Pets - General

[Linus]

Ok. So I have a question. This summer, when I finally head out to L.A., I'm gonna take Bobcat (16 yr old who has FeLV and hates being in the carrier but will be quiet once in motion) with me on the plane into the cabin. I'm curious if anyone else has taken a cat with them on a plane (or small dog).

Oh, wait. Second question: did you have to take the animal out of the carrier when going through TSA? (I'm talking about domestic flights, not cross border).

[Bit]

I was never able to fly with Lady; they have height restrictions which probably most cats will meet but she was an inch too tall. I'd be really interested in the info you find, Linus.

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Linus

Ok. So I have a question. This summer, when I finally head out to L.A., I'm gonna take Bobcat (16 yr old who has FeLV and hates being in the carrier but will be quiet once in motion) with me on the plane into the cabin. I'm curious if anyone else has taken a cat with them on a plane (or small dog).

Oh, wait. Second question: did you have to take the animal out of the carrier when going through TSA? (I'm talking about domestic flights, not cross border).

I haven't traveled by air with an animal, but I've seen one lady bring her Chihuahua on a flight once. I don't know if it was well traveled, drugged, too old to care or just lazy, but the pup slept the entire 5, almost 6 hour flight. She put the pup under a seat (had a tiny carrier), but I didn't think to ask how she got the pup through security. I can imagine the Xray should take care of it though.

[Soft*Silver]

the old pound dog is resting in isolation. How pitiful he is. So emaciated. He came to the pound because his mistress died and her out of state daughter didnt want to be bothered by him. He is so tired and weary. I am amazed at how easy he is to deal with..so compliant. No fight in him, or left in him. He goes to the vet, and then to the groomer.

The new newf from the breeder is a different story. He is a BEAUTIFUL sweet loving dog, but he was used as breeding dog and thus has alot of marking issues. I am trying my best to break him of it but am told because he is 10, this is now learned behavior and might not work. I am talking with the breeder and some other newf people...cross your fingers!

[Soft*Silver]

I had to make a difficult decision. With his marking as bad as it is, and being told even if we neutered him, it might not stop, I have decided to return Dawson back to his breeder. She had said she would neuter him before I got him but she did not. Even after neutering it takes 30 to 90 days for the hormones to level off. I dont have 90 days of scrubbing and mopping in me. So, he is going back.

The Old Man Max is doing wonderful. He is chipper today, bouncing around when I came downstairs to get him this morning. He is completely housebroken much to my suprise. He is a different dog than the one I picked up from the pound yesterday...

and Old Story, my 14 year old newfie girl is doing great. I have made sure she is getting all the attention she needs from me...

[Bit]

softness, I confess that when I read last night about the marking my heart just quailed inside my chest... I could never deal with that!! The second day we were babysitting Deagan, Trooper marked the bag of dogfood and I about came unglued! Thanks be the dogfood bag is plasticized because I couldn't have afforded to replace it that week if the urine had soaked through.

Anyhow, I'm sorry you couldn't keep Dawson.

How cool that your Old Man Max has settled in so quickly! There goes your house, working its magic on him. Yaaay!

[Soft*Silver]

Bit...I have had a heavy heart ever since I made this decision but I know its the right one. I cannot tolerate this marking. I have been running from room to room with upholstry cleaner, rug cleaner, vinegar and special pet enzyme shampoo. I just cant keep doing this! He is such a sweet boy...and I wish I could keep him but lets face it...there are limits to my tolerance of any dog. I was told he would be neutered and he wasnt. Now I am dealing with a stud dog who doesnt know he needs to stop the stud business.

Old Max, on the other hand, is doing just wonderful! He is, we found out, completely housebroken, knows how to shake hands and lay down, and is an excellent watch dog. He has eaten a whole can of wet food...he cant eat the dry stuff..it falls out of his mouth. My guess is he has dental problems and thats why he is so thin. He loves being outside, loves taking walks (short ones, as he is VERY arthritic) and loves being hugged. My daughter has fallen in love with him and vice versa. I am so glad we rescued him! He is the best little suprise!

