czrabbit

Kathi

Kristin - I agree with you 100%. Katz apparently did whatever he did and published it for the world to see so knowing that, I can see how conclusions could be made and bandied about. I didn't ask permission from either board about rehoming and like you, I drew my conclusions as to what was best for me and my family within my own heart. I didn't post that I intended to re-home - and I certainly wasn't prepared for the opinions that cropped up anyway. I think most people who've lived beyond their twenties realize that decisions have to be made and it's not alway best to assemble a consortium, but only consult those who are actively involved. I'm sorry to have brought this up on this board. Most here seem like rationale adults. Apparently I'm still a bit stung by the posted accusations toward me, and I definitely should not color the whole board with the broad strokes of those inconsiderate few. My apologies to everyone else.

Thank you Devi, for your thoughtful words. I have not read any of Katz books, and I wasn't defending him, per se. I stumbled onto this thread and the comments struck me as hurtful, most likely because they were so fresh and familiar to me. I try as much as possible to ignore the people who say crazy things - and refuse to let them draw me into a place of arguement. I do retract my statement regarding those who "speculate and draw the worst conclusions about what one doesn’t really know", because it's clear that I - not having read the books - am the one who is speculating and drawing conclusions when I don't know the facts. I sincerely apologize. Thank you again for being kind and taking the time to respond. I very much appreciate that.

I don’t post here often, but have been a member for a few months. I generally stay on the BCRescue board and just lurk here because you have some very interesting articles and tons of information, but this subject has come up here and I notice that some of the posters on this thread are also on the BCR board. Since coming to these boards I’ve questioned why some people post to the point of nauseum, reasons they may need to rehome a dog, whether it be they cannot afford a chronic condition, or the dog is too silly and doesn’t get along with the other dogs or bites or for whatever reason it just doesn’t fit into their life or existing pack or family – they agonize and apologize and carry on for pages, then after “standing trial” they happily announce that the dog has found it’s perfect forever home, everyone claps and calls it a day. I’ve also read many accounts of people who agonize and finally decided Fluffy’s time had come and they put their dogs down. That’s a fact of life and humane and seems to be ok with everyone – as long as the decision is played out on these pages and the person is deemed adequately heartbroken. Now I get it. If one DOESN’T go through this “day in doggie court” one runs the risk of being accused of killing or “dumping” the dog. In my 50 plus years, I’ve owned dogs from 8 weeks old through to their natural death of old age in the double digits. I’ve also had foster/rescued dogs that have lived out their lives with me. I’ve also had dogs that for whatever reason – did not work out, and I either returned him/her to the rescue from which they came, or returned him/her to the owner who was seeking to re-home them and in one case I rescued a very sick dog that died an untimely death shortly after I got her from what was found to be an incurable disease. I’ve recently been accused on the rescue board of “dumping” a dog that I returned to its owner (after 4 days in my home and with a damned good reason), and in a private email I was accused by a member of killing a particular dog that I no longer have. I will not go into details about their circumstances other than to say that both dogs are alive and being VERY well taken care of. The accusations understandably shocked me. But now I get it. Apparently, unless a person pleads his/her case on the boards and gets total approval from the members, then suspicion is sufficiently raised to call that person a dog murderer – or someone who dumps dogs. Of course everyone has a thought process, but to speculate and draw the worst conclusions about what one doesn’t really know – I think - is the worst of diplomacy and maturity. You may say my situation is different from the subject of this thread…..ok, I didn’t write a book. Otherwise, it looks the same to me.

I started Skye in beginning obedience at 4.5 months, then started our beginning agility at 6 months old. She's doing contacts, tunnels, sequencing walkover jumps, Aframe and teeter without any problem. It's all on leash right now, and lots of fun. I can't wear Skye out with running and playing, we've hiked over 6 miles at a time (with her zigzagging back and forth - probably covered at least 10 miles), but after the one hour mental workout of agility she sleeps like a rock!

Well that's what THOSE competitors look like, I agree. I don't believe it's necessary to have a stick up one's arse to compete well. Although, many competitors have said stick as an accessory whether they are in the ring or not. Actually, it was the placement of the left hand - almost chicken wing style - that I found disconcerting. Whatever, some people just walk funny, eh?

sweetbc87, I LOVE your artwork! Did you do it?

I should stay out of this, since it's been so long since I competed in obedience, but my ex-husband (an AKC obedience judge) and I both trained and showed dogs that heeled just like that. We had a litter of three, one was placed with a family and came back to us as a bad boy at 8 years old. That dog had issues that required some tough corrections, but the other two never did. We trained those pups without ever using treats - and NEVER with force. We used praise only, and those dogs did amazing things. It's not a weird way to walk, and they only looked at us like that when we were in the ring, demonstrating for a class, or any other time they wanted to tell us they'd jump the moon if we asked. We trained our dogs from the first day on constant chatter, praise and hand signals which made the transition to Utility a breeze. It's not true that you can't smile at your dog in the ring, in fact, I can't imagine showing a dog without smiling - why would anyone do anything so serious? Even back then people speculated on how we got our dogs to pay such close attention to us, but anyone who took our classes knew the answer: they loved us, and we loved them.

How horrible for you and Jessie!! I am so, so sorry to hear this happened. Of course this is not your fault. I can't stand aggressive dogs or aggressive people - and there's no way you or Jessie were doing anything aggressive. A similar thing happened to Jazz about 6 months ago, when a much larger dog grabbed her and shook her like a toy. She wasn't hurt as bad as Jessie and I'm just sick thinking you went through that. You are VERY much in my heart and prayers and I hope to hear good news very soon. Please, keep us posted. And hug yourself from me. I hope your dad will take legal action against that dog's owner, and I hope he is ok. Muchos besitos, Jessie

Pepper looks happy and well satisfied in that chair. Did you ever read "The Velveteen Rabbit?" It's a kids book, but she reminds me of the rabbit. I have endured several losses in the past 4 months, each ond became more difficult than the last. You are aware that some dogs try to get away from their ownders when the time is near, but if he feels comfortable he may stay put. Warm blankets, cool water, clean coat of fur is more important than what they do and eat. Let them eat whatever interests them. Peace by with you. Keep the environment quiet, but with a backgrownd noice such as soothing music or the TV on low. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Yep, got two crazy rabbits. When we go out off leash they will even 'hop-scotch' each other sometimes, just like rabbits.

Except that you are. Your hallowed PetSmart has never been the issue.

"...except care about an animal." Amen. (crosses self and bows to all four corners then points to the sky in hopes that the BCGods will finally forgive this sin even though it's not one of the seven deadly ones).

This IS a great site, as is the border collie rescue board. There are, without a doubt some unscrupulous people online and they may be perverts and liars or people with greedy intentions as well as those who brag and embellish in an attempt to make themselves look better to people they don't know and try to win friends and gain attention. There are also some very kind and generous and well meaning people who may at times lie and embellish or sign onto a website just for fun and I can't honestly say that if I was 14 I mightn't do the same thing and sometimes it's confusing and almost impossible to tell the difference between the really bad guys and a kid. Having said that, (and I apologize for the run-on sentence), I can't know if someone named Sandyleew or Mary or Debbie are actually 80 year old men named Bob Krawtz living in Florida or who they actually say they are, but if I grilled them with the vigor of Johnny Cochran and came up empty, I think I'd try to make amends, that's all.

"......she can not afford vet care or pull fees, therefore, should leave the rescuing to others who have the means"....."she should think before she posts things online for the world to see..." I'll take that as it's written, and not offer anymore financial assistance to anyone, nor I suppose, should I expect anyone else to ask for it.