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CoRayBee

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Everything posted by CoRayBee

  1. Hi boards I have a problem with a coughing dog. My vet has examined Ghillie and assured me that it is neither kennel cough nor heartworm, and by process of elimination we figure that it is some sort of environmental allergy. Allergy to what, of course, is the pretty much unsolveable mystery...so we simply treat the symptoms with Benadryl when they become severe. Normally this is sufficient to curb the cough- and calm her down a bit, which is an added bonus. But I really do not relish the thought of feeding antihistamines to my dog 2-3 times a week for the next 10-12 years. I've read anecdotal evidence that honey and coconut oil are quite effective at curbing a cough in dogs, but wanted to post that question here where I can get opinions I trust. I know about the myriad other health benefits of coconut oil, and if it is also useful as a cough suppressant then I would be overjoyed. Has anyone had any experience with using either honey or coconut oil in this manner? Thanks in advance for your advice!
  2. Thank you for your input, everyone! I've stumbled (figuratively, not literally) upon some exercises to do at home and I'm going to try the therapeutic swimming. I'm actually quite looking forward to this turkey's first encounter with water. We shall see how it goes! :)/>
  3. Hi all, I will try and make a long story as short as I can, I promise! About four and a half weeks ago, Ghillie fractured her knee of all things (her left medial femoral condyle, to be exact.) As you can probably imagine, the injury was rather distressing for her but I think I was a lot more devastated than she was. Fortunately she had surgery within 24 hours of the injury with a local orthopaedic $pecialist. (The bill was pretty $pecial too, but not really unexpected.) She was sent home with hardware in her knee, medication, and list of instructions. I've been strict to the point of paranoia regarding her exercise restriction, but it seems to be paying off because we just had a follow up xray taken, which shows that everything is nice and stable. The surgeon says that her prognosis is very, very good and that there is no reason why she should not be able to have the agility career I'd been dreaming she'd have. To that end I decided to check out canine physiotherapy. There is a clinic not far from me that was recommended, so Ghillie and I went out for a consult two weeks ago. The experience was very positive and I left with a promise from the therapist that she would email a quote for specialized sessions that would include ROM exercises, laser, and hydrotherapy. When I got the email I was unprepared for just how expensive the endeavor would really be. Don't get me wrong- I was rather impressed with the amount of work and equipment they were going to put into Ghillie's therapy, but it's still a large chunk of money for someone who's just spent thousands of dollars on urgent surgery. In my reply I thanked her for the information and told her that if I could somehow raise the funds I would be in touch. Fast forward to today. Ghillie is walking on-leash with practically no limp at all. We are avoiding stairs but her walks are up to 20-30 minutes twice a day, and as far as she's concerned she's fully recovered (which is adding more grey to my hair than I'd like to admit!) I've had more than one person suggest that perhaps hydrotherapy combined with at-home exercises might be an option and that the efficacy of the laser therapy was largely a matter of opinion. So, while all the bells and whistles are appealing, the hard reality of finances also plays a big part in my decision making. I want to give Ghillie every advantage I can in her rehab, but I also would like to still be able to do those frivolous things like pay the bills and, you know, eat. :)/> Finally, to the point of my post! I'm curious to know if any of you have had similar experiences with similar injuries, and how you treated them and what the eventual outcomes were. I've been reading Sue R's post regarding her experiences with Celt and, while it's a remarkable journey, it's unfortunately left me no closer to a decision of my own. Any input you knowledgeable folks would like to offer would be much appreciated!
  4. Ghillie, now 8 months old, rescued via TDBCR (wave to Auntie RDM, Ghillie!)
  5. "Exercising collie powers"...I like that. It's funny- Barra used to chase the waves like you've described, when she was a puppy. And Ghillie (who is 7-ish months old) goes into full-on border collie stalker mode with the geese and crows up at the park every morning. Cats, however, are Things To Be Avoided At All Costs. I don't think it's possible to turn off a border collie's obsessions completely (someone who knows more about them correct me if I'm wrong on that.) And honestly, I wouldn't want to- after all, it's the various quirks of this breed that I find so frustratingly endearing. But with a bit of work they can be redirected into something safe.
