of fun on his toes.

 

[Mara]

Yep a terrier classification...

P can play for HOURS...she gets a third, fourth, fifth, sixth wind before being ready to go home and sleep...hehe.

 

[Mara]

So the other thing I am nuts on for P...is collars. I don't play dress-up with her that often, though she does happily wear a sweater or tee...in the summers I don't bother to put anything on her. My mom made her some cute preppy stripe sweaters in hot pink and lime green that she wore in early spring and for Easter etc...

I can't imagine paying $65-90 for a dog sweater! I just tell my mom what color I want and she makes it, she even bought a pattern book for dog clothes...I have had to keep her from making P a cute 'pink dress'...that's where I draw the line!

Anyhow, I like grosgrain ribbon collars, but P has a small neck and head so the size is maxed out at about 3/4" width on her neck, anything larger looks silly. There are really a handful of styles in grosgrain out there for 3/4"...everyone does 1" or larger. Also we only buy her the quick-release buckles since I had the actual buckle with the holes and they don't seem that secure, aka if she pulled it seems like it would come off.

So the problem is finding cute 3/4" collars that are quick release buckle. I love the alligator and ostritch ones but they don't come in quick release. So I had to get creative.

I bought her the tweeny grosgrain 3/4" buckle one from www.bigdogboutique.com which she wore to death and then I needed another one. I searched high and low for more fun stripey styles, nothing really out there or if it was out there it was $35 for a collar she'd destroy in 4 months. So I asked the gal at BDB if she could custom make me the collars if I found the ribbon for her. She said sure.

So I found a bunch of ribbons on eBay after hours of looking, bought 4 diff styles, about 3 yards each for all of $10 total. Sent them off to BDB gal, she made me the collars in the same exact style as P's previous one but just diff ribbon (the collars are basically grosgrain ribbon sewn onto a nylon collar which gives it it's heft)...and it cost me $13 a collar. So total for 3 collars and ribbon was about $50. I got them (and also got a matching leash on one of them since P does not have a 'cutesy' set like that for any fun events) and was thrilled. LOVE the custom stuff..I'm such a custom person.

Anyhow...we are in Willow Glen last week and walking through the town, go into my fave dog store..the owner looks at P and me and says 'WHEN did you get that collar!'...she and I have had numerous convos on how I can't find cute grosgrain stuff for P. Anyway, I said...last week it was custom. She said 'Oh that's not Trish Hampton?' I said No it's custom.

Turns out that a gal, Trish Hampton, makes dog collars like these AND does them in 3/4" size AND wonders of wonders had actually made one using one of the same ribbons that I had bought for P to have a custom collar made of! and my fave dog store gal owner is stocking her stuff! So P is wearing this collar that looks 99.9% like the ones that this gal is selling in her store for $32 each! I looked at their collar, looked at ours, we marvelled at it...it was hilarious! Only diff was that my gal uses black nylon webbing for the background and Trish used brown. I thought it looked better with the black for contrast (it was a choco brown, white and sky blue preppy stripe).

So what are the chances of me going through hundreds of ribbons and selecting this one that some other gal is selling in retail? Too funny. Guess she shops on eBay too.

So of course on her collars she has to have charms and pretty things..being a girl.

My fave is http://www.animalstars.com/jeweled_tags.html where they make the ID tag with swarovski crystals...I guess Legally Blonde 2 made them famous as the dog in there wears one. P has the pink crystal and silver heart one, I want to get her a baby blue crystal and silver dog bone one as well for her 'blue' collar. One of the other things I like about them is that they can engraved 4 lines on the tag which means her name is in nice big letters AND I can do our full address and my cell #...so many other tags I have found only can do 3 lines and something like 8 characters each so very limiting.

Oh and another fab fun website to visit is www.pamperedpuppy.com where they have a HUGE directory (link at top of the website) on everythign you could ever imagine to buy your dog under the sun. That is where I found the awesome ostritch and alligator skin leather collars that I can't buy because they aren't quick-release buckle!!

But for cheap and fun stuff, www.bigdogboutique.com is my fave...the gal owner is so nice and she just released some fun nylon basic collars and leads in fun SPRING collars for under $10 each. Very affordable!

