OT New (to me) previously owned dog

Congratulations on the adoption! Our neighbors have Australian shepherds, and they're wonderful dogs. They love, love, love to chase after a frisbee and leap up to catch it in midair. (even as they age). The neighbors usually also get "slightly used" dogs. One was rescued from a house that had multiple young children, and the dog tried (unsuccessfully) to herd them all the time, to everyone's frustration. My neighbors are now on their fourth and fifth Australian shepherds (in the 20 years I've known them).

One of the funniest pet stories I've ever heard, which shows how smart Australian shepherds are: When my neighbors were down to one dog (they usually have two) and he was growing elderly, they adopted a new, younger dog. The old dog had some jealousy issues, and didn't want the new dog playing with his toys.

Well, my neighbor also has two cats, and the young dog was initially terrified of the cats. So when the old dog wanted his precious toys protected, he'd go lay them down behind a sleeping cat - and they'd be safe for some time. The young dog didn't dare go near them. They are SMART dogs!!!

cheers,

sue

I once didn't understand this. I now do. Hugs to you and yours . . . especially your new addition.

Australian Shepherds are such beauties, as long as you have the energy to keep up.

Dianne

Dawne Peters> On Friday the local humane society put out a plea for people to consider

Mazal Tov! To me adopting a dog is more then just a good thing, it deserves a round of applause, a fireworks show and and a gold medal.

One of my friends has just made the decision to adopt a "used" dog. She was dead set on getting a puppy but I think we finally convinced her that bending, running after, wiping up and generally training and caring for a puppy isn't for senior citizens, especially in a place where dogs must be on a leash at all times and you have to pick up their poop.

She's been trying for a long time to get me to put Puff up for adoption, but I have no intention of doing that so we'll go off to the local Dogs and Cats Forever and Humane society to register her for an adoption. The rules of our Homeowner's Association state that it must be a little dog so it's sometimes a bit harder to find one, but in these awful economic times I think something will turn up for her soon.

Give him a little kiss on the top of his head and tell him Puff said he's a very lucky guy to be invited to live with you.

Lucille

You're good Dawne ! I was dismayed to find it snowing (unforecast here) this a.m. as today was our day to do the benefit for the Bide Awhile Animal Shelter. We raised $1200 but one of the three of us works for a company that will double what she raises for charity so they net $2400. Plus, I asked for used towels and we have an absolute towel mountain.

I know it is not a lot in the scheme of things, but we are pleased with the results. To those people who said about 'children' I pointed out we have done benefits for all sorts and at the moment when times are hard people are off loading their animals left, right and centre. I like Bide Awhile because they will not euthanize animals unless there is a medical reason.

There are lots of advantages to used dogs and cats, as opposed to puppies and kittens.

That's like our Dogs and Cats Forever shelter. They just opened a thrift shop and an adoption center close to my house and that's the first place we'll look for a dog for my friend Sylvia.

I'm glad you reminded me. I have some old towels and a couple of shabby blankets that I've been holding on to for just such an occasion. I'm going to go and pull them out and put them where I'll remember to take them when we go to the shelter.

Lucille

They have a real need for them, both for washing animals and for some animals to make beds with.

The mice I knitted with catnip filling went down well amongst the cat owners and I have requests for three more. One man said he thought I could have a market for them at the next cat show - typical - no appreciation for time = money concept lol One female owner has 'phoned me since I came home to tell me her cat just loves the mouse lol They looked quite tempting, I put some quilt batting in a bread basket then nested the mice on it with their tails hanging over the edge. Should have thought to take a pic.

That's wonderful that you took in an older dog. They make the best companions and only want to please you in the end.

Celeste

Well done, Dawne. Our first German Shepherd was a pure pedigree and cost an arm and a leg in 1976. However, thereafter all our other GSDs were rescue dogs and gave us many years of devoted friendship and pleasure. Now we are of an age when long walks with large, energetic dogs are not possible but we had mice so we are now the staff of a green-eyed, white-coated c.a.t.

Staff ? You forget yourself, you mean slaves lol

GO YOU! and congratulations to both of you!

Elizabeth

Bless you....you are a kind person!

Edna

In the scheme of things, every little bit helps. Good on you.

Elizabeth

What's an Australian Shepherd?

Rosemary in Melbourne, Australia

It's a beautiful and very smart trainable dog.

WE didn't adopt, as such. However Max was a stray dachshund, and found us (had two other dachsies at the time.).

He has turned into a great dog, and blends well with Gretel./

Have loads of fun with the new addition.

Common sense often says "no pets, it doesn't fit our lifestyle", but how can you not refuse the expression that says "Take me home MOm,"

Have a lot of fun, and post pics occasionally

Gill

Sheena,

Do you have instructions for the meece? I think it would be great for any fund raiser, and quick knitting is up my alley.

I have some weird dishcloths knitted, which I will probably give to my hairdresser for her Cancer booth at the "First Town-wide" Yard sale next week. I plan to bake a slew of cookies for them to sell too. I can't do the walk; the knees rebel, but I can do many other things.

Gill

"Trish Brown" wrote

(snip--regretfully--funny tale of burping mouse in outdoor loo)

This is definitely a win-win thing, me needing a dog and not having time to train a puppy, this fellow is just right. He is lovely to look at, and has a bark, so I get a house alarm into the bargain. Sparky is his real name; he was a loved pet. His owner left her name with the Humane Society, as he was surrendered due to a move. I left a message tonight, and the voice on the answering machine sounded older. Likely an older person downsizing, and having real regrets about having to leave this lovely dog, so I hope I reassured her that he has a home where he is definitely wanted. I know they try at the shelter, but older pets don't always have the appeal of adorable puppies and kitten.

I was thinking he might need an Australian name, but under the influence of Monty Python, all I could think of was Bruce!!

Dawne

Many years ago I was sat in a particular pub for the first time. There was nobody else in the place so I was having a quiet drink and minding my own business when I heard someone calling my name. I looked around but couldn't see anybody so I assumed I'd mis-heard. However, my name was called again, several times. I got to my feet and began looking around the pub; eventually I found the landlady in the back garden trying to get her dog, Bruce, to come to heel...