Have I finally found my friends? (Palmer has crossed over the Bridge) [Archive] - Page 2 - Canine Cushing's Information and Support Forums

Bailey's Mom

08-12-2010, 06:49 PM

Hi-
Well-it's one week today. I'm doing better. At least now I can look at his pictures. Of course, I really miss him. This evening I'm going to gather some of his stuff....treats, chew toys, etc. We are going to just box all of his stuff for now.

I saw a man walking three dogs this afternoon-they looked to be Lhasa Apso's which don't look unlike Palmer. At first I was kind of excited, then I could tell I'm not ready for anything like that yet. (Not that I expected to be.)

It was Palmer's face that caught my heart. Those deep brown eyes. The little smile he could show. I'm walking around with his collar in my pocket, just to feel close to him. I am having all the "usual" things reminding me. Like many animals, Palmer was convinced that there was another way for me to get out of the bathroom. If he was with me, we both went in. If he wasn't coming, I'd close the door. Before long there would be a scratch at the door. Sometimes it was an emphatic scratch. We got to where I could call out "Sit down....I'm coming." When I'd open the door, he'd be sitting right there. I kind of expected to see him as I came out of the bathroom yesterday.

We have left his toy basket and toys alone. It's a good sized wicker basket. Every so often, we'd corral the toys and get them all in the basket. Before long, Palmer would be picking them out, one by one. I told Bob a few days ago that I didn't want the basket touched yet. It has several toys on the floor near it. Palmer would sometimes take every toy out looking for one he knew had to be in there. One at a time, out they'd come. Sometimes he'd grab the side of the basket and tilt it over. Sometimes he dragged it out 3 or 4 feet. Once he got what he knew he wanted, off he would go with that treasure.

Palmer never liked chasing a ball and bringing it back to have it thrown again. You could throw it, or a toy, and he'd dash off madly after it. When he returned with the prize, he would not come to you. He wasn't going to give that toy back to you if you were going to throw it away.

He was kind of an independent little guy. He would get a toy out of the basket, go over to an area of the room that had lots of space and he would throw the toy up into the air. He was pretty good at that. Once I found a toy on the top of the kitchen counter. If I threw it up in the air, it did not get much of a response. But he would toss it up quite a few times and then he would stretch out with the toy in his mouth. He was quite content to lay their like that for quite some time.

Oh, how I miss him.

-Susan

Roxee's Dad

08-12-2010, 07:20 PM

Hi Susan,

Thanks for writing about Palmer, it helps me to get to know him a little bit better each time. It's funny how we remember so many special little things that they did. Palmer will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

Looking forward to hearing more about your wonderful boy.

Squirt's Mom

08-12-2010, 07:25 PM

Hi Susan,

These memories are so bittersweet, aren't they? I was thinking about how Crys used to chase her hind legs the other day and actually laughed at the memory...and then I cried. But the important thing is my first reaction was one of joy and I hope one day soon you will have the same reaction to your lovely memories of Palmer.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

ChristyA

08-13-2010, 11:17 AM

Palmer sounds like he was a great companion. Isn't it funny how they have to follow you into the bathroom. It's not an interesting place, but they come in anyway, just to be with us. Dexter used to leave nose prints on the front windows from watching what was going on in the neighborhood. I didn't wash those prints off the window for a good 9 months. I still have his favorite toy. I still miss him, but that is a good thing - much love was shared between us. Your stories are wonderful, thank you so much for sharing.
Christy
At Christmas Dexter loved the boxes, he would grab a box and take off ripping it to shreds and spitting it out all over the house. Whenever a box came into the house he thought they were his. He wasn't hot on socks, but gloves OMG. He used to steal garden gloves and winter gloves. One winter he found a glove in the snow, what a prize that was!

addy

08-13-2010, 02:21 PM

Hi,

Some of the behavior you describe reminds me of my Zoe, she is mostly Lhasa, maybe those are Lhasa traits!:) When I look at your album, I can see right away, Palmer knew alot of love. You can sense it in your photos.

One day at a time, Lynne and I hope each day your heart has less pain.

Addy

Casey's Mom

08-13-2010, 03:36 PM

One day at a time like Addy said - words of wisdom. I love your stories of Palmer and the image of you carrying his collar in your pocket. That must help to some extent and its something I will try when my girl goes.

Love your stories of Palmer - he was quite the character!

Just a thought - before you get another dog you could perhaps offer to dogsit. I told my groomer and now I always seem to have any extra pup at my feet which I love because both of my girls are quite independent. The bonus is they are all small non shedding dogs because those are the ones that are frequently groomed. That way you get used to the idea of another pup even though you aren't ready yet and you also are helping out someone who can't or won't put their dog in a kennel. The pups I babysit become part of the family and its hard to see them go - also its a little extra grocery money!!

Love and many hugs,

Bailey's Mom

08-14-2010, 11:59 PM

We packed up all of Palmer's things today. :( I gathered the stuff last night and had a rough time. The actual packing went okay. I had washed all his toys and pulled together shampoo, food, treats, etc. I had just recently gone shopping for Palmer and we have a lot of money tied up into the toys, treats, food. Bob wanted to give it all away. He finally went along with packing it all up. If the food expires, we'll throw it out later. He said some of the stuff had January expiration dates. I told him I was not going to wait 3 years for the next puppy. Last week, when he said he had changed his mind about another dog, he said....not right away, maybe after the first of the year. Well, I agree with that, but I think soon after that I may be wanting to adopt a furry creature.

We had a "block party" this evening. A neighbor has a 2.5 year old Yorkie and I asked them to bring him out. His name is Harley-his dad rides a Harley. The last time I got close to Harley, he was just a few months old. He was bouncing around as puppies do and was so tiny. Well, today, he is still "bouncing" around. He's hyper! He peed on my shoes a number of times, he was so excited. :eek::eek: He play bit me.....and you just couldn't get him to pause for a second. That's not the kind of dog I want!

Another Palmer story-every night he would try to "fluff up" the sheets and/or the bedspread. When he was reprimanded about that, sometimes he would go under the bed and try to "fluff up" the rug. He knew better than that, but we could never truly break him of it. He also "fluffed up" our sofa and a recliner. The sofa weathered the action, but the recliner has a number of holes in the fabric now. It's kind of strange because he never did any digging outside.........except for............

I was pulling weeds out of the garden and came upon a worm. Worms are good-they aerate the earth. Well, I pointed this worm out to Palmer. When he finally zoned in on the wiggly little creature, he tried to get the worm to play. :D It really blew his mind when the worm went into the earth. :confused::confused: He could not figure out where it had gone. We played this game a couple of times, but it was only in the last year or two that I thought of it. He had so much fun! :D:D:D

Whenever he saw an insect......say a fly got inside......if he could catch it, he'd put it in his mouth and immediately spit it out. If something was crawling on the ground/floor, he would paw at it and paw at it.

Another "weird" thing-you'd have thought he had an eyesight problem.....if you gave him a little cookie, he would paw at it....but he never quite hit it. He just kind of stuck his paw out several times and pull at the treat. Eventually he'd hit the treat and, of course, it would pop up off the floor. I never got why he pawed so "off the mark." I know his eyesight was outstanding because of the things I would see and watch him discover.

Then there was this game we played. I'd give him a treat or a bone to chew. He wouldn't get right on it. I would say "I'm gonna get it!" and slowly move my hand toward the item. You'd get within a few inches and his cheek met your hand. If you pressed on beyond that, he started this guttural growling. He was kidding...and knew I was kidding....but it was a game he enjoyed.:D

When he was a puppy, we were in the backyard. A yellow jacket was buzzing around us and he kept chomping, trying to catch it. Well.......he did :eek::eek::eek: and he got stung. Boy was he unhappy. I tried to stop him in time, but he was too quick for me.

Then he had this - what our vet called a- "backward sneeze." It seemed kind of like an asthma attack. They didn't happen often, but they scared him when they did. Then he would panic and make it worse. He learned quickly to let me pick him up and massage his throat. In short order, the gasping/sneezing would stop.

And did I ever mention that at around age five he had to have both his knees operated on? His knee caps kept popping out and caused him great pain. The doc went in and made the ridge where it should sit a bit deeper. He was fine after he healed. But bringing this little guy home from that....he had to have one of those plastic cones around his head to keep him from bugging the stitches. He did not like that AT ALL. We would carry him wherever he needed to go-to another piece of furniture or outside to do his business. Since both knees were done, he had no way to squat and not have great pain. In very short order, he taught himself to stand on his front legs only and take care of business. It was amazing. He was such a smart dog.

One day we were in the living room....in the afternoon. When we got up for the day, there was a little cookie that remained on the bed. He had no interest in it earlier, so it just stayed there. That afternoon he looked at me and you could almost see the light bulb go off in his head. He made a beeline for the bedroom and returned with his treat. He had remembered all that time about it being in there. That often happened with chew bones we gave him. They were a several day project. We'd see him go off into the bedroom and, sure enough, he returned with the bone in his mouth and a very proud sashaying walk on the return trip! :)

I'm smiling more and crying less. It is getting more bearable. I sure wish he was here, though. :(:(

-Susan

Casey's Mom

08-15-2010, 04:54 AM

Boy he sure was a smart cookie . . . . I agree about the puppy thing - they can be a lot of work and I did not have time so I got Desi at 3 from her breeder after she was done her show career. I highly recommend it if you are busy like me.

Or you could dog sit . . . . for a bit.

Love the stories - he was quite the character. Also glad to hear that it is getting easier for you even just a little bit.

Love and many hugs,:):)

ChristyA

08-17-2010, 12:13 AM

OMG,,the worm story has me rolling! You have enough stories to write for BARK magazine! I am so glad you are remembering the good times.
Christy

Bailey's Mom

08-17-2010, 01:16 AM

Christy- It WAS funny to see. I wish I could have gotten a picture. It was the only times I ever saw him with dirt on his nose. It looked so funny. This wet black nose with this brown stuff smudged on it.:cool:

Bob and I were out yesterday and several times we saw dogs. Bob noticed all of them and even stopped to look at one. I think he never realized how much Palmer meant to him. He got so impatient with Palmer. I wonder if now he wishes he'd had more patience. Palmer was just being a dog....a very lovable dog....who at times wanted his attention!:)

ChristyA

08-17-2010, 01:39 PM

When my husband and I got married I came with 2 Boxers. He had only had 1 dog in his lifetime and that was when he was a young child. He didn't have much patience with my boxers and we had some moments when I think he was pretty much jealous. When Dexter passed away, my husband actually shed some tears. Nine months later when Sophie passed,my husband cried, really cried. Now with the 2 dogs we have he is very loving, caring, and much more patient.
Dexter caught a toad once. He walked around the yard drooling so I ran down and thought he had a rock in his mouth. It was a toad,,,he didn't hurt it just carred it around. I took his little pet away from him and gave him a bone. That toad looked pretty shocked when I set it down.

When you are ready remember there are so many waiting to be adopted and loved.
Christy

Bichonluver3

08-17-2010, 02:44 PM

Hi Susan!
We have just returned from out of the country and I came to your thread to see how our Palmer was doing. I was thinking of you & him while we were on our trip. I can't begin to tell you how shocked and devastated I am to learn of Palmer's passing. I am so sorry I was not here for you at that time but so glad that the rest of our incredible family rallied around you. .....Now that I have dried my tears and blown my nose........You were absolutely the best Mom in the world to Palmer and he took all that love across the bridge with him. As you remember him, he remembers you as he runs with the wind in his face through the fields of heaven with all his friends. May God bless and watch over him.
On a happier note, I LOVED the stories you have shared and look forward to many more. I have to tell you, in my retirement:rolleyes:, I have a part-time job in the children's department of our library. I really think you have so many great stories that perhaps actually doing a little book, when you are ready, may be a great healer for you and a great gift to the children who would read it - just a thought to park away at the back of your mind for now.
For now, our love and thoughts are with you and your family. Please keep posting and let us help you through this time in whatever way we can. Take all the time you can for yourself now and let the grieving process run its course. I think Bob is wise to say to wait a while before thinking about another puppy. Others have made great suggestions about ways to get a "puppy fix" when you need it right now. It will take some time for you (and Bob) to get "centered" again and in a place emotionally where you can open your hearts fully to another very lucky soul. And what a tribute to Palmer that will be!!:)
All our love, prayers and thoughts are with you and Bob. God speed Palmer - run fast and free.
Love & tail wags,
Carrol & Chloe

Squirt's Mom

08-17-2010, 06:15 PM

Hi Susan,

I so enjoy reading your stories about Palmer. I remember when you and he first joined us; I fell in love the first time I saw his pics! He's always been so special and it is nice to get to know him better through your memories.

