Big Paws Only Dog Forums

Is it OK to switch to high protein food like Orijen or EVO at this stage?

    I don't know if this is still an issue in large breeds, but I know for a while the trend was to watch high protein in large breed puppies.  Don't want those joints, muscles, bones developing faster than he's really growing. Another thing to remember is that just like us, fat makes us gain weight, not protein.  It's the same for my big hooved friends.  To put weight on, I add fat, not protein, to my horses diet.  I have a horse I'm putting weight on now and switched to a feed with high fat, lower protein.  But, in a young animal, you want to make sure they're getting enough protein for bones, muscle, joint development.  Just a thought...

Yes, but what you went thru at first with those two... geezzz.  When Heather brought Daph home, it wasn't exactly love at first sight with Stone, her cat.  Heather had a war raging at her house for a short while.  I seem to remember numerous distress calls   But she's right...they did work it out and are now fine together!  I think it's a good testament to the fact that it can work out.

Ahhhh, come on Heather... tell them about Daphne and Stone.... hehehehehehe

awwww, reminds me of my Pilgrim.  On Thanksgiving morning when I went out to feed horses, there was a tiny tiny kitten in the hay, one of Barn Cat's litter. (I board so she's not my cat.)  She only recently brought them out of hiding.  He was breathing shallow and totally limp.  I decided that if he was still alive when I was done with chores, I'd see what I could do.  He was.  The little guy was so cold.  I kept him wrapped in the hem of my sweatshirt on the way home, ignoring the fleas.  When I got him home, I put him under warm water and massaged his little body.  He faintly mewed.  I gave him a little sugar water via a syringe and continued that about every 15 minutes; then mushed cat food every 2 hours.  I took him with me to my friends where I was having Thanksgiving dinner, continuing the routine.  I massaged him with a warm, wet cloth to encourage him to use the bathroom.  Needless to say...Pilgrim thinks I'm his Mom.  At first he slept in the bed curled under my chin (awww, the pulse in my throat).  Heather (Navarre) said it was the smallest kitten she'd ever seen. Now that he's a big boy, He gets as close to me as he can and puts his head under my chin to sleep.  He has yet to meow, but "talks" a lot.  He's neutered now, of course.  Ummm, I had no intention of having another cat.  Mr. Beasley and Blue are older, so mature...but Pilgrim occasionally brings out the inner kitten in them! 

I have nothing but good things to say about Eagle Pack, which I fed while living in another state years ago.  I posted earlier on another thread how I had just found a local dealer.  Bella has demodectic mange.  While she hasn't had an outbreak in about a year or so, she does have an issue with a dry-looking coat. She's been on Eagle Pack for about 3 months now and besides all the other benefits, her coat has never looked better.   

I am still having problems here folks.  I've had a headache since Tuesday night and I'm trying to function but sometimes it's really hard.  Good boyfriend is giving me some space to grieve, which I appreciate. I'm taking Bella with me to the barn to feed horses, which she enjoys...Both girls used to go, but when Shade could no longer get in the truck to go, I quit taking them.  I wouldn't do with Bella and leave Shade behind.  Sometimes I feel like I haven't done Bella justice all these years, always keeping her "second."  But as Heather (Navarre) said, it did help the recognition of Shade's position as alpha dog in the household. Bella goes down the ramp, turns and sits and looks at the door.  I tell her the old lady isn't here, and it breaks my heart.  My vet says that Bella will figure it out.  I was concerned that because of the stress, she would have a demodectic outbreak.  He said that unlike other breeds, Dobie's are "people" dogs and while she will miss her companion, it wasn't about Shade, that I am her beacon.  I liked that phrase...I am her beacon.  It's just my light isn't shining very bright right now. 

My family and friends are sending their favorite Shade memories.  Some are hilarious.  My niece wrote a poem and sent me a plant. Heather also sent me a poem.   

Poem from my Niece:

I am her with you -
In the receses of your thoughts -
In the remnants of my being -
Left in our house.

In the night sound -
Like me breathing in my bed -
In the warm night wind -
Like my breath before a kiss -

And in that sparkling place -
At the front of your heart -
I am here for you -
Never leaving -
Until you join me on the Rainbow Bridge.

----------------------------------------------------

Author Unknown. Heather (Navarre) sent me this, which is comforting.
 
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing,
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic,
That will once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've cared for you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years ...
My partner till the end.

Please, understand just what this gift
You're giving means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run.
Once more strong and steady now,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll play,
... free and happy once again.

There's a lot of good information here on teaching stay, and I'd like to add my two cents...not sure it's been mentioned.  With dog at your left side, whenever you're doing any exercise (like stay--sit or down--or stand for examination) which requires the dog to remain in position, step off on your right foot.  Any exercise that requires the dog to move with you, step off on your left.  It's just one little extra cue.  Another is that any moving exercise, call your dog's name, then the command:  "Bella, Heel."  Again, if the dog needs to stay, don't use their name, just the command with the hand signal:  "Stay."  Eventually, they pick up on these little extra cues. Another little tip...someone mentioned the pup jumping on people.  Let's not confuse the "down" command.  "Off" is what I always use.  It's "Bella, OFF" (note: name then command because she has to move her feet ) when I need her to get off the bed..."Name, OFF" for pups when teaching them not to jump on people.  "Down" is when I want them to lay down. And, I also use "Wait."  Like when I'm getting together my purse and keys to go out the door.  I don't really care if she moves around in the area, but "wait" means just that... give me a second here, don't get too antsy about going for an outing.  Give me a minute and then we'll go. 

Hope this helps.

Kat   

The end of an era, as my sister said...she was an icon...