URGENT WARNING - Poison pet food - US & Canada

[Sily]

One more post and then I promise to stop... :evil: ... Mercy Now's post about the basenji..... that is exactlly WHY I love dogs sooooooo much.  So devoted they are.  

[DreamTime]

William: loved the picture of your parent's dog. My oldest sister also had a Bichon at one point, but it was such a jumper and 'yipper' that it really was a pain in the arse.

Mercy Now: We had heard many, many stories of how Basenjis are escape artists, and that kind of worried us at first (this was before we picked Anubis up). But we had nothing to worry about. Anubis is too lazy and too overweight to climb over our fence. Although I do have to say...he sure can run when he wants to....overweight or not. We sure wouldn't be able to catch him. But, he is a huge, gigantic, chicken and comes running to us at the sound of the first strange noise he hears. I always say that if someone ever broke into our house or tried to attack me, he would be a block away before he would stop and look back to see if anyone was following him.  He's also afraid of kids (I have no idea why since he's never really been around them and none have ever hurt him). But now, if he is somewhere he shouldn't be and he won't come when I call him or tug on his leash, I just say: "are the kids coming?" And zoom...he's back at our front door, scratching to get in.  I know I shouldn't do that - encourage his fear of kids - but sometimes I get so frustrated when he won't listen that I resort to anything that works.  He does have a bad habit of going after cars, though. Ever since he got side-swiped by one when he was a puppy. I have tried everything to break him of that habit to no avail. Consequently, that is why he is never off a lease whenever we are out of the house.

Sily: I love your 'singing' story. Can't wait to see your 'babies.' Sorry to hear about your 'Silly.' But now at least I know why you chose your forum name.

[Leftygrl]

Sily,

Love your singing story... its a little strange... but great. :)
I come from a 'dog' family... my mother has a harp (harmonica) and when she plays it her little sh*t zu howls along with her. Its very entertaining for the rest of us.

I have a 90 lb black labrador... and if I lean (don't even have to latch it) a gate across a doorway she can't get out. Yup... she hasn't figured out that she can push it down much less leap over it with little effort.

I hope thats not symbolic.... I wonder if our pets are symbolic of mindpatterns we are dealing with. Is there a chapter on 'pets' in "Decoding Your Life"?

hmmmm.

[William]

LOL -  great stories....  Yes I believe dogs represent the owners in some way....

Well, my stories of the Bichon.....  The dog will not go outside to do its business unless you go with it.  You open the door for it to go outside and it stands there looking up at you.  Until you take the step outside it wont go.  Then it zips off to chase the squirls or birds that is in the yard.  Also the Bichon knows how to spell and knows words.  The doggie had a bad ear ache and we would take it to the Vet and then when the ear was not better we would say outloud that it was time to take it to the Vet and it would go run and hide.....So then we would spell the word ear and it knew what we were talking about and go hide.....  Here is some history...share your dogs history.....

Breed History: The Bichon Frise has its roots in the Mediterranean, and was originally produced by crossing the Barbet (large water dog [b]or Water-Spaniel,) with small white lapdogs. Bichons are close relatives to the Maltese and Toy Poodle. The cross eventually produced the family of dogs known as Barbichons. Later Barbichon was shortened to Bichon.  The Bichons were divided into four categories: the Bichon Maltais, the Bichon Bolognais, the Bichon Havanais and the Bichon Teneriffe. However, the Bichon Frise has been a distinct breed since about 1400. In the 14th century Italian sailors brought Bichons back from the island to the continent, where they quickly became favored pets of the upper class. Appreciated for their dispositions, the dogs traveled much through antiquity. Frequently offered as items of barter, they were transported by sailors from continent to continent. A few Bichons came to the United States in the 1950s, and the Bichon Frise Club of America was founded in 1964. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1971.     [b]Original Purpose:

[b]The Bichon Frise were a great favorites with Italian nobility in the 1300s. The breed was pampered, be-ribboned and perfumed, and carried on silver trays. In the late 1800s, the Bichon Frise fell from court favorite to  'common street dog', running the streets. The Bichon survived, however, because of its propensity for performing tricks, and it teamed with peddlers and organ grinders to entertain passerby or fair-goers for money, and doing tricks in circuses.
[/b][/b][/b]
[color=#000000][b][b][color=#79c130][b][color=#800000]Temperament: [b]A Bichon is a gentle mannered, perky, bouncy,  playful, sensitive, and affectionate. The Bichon Frise's happy-go-lucky outlook endears it to all. It is friendly with strangers and other dogs and is very good with children. The Bichon does not require a great deal of running around room and therefore is a good dog for apartment dwelling. The Bichon is happiest when they are with their family, and are very unhappy when left alone for great lengths of time. The Bichons are not a yappy dog, however, they will announce   the mailman and strangers. Bichons are very outgoing and intelligent. They love to play in the house or outside in a fenced yard.  