You and Palmer have taught me so much and it is a real honor to share in these delightful memories with you.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Franklin'sMum

08-21-2010, 07:53 AM

Susan,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Healing hugs to you and yours,
Love,
Jane

Bichonluver3

08-21-2010, 01:19 PM

Dearest Susan
I am glad we could help in some small way.
Palmer was blessed and rewarded for his wonderful soul by having received your love but also received God's love by having been granted a quick and peaceful passing. God does grant favors to his special ones.
Remember, the pain of the loss of our beloved furry friends is left with us but our angels are now without pain and suffering. Keep that thought and I hope it brings a little peace at this difficult time.
Take each day as it comes and one day smiles will replace the tears. Palmer will always be missed but he will be missed with tears of laughter at the memories of happy times.
Our love and thoughts are with you. Please keep in touch.
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

09-02-2010, 04:04 AM

Hi-
Just checking in. I've been fighting pneumonia for the last 7 days. I finally seem to have the upper hand.

A neighbor just got a puppy. It's a pure bred-but I don't remember the type, right now. Her name is Zoe and she just bounces from one spot to the next. She's very inquisitive. It's great to have one around.

I just filed the remaining papers for Palmer.......the final bill, all those test results for the last month, etc. I tried not to focus on them.
When Palmer was here, he was almost always with me. If I got sick, he'd be curled up right next to me. I really miss him. We got this really nice card from a neighbor's sister.....she had met Palmer on one of her visits. On the front it says "A pet is a special part of your family who will always have a special place in your heart." One the inside it says - They are gone from our sight,....but never our memory, Gone from our hearing....but never our hearts, Gone from our touch....but their presence is felt, and the love that they gave us never departs.

I have looked-I know it's on the site somewhere........does anyone have the poem, or writing that is written from the pet's point of view-The one that says something about at the end you gave me the greatest gift.......I know that's way off, but I'm sure some of you will know what I am talking about. I'm struggling with having given the vet the permission to inject Palmer. I "know" what I did was best, I just am having a really hard time without him. The last ten days of his life went really fast and I didn't really have time to prepare myself for losing Palmer.....I'd thought about it, but it really did take me by surprise. I'm feeling badly about not having recognized how he wasn't eating, sooner. Not that I could have changed anything.

It's just rough sometimes.

-Susan

BestBuddy

09-02-2010, 04:35 AM

One of the poems on this page may be what you are looking for.

http://www.petsonthenet.co.nz/poemsanticipatedloss.htm

Jenny

Casey's Mom

09-02-2010, 07:53 AM

Susan, I am sorry to hear that you are struggling but it does take time, try and remember the good things about Palmer. We are here to hold your hand and to listen so keep posting okay?

Although I have not had to do this with a dog I have had to make the decision to end my cat's life at 18 and my horses life at 22 and as hard as it was at the time now that I look back I can see that what I did was a gift to them so that they were not suffering anymore.

Hope you feel better soon,

Love and hugs,

labblab

09-02-2010, 11:15 AM

Hi Susan,

Here's another collection of poems that might contain the one you are looking for (I'm thinking it might be the one entitled "The Last Battle?"):

http://www.petloss.com/poems/poems.htm

My heart aches for you over your lingering questions and pain. I will never forget my own days of searching and doubt after my husband and I made the decision to release our Cushpup, Barkis. Not that it helps in any way to say this, but I do believe that the questions and regret are inevitable when we make this final decision on behalf of our beloved companions. "Was it really the right time -- should we have waited -- did we wait TOO long?? -- did we give up when there was more that we could have done...:( :( :("

The only answer that I can give you is the answer that I repeated in my own mind in order to comfort myself: you made your decision out of your love for Palmer, and therefore it had to be right. In those first days without Barkis, I would walk alone around his favorite lake and cry. Out of desperation, I made up this little mantra that I kept repeating to myself. "We loved him dearly. He had a wonderful life. We didn't let him suffer." I would say that over and over with every step. And finally, over time, the pain of those last frantic days and hours started to drop away and I started remembering some of the good times every time I said to myself, "He had a wonderful life." But it took a long time for the doubts and the regret to recede. They still remain to this day, but they are tucked much farther away, finally overlaid by the happier memories and images.

When we release them, the emptiness that is left behind is so sudden and so profound. It is a huge space to try to reclaim and it is so natural to mentally replay the ending in the wish that things could be different. It is a testament to how much we loved them and how much they will always mean to us. I remain so very sorry for your loss.

With many hugs,
Marianne

Dollydog

09-02-2010, 12:37 PM

Hi Susan,
Some of my guilt had to do with not letting Lady go sooner....did I keep her too long....just because she had such a great appetite and she and I were so good at getting all that medication into her, pills and insulin too.
But I know that I did the best that I could for her and we had 13 fascinating years together.
Talking together on this forum about this part of our journey helps us all....take care,
Jo-Ann & my Dollydog angel

Bailey's Mom

09-05-2010, 01:05 AM

Hi guys-
Jenny-I think that may be the poem....if not, it's really close. Thanks.
I'm feeling pretty comfortable with taking Palmer to the vet the last time.
The more I think about it, the clearer it becomes. That morning went by so fast........but I had noticed how Palmer didn't want to look anyone in the eye-very unusual for him, and how he just wanted to be close. Don't bug him, just let him be near.
About the not recognizing the not eating sooner....we really kind of did...we just didn't put it all together. Had we been able to do that I think the only difference would have been that all of that testing would have happened sooner.....and maybe we would not have had the last 2-3 weeks that we enjoyed with Palmer. This was going to wind up where it did no matter what.
Marianne-it has been helpful to reread where you wrote that I had done the right thing because it had been done out of my love for Palmer. I would not have gone ahead at that time had I not been comfortable with my decision...in that it was the best and right thing to do. The little guy was just worn out. He hid his aging really well.
I gave him a bath when we brought him back from the hospital. He never liked baths, but he tolerated them. Boy did he like AFTER baths! He would run around and tug at the towel, bark and act like a mad dog!:D I made that bath as quick as I could....I knew he would feel better to be cleaned up. After the bath he ran just a bit. Then he hopped up on the recliner I was sitting in, worked his way up to the back of the chair and sat on my head! He stayed there until I encouraged him to come down to the seat portion of the chair.....I didn't want him falling off the back of the recliner.
If we came inside from having been out, when it was raining or snowing, whenever he got wet - he went crazy also. He turned back into a puppy and would run and bark and pull at my shoes.
The evenings are still the hardest. It gets so quiet then and I let myself think about Palmer. I read a number of the poems that were on the links provided (thank you all) and was really struck by the theme that some had about how you could let yourself cry but not to let it go on too long. That your loved one would be upset if they knew how their parting upset you. That the fun times, the precious times and the silly times were where I should spend my thinking.
I don't know exactly when it was...maybe nine months ago, maybe a year, and I got a call from the vet that basically said to me that Palmer would never make 17 like Peaches had. The vet didn't say that to me....it just "hit" me. After I hung up the phone (I was stretched out on my bed and Palmer was at the opposite corner, as he always was,) he walked over to me all on his own, put his paws on my chest and looked me in the eyes. We then got him to get on top of my chest and talked for awhile. It all just seemed to be a message I was getting... and he knew it.
I have another funny story.....If I would be stretched out on my stomach-either on the floor or on the bed- Palmer came up to me and started "digging" on my butt! I have no idea what he thought he was doing, he just seemed to think it was fun. We were very fortunate to have so very much time that we could spend together....the two of us.
When I would sit at the computer he would get in his bean bag, He'd go around in circles, fluffing it up. He'd be content for awhile and then he would decide I had spent enough time on the computer. He would come to the front of my chair and look up at me. I'd pick him up and, with him on my lap, keep doing my computer stuff. Then we'd reach a point where that was really uncomfortable for me and he'd get down. He'd go back to one of his fluffy beds. Sooner or later, we wound up going somewhere where we could stretch out together.
That last day, or next to last day, I thought he'd enjoy going for a walk. He always loved the idea of going for a walk , but unless we were going to ride down to the boardwalk to walk.....where he could greet his friends, he lost interest in the walk very quickly. There were times his arthritis would bother him so bad that I'd pick him up and carry him home. That last time I asked him about going for a walk, he got excited for just a moment or two and then he sat down. He did not want to go for a walk.That was not a good sign. So we cuddled together on the recliner.
I just want him back..........
but some of the poems and some of you wonderful friends have talked about how once over the bridge, they are young again, nothing hurts and they run and play. One of them read how when I would cross over the bridge that Palmer would be playing with his friends, but once he spotted me he would run over and act all crazy as he always did when I returned from somewhere. He won't forget me.
We're coming up on one month tomorrow. I will think of Palmer as he would run around the house, in the yard, and chase my son. Ryan is the only one who has enough speed to stay ahead of Palmer, at least for a little while.
He was so sweet, so soft, so comfortable. I am so very fortunate.....and kinda sad.
-Susan

Franklin'sMum

09-05-2010, 03:30 AM

Susan,
Oh honey, just wish there was something to say to give you some comfort or ease your suffering. Just know that we are all here for you, now and forever, whenever you need us.
Enjoy your precious memories of Palmer, and know that he is always with you, carried in your heart forever more
HUGE (((((HUGS)))))
Jane, Franklin and Bailey xxx

mytil

09-05-2010, 07:32 AM

Dearest Susan,

My (((((hugs)))) go out to you today and will continue.

Take your time, there is no set rules for grieving such a tremendous loss. You will continue to think about the last day, the last minute and the sadness you feel; but as the days go by, the smiles will come more often when you think about your wonderful life together. Your sweetie pie will watch over you.

Take care
Terry

Squirt's Mom

09-05-2010, 03:48 PM

Hi Susan,

This is one of my favorite poems -

The Fourth Day
by Martin Scot Kosins

If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember.

The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend.

You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter ... simply because something in its eyes reached your heart.

But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or frontroom - and when you feel it brush against you for the first time - it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later.

It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth.

You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy.

And you will see sleep where you once saw activity.

So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet - and you may add a pill or two to her food.

And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness.

And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day - if your friend and God have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own - on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit.

But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you - you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night sky.

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or human friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.

But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joyfilled years, you may find that a soul - a bit smaller in size than your own - seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come.
And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg - very very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay - you will remember those three significant days.

The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart -

As time passes the ache will come and go as if it has a life of its own.

You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you.

If you reject it, it will depress you.

If you embrace it, it will deepen you.

Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when - along with the memory of your pet - and piercing through the heaviness in your heart -there will come a realization that belongs only to you.

It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost.

This realization takes the form of a Living Love -

Like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow - and be there for us to remember.

It is a Love we have earned.

It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go -

And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live.

It is a Love which is ours alone -

And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets -

It is a Love that we will always possess.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Bailey's Mom

09-05-2010, 06:55 PM

Jane, Terry and Leslie....thank you for your words of encouragement and support. I guess if we follow and are true to our own hearts, we can't go far wrong. I'm nowhere near ready to "move on" from Palmer...nor do I want to be. It is so reassuring that those many of you whom have shared really know what this is like.

Leslie-I now have a new favorite poem. What you shared is absolutely wonderful. I thank you. (I hope you were able to copy and paste that :) )

It's really nice to feel that Palmer's spirit is still here.....and will be here.

It's one month. It's a beautiful day. Something physical is missing, but all seems much better now. I still want him back. :( I know that is but an indication of my deep love for him and his for me. I wouldn't have missed this ride for the world. The tears still are coming and with your encouragement I will just let them run their course.

I thank you.

-Susan

ChristyA

09-06-2010, 12:36 AM

Susan,
There will always be a slight sadness in your heart but it will not be as great as the gladness having had Palmer in your life gave you.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak, and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done, for this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand, but don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years, you wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend, only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree, it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved, from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you, who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years, don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown

It is very sad that we all fight so hard to keep our wonderful companions healthy and happy but we can't win the last battle. I am a warrior when it comes to this battle, but I also know that Dexter couldn't have gone any further. He gave it his best and so did I. Just as you and Palmer gave it your best. Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Christy

Bichonluver3

09-06-2010, 02:26 AM

Hi Susan!
Been away for a while but now am back - minus a gallbladder!!
Just wanted to check in and see how you are doing. I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying some smiles again. I read your stories about Palmer and you had me laughing out loud. Especially the story about him sitting on your head. What a guy!!
Please take care of yourself. Remember, your furrbaby is only a thought away.
Love,
Carrol

me and my twiglets

09-06-2010, 11:26 AM

Hi Susan

Just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. You are in my thoughts.