 

[ursulawrite]

Date: 6/2/2005 1:40:28 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 6/2/2005 11:30:32 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Fire and Ice,

I don''t want to get all preachy on such a nice thread,

Then don''t.

It would be nice to have ONE topic this week that stays civil.

Sorry

I must learn to bite my tongue on the subject of Iams. Oh, and pet store puppies.

 

[Jennifer5973]

Date: 6/2/2005 7:44:10 PM
Author: ursulawrite

Date: 6/2/2005 1:40:28 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 6/2/2005 11:30:32 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Fire and Ice,

I don't want to get all preachy on such a nice thread,

Then don't.

It would be nice to have ONE topic this week that stays civil.

Sorry

I must learn to bite my tongue on the subject of Iams. Oh, and pet store puppies.

Actually, ursula, I thought your comment was a great example of someone expressing an opinion/sharing dissenting info in a very respectful and considerate manner. As aljdewey so apty and eloquently cited in recent threads, "We've NEVER all agreed, and we've all been pretty vocal when we feel strongly about something. This approach has worked for just fine for quite a long time..." and " I will exercise my right to post my opinion any time it suits me, and in any way it suits me. If my [opinion] offends YOUR sensibilities, that's your issue, not mine." It's great we can all share our opinions on an issue here on Pricescope.

Back to the topic--F&I, does this look familiar

....That pic of your doggie and her monkey friend is just outrageous!

Elmo has a one-eared, one-eyed (that's the current state of the poor doll) monkey friend he just LOVES.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 6/2/2005 10:02:12 PM
Author: Jennifer5973
Actually, ursula, I thought your comment was a great example of someone expressing an opinion/sharing dissenting info in a very respectful and considerate manner.

Yup. There''s no reason why a thread cannot remain civil if people disagree. You didn''t even disagree with anyone, Ursula; you just mentioned something that wasn''t warm and fuzzy...and you did it most respectfully. F&I-to whom you appeared to be speaking-agreed you had not been offensive. Not being warm and fuzzy is definitely allowed .

Deb

 

[Kaleigh]

Jennifer,
I couldn''t agree more. That said Elmo and his little buddy are too cute. My bichons love tearing up all stuffed animals, or socks etc.... I got a christmas present which was a scarf and didn''t like it so I let Callie and Casper play with it. It is still their favorite tug of war play toy!! Needless to say it''s hanging on by a thread.

 

[hlmr]

It has also been my impression in recent postings here that NOT being warm and fuzzy is strongly advocated, so speak freely Ursula

, it is certainly your right. BTW, I found your information to be very informative and I thank you for posting it.

Heather

Date: 6/2/2005 10:10:36 PM
Author: AGBF

Date: 6/2/2005 10:02:12 PM
Author: Jennifer5973
Actually, ursula, I thought your comment was a great example of someone expressing an opinion/sharing dissenting info in a very respectful and considerate manner.

Yup. There''s no reason why a thread cannot remain civil if people disagree. You didn''t even disagree with anyone, Ursula; you just mentioned something that wasn''t warm and fuzzy...and you did it most respectfully. F&I-to whom you appeared to be speaking-agreed you had not been offensive. Not being warm and fuzzy is definitely allowed .

Deb

 

[Mara]

Personally, I love not being warm and fuzzy...especially because Portia is warm and fuzzy....and if we were BOTH warm and fuzzy....well I think we'd overheat.

One of P's fave toys is her Booda penguin which was her 2nd toy ... and recently his leg was torn off quite violently and stuffing is coming out...so he has been retired to the ER, along with about 5 other toys I have not gotten around to yet, for surgery.

I feel pretty strongly re: pet store puppies as well, but I know that has been discussed in the past so I won't rehash the whole thing...bottom line don't get your puppy from a pet store and do ample research on the breed and breeder before you buy...or get a rescue, which sometimes are pups from impulse pet store purchases.

Seeing those Westie pics at the WCA...I want another one! Uh oh!

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 6/2/2005 5:27:05 PM
Author: Diachi

Date: 6/2/2005 1:40:28 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 6/2/2005 11:30:32 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Fire and Ice,

I don't want to get all preachy on such a nice thread,

Then don't.

