Need to know more about these dogs (ACD)

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

After just reading your post about, and seeing the picture of, Buddy, I can't help but think that any dog that has the pleasure of calling you its Human is very blessed indeed!!!

I can see exactly what you are saying about Jake and how much more relaxed he looks. Bless you for taking the abused and forgotten. Heaven knows they require so much more, and apparently you and your wife have the love and patience to give it!

Some people look at dogs merely as livestock whereas you clearly see your dogs as part of the family or team. I have a feeling that you are one of those very kind men who has the ability to communicate with his animals on a level that eventually requires no words or motions. My Father was very similar when it came to animals. Even the most feral cat would seek him out when he was alone, and the dogs and horses looked at him like he was the second coming.

It is a pleasure to have you among us.

[kian]

He is beautiful! Showing him explains why he has a tail, for that I am glad. I would never dock mine, I love thier tails. I had one woman show up wanting one of my pups to which she was annoyed that I had not had tails docked. She said she would take a puppy and have her husband cut tail off. I escorted her off the property, no sale.

These people weren't good breeders & dogs need to be socialized to show. Sounds like you are making good progress, trust your instincts which sound very good to me.

I'm so thrilled you are integrating him into the house, just like Deb said, so many view dogs as livestock or a commodity. I am in a rural farming/ranching community and have seen that here and the previous place I lived. He will gain your trust in no time, I look forward to hearing of the progress.

[wyorancher]

Kian, I know exactly what you mean about a commodity. When I see how dogs are treated in Wyoming it really gets me riled up. I have seen dogs in the back of pickups going down the highway in the middle of winter. You can imagine how cold the wind chill factor is in the winter up here. Plus other dogs are kept outside 24/7 and we have really cold winter temps in Wyoming.

[kian]

I know all too well the wind chill and winters in Wyoming, it gets bitter cold there. We now live in NM and we see it more here where all animals are just a commodity, more so on the Reservation. Being that you are a rancher, you would shudder to see several horses in a very small pen, it burns me.

Do you have a Cattle or mostly farm? It will be a great life for Jake, it will be great to see how he comes around with you.

[wyorancher]

He is starting to come around and be less wimpy. He bonded with my wife immediately. He was so afraid of me he would run and hide. The important thing is he is making progress. No more accidents in the house. He now will leave the porch and check things out nearby. He is still afraid of the dark. We turn on all the flood lights for him. Attached a recent picture.

[kian]

Progress is just that progress, woohoo! Baby steps are working for him, good job. He is a nice looking dog, I love his coloring.

I read where you moved from LA, I can't blame you there. I lived in Orange County for a few years & hated every minute there. Too much noise, traffic and crime. When I left there I hightailed it back to the Country where the wide open spaces better suit me. Wyoming is definitely a change from LA, being you were in Law Enforcement, I can certainly see why you wanted out of there.

[wyorancher]

Maybe a little off subject kian, but you mentioned the tail and it reminded me about what vet had said about Buddy a couple of years ago. Buddy was losing most of the hair on his tail and a little hair on his rump. We had him in for shots and asked the vet if we needed him on more vitamins. He said, nope, we need to test him for thyroid problems immediately. He had a thyroid problem. Vet put him on thyroid meds and all the hair came back and he lost a little weight down to his good weight value. We would have never known why he was gaining so much weight and losing his hair on the tail unless we took him to the vet quite often.

When people say something is wrong with their dog and what can they do to treat them I cringe. I tell them take them to the vet. It may be expensive but these animals are family members.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

I too am of the school that when in doubt, consult a professional!

[kian]

Yup that is correct, so many people want a OTC fix rather than go to the vet. I can't tell you how many people I meet and tell them to go to the vet. Their response is always, how much do you think it will cost, I haven't the money.
I have a little more credibility when I tell them I was a vet tech, they seem more so to listen.

We are famous for going off subject!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]