Denise & Bonnie
xxx

addy

09-06-2010, 01:03 PM

Hi Susan,

You have such wonderful memories and stories about Palmer. How about copying the ones you wrote here and writing some more? You would have a great collection of tibits and thoughts of your Palmer which you could look back through and read whenever the need arises.

I bet you could write one memory or thought a day for quite awhile. :)We love reading them, you tell them so well.

All our love and hugs,

Addy and Zoe

Bailey's Mom

09-09-2010, 02:27 AM

When Palmer was 6 or 7, he had already recovered from his knee surgeries. His knee was no longer popping out on him.
We have one of those higher beds. It was too high for Palmer to get up there on his own, so I got a set of those carpeted steps that they sell for pets. Those worked great until the past 2 or 3 years when his jump was not quite as high and he kept hitting his knees on the foot board when he climbed the steps. (ouch!!) After that happened a number of times, I started lifting him up and off the bed. He was able to go down the steps longer than he went up the steps.
Well, this crazy dog was mad! He would get frisky while he was on the bed. He would decide he wanted to run. He'd suddenly take a flying leap off the end of the bed, and except for missing the cape, he was stretched out just like Superman! That was quite a jump since the bed is at least 3 times as tall as he was.
He'd be off and running and acting crazy. If you didn't have shoes on, but had socks on, he was going to attack your feet. If you dropped a sock, he was off and running and there was no catching him. He'd just shake his head with the sock in his mouth.....and almost be laughing at you.
I may be repeating myself-at bedtime, when the lights went out, he'd snuggle up against me or Bob. He'd stay there until he got cold and then he'd move up between the pillows. Next change would be to go completely under the sheets. He'd stay there until daylight. If it got too hot under there, he'd come back out.....and start the process all over again. One morning, I was awake but my eyes were still closed and all of a sudden I got this big kiss!! I opened my eyes and there was his little head resting on the corner of my pillow....looking so loving, with his deep brown eyes.
Because of his presence on the bed since forever, I guess, going to bed has always been kind of special. He knew when I came in that I would bring a little treat. He'd patiently wait for me to get settled and then I'd feed it to him in tiny pieces....because that way he would chew it. If you gave him larger pieces he swallowed them after only one or two chews. When we got through with the treat, he'd turn around and put his back against mine. For some reason, Palmer always wanted to have his back to you. No matter where he settled down, I'd be looking at his back. I'd like to say he was guarding me, but I know that was not the reason. I don't know the reason, but I often thanked him for sharing his butt with me!!
So-going to bed now is very sad. Every night I cry a little. I even put off going to bed because of that. Then when I wake up, sometimes I am sure I hear him at the foot of the bed. That was his morning spot. I get caught by surprise sometimes because I look expecting to see Palmer....and he's not there. I've even thought I heard him.
We're going away for a week. I'll be thinking about all you wonderful people....even though I won't be writing here. I'll get back to you when I return. Hugs and hugs to all of you and great thanks for all your comfort.

-Susan

Squirt's Mom

09-09-2010, 02:51 PM

Safe travels, sweetie! Try and enjoy the trip. ;) Just remember you have many folks here who love you and are looking forward to your safe return!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

BestBuddy

09-09-2010, 07:31 PM

Susan,

Buddy has been gone for a while now and I have found that those sharp pains when I remembered things about him are not there any more. Sometimes it is a dull ache but mostly I now remember with a smile. I still think of him often and probably always will because he was such a big part of my life.

Palmer was connected to you and that tie is not easily severed. Times change and we move on but those memories are yours, I hope soon there are more smiles when you think of him,

Jenny

Casey's Mom

09-11-2010, 11:18 PM

I think Palmer is visiting you in spirit and that's why you sense him while you are half awake. He is letting you know he is okay . . ..

I love your stories,

Love and hugs,

Bailey's Mom

01-03-2011, 01:01 AM

Hello friends and happy New Year!!

I'm bummed out, so I thought I'd stop in here. I had foot surgery on 12/15 and now have two pins in two toes and some kind of metal object in my big toe. They won't come out until the end of January. I'm supposed to stay down with my foot over my heart 24 hrs./day except for potty trips and eating meals.

We have been in contact with some folks in our attempt to get a Schnoodle. We thought we had one on the way, but the litter turned out 1 fewer. We now have first pick in a litter that's due around 1/18. I didn't realize they doc the tails of these puppies. I don't think I like that. I can get one with the tail not docked, but I have to pay in full by birth......so no judging based in personality. We live at the beach so there are not the resources there are in a metropolitan area for finding a new pup.

Once again I am experiencing a really rough time about Palmer being gone. He knows it too........I've felt him around.

=Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-05-2011, 07:33 PM

Update-I have had to back out of the Schnoodle adoption. :(

-Susan

maggiebeagle

01-05-2011, 07:51 PM

I'm sorry it didn't work out, I know you must be disappointed.
I had foot surgery 3 years ago and was on crutches for 7 weeks so I sympathize with you on that as well.

labblab

01-06-2011, 11:14 AM

Update-I have had to back out of the Schnoodle adoption. :(

-Susan
Susan, I'm so sorry! Are there any other possibilities on the horizon?

Marianne

Bailey's Mom

01-06-2011, 03:19 PM

Marianne-thank you. Yes we are working on other possibilities....ones more locally. I have to go for a doc appt. I'll update you later today.
Thank you for your kind words.

-Susan

Squirt's Mom

01-06-2011, 04:03 PM

Awww Susan,

I hate that things are so tough on you right now. :( BUT there is no question in my mind that one of these days a baby is going to catch your eye and everything will fall into place so fast as to make your head spin. Good moms always find the babies they are meant to have. ;)

Please let us know what the doc says if you don't mind sharing. I hope the news is better than you expect!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

gpgscott

01-06-2011, 08:56 PM

Hi Susan,

Sorry about the new pup, I hope you find one soon.

I know a person with several foot surgeries and they have all been tough to go through but very worthwhile in the end. Hoping they are for you as well.

Scott

Bailey's Mom

01-07-2011, 05:34 AM

Boy-my gang just doesn't let me down!!:D:D Thank all of you for your support. I hit a very, very low spot last night.:( My son is even a bit worried about his Mom. He told me once, as part of a very serious discussion we were having which involved personal trauma, that I was the strongest.......woman........ Then he thought and restarted his sentence. "You are the strongest person I know." Man, that was HUGE for me to hear. Well last night, I sunk even lower than I had been earlier in the day and we got a phone call from him. He talked with his Dad for a good long while and then he asked to speak with me. I started crying and said "I'm just having a really, really tough time right now." Then I said....."If I am the strongest person you know, we're ALL in trouble!!!":) He laughed, I laughed and he said "well at least you're joking now."

Having to tell the schnoodle people "no" just crushed me. This place is an 18 hour drive from here and we had mapped out this nice trip that we were going to take on the way down that that would involve about 6 days and visiting with friends we never get to see. The puppy place will ship the puppies, but I had read up on that on the internet and had come away with the feeling that I would never ship a puppy in a plane's cargo area.
(That's how this plan for a long drive down trip got started.)

The litter of puppies is due in 11 days and I had first pick. I noticed from their very extensive web page that some of the dogs had their tails "clipped"/docked. I started looking into that.....I didn't like the idea. I asked them about it and they told me it was done in the first 3-5 days of the puppie's life. I asked and they assured me they used a local block, which was what my vet had cautioned about when I asked her opinion on docking. It is a very controversial issue from what I read and she confirmed that. I asked-to get them to not dock a tail, the puppy had to be paid for in full, at birth.By 3-5 days, their little eyes aren't even open. How in the world could I inflict this barbarianism on such a sweet little, defenselessness thing? In addition, to have to select the one pup so early,I would have no idea as to true color or personality. The two dogs we have had each had "that something" in their eyes which drew me to them. I want to see that connection with a puppy before I make my 17-25 year commitment. (You think I"m expecting a bit much there, with the years expectation??!)

I contacted them , told them it broke my heart to have to tell them now was not going to work for me. I asked to have my deposit returned which they said they would do because the very first litter I signed up for came up with fewer pups than expected. Even if they keep the deposit they've earned it. I have asked them questions every day about the pups, the process, how they do this and that.

So I "lost" my new pup. We started checking around and found 3 possible sources for acquiring a pet. Those three sources would be rescue pets (puppies) and there is another place or two listed in the teeny tiny local ad magazine which offer some hope.

We went back to the foot doc today. This all came about because one year ago-almost to the day, I had foot surgery on both feet at the same time. I cannot wear heels due to pain they cause my feet and if my gorgeous 31 year hunk of a son gets married, I'd rather not be walking down the aisle in my Reeboks. At that point, there was the pain issue when trying to wear an elevated shoe and there were a couple of toes with bad arthritis, plus there was a small bunion. (You didn't know I was going to write a novel, did you?:rolleyes::o:eek:

In the ensuing year, I have not healed well. My big toe feels like it is broken. My arthritic toes, on both feet, started taking hard turns toward the outside of my feet. It was very disappointing. I've known this doc for years and years and he has performed several minor operations on my feet. I had to go back to VA in order for him to do this. I did consult a local foot surgeon but his recover sounded longer and his procedure less appealing. So-doc #1 never could get me comfortable with my feet. He could not find out what to fix and he finally suggested I get a second opinion. I went back to the doc here that I had consulted with and, long story short (too late) chose him to try to fix things. (My bunion had even come back!!) He would do only one foot at a time. He would straighten the crooked toes, leaving a pin in them that would stick out the end of my toe for 6-7 weeks. He put some kind of "rod" in my big toe to straighten that out. He sent me home and after a one week follow he told me to come back in 6 weeks.

In short order, my feet started to swell. Both of them. The skin on the top of my feet looked nasty. I went back. They did their thing and they suggested I see my Internist.....I might have blood clot(s.) Oh goodie!!:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I was sent for a sonogram. The woman there had had a bad day/life. It was nearing the end of her day and she didn't like that they added me to the schedule. Now-when I had a sonogram when I was pregnant, they put this goo on this hand held piece and just rolled it over my tummy. Not only was it cool, it was not uncomfortable at all. THIS WITCH pressed so hard down onto my thighs, calves and groin, that I was almost in tears. I've since learned I should have asked for a different technician.

Anyway-blood clots were eliminated as a possible problem. They ran a series of blood tests which came back mostly in the range expected. The sent me back home to continue to be on my back with my foot elevated above the level of my heart. You can't do anything that way.....at least I can't. I don't have tv in my ceiling, so watching tv didn't work, as I was on my back. We went back today...the third visit with the backup doc, and we all feel the foot is looking much better. I another 4 weeks all that hardware should come out. I know the two pins will slide out, but I don't know what's going to happen with this shaft thingy.

I checked earlier this week in a local pet shop about how one obtained a puppy in this rural area. She gave us 3 different possibilities. After the doc today, we tried, unsuccessfully, to find the possibility she was most enthusiastic about. We'll try again soon. There are ads in our local little "ad book" which comes out weekly. That's how the neighbors found their springer spaniel (with papers)---the one I puppy sat for shortly after losing Palmer.

It came down to realizing I would not really be ready for such an extensive car trip in 8 weeks. I didn't like the docking. I didn't like having to make my pick based solely on color. That little voice in my head, after getting some advice form my son, was telling me that I was trying to force this to happen. I'd prefer to rescue a puppy, if I had the choice. It will work out the way it is supposed to. That has always been the way for me.

So-with the foot, with suffering deaths of 3 important people in the past 8 weeks, without Palmer, with Palmer's death (those are two distinct issues), I just got beaten down. On top of that, for some reason - yesterday I was having memory issues. I was asking my husband a question about my foot that was the exact same question I had asked him whle we were in the doc's office. He was looking at me weirdly. I'm having great trouble sleeping like a regular person. My doc thinks it is partly due to my low level of activity, by necessity. So when we couldn't find the shelter we were looking for, on top of all the rest, I just couldn't take any more.

Two of the funerals I was unable to attend due to the foot. I didn't like that. Fortunately for one of them, it was video recorded and I could watch that just as if I had been there. That was helpful but upsetting also. This was the 30 year old girl who died suddenly.

So there you are. That's what has been going on and that's where things stand. I'm very pleased with the way the foot is looking. I can't bend the toes yet, so I don't know if the low heel shoe issue is resolved. The bunion seems to be gone and seems to be staying away this time. And-if this does work out well, we will have to address the other foot as well. It is not in as bad shape, but it needs repair work also. But you can bet, that won't be happening until at least fall!

