Getting a new dog...slightly effing frustrating

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moorx said:

I'm sure he would At the risk of making you cry again...

The Legacy

When humans die, they make a will
To leave their homes and all they have to those they love.
I, too, would make a will if I could write.
To some poor wistful, lonely stray
I leave my happy home,
My dish, my cosy bed, my cushioned chair, my toy.
The well loved lap, the gentle stroking hand,
the loving voice,
The place I made in someone's heart,
The love that at the last could help me to
a peaceful painless end
Held in loving arms.
If I should die, Oh do not say,
"No more a pet I'll have,
to grieve me by it's loss"
Seek out some lonely, unloved dog
And give my place to him.
This is the legacy I leave behind -
'tis all I have to give.

That's a nice one Moor - feel guilty looking at Ozz but he's around here all the time. I'll always miss him regardless of any new dog....but you can miss people/dogs and move on. I'll help Archie and he'll help us. I'll go into my work shortly with a smile for a change !!

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CAPP0 said:

That's brilliant, really pleased for you! Hours of fun to follow!

Thanks Capp.

Hope you are well.

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bexVN said:

Great news, I tried the link but no pic/info found. Maybe they've removed him.

Yeah they removed him from the webiste...I will post a pic when I get him tomorrow...if he's not camera shy !!

He needs a bit of grooming....don't we all.

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CAPP0 said:

Thanks Barry, yes, we're OK thanks. We're a few weeks "behind" you, so to speak, and it really is strange how the most odd little things bring a departed dog back to you, really random things. Also, I had to tell a friend who hadn't heard and that was actually harder than I would have expected. But I'm sure we will be thinking about somebody new at some point. Look forward to reading how Thursday goes!

Agreed with everything you said there. I had a few before Ozz - retrievers and Ozz hit me harder than any other dog. Maybe because he was so small and was ruined ? Who knows - but I agree with you. I din't realise just how hard I'd find his death - really underestimated it. Even yesterday I had a moment thinking of him - a new picture we put up..I could barely look at him - felt guilty about another dog taking his place...but no dog will ever take his place - they're all such individuals. Archie has real confidence issues so he will be a work in progress and we will help each other out I'm sure.

You will get there - it isn't an easy time. Even on the odd walk around around the village something clicks and all i think of is the way Ozz would react to something and I can see him. Sounds so bloody soppy but its true - you will no doubt be the same and I doubt these moments will never leave us.

Take it easy.

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Managed to find this one of him...hope it works OK.

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Thanks all - he's 22 months and looks like he's never had a trim !! He is lovely...can't wait to spend time with him tomorrow.

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Turn7 said:

Really pleased for you.

He looks a proper character.....

Cheers !

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Will do....I'm acting like a dog just now...sitting staring out of the window waiting on the van !

I'm not barking thou...not yet !!

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Don't have any decent pics yet - will take some with camera Tomorrow, heading off to work shortly.

He really needed a wash but I can tell he will have a beautiful coat once he has been trimmed a bit - he has some bad matting on his hind legs - groomer booked for Saturday morning along with a trip to the vets for a check up.

He is a real character - very playful, currently rolling about letting the O/H scratch his belly ! He has decided to pee on our bed - just after being for a walk and has also pee'd on a cushion we used with Ozz - I can only assume he is marking his territory ?

He'e also had some diarrhea - but it has been a stressful day for him. Eating well. We're hoping his first night is OK with no more pee'ing on the beds. I'm on night shift so O/H on her own with him.

He's certainly not showing the lack of confidence the previous owner complained of.

We're both very happy - another bath and trim and he will be a cracker - a cheeky playful bundle....bigger than we'd thought too !!!

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mikees said:

That's really upset. I'd hate to lose either of mine

They are both gorgeous - love Border Terriers

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H all - these were taken today after a much needed trip to our groomer in St.Andrews who takes no crap from any of the dogs !! Despite a couple of good scrubs in the tub Archie had a lot of matted hair and really needed it to come off - we are really please with the result.

Pros - Archie is a gentle bundle of fun around the house. Sits nice takes treats really gently without being told. Loves to lie over your lap and if you hold a bone he will chew it happily for a long time. Loves cuddles etc. He's generally quite good on the lead around town - has to be told not to pull but generally behaves.

Cons - Archie loves to go in the car but barks loudly and non - stop from the off until we reach our destination. Last night was for a check over at our our vets. Barked all the way there - was in the boot on his own. In the vet again he barked incessantly - other people could not have a conversation - so i took him out and he had a load of diarrhea. The vet couldn't hear his heart properly he was panting/barking and struggling so much. We will work on this with regular trips to the vet just for a wee walk around/treat then out again. Today we went to groomers - Catherine sat in the back seat with him...didn't matter barked non - top all the way there and back. The groomer was very good with him and said he just needs to learn a few manners. The car thing we will try working on - sit in the drive way for a minute engine off - then sit in drive way engine on but go no-where and build up from there. Unfortunately his diarrhea has not let up - he is on good food/kibble - but we have went back to the cheaper stuff that he was on before coming here in the hope this helps.

In the house he could not be better - he is so good and gentle - follows you from room to room - lies down and watches you cook ets. Doesn't even bark at the hoover. Loves to play fetch - loves his toys and is a strong wee bugger. We're going to invest in a thunder shirt for him in the car and collar that gives off some pheromone's to calm him (can't remember the name of it)

IN short he is brilliant and gorgeous - just a few things need worked on. He needed trimmed short because of the matting - but I like him this way.

Thanks for all the good wishes everyone.

One before he went to groomer

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bexVN said:

Dogs trust website have good advice pages for some behaviour issues.

Kalmaid and DAP spray may be good for the car thing. Some dogs bark less if they can't see out window (cover over a crate)

He looks good

Thanks bex - the photos were taken on a phone - I will get some good ones with the camera when we're in the garden. He is gorgeous and I've never known a dog to take things from you so gently. He is very good..apart from car/vet.

The car thing i pretty big because we like to go away with our dogs, our holidays next year will be walking holidays so we'll want to bring Archie...but I couldn't contemplate a long drive with him as he is now. Thunder shirt and Adaptile Collar have been ordered - I'll look into what you have recommended also.

Thanks for that

Barry.

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moorx said:

Re food - I think you have done the right thing by keeping him on the food he was on (even if that's not what you intend to use long term). I would keep him on the original for a few days, then gradually switch him over by adding a little of the new kibble and increasing the amount over the period of about 10 days.

He looks fab

Thanks !! What you have said is exactly what we're planning on doing.


HIs fav place to be is at the table with me...arse on me top two legs sprawled on the table head on my arm as i try to type.....is it bad that I love him already??1!! We have him for a two week trial but i can't see him going anywhere.

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thank you - he's a Dashhound x with a terrier....i think it might be dashound/shaunser?

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Archies foster period was extended until today - I'm pleased to say that he is now a permanent addition to our wee family!

He will never replace Ozzie but he is a great wee dog. We have been taking him to training classes and he is coming along fine - he is even improving with the barking in the car. He is also starting...and i really mean just starting !...to get used to my shift patterns.

He is a really loving wee thing and very playful with a real cheeky side. Glad we've been able to give a rescue a home. He's only 2 yrs so hopefully have him for a good long while.

Thought i'd let you all know...we are both very happy.

Take care

Barry+Archie !

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SPR2 said:

Nice looking dog and a lovely glossy coat. Hope you have many years with him

Thanks !

When he came to us he had a long shaggy and badly matted coat - we've sorted that out...and he feels the benefit !