  6. Coming soon! And thank you for the idea of asking my neighbors. I never see anyone around during the day so I sort of assume everyone's at work but that does seem the neighborly thing to do, you're right.
  7. Yes, THAT Ghillie. Of course a TDBCR dog would be recognized around here- that makes me laugh! I haven't hung around to see how long she cries, no- mainly because I think it would upset ME to hear it. I'm a wussy worry-wart at heart! Out of sight (or earshot,) out of mind, I suppose, but that's hardly fair to my neighbors if she really does keep it up for a long time. However, when I do come home she's lying down in her kennel and not looking particularly traumatized so perhaps it's just an adjustment period. I will experiment with that in the next day or two just to see how long she does fuss. And frisbeegirl, it's good to know that it can be done. Maybe with a bit more exercise before work she'll be sufficiently comfortable for the rest of the day and I won't have to worry about disturbing her halfway through. I'm also considering daycare for 2-3 days a week- there is a reputable one nearby and they offer half-days, which is tempting. Thanks again for your opinions!
  8. Hi boards! It has been a very long time since I've had anything to post...some of you may remember my girl Barra, who I had to finally put down in December at (almost) 15 because of a ruptured tumor on her liver. I've now gotten myself together and have adopted a 7-ish month old puppy from rescue with the intention of training her for agility. Yay me, eh? Ghillie is the sweetest little goof on four legs, but of course I may be a tad biased in that regard. Anyway, I've been back lurking around the boards for a little while now, now that I have a reason to talk 'border collie' again with people. I've read a few posts that skirt around my own particular question but haven't quite found the answer I need, so here I am! I work full time so Ghillie is crated for a good portion of the day. Fortunately I am able to go home at lunch to let her out for a few minutes. She gets about 30 minutes of exercise before work and an hour or so of walk/run/training after work, then a quick walk around the block before bed. This of course will increase as she ages and we're able to start proper agility training. She's also loose when I'm at home and can watch her. She doesn't like it much when I leave her alone but this might just be my own guilt surfacing because her crate is roomy, there's something safe for her to chew on, and I leave the radio on for noise. What I am wondering is, given the fact that she does protest the confinement in the morning- and I live in a condominium with neighbors close by- am I just providing an unnecessary disruption by coming home at lunch? She's had no accidents overnight so she's proven she can control her bladder for 8-odd hours at a time, so would I be better off letting her alone instead of dashing her out for 15 minutes of potty time then putting her back in her kennel and running away again? I didn't have to worry about this issue with Barra as she was able to come to work with me for the first 3 years of her life so this isssue is new- and a bit daunting. Needless to say I want to do right by this puppy- and also keep any potential noise complaints from my neighbors to a minimum- so any useful advice you all might have would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
  9. I remember a fellow who brought his Shih-Tzu x Bichon Frise in for a checkup a few years ago...called the puppy a purebred "Shi**Y Fries." I wonder if that name could be added to the list... edited to add: Egads. I went back to look at the website and it states the organization has been in business since 1969! So I guess maybe the pedigrees on some of those purebred SirMixALots could be quite extensive, hahaha...
  10. I saw the title of this thread and thought, "huh. A little early for April Fool's jokes..."
  11. Ain't that the truth...in Canada all Belgian Shepherds are painted with the same CKC brush, and I have seen some structurally magnificent Malinois go all but unnoticed when put side by side with a nice fluffy Tervuren.
  12. I agree with Journey and MaggieDog. Contrary to popular opinion, a prong collar is NOT some sort of medieval torture device. They're described as 'doggy power steering' for a reason- namely that quick self-correction when they are properly worn. Try placing one around your arm and give a good tug..it isn't the least bit painful but it will certainly get your attention. Education is a must when first trying them out, though, because there is definitely a right and a wrong way to wear them. Good luck!
