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Messages - jaspers mom

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76
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: THE OL ROY RUMORS
« on: February 23, 2006, 05:10:11 pm »
Quote from: shangrila on February 23, 2006, 02:59:27 pm
Quote from: jaspers mom on February 23, 2006, 01:23:12 pm
Are there some supermarket brands that would be considered premium?  I'd love to know I have him on something healthy that I can still afford.
What is your food budget? How much does Jasper weigh? Are there any ingredients that has issues with or likes better than others? If you can answers those 3 questions, I will try and come up with a list of brands that fits your needs :)

Why thank you very much shangrila, here is some info:

Jasper is an "old" Treeing Walker Coonhound we found on Petfinder.  The pound lady said he was about two.   After living with him for almost four years, we are judging him to be about 11 or 12.  This is based on his arthritis, tooth condition, and various age-related ailments (has anyone ever dealth w/vestibulitus?).  He may not have been born 12 years ago, but he had been living on his own in the woods in southern VT for some time before he was found half dead on the highway, and malnutrition and Lyme Disease may have prematurely aged him. 

He ate anything when he first came to us (including his own poop, still one of his favorites), but has become a bit finicky over the past year or two.  We used to use Purina One, but he went off it.  We have been slowly switching around ever since.  I know you are not supposed to switch foods, but he always eats the first 20-40 lbs of anything and then loses interest.

As for food budget, if I can find it at Hannaford, I can probably afford it.  I'm just not sure about paying extra for Iams and Eukanuba-type brands because he doesn't seem to like them any better.  But if it truly is much healthier for him, I will convert.

I wish I had a picture to post.  He really is the sweetest thing.

77
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: "How much does one cost, if you don't mind me asking..." VENTING
« on: February 23, 2006, 12:51:04 pm »
I'm glad you posted this vent because I have been looking for ballpark figures on dog costs for giant breeds. 

I loved some of the responses, but I would probably use them in my head silently.  I have put my foot in my mouth plenty of times and sometimes it takes me a couple of days before I realize what an idiot I must have sounded like.

My dog, on the other hand, has never put his foot in his mouth.  Oh, wait a minute . . .

78
Spinone Italiano Discussions & Pictures / Re: spinone?
« on: February 22, 2006, 04:45:55 pm »
Quote from: smsmith on February 22, 2006, 03:52:50 pm
Hi and welcome. 

Have you looked around online for rescue groups?  That way you would be able to get the breed you're looking for AND save a dog.

Love the way that works.

Hi sms,

So far, everything with me has been a rescue, way back to my first dog out of a trash can given to me by my grandfather when I was five.  That's why I am in sticker shock now.  We are looking for a puppy because my kids have been raised with seniors and I want them to have something that has many years of play.  It's not all altruistic, I miss playing, too.

P.S.  My first dog was foraging in the trash, not dumped, but sad all the same.  She was awesome (and newly pregnant, to our surprise).

79
Spinone Italiano Discussions & Pictures / Re: spinone?
« on: February 22, 2006, 02:51:30 pm »
Hi there,

So, we're still looking at spinonis.  Their personalities sound irresistable. 

Does anyone have any idea as to price?  I spoke to one woman and she mentioned $1,500, but said it could be more.  Yikes!  My dogs have always come from the pound or a friend.  I have never actually paid for a dog.  Is this typical? 

On a related note, how can I be sure she is a reputable breeder?  She really sounded nice on the phone, but I know that's not enough.  People say, "do your research."  How do I do that exactly?  She does not advertise on the web and I don't know anyone with a spinone.  She did say that I was welcome to come visit (which I plan to do if we move forward). 

Lastly, are their other large breeds that are mushes that might not cost so much?  I guess this is a silly question on this board.  I'm sure every one of you have at least one giant favorite.  My other current flirtation is w/otterhounds, but I expect they will cost just as much.

Cheers!

80
Spinone Italiano Discussions & Pictures / Re: spinone?
« on: February 21, 2006, 09:48:19 am »
Such quick responses!  Thank you for the nice welcome and advice.  Please keep it coming.

81
Spinone Italiano Discussions & Pictures / spinone?
« on: February 20, 2006, 10:17:04 pm »
Hello everyone,

I have always had a dog and I don't think I can ever live without one.  My husband of 15 years is lukewarm about dogs.  We currently have an old Walker coonhound rescue (who is as sweet as can be) and we are considering getting a puppy for him.  My husband has decided that if we are going to get a second dog, he gets to pick the breed and he has decided on a spinone.  No, I don't know why.  My daughters and I don't care what kind of breed we get, but we do have a wish list of characteristic s.  We would like a dog who does not have a high energy level (once they reach the adult stage), does not have a high guarding instinct, is not at all aggresive, and is not an ankle-biter.  We also want to steer clear of dogs who are highly intelligent.  My mother recently acquired a black mouth cur and you can't turn your back on her for a second. (In other words, we are looking for big, slow, stupid and friendly).

The other preference is that we get a puppy as opposed to an adult dog.  My girls have been raised with elderly companions and now that they are 8 and 10, we feel the time is right to take on a puppy.

So, who has advice or opinions?

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