Snorri the Priest

It is now 40+ years since I was parted from my first-ever dog, a BC called Glen. I thought he would never have an equal, until I loved and lost my Snorri-dog, back in October '08. Snorri has a successor now, a little blue merle BC called Thorgeir. I am head-over-heels in love with Thorgeir, but he has never displaced my wonderful Snorri, and I doubt that he ever will, just like no dogs have ever displaced Glen. Do not fear to grieve over your Lost One, that would be to dishonour her, nor should you fail to love your new friend, that would not be fair.

 

 

Snorri

but there you go again assuming you understand what offended me.

 

If you've been misunderstood, that may be because you didn't make yourself sufficiently clear.

 

Personally, I don't think it's worth the time.

 

Snorri

(UK)

Some may remember that my wonderful collie boy Snorri was epileptic, and we managed to control his siezures very well, with phenobarbitone (although different dogs may do differently on different drugs). We managed to keep him free for nearly 7 years, during which he was a normal, happy little boy - so, you see, it CAN be done! The siezures were, indeed, dreadful to witness, but we did know that, despite that, Snorri was feeling nothing. A human sufferer I know confirms this - the only pain he ever has is from awkward attempts at first aid, and moving him away from furniture. Snorri used to get confused afterwards (but this is normal) - we overcame this by speaking to him softly and reassuringly, and stroking him gently. Evidently, he knew something had happened, but not what.

 

Fear not, this is not the end of the world! It's a pain in the butt and needs attention, but you can cope..........!

 

Snorri

 

"Hmmmmm, you're doing that thing with the clicky-box again"

 

 

Snorri

He was back at the vet today, for a post-op check, and she's delighted with his progress so far. The stitches come out on Saturday. The worst bit is still to come..... the bill (check??)

 

Snorri

My Kali is a 14-year-old farm-born Border Collie who conned his way into a life of pet-hood.

 

The other night, when we were feeding him, and he had his tail up, we noticed that his ass didn't look quite right (not that we make a huge habit of inspecting it, you realize !

 

Anyway, off he went to the vet, who diagnosed two cysts, one atop the other, in the small area between his anus and the base of his tail, so he was booked in for a small op. The vet did some extra reading-up before tackling the problem, and found that these cysts are testosterone-driven, and that a second removal op would not be possible if they came back.

 

So, the poor lad has been castrated, as well. I really get the feeling that he is staring at me from his bed, as if saying "You &%$$£@&%! Why did you do THAT to me?" ("To help you live longer, pal!" doesn't seem to cut it )

 

Mind you, at 14, he should really be past all that nonsense, and besides, when he did get "an offer" from a willing bitch, he didn't know what to do!

 

I'm sorry, my old friend, it was done for the best of reasons...............

 

Snorri

This has been posted on other forums because the author wanted the info widely distributed.

 

This message came to us from Ali Taylor, Head of Welfare, Battersea DH.

 

Quote:

Yesterday one of our dog agility friends experienced a tragedy and wanted me to pass a special message along to all of my dog loving friends and family. Please tell every dog owner you know.

 

Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden.

 

Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mum woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

 

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats.

 

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can

suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it."

 

 

Also included was the following information -

 

Quote:

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called "Theobromine". It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die.

Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Just a word of caution, check what you are using in your gardens and be aware of what your gardeners are using in your gardens.

 

Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

 

 

PLEASE GIVE THIS THE WIDEST DISTRIBUTION!!!

 

Snorri

Wow! He looks great- and your Glen- that is a photo that should be painted. Gorgeous.

 

Funny you should say that, Kelpiegirl - I do have a portrait of Glen, painted from that photo! It hangs over my bed so that he looks down at me every night. He looked after me when I was a kid, I'd like to think he's still doing it, all these years later.

 

Snorri

 

This is Glen, 18 when the photo was taken a few months before his death. He was my constant companion when I was a kid, a splendid dog to be around children - protective (fiercely!) and fun. He was no relation to my current pair, but I think of him as their "spiritual daddy" - had he not paved the way, they wouldn't be here.

 

 

Snorri

I have always had male BCs (but female Cocker Spaniels ) and have always found them affectionate. In fact, my 10y.o. boy Snorri stays about like a bit of stepped-on gum ( ). There's no way he's going anywhere without his people. I did find that the female Spaniels could be a bit stand-offish, but then, they weren't Border Collies!

