BrainKing - Discussion boards (Animals)

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

anastasia: yep,they are pretty big,Strudel was apricot,we used to part his hair down the middle and dress him in my dads pajamas.I would sleep on his belly like it was my pillow,I grew up with him.Sadly he died from cancer of the spleen,our high priced vet did such a lousy job sewing him up after surgery that his incision was almost hanging open.Sometimes we learn some of our first painful lessons through our "pets"

10. January 2008, 01:43:18

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy: Is a standard the REALLY big ones?? if so...those I adore!! I use to know this one,his name was bell-o..oh he was so cool..like a giant sheep,lol.I would sit on the floor and he would lean into me for pets and snuggles..his owners could not believe how he acted with me (I use to clean for them) he was a VERY friendly dog but me and him were best buds!! I had alot of dogs on my route..and I would pretty much get on the floor with all of them....The owners use to just love that,lol...once a woman we were cleaning for came into the kitchen and laughed her head off because I was laying on the kitchen floor with her lab!! hmmm,looking back,no wonder it took me so long to get through a darn house!!

10. January 2008, 01:26:05

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

anastasia: I once had a standard poodle,named Strudel......their temperment is night and day compared to a toy

10. January 2008, 01:21:53

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Vikings: I'm afraid I'd be much the same

but they must be fun to goof around with in a big park or backyard,I could use the exercise

10. January 2008, 01:11:32

Subject: I LOVE Animal Lovers :)

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080107/i/ra3779247927.jpg?x=400&y=269&sig=6_06TbtNz_ZQlZ.GIpJerA--

Cats cuddle in this February 2, 2007 photo. Hoping to send the message that pets are life-long partners not disposable accessories, a Japanese maker of medicines for animals has begun giving employees who own dogs or cats a monthly "family allowance" for their pets.

10. January 2008, 01:08:56

Vikings

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy: My wife spoiled our chocolate lab so much that she thinks that she is a 85 pound lap dog

10. January 2008, 01:03:57

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy:

LOVE that toy poodle comment

10. January 2008, 00:56:11

Subject: This might be best suited for the music board

but I thought it more appreciated here

The Puppy Song by Harry Nilsson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oVTHCD12zY&feature=related

10. January 2008, 00:36:41

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Ewe: DOH! lol my mistake.If I'm ever in a position to own a large dog agan,it'll be a LAB,they may be our worlds last line of defense against the oncomming toy poodle explosion ;-)

10. January 2008, 00:27:13

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy: yeppies,what Ewe said,lol..they are wonderful therapy dogs.Our nieghbor behind us have a lab...my goodness is he pretty but becoming very agressive because they ignore him and never walk or train with him.Such a terrible waist of a lovely animal

10. January 2008, 00:23:17

Ewe

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy: alot of labradors are used as guide dogs for the blind

10. January 2008, 00:21:01

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

anastasia: I've always considered LABS to have the perfect temperment,are they used in other capacities other than hunting and as pets?

8. January 2008, 00:31:27

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy: yeah,out Dalmatian was born when the 101 movie came out...he was "not right" to much inbreeding to get the dogs out into the circulation

3. January 2008, 01:25:05

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

anastasia: Part of the problem with our shnauzer was that we got her when they were they the trendy breed back in the early 70's.I'm sure the demand created some unwise breeding,we loved her just the same,she lived to 13

3. January 2008, 01:20:50

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy: That really is true to...poeple think JUST BECAUSE you have a purebred dog,you should breed it...WRONG! Like I said...there is a very small percentage of dogs that really are worthy of being bred.

Our trainer,the one that owns Niki's Mom,has had dogs for over 20 years now,and her Mom was the first female he ever found worthy of being bred.Now THAT is selective!!

3. January 2008, 01:07:40

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

anastasia: My mistake,after some research I finally understand the term "working line" in regards to dogs as opposed to a cafateria

As far back as I can remember our family has always had our best luck with the most undesirable,scrawny weak link of any litter we have had our choice of.The last purebred we bought (other than adopting racing greyhounds) was a miniture shnauzer,and she was so high strung she trembled.

2. January 2008, 02:11:39

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1ltV9TQ_pw

Subject: And Speaking of "Hunky" GSD's :)

1. January 2008, 02:24:11

Ewe

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL YOU GORGEOUS ANIMAL LOVERS XXXX

1. January 2008, 02:22:10

Subject: Re: No more pets at home

Animal: You should put a pic of her up so we can see her!!