I'll update you on my quest for my new puppy. This is beginning to feel like fun now. That's how it should be.

My deepest thanks to all who are encouraging me here. It means so much.

-Susan

Casey's Mom

01-07-2011, 06:02 AM

Susan you have been through so much - I know that little puppy is going to find you soon. Fingers crossed x x x

Love and many hugs,

labblab

01-07-2011, 05:23 PM

Omigosh, Susan, you have had so much to deal with during these past few weeks. It is no wonder that you have been feeling down in the dumps. You would be abnormal if you DIDN'T feel blue right now! But I absolutely agree with your decision about the schnoodle adoption. Even though it is so disappointing, it will be ever so much better in the long run to take a time-out so as to make sure that you connect with "your" puppy when the time is right. And just from a logistical standpoint, might it be a bit of a blessing in disguise to allow yourself a bit more healing time before assuming the role of "puppy-wrangler" once again?

Since I've only had Labs, I don't know about smaller breeds -- it may be much easier to corral them when they're puppies. But clearly I had aged during our nine years with Barkis, because when we brought home baby Peg after Barkis died -- I couldn't believe how much time and energy it took to stay on top of her antics (and toilet training and chewing and nipping and racing around the house...:eek: :)). For the most part, it was a "good" busy, but it was definitely BUSY! So even though it's disappointing, maybe there can be some pluses in a brief delay.

But definitely keep us updated, OK? Both about your foot and also your journey to find your pup!

Marianne

lulusmom

01-07-2011, 07:20 PM

Hi Susan,

First let me say how sorry I am that you have been having such a horrible time of things. You, my dear, have had a tremendous amount of emotional and physical turmoil to deal with and I want you to know that even the strongest thread that holds the family together is allowed to unravel sometimes so don't beat yourself up.

I work in rescue so I might be just a bit biased but I LOVE YOU for deciding to rescue a puppy. In my opinion, nobody should buy from a pet store nor a breeder who is churning out designer dogs. Also in my opinion, designer dogs are bred for one reason and one reason only and that's money. Millions of designer dogs die every year in shelters so I could just hug you for chosing to save a life.

I also love you for your position on tail docking. I share your opinion and admire you for standing up for what you believe. Tail and ear docking are unnecessary procedures that are done strictly for the sake of the human eye. It is bad enough that purebred breeders still do it but why in the world would anybody do that to a mixed breed dog like a Schnoodle. Most civilized countries have outlawed these procedures; however, as long as the AKC retains these as breed standards, the mutiliation will continue. Even the American Veterinary Medical Association and more than a few animal welfare organizations have been unable to get the AKC to budge on their position. :mad::(:mad:

I also share your disdain for shipping dogs in cargo hulls. That's such a horribly scarey ordeal for animals. Our rescue doesn't normally adopt to out of state homes but we have made a few exceptions in the last few years. The few dogs who were transported were flown in cabin with a volunteer. We've also been fortunate to have secured a few transports with private pilots and commercial airline attendants thru www.pilotsnpaws.org, who flew our rescues for free to their new homes. These people are incredible and volunteer their time and money to save rescues and get animals from point a to point b for medical treatment.

My brother in law just sent me an email about his new puppy. He thanked me for finding the little guy and said everybody loves him but he had forgotten what a pain in the butt a puppy can be. This is a mastiff mix puppy so he is going to be a bigger pain in the butt than usual. :D:D Yes, puppies can be a lot of work but they are so darn cute and who doesn't love puppy breath? One of the best things in life is watching your puppy go from a snuggly little furball whose cuteness melts your heart and makes you go aaaawwww; to a gangly goof ball, who trips over feet that look like they should belong to "Bigfoot"; to a teenager with a "tude" and a firm hold on your heart; to a mellow guy or gal who now owns your heart and has become your best friend and most loyal companion.....hopefully, for many, many years to come. Just think, you have so much to look forward to. Lucky you.

Glynda

addy

01-07-2011, 09:22 PM

Well, I was all set to tell you I saw a Golden Doodle not a Schnoodle without a docked tail and his tail was very pretty!!! I saw him on my way to work and thought of you right away but when I had a chance at work I saw your post and disappointment.:o

Even the strongest need to have some slack so you are perfectly entitled to any kind of melt down you want.

Remember the saying "good things come to those who wait"? Well, I have a funny feeling that your little buster is waiting for you right around the corner. Sometimes, when we least expect it, there they are:)

Hugs,
Addy

Bailey's Mom

01-09-2011, 07:07 PM

Could you tell me which corner you are referring to? I've walked for blocks and none of the corners around here have my little buster. ;);):D:D

I so hope you are right. I'm continuing on my (now approved) meltdown. I hope to see a friend on Tuesday. It involves a day's travel, but to see her would help oh so much.

I looked into the local shelters (online) and most of what they have are 2 years + and either Pit bull or Pit bull mix. There are still some options I have not checked out yet.

Thanks to all of you. You are so helpful and so caring.

-Susan

StarDeb55

01-09-2011, 08:15 PM

Susan, I have an adoption pending on a little girl, poodle/Shih Tzu mix that I found on a local rescue group's website. I had been checking their website, along with the humane society for about 2 months, & like you, found the majority to be pits or pits mixes. I had also been running periodic searches on Petfinder by my zip code. As Addy said when I posted about my pending adoption, "I don't think you find them, they find you, when you least expect it." I think Addy is right as for me, it was just "Boom", & there she was.

Debbie

Bailey's Mom

01-10-2011, 07:53 PM

Hi Debbie-

I hope you're right. I never imagined this would be difficult. My foot recovery is better...but I still have to wear this weird looking boot and the hardware won't come out until 1/31 at the earliest. Until then, I'm really not prepared to take on a bouncy little bundle of fur.

I have always felt about stuff-good and bad- that things work out exactly as they are supposed to. I have never had a case where I was having a rough time when I could not look back later and see there was kind of a purpose for that, and/or that it really worked out better than I ever could have imagined.

Thanks for your insight.

-Susan :)

addy

01-10-2011, 08:09 PM

Hi Susan,

I applied for a dog named Rozee after looking for a dog for a year. Gosh, I wanted Rozee in the worst way. But another family beat me to her.

I was so diasppointed but then I was told there was another dog I could have, she was alittle bigger than Rozee but very sweet, older too. Oh, I was not going to go look at the new dog. No, I wanted Rozee!!! My husband said, give her a chance, this new dog, this different dog, you never know, well I did give her a chance and Zoe came to live with us and she is the light of my life and she came with problems but I would never change it and I thank God that the other family took Rozee because I got Zoe.:)

It will be as it is meant to be. Sometimes it is so hard to wait.

Check out the rescue groups on Petfinder like Deb said. Just look, every day, you never know.;)

Love ya,
Addy

And I almost didn't go look.

Bailey's Mom

01-12-2011, 05:52 PM

Can someone tell me if it's possible to somehow sign up for any threads started by members in my friends list? Maybe that's not the right question. I only now saw Debbie's notes about the new/failed adoption. I'm not sure how I stumbled on it, but it would be nice to somehow get notification that a person I am used to corresponding with posts something new.

Thanks.

I just posted an additional photo of Palmer.

Susan

labblab

01-12-2011, 06:43 PM

Hi Susan,

I am not a whiz when it comes to understanding the ins-and-outs of all the subscription features here, but I do not believe there is any way in which you can request notification of replies solely on the basis of author. In other words, you would first have to identify a thread of interest yourself, and then subscribe to it in order to request notification of further postings on that thread (regardless of author). But if I'm wrong about this, I'm hoping that somebody will be by to correct me.

For me personally, I find that clicking on the "New Posts" tab (in the middle of the upper menu bar on every forum page) as soon as I log in is the easiest way to quickly update myself as to any new threads or replies that have been generated since my last visit. Even though it doesn't tell me who has authored all the recent replies in a listed thread, it does alert me as to new activity which I can quickly check myself. Hope this may make it easier for you to spot specific threads/replies of interest to you.

Marianne

P.S. I love your new photo of Palmer! :o

Squirt's Mom

01-13-2011, 12:46 PM

Hey Susan,

When I first read your description of your foot surgeries and the hardware sticking out, I felt sick for you....then limped around all day in psychosomatic sympathy. :p OUCH!!! Bless your heart! I am such a woos when it comes to physical pain. :o

After my Crys died, I found myself looking at the Pittys, knowing I want another one but also knowing I wasn't quite ready. But I couldn't stop looking. Then one day these three little pics were emailed to me of a pitiful looking little thing - about as far from Pit as one could get! Her fur was matted, chopped and bare in spots, and her little eyes were literally hanging out on her tiny cheeks. I fell in love immediately.

After a couple of months with the rescue who took her in - Mutts N Stuff who our Angel, Glynda works with - Trinket got to come home to Squirt and I. Her eyes were removed prior to coming home due to neglected glaucoma and there was the possibility she was in kidney failure - which has not proven to be true, thank goodness! Instead, she decided to develop colitis just to keep me on my toes! :p

Trinket was not at all what I was looking for plus I didn't think I was anywhere near ready for another baby because the pain from Crys was still so raw. But Trink proved me wrong - she was exactly what I needed and she arrived at the perfect time. She weighs less than 5 pounds, but has brought tons and tons of joy, laughter and love into my soul.

Addy and Debbie are right on the mark when they say a new baby for you will happen when and how it is supposed to...and probably in the least expected manner and when you least expect it! A mom as wonderful as you will not be overlooked. Somewhere there is a baby who is looking for you and needing you as badly as you need it. When things are right for both of you, that baby will appear and you will know that is YOUR baby.

Hang in there!
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls :D - always

marie adams

01-13-2011, 02:23 PM

Hi Susan,

I so understand the pain and emptiness you feel, but I feel when that furry bundle of joy comes into your life it will help. I just lost my best buddy Saturday and each day is a challenge. One day is good and the next filled with tears. I was in the shower this morning and thought of flowers--Maddie loved Zinnias--ate them all the time so that is something that will be a tribute to her each year--I will plant seeds to grow in her honor. So many thoughts all good, but just knowing I will miss the good times together.:(:(

Take care and happy buddy looking!!!!:D:D

Bailey's Mom

01-17-2011, 06:40 PM

Leslie and the girls-I guess it's been a few days since I've been "in here." How large your heart is and how wonderful of you to see the beauty in Trinket!
I've tinkered with the odds for me getting a new puppy sooner than later......I am back on the list for the Schnoodle place. I thought the puppies were due the 10th-but no news yet. I have instructed them not to dock the tail. I am not near many resources for new puppies. What I really want is Palmer back.

Put up some pictures of Trinket!

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-17-2011, 06:43 PM

Marie I am so sorry for your loss. You sound remarkable resilient for so soon thereafter. I am having a rough day. They just seem to sneak up on me. I don't think having my mobility hindered by this foot thing helps either. At least I am missing some of the coldest weather.....not getting out much.

That's a great idea about the zinnias. Maybe I'll plant one of my slippers for Palmer.

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-17-2011, 07:19 PM

Hey-what's going on??!! I just posted a reply to Leslie and a separate one to Marie. They're gone!
Meanwhile, I went and caught up with Marie's story. I had replied to Marie that I was so very sorry for your loss. I am amazed at your resilience. I will share one thought I had while reading your story....every story is horrible in its own way. Cancer is one nasty disease. I just had two good friends die from it. It sounds like it disfigured Maddie and I know how distressful that can be. I did see, that while it went so fast, it was a definite issue and you had enough warning that you could cuddle up and share some love. You seemed to be very aware of where this was going. With Palmer, he had an excellent ACTH report on July 7 and was gone on August 5th. His last week was spent in a hospital receiving fluid transfusions. He lost 6 pounds. We brought him home and felt we had at least the weekend. The next morning we took him in to give him peace. His poor little body just shut down. I often wish I had seen the signs sooner. Looking back it seems they were there.....and I just missed them. It would not have changed the outcome but I would have smothered him with even more love that last month. I hope this doesn't sound insensitive to you and your Maddie. NO matter how it goes, the specifics may vary, but the loss is the same.

Hey-Addy!! I like this breathe in breathe out "movement" you've started. I think it's a wonderful idea. And I think all of us doing it at once makes a lot of sense. We can exhale all those hurtful feelings and take in fresh, clean air.

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-17-2011, 07:21 PM

:confused::confused:And then there are those phantom posts!!!:confused::confused::eek::mad:
They're back now. It's probably just me.

Squirt's Mom

01-17-2011, 07:27 PM

LOL Got good drugs? LOL

Here is a link to Trink's photo album here. The first ones are the newest and the last 3 are before her painful little eyes were removed.