 

 

Snorri

 

This is my Boy Kali (Rognvaldr Kali Kolsson Orkneyjar Jarl), who will be 14 on 24 April this year. I think he is looking in pretty good shape for an oldie (although he will always be "my puppy dog"), and the vet seems to agree. I am hoping he will - at least - equal my first ever Border Collie, who reached 19 - and maybe even beat him?

 

 

Snorri

 

P.S. edited to add a bit of sad news - his litter-sister "Spotty" has recently died of cancer

Hi there! I've been away a while: I have been in hospital - they chopped my left leg off (diabetes). Although I'm home now, I'm still in a wheelchair, and this is why Kali and Snorri have to learn "peep-peep!" (Think Roadrunner ). So far, I haven't run over any paws or tails, but for such an intelligent breed, they are being remarkably slow on the uptake this time! In fact, Snorri is still trying to get into the wheelchair with me. Kali sits down in front of the wheels and has a scratch whenever he's told to move! ****** dogs!

 

Snorri

My two may be of working farm stock, but they are now very accustomed to the warmth and dryness of the house. When offered the chance to go out for "business", they do check out the weather before they go! If they're forced to go out in the rain (eg before bedtime), thay come back very quickly!

 

It doesn't help that, where I live, the rain is more often horizontal than vertical!

 

One day, when I was walking Kali, it started to hail. Very carefully, he positioned himself so that I was creating a "hail-shadow" for him to walk in!

 

Snorri

We used to take "the Boys" back to their birthplace every few months (the farm is in changed circumstances now, so we don't do it now ). It was pretty obvious that they knew the place, but we were never sure if they knew their mum. Her attitude was a bit more clear, though, especially with Kali - "Hmmmm, I thought I'd got rid of you ages ago"! Snorri's dad (and Kali's litter-brother) wasn't very pleased to see either of them - he's the farm "boss dog" now, and regarded them as interlopers, family or not.

 

I would like to think that when Snorri arrived here as a small pup, Kali recognised a "family smell" (???) and gave him an easier time, as a result.

 

Whilst my dogs recognise the word "brother", and will look at each other, I doubt that they have any concept of what it means.

 

Sadly, I think that this is anthropomorphising them too far.

 

Snorri

:cool:

You could try stealing this......

 

 

If it's suitable, of course!

 

Snorri

Originally posted by PSmitty:

In fact, he may just have me hooked on border collies for life!

 

You mean you weren't already? :confused: :confused: :confused:

 

Snorri

Originally posted by Miztiki:

It's something about the eyes IMO. The look in their eyes is not the same. Too soft, too doe-like, and they don't scream intelligence to me. Kinda blank I guess.

Hmmmm, so what does this say?........

Kali may be a pet, but he's from working parents, and very little escapes his attention!

 

Snorri

When he was a pup, he used to look like Steve McQueen preparing to shoot someone!

I'll admit that I do have to keep my eye on Snorri-dog he is so insanely jealous of other dogs (he seems to think they want to steal me :eek: ) and will make mock attacks, in an attempt to chase them off. Their size or breed doesn't matter. He never DOES anything, he hasn't the nerve to get close enough, but it doesn't look good, and even reassurance petting has no effect. To an onlooker, it looks like simple aggression, and I wouldn't blame anyone for not wanting their dog to play with him, but, on the other hand, it makes me mad when anyone goes on about it after I've explained the situation (I get this strange idea that they weren't listening :confused: ).

 

My Kali, on the other hand, will play safely and happily with any other dog. His attitude to a "stranger" is one of "Hi there! Fancy a game of chase?".

 

However, if there's any question about the suitability of my Boys as play-partners, I will explain the above as simply as I can, but I do expect to be listened to: if the other dog's owner fails to pay attention and a fight breaks out, then I regard it as the fault of the other guy.

 

If I ever have them in a pub (bar, US-peeps ) and someone wants to talk to them, I make it clear that Snorri has fear issues and that I won't guarantee his behaviour (although I think I could). I warn that if he starts to object, he should be listened to. If a bite did happen (it hasn't, in 8 years),then it's the newcomer's own fault for ignoring the warnings (both mine and the dog's).

 

Snorri-dog goes with us every year to the New Year celebrations in a local hotel. He wanders free round the bar (helping to finish the sandwiches ) and gets on with just about everybody (there may be some who just don't like dogs, regardless) and it has got to the point where I'd face an inquisition if he didn't turn up! (BTW, he comes because he has to have epilepsy medication at 11 pm - and timing is important).