1. January 2008, 02:20:54

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

wetware: How cool you brought that up...you are 100% right...I just wantched a program last week on that!! really,me and Damien watched it (yes he watches the TV with Mommy,lol) They were saying how the purebred dogs end up with more genetic problems even though good breeders won't breed a known flaw....something about how just the gene pool being "closed off" causes more mutations,and that mutts are less likely to have problems because they are more "open"...I know I am not wording that the right way,lol

1. January 2008, 02:17:34

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

Jim Dandy: Does what apply?? lol....if you mean the good breeding...WHY breed a purebred dog if you are breeding flaws?? I would go with a mut if you want a companion..they are wonderful dogs...for a good strong dog tho,a purebred should be sound mind and body.And I don;t have show dogs,I have working line GSD's there is a difference,lol....I love the working line...not much into the show line.

31. December 2007, 22:30:14

Papa Zoom

Subject: Re: No more pets at home

anastasia: Thanks. The vet sent us a sympathy card and everybody that works there signed it! That was nice. We'd had her a long time. But it's hard getting used to her being gone. There's no one to lick our bowls when were done eating.

She had no teeth and when she stuck her tongue out, it came out the side. Was so funny and cute. ;)

31. December 2007, 19:53:40

wetware

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

srnity: I thought these "mixed" breeds tended to be genetically better off. Am I way off the mark?

31. December 2007, 19:41:41

Subject: Re:So....point to this story is that even tho a dog is purebred,AKC still does not mean you are getting good quality

anastasia: Wow, it's a shame that your average AKC dog-owner doesn't seem to know all the facts. My neighbors (same ones) let their $700(?) GS roam alone all the time and I always wondered why they would risk him being injured by a wild animal, attacked by a bear, even shot (game lands abound here), maybe they already know. And ROFLMBO on the "sterilizing a rock" - silly vet

And GO Niki - they both seem like such incredible dogs (but, honestly, I think all God's creatures are pretty darn incredible, except humans most of the time, they puzzle me)

31. December 2007, 19:37:14

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

anastasia: Does that apply to the average owner who just wants a companion?
Show dogs are judged on a much higher scale I would suspect.I'm an audiophile when it comes to my stereo,I look at other peoples units and wonder how they can accept the inferior quality,but I'm an audiophile,they aren't,so the little things aren't even apparent to their ears

31. December 2007, 19:30:55

Subject: Re: Maybe you could send a few animal cruelty groups after them,

Jim Dandy: Ohhhhhhh, I LIKE that one - Thank You for the suggestion - maybe they can help

I've always just concentrated on the "legal" end of it, never thought of that angle .......

31. December 2007, 19:23:18

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

srnity: and another thing is tho...even if the dog IS purebred...that is still not a reason to breed it..there are SO many other things to take into consideration...I laugh when someone says..oh...mine is AKC....ummm,so?? People think just because it is AKC it is worthy of breeding..not true.Take my 2 for a real good example...We paid $2,000.00 for Damien..he comes from very good bloodlines,the majority of his ancestors are titled,a few world champs in it..his parents were not titled,which...had we known THEN what we know NOW,we may or may not have bought him.We are TRYING to get him to be breed worthy...show rating,tiltles,etc BUT his nerves are a bit on the weak side,he is a bit unsure of himself...tho to the untrained eye...you wouldn't know this..but BECAUSE of this,I take extra care in my training of him,to try to build his confidance...if it never comes about then he won't be bred,not ever... becuase you wouldn't want to breed weak nerves into a bloodline.Then you have Niki...we paid $800.00 for her,she has a proven working bloodline,right down to both her Mom and Dad.ALL dogs in her heritage have proven themselves by achieveing titles,show rating....ALOT of world Champion blood in her.She is proving to have excellent nerves,good personality,ability to focus with distractions.Damien is almos 2 and not one person has ever said...OMG!! you just HAVE to consider breeding him.Niki at 4 months was getting OMG!!! You can't seriously be thinking of getting her fixed!!??!! She is one to watch! Even my vet (who think a rock should be sterilized) said that if he has ever seen a dog that is going to be worthy of being bred,it's Niki.

So....point to this story is that even tho a dog is purebred,AKC still does not mean you are getting good quality.Maybe...MAYBE half the purebred dogs out there are actully worthy of being bred to carry on the bloodline.

31. December 2007, 19:22:33

Subject: Re: I think I've asked this before, but.....

srnity: Maybe you could send a few animal cruelty groups after them,there are a few in every town

31. December 2007, 19:06:43

Subject: Re: THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters

anastasia: Definately

Every shelter doggie I've ever adopted had at least three/four different breeds mixed in. Almost four years have passed and I'm still guessing when people ask me what breed (s) my current doggie is - why do some people think that they can make money breeding dogs that really aren't a "breed"? Unless they are "purebred", I don't see a reason to breed them. Don't get me wrong, I truly LOVE my doggie, but she's a mix on top of a mix on top of a mix .....