It would be nice to have ONE topic this week that stays civil.

You stopped me RIGHT in my tracks, good job, LOL!

NAHHHHHHH! It was really just said tongue-in-cheek.....but evidently, tongue-in-cheek is lost on some folks......as are emoticons, it seems.

Oh, well.....can't please everyone.

I'm glad you got the humor as intended, Diachi!

______________________________

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 6/2/2005 7:44:10 PM
Author: ursulawrite

Date: 6/2/2005 1:40:28 PM
Author: aljdewey

Date: 6/2/2005 11:30:32 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Fire and Ice,

I don't want to get all preachy on such a nice thread,

Then don't.

It would be nice to have ONE topic this week that stays civil.

Sorry

I must learn to bite my tongue on the subject of Iams. Oh, and pet store puppies.

Nah.....don't need to learn to bite your tongue on anything.

And don't be sorry......there's actually a lot of levity here. It's unfortunate that a few sour grapes can't seem to get over themselves and move on, but don't let that take away your fun here.

Most of us like strong personalities here, Ursula, so you'll fit right in!

I'd ask more about the Iams info, but the little I've read dissuades me from delving into it much more. I don't buy their products now, so I'll remain blissfully in the dark on that one.


_____________________

 

[pricescope]

Guys, please! It is sad to see how some nice folks cannot get along

I think we should not criticize each other in public - we all react differently on that and can get offended even if no offence has been meant.

I ask to communicate our personal issues in private, PLEASE

Otherwise, I''ll have to shut down any potentially explosive discussions

 

[Regular Guy]

Leonid,

I will be disappointed if word of the full range of your management activities does not get out before you leave Vegas.

 

[AGBF]

If anyone has the time, take a look at this thread. Libster is asking for advice here:

Libster's request for advice

Deb

 

[Diachi]

Date: 6/3/2005 6:08:27 AM
Author: Pricescope
Guys, please! It is sad to see how some nice folks cannot get along

I think we should not criticize each other in public - we all react differently on that and can get offended even if no offence has been meant.

I ask to communicate our personal issues in private, PLEASE

Otherwise, I''ll have to shut down any potentially explosive discussions

Gosh, and I thought we were being pretty civilized right now, LOL! In all seriousness though, the purchasing of pets is very similar to buying diamonds-there is a WEALTH of knowledge out there to be discovered and learned before purchasing that many people are unaware off...Personally, as a responsible and ethical exhibitor and breeder of dogs, I am all for the open discussion of the topic and consumer awareness!

 

[Mara]

another funny story...P''s latest thing is to sprinkler dive...she sticks her head into the stream of the sprinkler and tries to bite the water..and/or slaps a paw down into it...needless to say she comes back in drenched from head to toe and with that wild look in her eye...it is honestly the most hilarioius thing EVER. whenever i am out there with her and the sprinklers are on, she races over there and just goes to town and i am left laughing hysterically and pointing at her.

it''s a fairly new thing, she started last week...ahhhh cheap entertainment!

 

[MissAva]

This is my first Boston William Bear VanDerveer playing my parents Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Beauregaurd. He was a really happy dog and I took him with me everywhere, class, to the sorority house, Wal-Mart. Everyone loved him he was very sweet.

 

[MissAva]

This is Ava when she was a baby, all of her toys were bigger then she was. The guys who got her for me had the hardest time not laughing when she would charge peoples feet at the frat house and chased down ping pong balls with a vengence.

 

[MissAva]

Okay this is the last one I promise...I always think she looks like a roaring tiger. Such a sweet girl. I love that I can take her with me and how she sits in my lap while I study or how when we are in the car she looks around when I am on the phone and sniffs the speakers. I havent seen any clothing that fit her and I am looking since we go up to NJ and it is cold there. I am going to look at the ones Ursala mentioned and if anyone knows of any other that aren''t feindishly expensive I am intreasted. Oh and we use ProPlan dog food becuase both the vets I use recomend and so did Ava''s Breeder, they all told me it had less fillers and the right types of protein which would make her void less often.