  13. I live in a 700-ish square foot box. I'm dyin' here. DYING.
  14. Oh, I could write a book. Much as I'd like to, though, it would be woefully inadequate in light of some dogs' antics...for instance, I'd be willing to bet that RDM's would probably be a New York Times bestseller. Some of Barra's more entertaining "things" are: -blowing bubbles with her nose into a full water dish -completely submerging herself in an attempt to find the 'perfect' river rock -killing any and every unsuspecting snowman she can find -burying herself under the cushions on my couch during a thunderstorm -sucking cherry tomatoes right out of their skins
  15. I'm curious...did you mean anyone who puts a prong collar on a puppy shouldn't own one, or anyone who uses prong collars in general? If it's the former then I'd agree with you. If it's the latter, then I'd best keep my reply to myself.
  16. This made me laugh...but most likely for reasons other than the majority of the readers. Not that I would want to belittle the utter ridiculousness of some PETArd's actions, but hey. Dunno if anyone else ever watches Red Dwarf but there was an episode where the crew was sitting around the cockpit of the ship bemoaning the fact that supplies were getting low. Holly- the ship's computer- commented on the fact that cow's milk in particular was nearly gone and they'd had to resort to dog's milk. (cue the eeeeeeeewww!!!) When asked "why dog's milk?" the reply was "because nobody can tell when it's gone off." Anyway. My totally random two cents.
  17. I believe I am something of an anomaly...I have a border collie and I've never tried flyball. I never had an interest in it- it's way way waaaay too noisy and manic for this introvert! Barra has pretty much retired from everything but Professional Couch Potatoism and Official Protector of the Sundeck (from the evil squirrels, you understand) but in her day she was active in agility and French Ringsport. As far as I know, until last year she was the only border collie in North America with a Ring title...granted, it was entry level but she gave that sport absolutely everything she had, the little witch. She is nuts for sheepherding but I quickly discovered that I get way too stressed out to trial, so we stopped training to trial and just had fun with it. Unfortunately the trainer moved away and I just don't have the time to drive for hours on my weekends just to 'have fun with it.' I miss it horribly! Vicious circle, that. And she was pretty middle-of-the-road when it came to agility- she more or less just did it because it made me happy- so after she recovered from her illness a few years ago I just never got back into it. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it) I now have a 2 year old frenetic mass of comical attitude thinly disguised as a Sheltie to satisfy my agility junkie needs.
  18. *waves hand* Bob Dyl- oh, $%^&. I just read Ironhorse's post.... Back to the topic- I live within city limits and don't bother licensing my dogs either, mainly for the previously stated reason. I don't feel that it's anyone else's business just how many dogs I have in here, as long as they are properly cared for. (I feel the same way about the concept of "size restriction" when it comes to dogs and apartments, but I suppose that if you give one goofball an inch, they'll bring home a six-pack of Great Danes...) Both girls are tattoo'd and are never outside without identification and a human in tow, so I don't lose any sleep over not giving someone my hard earned money for something I feel is unnecessary.
  19. The first thing I'd do is make darned sure there are after-dinner mints available. If good ol'Red Dog insists on meals that include feta cheese, he is definitely going to need a Mento or two. Her Royal Highness is about the same age as RD and I can sympathize with the steroid debate. When a dog is pushing 11 I say the benefits will outweigh the risks (but that is just my humble unedjamacated opinion, of course.) I can recall treating many a canine senior during my vet tech days, though, and nearly every owner was blown away by the change in their dogs' appetites. Fridge locks are not unheard of, and I wish you the best of luck! I would congratulate you on having such a brilliantly resourceful hound but I'd be afraid you would send me Tweed as a thank you... :D
  20. Tammy, congratulations to you! I have not read you previous 'hundred' posts (haha) but it sounds as though you have put (and are continuing to put) a lot of thought into raising your puppy. That's nice to hear. And no, there are no stupid questions when it comes to responsible 'motherhood!' Just as long as certain questions are answered well in advance of bringing the little bundle of furry toy-mangling, mail-eating, chair-leg-chewing joy home, heh. I think that most border collie owners are a special species as well. There's a reason that the majority of us chose this breed, right? I think it takes a certain kind of mindset to fully appreciate these dogs. My family thought I was nuts when I informed them 10 years ago that I was getting a border collie but it didn't take them long to see just why I wanted one so badly. I do not 'own' Barra in the traditional sense of the word, nor do I consider her to be just a pet. Not that she's perfect, mind you...but she is perfect for me. And, after 10-ish years, very little needs to be communicated verbally anymore because she is so in tune to what I'm up to. She is quietly intense, she is highly protective, she is nosy, she is sensitive, she is affectionate but not embarrassingly so, and she just wants to be wherever I am...not to interfere or get in my face, but just to BE there. It is immensely comforting to know she's around, too. I know that other people have similar thoughts about their dogs, and not all of those dogs will be border collies, of course. We just hear more about border collies. These are not dogs for everybody (thank the heavens) but once you get that connection, it's pretty tough to look at other dogs the same way again!