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by Gemme

I haven't traveled by air with an animal, but I've seen one lady bring her Chihuahua on a flight once. I don't know if it was well traveled, drugged, too old to care or just lazy, but the pup slept the entire 5, almost 6 hour flight. She put the pup under a seat (had a tiny carrier), but I didn't think to ask how she got the pup through security. I can imagine the Xray should take care of it though.

I take my toy poodle on flights and under the seat. Most small dogs that go with owners all the time are use to being crated or contained. Mine sleeps too.

If I needed to bring my larger dogs I would just drive. I couldnt put them in freight.

[Soft*Silver]

Dawson, the big newf, was thrilled to be home with his buddies again. He couldnt wait to get in the door. So much for my ego! I was all sad and feeling guilty for returning him and he wasnt even looking back! Chuckling... the kennel owner was grateful I came to a quick conclusion and said it showed I had his best interest at heart. She told me she would adopt another dog out to me anyday. Of course, I have adopted two other of her dogs over the years, so I have a good history with her

Old Max is basking in the sun right now. He is eating well, loves to do a tiny bit of play (again, he is still weak and his back legs are really bad) and would sit for hours to be petter. Once he gets the vet ok, and shows he can be around Story without problem, he can come out of quaranteene and join us in the house.

it is so hard to foster a dog, especially one with so much unknown about him. I dont know if Max has had any shots, ever! Did he have a rabies shot? Was he on heartworm meds? My guess is probably not, as his missus was a poor woman and her house was likened to a hoarder's house. One small path to walk thru horrible messes and boxes and filth and junk. Her heart might have been true to the dog but I doubt he was vetted...

[christie]

Originally Posted by softness

Dawson, the big newf, was thrilled to be home with his buddies again. He couldnt wait to get in the door. So much for my ego! I was all sad and feeling guilty for returning him and he wasnt even looking back! Chuckling... the kennel owner was grateful I came to a quick conclusion and said it showed I had his best interest at heart. She told me she would adopt another dog out to me anyday. Of course, I have adopted two other of her dogs over the years, so I have a good history with her

Old Max is basking in the sun right now. He is eating well, loves to do a tiny bit of play (again, he is still weak and his back legs are really bad) and would sit for hours to be petter. Once he gets the vet ok, and shows he can be around Story without problem, he can come out of quaranteene and join us in the house.

it is so hard to foster a dog, especially one with so much unknown about him. I dont know if Max has had any shots, ever! Did he have a rabies shot? Was he on heartworm meds? My guess is probably not, as his missus was a poor woman and her house was likened to a hoarder's house. One small path to walk thru horrible messes and boxes and filth and junk. Her heart might have been true to the dog but I doubt he was vetted...

I know what you mean about the unknown vetting. Even with Sookie (the re-named Jenny) having been in rescue/foster, she hasn't had nearly all the shots she should have and I know that her first visit with our vet will include bordatella, canine influenza, distemper, parvo, blah blah blah. Because we board our dogs when we travel, our vet requires boosters even on the "puppy" shots. A $120 grooming will be at least $300 by the time she has all the vaccines.

On the brighter side of things, she is doing SO much better. This morning, there was no drag thru the house to walk and while I was getting ready, she alternated between Jess and I for love - without us proding her! I am so hopeful that she will be the big ole social girl very soon.

I haven't heard her make a noise yet - and schnauzers are famous for their "rooooo-roooooing" - chatty critters that they are. I am sure that it will be like when my son was a baby - couldn't wait for his first words and now I have visions of ball gags and duct tape LOL.

[Bit]

I experimented with giving Troop the run of the house after we started moving furniture and stuff yesterday.... but I can't do it, I just cannot do it. *sheepish look* He's bored and he's curious... such a lethal combination in a half-grown puppy! I finally decided to just put the babygate in the doorway of the computer room and keep him in here with me. When I go back out into the dining room (we use it as our living room), I'll put it back in the other bedroom doorway like we had it before.

[Sachita]

Yesterday, or was it the day before, my mind is still crazy... I had to put down one of my dogs that I had for 14 years. The whole week was like a haze and depressing because knew i had to do it but couldnt. I probably hung on too long but you know how that is.