Beauty? Oh my! She is so special, Susan! In spite of all she has been through and is still going through, she is the sweetest, most loving little soul. Full of life, curiosity, courage, and strength...she is truly beautiful inside and out!

Hang in there! and keep those drugs on board! :p

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=246

addy

01-17-2011, 08:29 PM

Hey Susan,

LOL seems like you day improved alittle:) Glad you like my yoga breathing session idea. I still think we should all do that once a week. LOL we will probably all just bust up laughing but that is a good thing too!!!:D:D:D

Hope the Schnoodle pups come soon!!!!!

And I agree with you, Marie is amazing.

Hugs,
Addy

Bailey's Mom

01-17-2011, 11:09 PM

Hi gang-
Well, my Monday crying session seems to be over.
It's no joke about the drugs. :confused::confused: Friends came by yesterday and she said-Susan you told me to bring you something funny....... and then she had these cute little ducks that light up when they hit water. I said-"I DID?:confused::confused::eek::eek: Well that was rather bold of me!":(
That is about the fifth or sixth memory I am missing. Funny thing is I've been off the "drugs" for 2 weeks. Maybe I should go back on them? [just kidding]

I'm glad Abby you're not miffed about me going back to the schnoodle place. I feel kind of hypocritical but a friend said to me-"That's where you were then. Now things are different for you." It's so nice to know I'm not totally flipped out!

I'll keep you posted.

susan

Bailey's Mom

01-17-2011, 11:11 PM

Leslie-what a cutie! Thanks for the link. Do you have any idea how old she is? How is she doing without her eyes......or maybe she's not been able to see for some time now? Kudos to you kid!
-Susan

marie adams

01-20-2011, 01:56 PM

Susan,

Thank you for your kind words. I wasn't sure it would go as fast as it did with her, but we knew we were not going to put her through all the testing just to find out there really wasn't much we could do. It made me think what could they have done with how fast she shut down, but I could have given them lots of my money for nothing. The weakness was already there in her hind legs with the Cushings so this just contributed to it and I know it wasn't her to be so confined to the house or the rug in our family room. She was a trooper to the end still taking care of us in her limited way.

We are all lucky in that we had them in our lives to share and they had us--a good give and take relationship. I do feel sorry for the people who have never experienced this joy because they do not want animals in their lives--my sister in law is one, but her grown daughter has a lab who watches over her 2 little twin girls so maybe there is hope.:)

Take care!!!

Squirt's Mom

01-20-2011, 02:05 PM

Hey Susan,

Thanks for the compliments on Trink! She is a doll, huh?

As for how she does without her eyes, I think this little story tells it best -

On her first visit to Dr B's office, she was exploring the waiting room when he came in and stood watching her for a minute. After a bit, he looked up at me and said, "Well, Leslie, I believe she can see a little bit." To which I replied, "Dr. B, she ain't got no eyeballs!" :p:p His face expressed absolute dumbfoundedness! She maneuvers around her world as if she had the sight of an eagle...nothing phases her. In fact, she is so brave she scares the crap out of me at times. Trink will approach a drop-off, check it out, then back up, run at it and fly off with her little front legs tucked up under her chest! :eek: I have caught her several times in mid-air!

So, to put it bluntly...she has no idea she is blind! :p OR that she weighs less than 5 lbs! She has that "small dog attitude" that leads her to believe she is a Great Dane!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Bailey's Mom

01-21-2011, 02:48 AM

Leslie & Company-

What a hoot!
:eek::eek::eek::eek:......is right! The little guys and gals never cease to amaze me. I sure hope you don't take her to Niagara Falls or some such place.;)

Palmer used to do that flying swan thing at the end of our bed. And he always did it suddenly. Palmer had a way to know that it was time to play and he was off and running. It was so funny to see him from behind.:D

There's no schnoodle news on this end. I did send an email today saying.....
Perhaps someone should tell Ana that she has done the first part of her loving job and it's time to move on to the next phase!!
-Eagerly awaiting news

Ana is the mommy.

When I looked at Trink's pictures, from how she looked to me on my computer, it was not really detectable that her eyeballs were gone. If that is the color of the hair around her eye (sockets), that's great.

It makes me feel guilty for complaining about my foot. I am so sick of this hardware and this stupid shoe and needing to limp. I think I could pull the two pins out okay, but that shaft looking thing looks scary! :eek::eek: (I would never do that, by the way.)

Keep us posted on how it is going.

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 12:11 AM

Hello friends!

Still no puppy news. I called but they don't answer the phone on the weekends.:(

There is news in the foot arena. Golly gee....one of the pins just happened to fall out. Imagine that.;);) They're two inches long :eek::eek::eek::eek:
My foot has started hurting and I think it has to do with the hardware in there. I'm going to try to see the backup doc tomorrow and have her take out these other two pieces. I tried getting the second pin out, but it won't even budge now. I'm not about to attempt to remove that rod myself.

Have a good week!-Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 01:47 AM

Just FYI- I added one picture of Palmer and I added the prospective Mom and Dad = schnoodle
-S

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 01:58 AM

I am amazed that it's almost 6 months since Palmer was here.......and how hard it still is. I don't remember anything like this with our first dog, Peaches. I worked all of Peaches' life. I was home with Palmer for most of his life. What a difference.
It's Monday. I'm crying again. It's so hard living without a dog. It's so hard letting a loved one go. I'm not sure which is worse. :(:(
-s

addy

01-24-2011, 09:38 AM

Sending you hugs today, Susan.

Hope you can feel them.

Love,
Addy

lulusmom

01-24-2011, 09:46 AM

Hi Susan,

Thanks so much for posting more pictures of Palmer. They are adorable and they melted my heart.

Glynda

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 02:04 PM

Thank you Addy & Glynda. It helped just being able to come in here and express those feelings. I do feel the hug. I'm a big hug fan.....I don't give that many out, I just think a hug that is meaningful, as opposed to those Hollywood hugs, can recharge my battery.

I am feeling better today and am coming around to thinking about Palmer's memorial piece. :)

STILL no puppy news. :(:(:(:( I will call before the end of their day if I've heard nothing more by then.

-Susan

caroleh

01-24-2011, 02:15 PM

Susan, this is Carole and I am so sorry about Palmer. I lost my Fritz almost a month ago and I am sitting here crying as I write this. I would love for you to email me and we could console one another. . Please Susan let me hear from you as I am so aware of your pain. I too, need a friend to commiserate with as I am still riddled with guilt over the loss of my precious Fritz. I pray I hear from you.

Carole

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 03:01 PM

NEWSFLASH!!! NEWSFLASH!!! NEWSFLASH!!!
6 puppies, boys and girls, were born yesterday. I am trying to get them to send me pictures so I can decide and they can set mine aside for NO TAIL DOCKING!!!

More information forthcoming as it develops.

-Susan :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Squirt's Mom

01-24-2011, 03:35 PM

Hey Susan,

I hope this works out for you and you get the perfect little baby! How exciting! :p

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

marie adams

01-24-2011, 03:49 PM

Oh Susan,

How exciting!!!! :D:D

I have been looking at little ones myself--there were ones born on the day Maddie died--this could be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. We are looking at a different color of Aussie, but the funny thing is as I was looking there was a litter born on Maddie's B-Day and they were all the same coloring as her and then this breeder referred me to the one born on the 8th--a small world...

I am sooooo happy for you---see this day is turning out to be better than it started!!!:):)

labblab

01-24-2011, 06:15 PM

I totally agree with Marie!! ;)

Susan, I'll be keeping all fingers crossed that this adoption will work out just as you hope. I know you'd prefer to wait and really have the chance to personally interact with the new pups. However, I will say this -- all three of my dogs ended up being selected by somebody other than us -- and I still fell in love with each one as soon as I held them in my arms and looked into their little faces.

I was actually grateful that I was spared the angst of making a decision myself. I am indecisive, obsessive, and probably one of the biggest second-guessers that the world has ever seen. I'm betting I would have been paralyzed had I actually been placed in the puppy pen and told to pick out the little soul who was going home with us. So I was spared that torture. A dear friend picked out our Cushpup boy from a litter in another state and then arranged to transport him to us (love at first sight :)). You've already heard the story of Peg, the little girl who ended up unclaimed by her intended owners and then was given to us (love at first sight :):)). And Luna was selected for us by her breeder (once again -- love at first sight! :):):)).

So I hope that if it works out that you want a puppy from this litter, things will work out similarly for you -- that the puppy that is placed in your arms will capture your heart from the moment of the first hug. :o

I'll be awaiting updates anxiously!!
Marianne

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 06:43 PM

Okay-great news (I hope!) I will put the litter picture on the page where Palmer's pictures are. I don't think he'll mind.

Born yesterday, weighing in at ? ounces. Miss Spengler will reside in Delaware as of the end of March.

There’s one boy, the rest are girls. We have selected the one that has the most brown on her.

Updated pictures in 2 weeks.

The litter is 1 male and 5 females. They're all mostly black, so you won't be able to tell much in the picture. They all do have some brown on their feet, so I asked her to select the female with the most brown on it. Poor Palmer suffered when the sun hit his black coat.......but who knows? With our first two-the first puppy was completely black and when she got her first grooming she came back to us a gray doggie. With Palmer, he was this gorgeous brindle. He gradually turned totally black except for some white on his chin and a white spot on his chest.

I am so excited.:D:D Now we have to chart our trip to Alabama..a mere 19 hour drive, one way. On the way down, we're going to stop at several places and visit with friends we don't get to see. The trip back will be non-stop (just kidding.) I'm expecting the long ride home may be challenging. :confused::confused: I don't know if we'll be able to select a name before then. Maybe we'll pick something generic and then be more selective once she's been with us a few days.

This is so wonderful!

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 07:06 PM

Hi Marie-
I have been trying to steer clear of a dog whose coloring might remind me of Palmer. When we got Palmer, we tried not to pick one who looked like Peaches. Palmer's character and his coloring were sufficiently different that I didn't find myself comparing him to Peaches. I feel like I want to honor each one. I am not looking for a replacement. I am looking for a new family member.

This new little gal may wind up looking a lot like Palmer. They have all been poodle mixes. If I had had a choice, I would have preferred one with more brown or more white. As the mom is entirely black, I knew that was less likely. So now- here I am maybe with what I was trying to avoid. Each dog has its own individual personality. This little miss won't look like Peaches and it will help that she's a girl and Palmer was a boy. I will be home most of the time with this little gal and her own personality will emerge. If she reminds me of Palmer from time to time, I'm just going to take that to mean that Palmer is stopping by just to make sure everything is all right. (We need a little icon for a warm heart.)

My guess is it all comes back to-this will work out exactly as it is supposed to. I think that's true for all of us here.

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

01-24-2011, 07:13 PM

Hi Carole-

I am very sorry for your loss. It is indeed very painful. We cannot torture ourselves by going back over the last bit of time and try to figure out how we could have made it come out differently. We make the best decisions we can with the information we have in hand at that time. Oh that they would have longer lifespans.

I have put all my postings right here on this forum-and other forums that are here. You will find great support here and people who have been down the same road as yours'. There are tons of life experiences to be shared here. I am sure as we all get to know you that you will find the support you are looking for. :)

-Susan

addy

01-24-2011, 07:58 PM

Oh my, how will you wait? Can they send you pictures every day?

Puppies, Susan, I am so happy for you.

Hugs,
Addy

marie adams

01-24-2011, 10:21 PM

Yeah Susan,

I hope they video tape the puppies. I was on one website and they did that with each one in the beginning and then said it was going to be hard to do when they all started moving around--haha!!!

You know it really doesn't matter what they look like in the end because they will have a special place in your heart no matter what--just like Marianne said Love at first sight!!!!:)

I am so happy for you!!!! ((((HUGS)))) This did turn out to be a wonderful day!!!!:D:p

Bailey's Mom

01-25-2011, 05:28 PM

Hi for Tuesday-

There are two other litters that will be born in Mid March. I think there's a chance that some of the puppies will have white/tan and or gray. The mother is a wonderful looking gray schnauzer. The father is supposedly a poodle....but he looks like a poodle mix. He actually looks a lot like Palmer in his expression and color. So I emailed them and said.....tell me what you think those puppies will look like. Meanwhile I discussed it with hubby. He left it up to me. I've now emailed them back and told them final, final, final decision. We will go with the little gal we chose yesterday. I didn't want to wait an extra two months and I just figured....well I've checked all this stuff out to the nth degree. I made my pick yesterday. That's how it was supposed to go.