..... I guess, if nothing else, I'll make sure the kitten has a warm bed outside tonight before I head to work (more snow is on the way)

31. December 2007, 18:51:02

Subject: Re: I think I've asked this before, but.....

Jim Dandy: Already have on the way they were treating a 150 lbs.+ German Shepherd, but they still have him and I heard from someone that they weren't fined due to financial hardship. My problem with all this is that when I'm out and about with my dog and we see a possum (or whatever), it hisses, and she knows to back off.....what the heck is a cat supposed to do, other than run, and run where if it has nowhere? Absolutely amazing how some humans treat domestic animals ...

31. December 2007, 18:50:39

Subject: Re: Are these the same nieghbors that kept the poor dog in his crate for all hours of the day?

srnity: He told you the cat belonged to mother nature!!??!! Oh Dear LORD!! People kill me!!

I was sitting in the vet's office the one day and this guy was asking me all about my dogs...were we going to breed,blah,blah,blah....I told him that it depends...we were taking the proper steps right now to see if Damien is even worthy of breeding,that it would still be at LEAST another year for us to know for sure IF he is breed worthy...he started to tell me that he was gonna breed his dog..I think a mastif mix with his neighbor's dog and that they were in it for the money....I had to tell him to stop talking to me,lol....how IGNORANT of a person to be like that....THAT is why there are so many animlas in shelters.WHat a shame that people feel the need to breed animlas for the sole purpose of making money.I know whatever you decide to do with this kitty,you will listen to your heart and do the right thing..Another reason she may be howling like that is because she is sick or something is really wrong with her...At least at a shelter they will give her an exam and try to adopt her out.

31. December 2007, 18:41:05

Subject: Re: Are these the same nieghbors that kept the poor dog in his crate for all hours of the day?

anastasia:

They just don't seem to get "it" ..... or anything remotely close to "it"

Maybe I'll take it to a "city" shelter this coming weekend, I think it's chances would be better there, seems like here 50% of people just own animals to breed them and make money off them, canine or feline ... I really don't want to find this kitten dead outside one morning and it's definately in distress, I've never heard a cat howl this much ... wish there was a way to keep them from doing this over and over ... I was literally arguing with them at one a.m. after work the other night because my dog wouldn't shut-up because the kitten wouldn't go away from my door, and, in response, he was trying to give me the cat and saying that it wasn't theirs, it belonged to Mother Nature ...

31. December 2007, 18:40:10

Subject: Re: I think I've asked this before, but.....

srnity: Why don't you report them?

31. December 2007, 18:30:11

Subject: Re: I think I've asked this before, but.....

srnity: I hate the thought of putting an other wise perfect animla down BUT then you have to weigh your options...and that of the cat....do you think the cat would better off put down..OR do you think the cat would be better off let on it's own,outside in the cold and the weather,with the wild animlas all around it? Humans are the most selfish animals their are.Are these the same nieghbors that kept the poor dog in his crate for all hours of the day? THESE are the type of people that really shouldn't own an animal

31. December 2007, 18:24:40

Subject: And, speaking of doggies, look how cute :)

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20071230/capt.6e62b4641f024e30a394138c0b317e2b.new_year_s___key_west_flan101.jpg?x=400&y=328&sig=Smf2W7agAOpQ0aFZrHHhBA--

In this Dec. 31, 2007 photo released by the Florida Keys News Bureau, Lola, left, and Nosey, right, pause for a moment during the annual Key West Dachshund Walk in Key West, Fla. The third New Year's Eve procession of canines down sidewalks that border the island city's Duval Street is scheduled to begin at noon Monday, Dec. 31. Organizers anticipate the event will attract more than 100 dogs and their owners.

31. December 2007, 18:21:59

Subject: Re: I think I've asked this before, but.....

It's actually not legal here for you to leave your domestic "pet" to roam unattended outdoors (we have bears and such passing thru from time to time), but it's the third cat (not even a cat really, kitten is the better word) that they've done this with in less then a year (they see them as "throw-away" pets, I've actually asked) and just go get another when one disappears. But I know if I take it to a shelter here, it will just be put down, it's a really, really sad-looking kitty. I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place on this one, I don't think this little one would meow for hours on end at my door (and probably others) if it was okey out there in the four inches or so of snow that fell last night. If I do adopt it, give it a place to sleep, feed it, etc. (I can't have a cat inside, I'm allergic to them) - what happens to it when I move from here in a few months? I'll never understand the "outdoor" pet either, I guess, my doggie LOVES this weather, but I'd never make her spend the night outside in it

31. December 2007, 15:07:14

Subject: Re: I'm shocked that the San Fran zoo attack hasn't been discussed

anastasia: Two cats own me,one's a constant stalker but not the other.