I paced, I cried,I tossed and turned in my sleep. I adopted him when he was two, a rescue that had been dropped off in a remote area, the Adirondacks, to fend for himself. In a few weeks he learned to kill and hunt. He was a large akita named Bud. The vet call me begging me to take him. They had him a few months and needed to find a home or put him down. I said no. I then tossed and turned all night and finally they got me to come see him. I didnt think it would work with the dogs i already had, he was aggressive, but I also couldnt see him put down. I took him home kept him my garage and slowly brought him into my home.

I will never forget the time he tried to bite me and I threw myself on him, pinning him down. He was strong as hell and angry. I laid on top of him for 30 minutes until the fight was gone. He never did that again. Instead he became a loyal companion and we had an incredible journey together. He became a loved member of my family.

With him I had two other dogs that passed on due to health reasons. He hung in there and for the next 14 years he remained a faithful companion by my side. He was a cat killer and small animals but I knew this was something he learned to do living in the wild. Loving him along with so many other animals was a challenge but somehow it was worth it.

This past year he became frail and was hard to get up. We went for walks and I would look in his eyes and knew the time was near. I will never forget a night I went into his room, away from every other animals except his faithful, also rescued Wonder Dog... he laid his head in my lap, moaned and then gave me a serious look. Wonder Dog began to cry and whimper.

This past week I paced, He couldnt get up, pooped on his bed and i knew the day was getting close. Wonder Dog also paced and cried. One morning I wake up out of a dead sleep, it was 4 am and I found him stiff, unable to get up under a pile of poo. I crawled down onto the floor and held him. I looked in his eyes and although blind in one the other penetrated me and I knew it was time.

It has got to be the hardest thing in the world. that final journey. When you know you must say goodbye but you're just not ready... you're never ready. Part of you wants to step away and not see what will happen but another part of you knows that you MUST be there, say goodbye and hold him as he leaves this life. My nephew loaded him into the van. I cried the whole way there. I wrapped him in my comforter I had for 10 years, my scent. He laid there confused but knowing.

I held him in my arms as the vet came out to the van and gave him the injection. He looked at me. He starred and them his stare went blank. Some strange peace came over me. I couldnt even believe I did that but I did and then we wrapped him up in that green comforter and I brought him back to the farm where my nephew had a place for him.

Sometimes I go to feed him and remember he's gone. Sometimes I walk to the window and see the mound. I think about what flowers I'll plant there or how I can honor this big wonderful dog that brought so much love into my life. No matter how many animals I have or will ever have, there is a void, a sadness that is unparalleled to anything. No matter your beliefs of reincarnation and death, your hearts feels empty and the pain penetrates you. But then you have moments when you feel this great light flood over you and you realize that love, that unconditional love was worth every drop of pain.

My sweet handsome boy. I love you, miss you and know in my heart that one day I shall see you again.

[Liam]

Originally Posted by Linus

Ok. So I have a question. This summer, when I finally head out to L.A., I'm gonna take Bobcat (16 yr old who has FeLV and hates being in the carrier but will be quiet once in motion) with me on the plane into the cabin. I'm curious if anyone else has taken a cat with them on a plane (or small dog).

Oh, wait. Second question: did you have to take the animal out of the carrier when going through TSA? (I'm talking about domestic flights, not cross border).

Max, my min poodle has traveled by plane several times, however it was all pre-911. At that time, I had to purchase a ticket for him, just like I would if he were a human being. He had to remain in his carrier, which was placed under the seat in front of me, during the flight. In order to board the plane, a certificate of health was required—the vet basically gave him a check-up and certified that he was free of disease or pests. Your airline's web site should have all of the specific requirements about traveling with a pet. Best of luck to both of you!

[christie]

Jen-ny is home and I must admit that its been a trying couple of days. She is SO very timid and afraid. I know that part of it is just adjustment and that I can't humanize her and project that "oh poor pitiful you baby" energy on her. I have never had a dog, even with all ours being rescues, that just shut down and I am trying to not let my frustration/ignorance of dealing with this type of behavior get the best of me.