They do take pictures....but not daily. 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, a temperament evaluation @ 7 weeks (that should be a video). I will post anything I get as soon as I can.

Thanks for sharing in my joy! :):D:):D

-Susan

StarDeb55

01-25-2011, 05:34 PM

Susan, I am so very happy for you! I know what you mean about trying to avoid picking a pup that bears a resemblance to Palmer. I was not looking for a Harley "clone", but that first girl I was going to take bore a pretty striking resemblance to the little demon dog. In a way, I'm glad that didn't work out. I admire you for taking on the trials & tribulations of "puppyhood", & wish you the best with your new little one.

Debbie

Bailey's Mom

01-26-2011, 08:49 PM

Well-the "birth announcement" went out from the kennel. :) Now we are working on a name, which is very hard to do not having seen the personality. The front runner at this point is "Bailey." Another name on the list is "Ember" as she is black with rusty brown paws. This has to go through a 3 person approval...but I have declared veto rights. :D

We have decided to let miss stay for 2 extra weeks in Alabama. That will allow for individual training with a certified trainer 24/7 and is supposed to give us one big step up on the training process. That makes pick-up/take home to April 8th. :( In the meantime I am going to try to catch up and all I can and, if I accomplish that, to get a few things more taken care of.

It's pouring here. That's okay because I put down some grass seed. The freeze/thaw pattern of winter buries the seed for you. Plus-there aren't many birds around now to dine on my seed. The temperature has started to fall. (That's my horticultural report for today.);)

-Susan

labblab

01-26-2011, 09:43 PM

We have decided to let miss stay for 2 extra weeks in Alabama. That will allow for individual training with a certified trainer 24/7 and is supposed to give us one big step up on the training process. That makes pick-up/take home to April 8th. :( In the meantime I am going to try to catch up and all I can and, if I accomplish that, to get a few things more taken care of.

-Susan
OK, I am being a Nervous Nellie and also a big Buttinski here...:o :o

But does this mean that Little Miss is going to live elsewhere with a trainer for those two weeks, or is it the breeder/s themselves who are doing the training on site? I shouldn't open my mouth without being able to cite references, but my feeble memory seems to recall that the 8 - 12 week time period is a critical one for bonding and socialization. And so I'm just wondering whether you really want to turn over the initial training/bonding experience to somebody else? If this is a procedure that you followed with your other pups and it worked out well for you, then I will be quiet. But if not, I'm being brazen enough to ask a bit more about the arrangement.

I know that puppy training can be exasperating at times. But during those first weeks, you also are developing a lifelong connection and learning style. Plus, if the trainer is somebody whom you haven't even met, I'd worry whether the approach is one with which you'd be comfortable. When I went with Peg to our first set of puppy obedience/socialization classes (to an instructor who was "highly recommended"), I was horrified at how physically severe and demanding he was with a little puppy. I left after the first class and never looked back. I found another group which offered a training style with which I felt much more comfortable. And even though it probably took us three times longer to master certain behaviors due to my own inexperience, it felt really good that Peg and I were learning the techniques together.

Those early weeks are so important and so formative. As I say, I hestitate to throw a monkeywrench into the machinery. And others who are more knowledgeable about training may offer a totally different opinion. But I just want to make sure that this is an arrangement with which you are really comfortable.

Marianne

Bailey's Mom

01-27-2011, 03:17 AM

The trainer is on the staff, but the puppy goes to the home of the trainer. They only take max two at a time.
I'll continue to listen to what others have to say before I change my mind. :confused: They have their own forum and I will read further there.
Thanks for speaking your mind.........all help is welcome. I'll take what I want and leave the rest. :)
-Susan

SasAndYunah

01-27-2011, 06:41 AM

Hi Susan,

First of all, congrats on the new puppy! :) I'm sure it will be an exiting couple of weeks/months till she comes home to you and your family.

Like Marianne, I was at least surprised that the little thing would go to a trainer first. Was that your idea? The breeders? And could you tell me what the benefits are supposed to be? In my opinion, a 2 week training for a puppy that young, will not give you a trained puppy :) It may learn sit and stay...but the hardest part of raising a pup is definately in the months ahead, not those first 2 weeks :) Sit and stay are things you can easily learn the puppy yourself...so I can't help but wonder what the benefits would be? I know what the downside would be. Not having the pup during the most critical weeks of her life, having the pup go through one extra (in my opinion unneccesary) transition in her oh so young life (from breeder to trainer and then to you).

So it might help a lot if I understand what the reasoning behind this decission is :)

Saskia and Yunah :)

ps is there a website of this breeder?

labblab

01-27-2011, 09:20 AM

Thanks for speaking your mind.........all help is welcome. I'll take what I want and leave the rest. :)
-Susan
And that's just the way it should be -- that you take only what seems helpful to you. I did (and continue) to feel hesitant to write about this since I have no personal expertise in training. But I do feel ("hope" because I am a slow learner!) that I have learned many valuable things from one of my best friends who IS a trainer and has had the pleasure of owning national obedience champions. She lives far away so has coached us from afar with our pups. But she has always stressed the importance of that early "window of opportunity" in terms of bonding.

What she has also suggested is that it's best to approach formal training in those early weeks in "snippets" -- very time-limited periods interspersed with lots of free play. It's great to work on some specific skills (as Saskia says, things like "sit" and "stay"). But mainly the puppy is adapting to her new pack and the general rules of the household where she'll be spending the rest of her life.

One thing that I've always taken to heart (and is the reason why I left that first class) is my friend's suggestion that the manner in which the earliest training is approached will shape a dog's receptiveness to learning for the rest of her life. If it is initially fun and a mental game, the dog will always want to learn more. This is perhaps more of an issue for someone who is wanting to actually train a dog for service work or for competitive obedience or agility. But I've still felt it made sense even for my pets. Plus, I am living proof that it is the owner who really needs to be trained alongside the dog :p! At my first-ever puppy class, I was stunned to discover how much unwanted behavior I was inadvertently reinforcing!! :eek:

Now, having said all this, I promise to shut up. Without any doubt, I know that you will have investigated this arrangment to your own satisfaction. And if you choose to proceed, it is because you feel it is a positive and worthy option. Thank you for listening to my thoughts along the path to your decision!

Marianne

lulusmom

01-27-2011, 09:57 AM

Hi Susan,

I just wanted to say that I agree with everything Marianne and Saskia have said and I also have the same questions Saskia has about the breeder. Being in rescue, I'd personally like to put designer dog breeders out of business for any number of reasons but mostly because millions of designer dogs die in shelters every year. I've tried to figure out what motivates people to breed mixes besides the money and I come up with a big fat zero. That makes your breeder suspect and this two week training your breeder is recommending is more than suspect and in my opinion, a really, really bad idea. I can't imagine any reputable breeder suggesting that you take a puppy away from it's mother and the only home it's known for 12 weeks of his short life to go bond with a total stranger and then two weeks later traumatize him yet again. I certainly hope that you have not agreed to pay for this.

Susan, what we have to say may not carry a lot of weight but before you commit to doing this to your puppy, please make a few calls and talk to professional trainers or behaviorists and ask them if this is such a good idea and please share what you find out.

Glynda

gpgscott

01-27-2011, 04:39 PM

Susan,

Very glad you are going to have a new one.

What I want to add to this mix is our experience with Talos.

We saw a picture of an eight week old pup and when we went to collect him he was according to our Dr. one year.

He is loving but also fearful. He barks at strangers and if Vandy and I raise our voices for any reason or if there is a loud unexpected noise he hides.

The first time I had to leave for several days he destroyed part of a wall, this was after he had been part of our home for several months. That is the only episode of destruction.

He is the first one I have had who was not a new pup. I agree with everyone who thinks the pattern of how they perceive the world is set early on.

Scott

Bailey's Mom

01-28-2011, 12:25 AM

Oh geez........here's the site.....http://smeragliaschnoodles.com/ . You can read all about the puppy prep school on there.

I appreciate everyone's feedback-truly. I just have spent hours and hours looking for a schnoodle. I have talked to these people.....well-mostly email...but there were a couple of phone calls. I had a "bad" experience with a kennel in Minnesota-or was it Wisconsin?
That woman never answered my emails until I wrote the last one which said I had emailed her 3 times before and I thought she might consider taking off her site the statement that she wanted folks to email. She then proceeded to tell me I was not good enough for one of her puppies. :mad::mad::mad:(And that is the very short version of what she had to say!!)

I don't really want to miss those two weeks. I'd like the little gal now.....but I know she needs her mommy now. I also was concerned about the transition to the trainer and then to us. Poor little pup needs as much stability as I can give her.

The breeder did not propose it to me...I just read about it on their site and at the time it made a lot of sense. The only issue I have with the breeder is that they require payment in full at birth if you want to "save" the tail. Otherwise they get docked. :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

My husband is agreeing to this because I want it - he loves me. If it were up to him I think there might not be another pet. I made it real clear before Palmer left us that there WAS going to be another dog. Those were the same circumstances under which we got Palmer - he did it because I wanted it. He never related to Palmer a whole lot. He loved Palmer but did not play with him or interact with him other than taking Palmer for walks. Palmer was mostly "my" dog. He lacked patience with Palmer. He did play a big part in treating Palmer's cushings. It took both of us to get those pills into Palmer. :eek: I tell you all that only to explain that my idea with the puppy prep was, if it worked as they say, that the puppy would have a head start and there would be a shorter time for us in the house training/crate training departments.

I do know that training should be done in 5 - 10 minute increments. I may be blind but I have been impressed with the thoroughness, kindness of this kennel. Since I have spent so much time reading their text, looking at their videos and corresponding with them -and I am sure also because I know I really need/want a doggie to love - this place has seemed like a gift from heaven.

Now-I do want to continue this topic. I just ask that you remember that this little puppy is paid for and there won't be any refunds, barring health issues, since the tail did not get docked. One way or another this puppy is coming here not soon enough. :) So the conversation can continue on trainer vs straight home---although I think you've already convinced me - but it is out of my hands now as to whether I deal with this kennel.

We did try to find a rescue dog and I came up totally empty handed with anything that seemed reputable.....that would be for a schnoodle. All I could find, and I do mean all, were pit bulls or pit bull mixes. I'm not looking for a "designer dog" - we have previously had 2 poodle mixes, were extremely happy with those experiences and the benefit of being non-shedding.

I am grateful that you all are speaking up now. Your experiences are invaluable.
-Susan

SasAndYunah

01-28-2011, 08:21 AM

Dear Susan,

please don't feel you have to defend yourself and your decissions here, you don't :) I think some of us were simply a bit concerned about the prep school part, nothing else. And I can sure understand, having read the website, how anyone would feel that the prep school would be a good idea :) We know that all you want is the very best for this little girl and every decission is with her best interest in mind, there was never a doubt about that.

Being a dog behaviorist myself, I would not let a puppy go to prep school for any reason. Raising, training a pup is a lot of work that needs dedication and commitment but also is meant to make you laugh out loud at all their silly antics and the trouble they can get in to ;) The fact that a puppy will learn to be in a crate without crying, after it left its mom and siblings, doesn't mean it won't cry when only 2 weeks later it will be rehomed again and it has to adept again to new surroundings and people. So to me, that would not be a reason to opt for prep school. Let the little thing go through all that stress of being seperated from everything she knew, in the safe and warm environment of her forever home, not in an in between home...so she has to face that stress another time, that would be my plea. It will build her confidence in you and will make for a wonderful start of a wonderful relationship :) And she might be one of those pups that transition easily, you don't know ;)

Have a plan ready, discuss it with your husband, so he too knows what to expect :) For example... take her to bed with you but in her own crate. Place the crate beside your bed so whenever she cries, you can just drop your arm into the crate to comfort her (no talking or taking her out of the crate) and so that she knows that she is not alone. That way there won't be a crying puppy downstairs, depriving everyone of their sleep :) This might work well with your husband as well when he knows how things will be like in the days/nights to come once the little thing arrives :)

Don't feel bad, we all know and recognize the need for another furbaby in our lives and how we sometimes have to juggle all the different interests and needs and such. You did well as far as I can tell... It's just that I personally would never opt for prep school but it is, in the end, your decission and I'm okay with that :) As long as you know what your options/alternatives are.

Best of luck,

Saskia and Yunah :)

labblab

01-28-2011, 09:43 AM

Susan, I want to "second" everything that Saskia has just written so beautifully!! In no way do I want to tarnish the joy and hope that this little girl will bring into your life. But like Saskia, I am just advocating that you bring her directly home at that 8-9 week mark, right when she is ready to leave her canine family and bond with her forever mom and dad.