[Sily]

...share your dogs history.....
 

[color="#79c130"][color="#000000"][b][b][color="#79c130"][b][b][color="#000000"] [/color][/b][/color][/b][/b][/color][/color][/b]

[color="#79c130"][color="#000000"][b][b][color="#79c130"][b]
One of my three dogs is a pure Keeshond.  So I'll go with that history for me.  Leftygrl and William, I think you are on to something there...:nod:  I stole the pics from Wikipedia.. but here's a reflection of my mind pattern in doggie form...  I present the Keeshond:  WOOF

[/color][/b][/b][/color][/color][/b]The Keeshond (IPA pronunciation:[ˈkeɪzhɑnd] or KAYZ-hond; plural: Keeshonden) is a medium-sized dog with a plush two-layer coat of silver and black fur with a 'ruff' and a curled tail, originating in the Netherlands. Its closest relative is the Pomeranian. Originally called the German Spitz, more specifically the Wolfspitz, the name was officially changed to Keeshond in 1925.

Temperament Samurai, a male Keeshond a few days short of his first birthday, goes for a slice of cucumber Keeshonden tend to be very playful, with quick reflexes and strong jumping ability. Keeshonden can be stubborn, but they are quick learners and eager to please. Because Keeshonden are quick learners, they also learn the things you didn't necessarily wish to teach them - very quickly. However, Keeshonden make excellent agility and obedience dogs. So amenable to proper training is this bright, sturdy dog that Keeshonden have been successfully trained to serve as guide dogs for the blind; only their lack of size has prevented them from being more widely used in this role.
They love children and are excellent family dogs, preferring to be close to their humans whenever possible. They generally get along with other dogs as well and will enjoy a good chase around the yard. Keeshonden are very intuitive and empathic and are often used as comfort dogs. Most notably, at least one Keeshond, Tikva, was at Ground Zero on 9/11 to help comfort the rescue workers. The breed has a tendency to become especially clingy towards their owners, even in comparison to other dogs[citation needed]; if their owner is out, even if there are other people nearby, they may sit, waiting for their owner to return.
They are known by their loud distinctive bark. Throughout the centuries, the Keeshond has been a very popular watch dog on manors in the Netherlands and middle Europe, as well as being a watch dog on barges. This trait is evident to this day, and they are alert dogs that warn their owners of any new visitors. Despite being a loud and alert watch dog, Keeshonden are not aggressive towards visitors. They generally welcome visitors affectionately once their family has accepted them. Unfortunately, excessive barking may become a problem if not properly handled. As with other watch dogs, Keeshonden have a distinct territory that they want to guard. Therefore, a happy Keeshond should have a yard to watch out for.

History The Keeshond was named after the 18th-century Dutch patriot, Cornelis (Kees) de Gyselaer, leader of the Dutch rebellion against the House of Orange. The dog became the rebels' symbol, and when the House of Orange was returned to power, this wonderful breed almost disappeared. The word 'keeshond' is a compound word: 'Kees' is a nickname for Cornelius (de Gyselaer), and 'hond' is a Dutch word for dog. In Holland, "keeshond" is the term that is used for all dogs with distinct spitz characteristics, regardless of color. Fortunately, the breed continued as a guard on Dutch barges. Later, in the 1920s, Baroness van Hardenbroeck took an interest in the breed and began to build it up again. It is important to note that altough the keeshond as we know it originated in the Netherlands, the breed also spread to many different countries such as Germany, due to its work on the Dutch barges. The Keeshond was accepted for AKC registration in 1930. Now bred for many generations as a companion dog, the Keeshond easily becomes a loving family member.
As a result of the breed's history and friendly disposition, Keeshonden are sometimes referred to as "The Smiling Dutchman".  :nod::);):D:big grin:

[color="#79c130"][color="#000000"][b][b][color="#79c130"][b]







[/color][/b][/b][/color][/color][/b]

[Mercy Now]

Oh I love these dog stories!:) I have an English Shepherd puppy,Murphy. He is 11 weeks old. My 18 year old ES, Dakota died last June. I was devastated and still miss him sooo much. Dakota was a tri-color and Murphy is a sable and white and will look very much like the dog in the pic below. They are very intelligent dogs. Both sets  of my grandparents were farmers and had this breed but at the time they were known as "farm collies". One of them saved my life once when I was @ 5 . He got between me and an ornery HUGE!! ram.