 

It's a sad fact that some people are just stupid - not just about their dogs, regrettably. All you can do is try to recognise and ignore them

 

Snorri

:cool:

This reminds me of a sign I saw on the Hebridean island of Islay:

 

"Chasing cows will be our fate

If you do not shut this gate"

 

Change "cows" to "dogs" and not only might you have an effective sign that doesn't imply that the dogs are dangerous, you'll give the neighbours a laugh, as well.

 

Snorri

?

Hmmmm, after a quick Google, I see that flavocin contains both glucosamine and chondroitin. Probably fine.

 

Snorri

I don't know about flavocin (probably because I'm in the UK?), but, for my own arthritis, I use glucosamine sulphate (usually sold as a health supplement) and it works a treat. I've heard that it works well on dogs, too, but consult your vet as to dosage.

 

Snorri

My Kali got me like that once, when he was about 11 months old, but it was my own fault, really - I was giving him a telling-off for some minor crime or other, and got too close. The marks hung about for a short while, but nothing permanent

 

One day, while we were playing, he gave me a "tooth-knock" (NOT a bite, just "careless use of dentition"). The mark was the size of a pinhead, but it got infected, and I ended up in hospital for three days, on an antibiotic drip-feed :eek: So, clean up carefully!

 

Snorri

Originally posted by Eileen Stein:

Very interesting. I'd love to visit the Orkneys someday -- especially if you could get a bit more sunshine.

And very welcome you'd be, too!

 

It's not so much that we lack sunshine (in summer, anyway), but that we are over-supplies with wind! Summer nights are so light that you can read outside all night: it just doesn't get all that warm! Nevertheless, Orkney's regional income derives largely from tourism, and a lot of that is repeat business!

 

You never know, you might even see a Border Collie working! Round about me, however, the work seems to consist of keeping the farmer company on his tractor!

 

August is the time - it's still warm(ish) and that's when all the agricultural shows are held (everything gets shown - from dogs and cattle through to potted tomatoes!). I used to show Kali at these until he retired, and I've never been able to work out what standards (if any) were being used! For me and Mrs S, it was mostly a question of being seen to be trying to socialise with the community, although going home with the best dog AND a wee piece of ribbon to prove it was always pleasant!

 

This is hardly Barbados, in summer, but it can be acceptably pleasant and there is a lot to see and do (especially if you have a dog). Check this out - http://www.freewebs.com/cyberpriest/

 

Winter, on the other hand, is a prolonged period of sustained ferocity: the sun is up for about three hours a day at best (we are north of Moscow here, 57 degrees) and the wind can top 200 mph.

 

The Border Collies that pepper the landscape would probably please the "herding" faction, as opposed to the "Barbie" faction - most of them are farm dogs, and small-scale farmers don't carry passengers: the dog does its share, or it's "Goodnight Vienna" :eek: It's only the occasional nitwit like me who gives an Orkney BC a "free ride"!

 

I used to live in Edinburgh, where a BC was a rare sight: here, they must make up about 50% of the dog population, because locally they are regarded as "real" dogs (as opposed to the "fluffy pet" kind). One of the (very insignificant) reasons I chose a BC was the ease with which I could get one. And the suicidal ease with which I got the second :eek:

 

Yup, it's a great place to visit (and a great place to live, once you get used to the schizophrenic weather :eek: )

 

Snorri

:cool:

(shades optimistic)

Dunno if this is relevant or not......

 

My first ever BC, "Glen", was a rescue. I have no idea what his background was. But he was a Scottish mainland-born BC, and a fair size (not huge, but quite big).

 

Kali and Snorri, however, are Orkney-born, and a lot smaller than Glen was.

 

Up here in the "Northern Isles", there is a tendency for all locally-born animals to be smaller than their UK mainland counterparts (it may have something to do with the cooler climate????).

 

Even horses are affected (viz. the world-famous Shetland Pony), which is partly why so many breeding cattle are "bought-in", to keep the size (and hence the price) up.

 

Glen used to "lope" along at a steady, even pace when he was out for a run. Kali and Snorri are sprinters, more lithe and agile - they zoom everywhere, and can turn on a dime, often in mid-air (apparently). They have shorter, softer coats, too.

 

In Orkney, some of the commoner wild animals have local differences, too - for instance, the Orkney vole is sufficiently different from the usual UK vole to be classed as a different species, although I gather that it can cross-breed.

 

So, if we could get a bit more sunshine here, we could re-name the place "Galapagos"????

 

Snorri

Originally posted by Heppers:

[QB]I cant belive an animal can be so brainy and manipulative in getting its own way !!

Which is how they manage to get away with it! One day, Border Collies will take over the world, largely because nobody believes that they can! It's a conspiracy, I tell you!

 

Snorri