  21. You know, I sat back to think about how destructive Barra was in her younger years.....and couldn't think of anything. Sure, there are the usual things like sneaking snacks off the coffee table (when I am dumb enough to leave them out) or pulling the pillows off the couch so she could lay up there, but that's the worst I can recall. I suppose that if I really give it some thought, I could credit a) the fact that she came to work with me for the first 3 years; I was already a convert to the gospel according to CRATE; c) there were a lot of extracurricular activities; and d) she goes almost everywhere with me (always has.) None of that is original, though- it's nothing that any of you don't do with your dogs as well. So maybe part of it was luck. Either way, I feel that I have been absolutely blessed by owning Barra......and I am cringing as I write this because it's all probably going to balance out in the end- which means the next dog will most likely eat my floor and destroy the furniture.
  22. Originally posted by smileyzookie: My friends all think its the worst form of animal abuse. One even said "if you dont give it to her I will"! Lol...my friends all have working dogs so they all know the drill, but it's my FAMILY that I have to worry about. My older sister in particular- she insists on buying cheapo dog treats full of things I would not dream of feeding my dog and doles them out at will. I am getting mighty tired of politely reminding her just whose dog it is and that there are RULES. As far as the strangers 'hugging' Barra...that bugs me too. Normally it's not a problem because Barra is usually totally indifferent to approaching humans when we're out walking. But...I was at a dog park one day when another dog owner- a total stranger- snuck up behind her while Barra was watching two other dogs playing. He made a sharp whistling noise and grabbed at her back end...and nearly lost his hand when Barra went for it. He was surprised that she would react with such intensity, but I was furious. What did he expect would happen when he snuck up on a strange dog? Moron. :mad:
  23. Originally posted by Melodie: gem's mother is a working dog and thats why i am breeding her Forgive the bluntness....but SO WHAT???? This is your reason for breeding- seriously?? I don't expect an answer, and it's too late to do the right thing (ie: don't breed in the first place)....and my inner cynic tells me this is all falling on deaf ears anyway. Once again, I applaud the nearly Job-like patience of those who rescue. Scenarios like this ensure your continued hard work.
  24. Originally posted by Meg's mum: When and where is Hyperbowl this year????? I excitedly second that...sounds like fun!
  25. Originally posted by Borderco1: I would only own a working bred dog. Border collies (of course) Working German shepherds (NOT german or american show lines) Malinois (I lOVE them) Dutch shepherd I would love another sheltie one day Ooooooo....someone on the same page as me I never want to be without a border collie, that's for sure. Other than Barra, over the years I have owned (or been owned by) a bc mix, a Malinois and a herd of Shelties. I've spent a great deal of time with Mals and Czech/DDR-bred GSDs, and can say I love all those breeds for their intensity, their natural look, and their intelligence- yes, even Shelties. The only time I could see myself straying from these breeds is if/when I get a Scottish Deerhound. They're everything a border collie isn't (other than Scottish, heh) but there is something so noble and utterly compelling about them.
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