Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Hi everyone,
    I am currently thinking of switching dog foods.  My dogs are on a solid gold and wellness combo.  (long story) I've been doing research and found the By Nature food at Petsmart.  My 2 year old golden has a super sensative stomach.  Last month he was fed some turkey and spent 2 days in the vet hospital.  $$$ I was thinking of putting him on the salmon, ocean fish, and yogurt flavor.  Anyone use this food? (any of the flavors)   I'd really like to have some input.  I've googled "reviews" on the internet but can't seem to find any opinions on the food. The company has an excellent safety record.   
Thanks,
Jennifer

Hello all,
     I had a question about supplemening on EVO or any high end dog food.  Do y'all do it.  I'm specifically wondering about giving supplements for joint support.  I've got a 15 month old golden. He's eating EVO.  Just wondering if anyone out their supplements... .

Hello everyone,
     I'm not sure that everyone knows me.  I have posted on the general board and on the newf board but I have not posted here.  I was the proud momma of a golden pyr mix who died of a stroke at the age of 10 about a year and a half ago.  I've also fostered for a great pyr rescue here in my area and have rescued a poor neighbor's pyr.  My rescue experience with pyrs has been rough. The neighbor's dog that I rescued turned out to be the love of my life and my biggest heartbreak.  He was a sweet boy, but would just freak out sometimes.  The mystery was solved when he turned 14 months old and one of his knee caps popped out of the socket.  He received surgery and recovered well.  However, about 3 months after the surgery his other knee cap popped out.  I had an appointment to get that one looked at.  In the meantime the knee cap that had be operated on also failed again.  When the surgeon saw him (I took him to a different vet) he said that the little fellow had the worst knees that he'd ever seen and that he was probably in constant pain.  That is why he was a little "wonky" personality wise sometimes.  He advised me to put him to sleep.  I agonized for a few weeks, but as Coop's pain got worse I realized it was the best thing to do.  He passed away in my lap at the age of 19 months old.  I still see his face, and I still cry about it.  Despite the pain that he was in he was my happy go lucky boy.  For months I couldn't get the image of Cooper lying ther out of my head.  If I saw a pyr I would burst into tears.  It was awful.  A friend suggested that I volunteer with a pyr rescue group.  I did, and I think it was the only thing that got my to accept and be at peace with Coop's passing.  Some of the foster dogs that I saw come through the group had been badly mistreated and were very distrustful of dogs and humans.  It seems to me that a pyr is like an elephant.  He never forgets.  I volunteered at some of the foster parent's houses trying to rehabilitate dogs with positive training.  It was very slow going with some of the dogs.  They were just so sad and leary of anyone of anything. 

About 1 year ago I started to miss having a BIG dog around.  So a researched several big, friendly type dogs.  The newfoundland hit the top of my list.  For some reason the stars have not aligned and I have not been able to get a newfie.  That's probably good considering that I'm still on the fence with the whole "high upkeep" coat issue. My pyr was very easy to care for.  Brush him twice a week.  If he got muddy let the mud dry and then brush it out.  Easy!!!  Newfs are NOT like that. 

So I turn again to what I think my heart is calling my to find... a pyr.  Now I am wrestling with myself.  I'd like to get a young puppy 6 months or younger.  I would also like to rescue the puppy, but then the issues I've had with temperment and health or back on the table.  This is my question to all of you savvy pyr owners.  Knowing the history that I have with rescyed pyrs... Is there a way to get a good pyr from rescue?  Or do I have to go through a breeder?  This last question just puts my stomache in knots.  If you go on petfinder there are so many pyrs that need homes.  It seems selfish to go to a breeder. However, I do not want a repeat of my history.  I also want a steady temperment.  My golden pyr was rescued at the age of 5 and he always had dog aggression issues.  I currently have 2 goldens and I can't tell you have nice it is not to deal with those issues.

Hi all,
   I just wanted to give everyone a Sushi update. I spoke to the breeder this weekend.  She's coming to a nearby state at the end of Feburary.  I've had some complications with my old golden.  He's 12 years old and has had some nerve/spine issues recently. So I don't feel comfortable leaving him for long. At in rate the breeder is going to meet me in AR at the end of Feb.  I'll send lots of pics when she gets here.

Hi all,
    I posted here about 1 year back.  I talked to a lot of you about finding a newf breeder.  Well, I'm getting my boy sometime this week.  I can't believe it's happening.  I'm so excited.  So.. here's my question.  I have tried a big jug "bistro" waterer with my goldens that I have here but I've got one that likes to dig in it.  Now I use a rectangle crock and that seems to deter him a little.  I know that my newfie is going to want to dig in the water.  What do you all use???

Hi everybody,
    I have been participating in the "I'm looking for a newf puppy" discussion.  Well, after reading a lot of your posts on this board, I contacted my local Newfie breed club.  They have been sooooo helpful.  I've decided to look for a young adult, because I believe that that will be the best fit for my Golden Chase.  I've put in an application with the club.  I've already heard back from them.  However, one of the members of the club suggested that I cantact a breeder that she knows occasionally places adults.  Last night I e-mailed the breeder.  To my surprise I was called today with a response.  Yes he does have a 2 year old, gray, male, newf.  The dog is 6 hours away, which is pretty close considering the location of most breeders in relation to myself.  Here's all the info that I have.  Of course I'm not going to give out the name of the breeder, but I need to see if the information I have rings true to other  experienced newf owners. 
     The breeder has been in contact with the dog his whole life.  In fact the dog has stayed with them when the owners have gone on vacation.  The owners are "rich" as the breeder puts it, but are getting a divorce.  He says " The dog is very smart, but not a dog to show."  He doesn't have "great bone or a great head". (I'm going off of my notes so the details are sketchy.)  He's not dog aggressive, which is very, very important to me. He's lived with yorkies and with other newfs.  He's clear for hips, heart, and cysternia.  (The breeder kind of laughed at me when I asked that.  In my ignorance I didn't realize that dogs with thet particular urinary disease die when they are pups.)  I forgot to ask if he was nuetered.  Are there any other questions that y'all can think of?  I feel like I'm forgetting something.
     Also... the breeder is willing to part with the dog for $600.00.  Does that sound reseanable to you guys???  I'm new to this.  It seems to me that the breeder has had the dog for 1 day.  I'll be able to go and get him fairly quickly if I decide he's the dog for me.  The dog was already sold once. W ???hy should he bring such a high price???  I'm ignorant.  The rescue newfs are $350.00.  I KNOW that rescue doesn't make a penny off of those dogs.  Many times they loose money on them.  $600.00??? Please tell me what you think.