We had a Newfoundland ( I love Newfies!!) when my kids were younger.My daughter is the youngest and we had just moved back from Texas.She @ 4 at the time. A neighbor man used to come over and talk across the fence quite often. I figured he was just being neighborly but didn't like his vibes for some reason. This particular day he actually  entered the gate into the yard where my daughter and I were with the Newfie, Magic. Magic got between the man and my daughter and when the neighbor went to pat my daughters head Magic took his hand in her mouth and moved it. She did this a couple of times and I was a little shocked as she had never exhibited this type of behavior before.Later I was speaking to some friends that actually grew up in that neighborhood and was told that this neighbor man had molested a few girls there when they were growing up. Magic tried to "rescue" some goslings we had at one time but she ended up accidently suffocating them in her mouth. It upset her terribly.  Magic lived for 11 years which is great for a Newfie . Dakota is buried beside her.

I've enjoyed all your dog stories! Thanks:D









The
English Shepherd

---

---

---

---

The English Shepherd is descended from the same stock as the collies and shepherds of the UK. When settlers came to the US they brought their farm dogs with them and this type of dog was commonly called an "English Shepherd". It was (and is) also sometimes called the farm collie or the farm shepherd and as the English Shepherd has been recognized as a distinct breed, registered with the UKC, since the 1930's. Photographic evidence of this type of dog is very common. The turn of the century postcard above could have been taken with any modern English Shepherd at an "Olde Tyme Photo Booth".
The English Shepherd is a practical, "loose-eyed", working dog, with instincts to heel and drive livestock. They will adapt to the work at hand and will herd cattle, sheep, hogs, or poultry. Some have been trained for hunting. Stories of courage and problem solving are common. The English Shepherd is energetic and athletic, yet very gentle. They are noted for their calm good judgement and are content to curl up at the owner's feet at the end of a busy day. Read Abby's Tale for an example of the English Shepherd working attitude. Abby may be exceptionally dedicated but she's very typical of the English Shepherd breed. Or there's the story of Shep who isn't any specific breed but in his time and place would probably have been called an English Shepherd.
While very happy on a farm with chores to do, the English Shepherd makes an excellent family companion. Because of its working background and devotion to family the English Shepherd makes a great companion for an active family committed to involving their dog in their daily life. They want to be part of the family and remain a working dog. The English Shephed is happiest when he has a job to do; watching the kids, escorting the family to the park, and guarding the property from the wily UPS driver are all tasks the suburban English Shepherd excels at. An English Shepherd without a job will create one for himself, so families without the time to train or involve their dog in daily routines should steer away from this breed.
Check out Shep for a glimpse of a typical busy English Shepherd. Or read about Mingo , a Search and Rescue English Shepherd in Idaho.
Brief Description:
Height: 18 to 24 inches at the withers.
Weight: 35 to 90 pounds. Males are usually larger than females and dogs over 60 pounds are less common and defintly not preferred. The breed developed locally so different sizes, types or lines are common. The breed is generally considered a medium sized dog.

The English Shepherd head and neck are carried slightly raised. Ears are usually a low semi-prick, close to the head, and raised when alert. The skull is wide with only a very slight dome. The muzzle is moderately broad with a scissor bite. The nose is black and eyes are brown; their chest is deep and wide. The gaze will express intelligence and alertness. The English Shepherd coat is glossy, straight or wavy, and about 2 inches long. The topline is straight, the bushy tail is carried in a downward sweep, with the tip of bone reaching the hock. The hocks are straight, turning neither in or out. The tail is elevated when alert. An occasional natural bob-tail English Shepherd may occur in some lines.
For more information about the English Shepherd check out:

• The English Shepherd Web Page
  
• American Rare Breed Association web page info
  
• Or join the The English Shepherd Club
  
• English Shepherd Pedigrees

---

ES Colors










black & tan
black & white
black & tan with white
tricolor
sable & white

---