I definitely understand why some pre-training sounds appealing. As I continue to age, I recognize that puppy-wrangling has become more physically demanding for me. And you have the added challenge of being in the midst of recovering from your foot surgery. Somehow it seemed a lot easier fifteen years ago to get up in the middle of the night for those puppy potty breaks!! But a huge trade-off is that now I am no longer working. So even though I myself may not have as much energy as I did years ago, I have the luxury of time and attention to devote to a puppy. And it sounds as though that is the case for you, too.

One additional worry that I had at the time that we brought baby Peg home -- just three months after Barkis died -- was whether I was still just too tired and emotionally drained to properly care for a baby puppy. We had not expected to get another dog for several more months when she suddenly became available. But even though there were energy challenges for me, the emotional richness turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. I had no choice but to place my grief in the background and to move Peg's needs into my foreground. This little baby totally focused my attention from the moment I picked her up and we brought her home. I will not lie -- there were plenty of tears of frustration along the way and my coping reserve was already depleted (she seemed to take FOREVER to potty-train - and then we learned the poor little thing had a UTI and probably had all along…). But the daily tears of grief over Barkis ended. And I finally slept again at night. She needed me, just like I needed her. And her needs came first. She truly had come to heal my heart.

Plus, just like Saskia has said, there is such delight at all the loony antics during those first weeks. The learning process happens so quickly in young pups. When I think how long it takes a human baby to mature -- first step, first word...it is astounding how quickly a baby puppy learns and develops. I do think that most of the skills that Little Miss would learn at the trainer's are ones that she will also learn quickly with you. Or at least I hope that will be the case. But she will not be your first puppy. So you already have a sense about all of this stuff.

OK, I'm rambling now. Out of everything I've written, the most important thing is for you to know that, no matter what, I remain excited and joyful about the prospect of Little Miss joining your life! And whatever decisions you end up making will be the best ones for you and your own situation.

Marianne

Bailey's Mom

01-28-2011, 04:05 PM

Saskia - "...you can just drop your arm into the crate to comfort her (no talking or taking her out of the crate) and so that she knows that she is not alone. That way there won't be a crying puppy downstairs, depriving everyone of their sleep :) This might work well with your husband as well when he knows how things will be like in the days/nights to come once the little thing arrives :) "

Saskia-really? If I drop my arm and comfort my husband too, he'll know that he's not alone??? ;););)
(I just could NOT resist that!!:D:D:D
Thank you for your response.

Marianne-
Thank you for your thoughts as well. I guess I am struggling with making this happen. I'm apprehensive about my husband's response. I SO want this to work. I feel a tad guilty following the loss of Palmer with another pet so soon. I am indeed emotionally drained.

I remember when we brought Palmer home, saying to Bob...."I don't remember this part of it," meaning the potty training part. They don't warn you about that as they don't warn you about all that you will feel and go through when that tiny little thing has lived out its life and leaves. :(

Bob has been wonderful, as he always has been, with this foot surgery. He takes me anywhere I need/want to go....which is mostly dr appts. He is doing all the cooking, laundry, fetching and coming to me when he hears me start back downstairs to see if I need help. He has completely understood my struggle with losing Palmer. So the puppy prep school sounded like it might be a way to bypass some of the earlier hassles. I felt that would ease the transition for him.

I like Saskia's suggestion about the crate beside the bed. We have always put the puppy on another floor all by him/herself. Now that I think about it, that's kind of cruel. It also never really worked. I also was concerned that I might miss that "springing puppy" stage...the one where they don't seem to walk or to run, but seem to hop like bunnies....or bounce as if they had springs on their paws.

So-everyone's comments make a lot of sense to me and I will forgo the trainer. Marianne-thank you especially for your last sentence. I guess I knew that, but it was comforting and reassuring to hear. [here's where that "warm heart" icon I think we should have would go.] With the money we will save by not going to prep school we will be able to pay for most of the trip down and back!!:D

Let me tell you about Peaches. Peaches came home around 8-10 weeks. She was the first puppy either of us had had in adulthood. We tried keeping her in the crate and it just was not working. Of course-she was in the dining room and we were upstairs in the bedroom. It never occurred to me how she had recently lost her mom and had spent time in a pet store with who knows how many people handling and poking her. Our neighbors had two huskys. She had raised them from pups and had used a baby pen when they were quite little. She offered us the use of it for Peaches. So off we happily go, with this new to us baby playpen and put it in the dining room and Peaches in it. The barking would not stop. We put the playpen down into the basement. Not only did the barking not stop, but she figured out how to get out of the playpen. When we went down that first morning of the playpen, we opened the door to the basement, there stood Peaches - at the top of the steps. :eek: Then we tried putting the playpen upside down. Peaches got the top (bottom) open and got out of that and was sitting waiting for us at the top of the steps. :eek:Then we put a large juice can on top of the bottom of the pen-which was now the top of it, to try to keep Peaches in. The next morning she was at the top of the steps. :eek: I think it was after that that we moved Peaches to our bedroom.....I think in her own bed.:)

Now I think I'll go look to see if I can find any pictures yet of little miss.
-Susan

marie adams

01-28-2011, 04:29 PM

Hi Susan,

I just read the posts about a prep school and glad your decision is to do the teaching yourself. Books and the internet are great for suggestions and when they are old enough a good puppy kindergarten class with you there to learn how to teach them worked great for us. We were the ones being trained:D:D.

I found when Maddie first came home as a puppy we just started taking her out when she woke up and after she ate to do her business. This seemed to work great because it didn't take very long and she just knew. Of course there were a few accidents, but this method worked great for us. I was so good as she was older (haha) I could tell her to go potty and poop on command--of course I am sure she had to go anyways!! :)

I am so excited for you--this is a good thing like Marianne said it helps fill that emptiness in a very good way.:):)

Squirt's Mom

01-28-2011, 04:48 PM

Hi Susan,

I, too, am glad the trainer is going to be bypassed. You would miss out on so much and Little Miss would have more adjustments to make right off.

Squirt was only 5 weeks old when I got her and we followed the same schedule as Marie with the potty training - after every time she ate and immediately after she woke up. We also went out at least every 2 hours. Once she had done her business, I would ask, "You through?" and she learned that meant she would get much hugs and loving and a return to the house. That phrase still works today. :p She was completely housebroken by the time most pups are just leaving their moms - Squirt is a very smart girl and eager to please. ;)

I remember once our lawnmower broke and it was several weeks before the back yard got mowed. The grass was higher than Squirt was tall, which really didn't take much, and we were out in back one day when the neighbor across the fence asked if she was in the house. I told him no, she was around somewhere. Then he laughed and said, "There she is! Looks like a rabbit hopping out there!" And sure enough, this little honey-colored fur-ball would bounce up over the grass only to disappear again...over and over, having a blast! Just like she was spring-loaded! :p

Can't wait to see your baby!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

SasAndYunah

01-28-2011, 04:54 PM

Susan...

do not use the drop-one-arm-technique on your husband and tell him it was my idea! :eek: :eek: :eek: :D

Sas and Yunah ;)

Bailey's Mom

01-28-2011, 06:01 PM

Okay-I just emailed them and have asked if they would send a picture. Normally no pictures go out before two weeks. We'll see.

We always felt that Peaches and Palmer got house broken because we took them out every hour.

This is going to be one interesting ride home! I'll be taking plastic for my lap - we will start out in the cage....and do that as long as is possible. The trip back will be a two day thing. Hey-I think it's now 7 weeks from today. Yahooooooooooo!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:):):):):):eek::eek::e ek::eek::eek::eek:
-Susan

AlisonandMia

01-28-2011, 07:29 PM

I too would give the prep school a miss. It sounds like they focus on crate training and I believe that crate training is something that needs to be done right - and the best way to do it right is to do it yourself at home! At least then if any mistakes are made you know what happened, when etc which makes undoing them a lot easier. (It isn't hard though if you go slow!:) Going slow and not asking too much at first is the key.)

I've crate trained our two dogs. (Neither from early puppyhood though). The first, Zac, was totally "crate naive" and was a breeze to train. He loves his crate and always has done - it is his happy place and where he wants to be if he is frightened (as by fireworks etc).

My other dog was supposedly "crate trained" when she came to us. But her relationship with the crate was far from ideal. I'm pretty sure her "crate training" had simply been spending a lot of time in a crate and so being used to it. This is not the same thing as true crate training, IMO. She rarely if ever went willingly (let alone enthusiastically) into a crate and tended to whine quite a bit too at times.

She's been with us for three months now and things are very different these days. Now she bounds into her crate with enthusiasm and I don't think we have long to go before she loves it as much as does Zac. But it has taken a while and a lot more effort and thought and problem solving than it did to do it right the first time with Zac - who is a much, much more innately challenging dog as well!

I would be a little concerned that the "crate training" they may do at the prep school is more like just getting them used to being crated rather than teaching them to love their crate. This would be especially likely if they are trying to do it within a set time period and with several puppies at a time. To get off on the right foot with crate training the initial training has to be done carefully with sensitivity to the needs of the individual and how much he or she can accept (and enjoy) at any particular time.

The benefits of a dog that loves its crate just can't be underestimated IMO. We recently went through the Brisbane floods (with a 5 - 6 day power blackout and needing to leave our home temporarily and all those fun things) and I'd would say that crate training was just about a life saver (certainly a sanity saver) for both the humans and the dogs. The dogs were completely happy to be crated more or less full time in return for frequent attention, occasional treats and 3X day walks about the neighborhood.

I presume the prep school will cost you extra - maybe using this money to enlist the help of a professional trainer is a possibility if you feel you will need some help in the early days.

Here's a link you might find useful: http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html

Looking at this (and from distant memory) taking them outside every hour when they are really little is par for the course and has to do with a young pup's physiological immaturity.

Alison

Bailey's Mom

01-29-2011, 02:55 AM

I added a picture. Something happened in the transfer process. This is just something like Little Miss will look like. If you imagine the white parts as rust color, I think it'll be close.
susan

Casey's Mom

01-29-2011, 03:31 AM

Susan I am so happy for you and your new arrival - can't wait!! By the way I have always used the crate in my room and then when once trained they graduate to a bed in my room. I like Saskia's idea of putting it near your bed - I am pretty sure that's what I did with Casey, although it is hard now to remember her as a puppy. They are so much fun though!!

Bailey's Mom

01-30-2011, 06:21 PM

Hi Ellen. That's what I plan on doing. Start out with the crate then later have a bed right by my side in front of my nightstand. I can't wait, either!!
Okay-tomorrow @10:40 or thereabouts, I will be in the docs office. Would everyone please take a moment and send up wishes that he'll removed this stupid rod? I'll let you know. I also hope to get a snapshot tomorrow. -Susan

addy

01-30-2011, 09:04 PM

Would everyone please take a moment and send up wishes that he'll removed this stupid rod?

Consider it done:)

I love all the puppy talk, can't wait to hear of your adventures. Between your post and Deb's it is going to be a happy time:D

Best of luck, Susan. Your new puppy will be just fine.

Hugs,
Addy

Bailey's Mom

01-31-2011, 07:21 PM

Hi-
The work day has ended down south and I did not receive a picture of Little Miss.:(:(
The doc told me I had to keep the rod in for 3 more weeks.:(:(:(
-Susan

Bichonluver3

01-31-2011, 09:34 PM

Well, you know what they say "Bad rehearsal, great show". Tomorrow is another day and in the big picture.....well, you know. Keep your chin up and concentrate on that wonderful, furry ball of love that will fill your life with magic.
Hugs,
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 06:30 AM

Hi- I have a question. I've got puppy books and have been reading online as well. They often refer to giving kibble as a treat for a task mastered. What really is Kibble? What size pieces do you give? We've never had a dog that would eat the dry food. I am hoping to make a large effort so that dry food is the food of choice. Palmer ate wet food and we gave him treats like Pupperoni, Jerky Treats, etc. I don't think that's real great so far as nutrition and they tend to be high in calories, I am told. We gave him pigs ears, dental bones and rawhide bones as well. I can tell you, if no one has tried them.....those Greenies do a great job keeping teeth clean.

And while I'm at it, what words of wisdom are floating out there about good dog food?
Is there something specific to look for in the labeling?

The rod news means I will only be hardware free for 3 weeks prior to our adventure to Alabama. I think the doc is also going to want me to go down to a more normal black surgical shoe, although he did say a few times back that once the pins/rod were out we'd start out slow with something like a sneaker. Again, he wants me off my feet with them up in the air. I have done almost nothing, but I'm going to further curtail what getting about I do.