Caesar and his books and shows have been very helpful and I know that I need to be reconditioned as much as she.

She is showing great improvement and I am trying to be everso patient. That is so hard for me - I have the patience of a gnat!

Jess just loves her and she is becoming more comfortable with our boys. We are quickly becoming the schnauzer walking parade in our lil town - most folks here have never seen Giants and are always stopping us with the "Whut kinda dog is THAT?" LOL

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend with their babies!

[Toughy]

A public service announcement:

Please spay or neuter your pets, no matter their age. There is no reason for not doing this.......none.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Toughy

A public service announcement:

Please spay or neuter your pets, no matter their age. There is no reason for not doing this.......none.

"Because my dog would make such cute puppies" <----hate that one!

[Bit]

Originally Posted by christie0918

Jen-ny is home and I must admit that its been a trying couple of days. She is SO very timid and afraid. I know that part of it is just adjustment and that I can't humanize her and project that "oh poor pitiful you baby" energy on her.

I made that mistake with Trooper and my friend made that mistake with Deagan. BELIEVE me, they both took full advantage of us too! I caught on pretty quick with Troop because he got cocky, obnoxious, and willful, but it was a lot harder to figure it out with Deagan because he milked that "poor pitiful frightened abused baby" thing for all he was worth.

His soulful puppy eyes are killer, just killer; it's very nearly impossible to avoid giving him whatever he's angling for when he pulls them on you... and of course what he wants is to be the adored center of attention. He may not be left out of ANYTHING... which really limited her on things like going to the grocery store. I think she got it dealt with, but it would have been better if she could have avoided spoiling him to begin with.

Which is the very long way round to saying, stay strong and don't give in! You're doing the right thing.

[christie]

Originally Posted by Bit

I made that mistake with Trooper and my friend made that mistake with Deagan. BELIEVE me, they both took full advantage of us too! I caught on pretty quick with Troop because he got cocky, obnoxious, and willful, but it was a lot harder to figure it out with Deagan because he milked that "poor pitiful frightened abused baby" thing for all he was worth.

His soulful puppy eyes are killer, just killer; it's very nearly impossible to avoid giving him whatever he's angling for when he pulls them on you... and of course what he wants is to be the adored center of attention. He may not be left out of ANYTHING... which really limited her on things like going to the grocery store. I think she got it dealt with, but it would have been better if she could have avoided spoiling him to begin with.

Which is the very long way round to saying, stay strong and don't give in! You're doing the right thing.

Thanks, Bit, for the encouragement. I *know* that I am doing the right thing even though it really breaks my heart every time I have to drag her part way through the house to go potty.

It has gotten better each time - first time, I literally had to drag her all the way to the door, out it and part way into the yard. Last night, the drag was only a couple of feet.

The funniest thing is watching Max, the old lil guy, think that she is Samson. He and Samson had some dominance issues, even though they know who is really running the show, that we have had to work through. Max won't even LOOK at Jenny! And even though all the experts seem to say that dogs dont have the feelings and emotions we do, I don't buy it when Max refuses to even look at us when he is mad about another dog in the house. He is so haughty and its quite funny.

[Billy]

When I woke up , I couldn't find baby maddy (kitten) I was calling all over the house . Then I heard this very faint meow , it sounded like it was coming from behind the fridge ....So I started to pull the fridge out and I pulled the door open , she wasn't behind the fridge , she was in it !!!!!!!

[christie]

Originally Posted by Billy

When I woke up , I couldn't find baby maddy (kitten) I was calling all over the house . Then I heard this very faint meow , it sounded like it was coming from behind the fridge ....So I started to pull the fridge out and I pulled the door open , she wasn't behind the fridge , she was in it !!!!!!!

I know this isnt funny - but it kinda is!

We had two rescue kitties for almost a year. Eddie was SO helpful in everything we did - laundry? He was in the dryer. Fridge? He was right up in it. Oven? He wanted to peek and wound up with singed whiskers!

Glad you found your baby and she wasn't a kitty-scicle!