 

[Mara]

Mata...he''s such a cutie! You should check out www.pamperedpuppy.com in their Directory, they have an apparel link with TONS of options.

One other option, if you know someone that knits, is to have them make him a custom sweater! My mom knits and does all that and she makes all P''s stuff custom which I hear is the best way esp if you have a funky bodied dog (P has short little legs and a long body so I doubt she''d easily fit the stuff at the stores and G''s mom has a shih-tzu that she has to buy clothes for and then alter!)...

 

[MissAva]

Thanks Miss Mara! That web site is too cute, I am sure Ava will have something spiffy to wear this winter in NY and Nj!

 

[Mara]

I was just reading Pampered Puppy and saw this..too funny!

"No more chunky Italian pooches
The town of Turin, Italy has recently passed a new bunch of dog laws which cover an interesting gamut of areas.

-Dogs must be walked three times a day
-Dyeing your pet's fur is now illegal
-No tail docking or other cosmetic surgery

We just love the portion of the law that mandates three walks per day, or face a fine - today's pooches are just as plagued by weight problems as their owners, thanks to overfeeding and lack of exercise - but we have to wonder: how on earth will they enforce this, or police it?"

I tried to click on the article but it wasn't there. Mandating at least ONE walk a day would most likely benefit both dog and owners!! Wonder if the US will follow suit?

 

[fire&ice]

Date: 6/5/2005 3:11:40 AM
Author: Mara
another funny story...P''s latest thing is to sprinkler dive...she sticks her head into the stream of the sprinkler and tries to bite the water..and/or slaps a paw down into it...needless to say she comes back in drenched from head to toe and with that wild look in her eye...it is honestly the most hilarioius thing EVER. whenever i am out there with her and the sprinklers are on, she races over there and just goes to town and i am left laughing hysterically and pointing at her.

it''s a fairly new thing, she started last week...ahhhh cheap entertainment!

Our first born did this. Be prepared - this progressed into full fledged spinkler jumping through.

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 6/2/2005 11:30:32 AM
Author: ursulawrite
Fire and Ice,


I don't want to get all preachy on such a nice thread, but there are some horrible and unnecessary practices undertaken on behalf of the Iams company, makers of Eukanuba. Of course it's entirely your choice what you feed your dogs, but a quick google of iamscruelty.com (sorry -- don't know how to link to a website from here) might prove to be an informative, though shocking, look at how these dog foods are tested.


Sorry to hijack the thread and hope I haven't caused offence.

I wanted to thank you for the link. I feed my dog Iams products and appreciate you making me aware of what PETA has found out. It prompted me to do more research on the company. I also think it would be fair to post Iams side of the story. for those interested you can find it at iamstruth.com

 

[mrssalvo]

Date: 6/5/2005 12:24:22 PM
Author: Matatora
This is Ava when she was a baby, all of her toys were bigger then she was. The guys who got her for me had the hardest time not laughing when she would charge peoples feet at the frat house and chased down ping pong balls with a vengence.

Matatora,
Your doggie is just precious. My sister and her hubby are going to be adopting a Boston Terrier next month. She has done tons of research and is so excited.

 

[AGBF]

Date: 6/5/2005 4:05:56 PM
Author: Mara

[/b]The town of Turin, Italy has recently passed a new bunch of dog laws which cover an interesting gamut of areas.

Dogs must be walked three times a day

Turin is a city. In the United States some dogs have the run of several acres!

Deb

 

[Mara]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8133692/?GT1=6657
Pet Nation

Have to admit I am sometimes guilty of baby-talking to Portia...she just cocks her head and looks at me.

 

[fire&ice]

Regarding anything PETA has to say - I DON''T BELIEVE IT. They are the BIGGEST hypocrites on the planet. They have been brought up on many counts of animal cruelty in NC. They have proof of them killing dogs & cats "supposedly" rescued from animal shelters and just DUMPED them in a dumpster. They don''t believe in ANY pets. They don''t believe in therapy dogs. They open crates at dog shows to cause pandimonium. They don''t seem to care if the dog runs out in the street. Having had a show dog, MOST live a CHARMED life.

What they say on the surface may seem all fine and good. Most people do not know the ramifications of their actions.