31. December 2007, 14:57:57

Subject: Re: No more pets at home

Animal: I'm sorry about your lil Yorkie

31. December 2007, 14:56:17

Subject: Re: I think I've asked this before, but.....

srnity: My personal opionion is that I don't believe in "outdoor domestic pets" at all....we domesticated them,I feel it's our job to take care of them and part of that is allowing them to live indoors where it is warm,dry,safe.I never really did understand the whole outdoor cat/dog thing...WHY bother to have an animal if you toss it outside? Why should the cat HAVE to try to find a warm dry spot to sleep?? My Mom and Dad grew up in an area like you live now and OMG it gets CRAZY cold,lol....I would agree with Animal...maybe buy something for it to sleep in,or maybe just a box and some fluffy blankets on your porch?? Lets give everyone that puts the animals outside a taste of it and put THEM out for the night

31. December 2007, 07:26:01

Papa Zoom

Subject: Re: I think I've asked this before, but.....

srnity: Most cats can handle it. They are good at finding places to keep dry and warm. Or you could always do what we did and put up a little "house" on the deck and set out some food. But then you'll never get rid of the cat!

Otherwise, it's their cat.

31. December 2007, 06:16:58

Subject: I think I've asked this before, but.....

my neighbors have a very young cat (less than six months old, very small, doesn't weigh much, doesn't look healthy or well-fed, I guess) - how cold is too cold for a cat to be left out all night? It cries/whines to come in for hours and hours & it averages 20something degrees (or less) here at night ... they keep telling me that cats can take such weather (we are in the mountains so it also snows/rains/sleets at least half the time here) ... I keep banging on their door until they bring the cat "in" ... am I terribly wrong here?

31. December 2007, 06:12:30

Papa Zoom

Subject: No more pets at home

We had to put our little Yorkie down just before Christmas. Her health was really going downhill in the past year. We tried medication but the little thing lost much of her hair and it turned oily. She lost weight and had chronic diarrhea. Now we only have the two neighbor cats that think they live with us.

Probably because we feed them everyday give them a warm place to sleep in the winter (they are outdoor cats). They each have a little basket to sleep in and we just bought a new "potty" for them.

31. December 2007, 03:43:45

Subject: Re: I'm shocked that the San Fran zoo attack hasn't been discussed

Jim Dandy: I believe that most zoos are for the good of the animlas now a days....I don;t mean those little road side attractions tho,I mean real zoos..What happend was aweful.I heard on the news the walls for the enclosure were to low.That cat was doing what God intended it to do,stalk,hunt,kill it's prey.Ask Ewe or anyone that ownes a cat...I bet it stalks something everyday in the house....and goodness only knows what is going through the minds of animls that are closed in like that.

31. December 2007, 03:41:01

Subject: Re: Rottweiler & a pit bull

Ewe: I heard...and I dunno HOW true this is...basically because I have never researceh it cuz I'm not a hugh cat person...BUT..I heard that you have to be careful wit cats around babys because they can suffocate them by laying over thier mouth trying to lick the milk off...wonder if that is an old wives tale? And AMEN about never leaving the kids alone with an animal..they are an animal...what a tracig shame that could have easily been prevented.

30. December 2007, 22:35:41

Ewe

Subject: Re: I'm shocked that the San Fran zoo attack hasn't been discussed

Jim Dandy: Yes very true, but not all zoos are equal....lots of abuse still goes on unfortunately

30. December 2007, 22:31:28

Subject: Re: I'm shocked that the San Fran zoo attack hasn't been discussed

Ewe: I see your point,and years ago zoos deserved the stigma they still have,but conditions have really improved in the past 25 years.Zoos might be the best friend wild animals have in many respects,they have programs that protect those in the wild amongst other things.They also serve to educate,they aren't the best scenario,but they've come a long way

30. December 2007, 22:25:00

Ewe

Subject: Re: I'm shocked that the San Fran zoo attack hasn't been discussed

Jim Dandy: my thoughts are....I hate zoos!!! Animals like that should be in the wild where they belong, not locked up in some cage to be goggled at. Im all for rescue centres which rehabilitate such animals who are injured or sick etc but I hate zoos.

30. December 2007, 22:22:46

Subject: Re: Poms kill too

anastasia: I'm not suprised,Toy Poodles would take over the world if they could,they are the shiftiest,hyper, most unpredictable breed I have ever witnessed

30. December 2007, 22:18:20

Subject: I'm shocked that the San Fran zoo attack hasn't been discussed

any thoughts?

30. December 2007, 22:07:28

Ewe