When we left the docs office I said to Bob....."Just shoot me now." For some reason this is less tolerable to me than the knee replacement surgeries I had. I guess that's because with the knee surgery, they want you walking on day #2. This thing wants you not walking as much as is possible.

To top it all off, I'm having trouble sleeping. :mad:

Plan to ask for a picture again today.

I'll go give sleeping another try. -susan :(

ps-thanks for the encouragement and the hugs!

Squirt's Mom

02-01-2011, 10:53 AM

Hi Susan,

"Kibble" simply means dry feed - regardless of the actual size of the nuggets. I used to think kibble was a particular type of feed or just the small bite feeds, but it refers to all dry feeds.

As treats, using kibble is much more nutritious than treats like Pupperoni, Beggin' Strips, etc. Those things are full of fats. You can use fresh veggies and fruits that she likes as treats instead.

For feeding a puppy, you want to stay with a high quality puppy food for at least 6 months, preferably one year - canned or kibble, either one, or a combination. Controlled feeding VS free feeding is best for most dogs regardless of their age. Free feeding can lead to obesity and problems with systems like skeletal. In my studies, I have read that free feeding puppies can also lead to hormonal imbalances. This is something I haven't had time to delve into deeply, but I have seen the references enough to know it is something to consider. As a cush parent, that really stuck! LOL

In choosing a feed, read the labels and not the packaging - the hype on the actual bag that catches your eye. The package may say chicken and rice but when you read the label, chicken is the 8th ingredient listed which means there is very little chicken in the feed. If the feed is supposed to be chicken and rice, those ingredients should be listed in the first 4 ingredients. BTW, chicken by-products, or ANY by-product, is not what you want. By-products are things like feathers, feet, beaks, etc. - things from the human grade product that are not edible. You want to see meat and meat meals in those first few ingredients.

Hope this helps!
Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

labblab

02-01-2011, 01:33 PM

Leslie has already given you some great info. Here's a couple thoughts to add. First, here's a link to an independent website that gives reviews and ratings to different dogfoods:

http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/

In the past, I have not always agreed 100% with the reviews, but there is still a lot of good information available for you to consider. You will find puppy foods interspered throughout the ratings categories. Do pay attention to the dates of the reviews, too, because companies seem to change formulas with a fair degree of regularity now. And an older review may not correspond with the current ingredients for any given product once you actually look at the current label. So if you find a food you're happy with, you can always visit the website for the actual manufacturer and compare their current ingredient list just to double-check.

My Labs have always been chow-hounds, and so they are always happy to get a piece of kibble as a reward for good behavior. But not all dogs are that keen on dry food, and in the early training stages when you are seriously working on initially shaping behavior, you may want to have something REALLY enticing to throw into the mix. Trainers who I've worked with have recommended soft things like low-fat turkey hot dogs or string cheese or a slice of lean deli meat. With all these things, you can nip off tiny pieces with your fingers to give as a reward. That way, the cumulative food total isn't that big, but the dogs are really excited over the treat. You may want to reserve those treats to be used only for training, so they remain a special enticement. I'll bet Saskia will have some suggestions, too.

I'm so sorry to hear about the rods! But I guess this way you'll really be forced to rest up in advance of your big trip...:o

Marianne

SasAndYunah

02-01-2011, 02:04 PM

Aha....I do have some thoughts on the matter :D I personally would not use the high reward special treats for all the "normal" training like sit, down etc. I reserve those for training that prooves to be especially difficult for the pup (could be something else for each pup) I prefer to use kibble and what I will do is I will measure the amount of food that the dog should be eating during a day and then take some of that to use for training and rewards. For example, your dog should eat 80 grams of kibble each day. You feed it twice a day (in case of an adult dog) so that would make for two meals of 40 grams each. Now, grab a handful of kibbles and set them apart for training and rewarding. Let's say you took 10 grams of kibble to use for training. That will leave two meals of 35 grams each (80 grams - 10 grams = 70 grams : 2 = 35 grams) :) This way the dog will not get more food then it should. Each treat or reward is extra food...if you feed the 80 grams needed and hand out treats on top of that amount. It's very important for any dog to be in good shape and have a healthy weight but for puppies especially. So I would start training and rewarding with kibble (taken from the daily amount) and see how that goes. If she doesn't respond wel to the kibble you could always try to use a toy or cuddles as a reward, not all dogs are food motivated allthough most are :D And when the training hits a really tough to learn excercise, then use some really enticing reward :) At least, that's how I would do it ;)

Saskia and Yunah :)

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 06:26 PM

Hi Leslie-thanks for all the useful information. That is very helpful. Any recommendations as to brand for the dry?
-Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 06:30 PM

Well now, see,Marianne.....if I had kept reading and not been so quick to jump the gun..... :rolleyes:

That's a great link to have and I thank you.

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 06:35 PM

Saskia-thank you for your thoughts as well....but they bring up another question I've always had......what IS the recommended amount for total food for one day? Any time I read a packages instructions it is very obvious they are out to sell more food. I've never given as much as those products recommend. I am sure there must be some generally accepted calorie or gram total.

Thanks-:)
Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 06:37 PM

NEWSFLASH........NEWSFLASH........NEWSFLASH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am just about to add three pictures to the album......maybe I should start a second album? Hot off the presses, just taken a few hours ago.

That's my girl.....tail and all!!!!

:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 06:43 PM

(I figured this out. ) I'll try to get this in there, right side up.............I guess they have to come in that way. I am unable to edit the pictures, even though there is an "edit picture" selection. :(:(
-s

Bichonluver3

02-01-2011, 07:24 PM

OMG, that has to be the cutest baby ever. And what a lucky baby to have you as a mom. Palmer would be proud that his mom has love to share with another precious soul. What a tribute. Congratulations!!!
Love,
Carrol & Chloe

labblab

02-01-2011, 07:32 PM

Oh Susan, I love her already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Doesn't she just melt your heart??????????????????? :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

What a total cutie-pie!!!!!!!! :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p

Marianne

Squirt's Mom

02-01-2011, 07:34 PM

Oh, how cute she is! I know you are so excited for sure now! Get that rest so you can be ready for the trip to pick her up. LOL That will be a fun trip, I bet.

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 07:38 PM

Palmer would be proud that his mom has love to share with another precious soul. What a tribute. Congratulations!!!
Love,
Carrol & Chloe

You made me teary! What a nice thing to say. Thank you. (warm heart icon goes here)

AlisonandMia

02-01-2011, 07:48 PM

What a cutie! I think if you want to get the photos up the right way you will have to delete them from your album, flip them around and repost them. But it doesn't really matter, we can still see the cuteness shining through!

Re the father being an odd color for a poodle - what it might be is that with some of these designer X-breds sometimes they breed from two cross-bred (in this case Schnoodle) parents rather than just crossing a Poodle and a Schnauzer every time. I think they call this multi-generational hybridization or something. So it is possible that both parents are actually Schnoodles themselves rather than one of each of the foundation breeds.

Lately I've been using Evo Small Bites (made by Innova) as training treats. They probably aren't high value enough for really intensive, difficult training but for everyday use they are working out fine. I use tiny, teeny little bits of cheese as high value treats and I also make my own chicken jerky too. I've used small bits of dried cat food in the past but I think the Evo is probably going down better, actually.

With regards the correct amount to feed - that is sort of like how long is a piece of string. It is whatever amount neither causes weight loss or weight gain (in an adult dog of ideal weight). How much that may be is an individual thing and it also varies with exercise and (I've found most of all) with the weather. I do think the recommended amounts on the packets are almost always way too generous and that probably accounts for quite a few of the overweight and obese dogs you see around. I've never, ever fed anything like the recommended quantity to a pet dog. A working dog or a dog feeding pups can be another matter but most pet dogs don't seem to need anything like what the manufacturers would have us believe.

I'm constantly fiddling the amount my dogs get and do it by eyeballing the dog, eyeballing the food, and taking into account how much they have had as treats etc. If one of them gains a little undesired weight I'll feed slightly less for a couple of days and if it looks like they may be losing weight I'll increase their ration for a couple of days. Sometimes I knowingly overfeed on one day because I need to use up some food so on the next day I'll feed a bit less. It all works out over time and I don't stress about it at all.

Alison

Bichonluver3

02-01-2011, 08:22 PM

You are welcome. I truly meant it. And thanks back at ya for all the help you give to all of us here. I hope you plan to have a lawn full of pink flamingos when that gorgeous baby comes home!
Love,
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

02-01-2011, 10:46 PM

Alison-I have asked and am told Mom is pure bred Schnauzer and Dad is "full poodle breed." It doesn't really matter to me....it just seems so unusual. If you look in the album-you'll see a picture of Mom and one of Dad.

Carrol-LOL!!! :D I'm not sure what that means........I am guessing it's like for a female and it correlates to a stork. Funny thing is I DO have at least one of those stored away. My husband (who does not have my silly bone) :rolleyes: really hates them. I have a neighbor friend and if she will be around that weekend that we return, maybe I"ll ask her to put it out. What a hoot!:):)

I've been cropping and printing out the pictures and she is soooooo cute. I am anxious to see her eyes. (See her little tongue sticking out in that first picture?)

-Susan

AlisonandMia

02-01-2011, 11:03 PM

I was curious so I just did some "research" and found out about what are called "phantom poodles" (same as regular poodles - just different markings). Looks like this is what dad is: http://www.homesteadpoodles.com/phantom_poodles.html

You can find more if you Google the words "phantom poodle".

I don't think I've never seen one - or if I have I'd probably have assumed it was a "multi-generation" schnoodle or some other sort of poodle mix.

Alison

Bichonluver3

02-01-2011, 11:55 PM

Hi Susan!
Yup, that's what it means! Oh and, of course, you have to have that whole "Welcome home..." banner thing going on:D. Let us know date and time and we will celebrate here. Any excuse for a party..!!;)
Love,
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

02-03-2011, 04:15 AM

Alison-thank you so much for doing the research. It is very interesting. I forwarded the link to hubby. He always likes having more information. Almost just 6 WEEKS NOW.....not that I'm counting. ;);)

-Susan

BestBuddy

02-03-2011, 05:16 AM

Susan,

This is getting really exciting. Counting down the weeks with you.

Jenny

Bichonluver3

02-03-2011, 02:05 PM

We are all waiting on the edge of our seats to welcome this princess home!!
Love,
Carrol & Chloe

Bailey's Mom

02-03-2011, 07:01 PM

This is almost like being pregnant.....except without all the bother! ;) We now have a final list for names. I hope to be able to tell you what we're really going to call her before the weekend's over.

Is it me or are these days sooooooooooo long??!! :)

We have our trip down south all mapped out now. 4 nights on the way down, 2 nights on the way back.....possibly one, but I don't think so! Bob has a short memory. When we got Palmer we were at the beach for the weekend. We had taken our son's Wrangler for the weekend......we both like stick and the Wrangler in general. Well, when we started out to head home, it was with the top down and I was driving. Bob was holding Palmer because Palmer wouldn't stay in the cage without yapping. We got about 45 minutes away and Bob had me pull over. After that, he drove and I held Palmer......plus the top was up!:D:D

addy

02-03-2011, 08:10 PM

Oh Susan, I am so happy you are so excited. It is just wonderful to read your posts. I can't wait to hear the possible names:)

Oh, I better go check your album to look for any new pictures of Little Miss.

Hugs,
Addy

Bichonluver3

02-03-2011, 11:34 PM

Hi Susan!
We can FEEL your excitement in your posts and are just as excited. I am sitting on the edge of my seat. Ooooooo..can't wait. You know you have to take a ton of pictures on your trip and post them ALL!!
Love,
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

02-04-2011, 02:29 AM

Okay-I didn't think anyone would be interested in possible names....here's the list (in no specific order);
Bailey, Ellie, Roxy, Ember, Chloe, Brinkley, Mattie
"Ember" is because she's black and her paws and on up her legs is brown/rust. Then-there's the possibility as she matures that her color could change. Peaches went from black to silver with the first cut, and Palmer started out a really neat brindle but changed over early on to black.

I like Brinkley. Bailey would not be bad, but it may be a boy's name. Ember, Brinkley and Bailey are the three I like from that list. I don't much care for the others in this instance.
There should be new pictures Monday. Maybe I'll wait until I see those and then decide. I'm hoping her eyes will be open.
-Susan

marie adams

02-04-2011, 02:41 AM

Well Susan,

I could go with the Mattie--haha--wonder why!!! I like Ellie--Little Miss Ellie...:) We have already thought of Ella for ours when and if...

At nine days old she is a cutie. Who couldn't love a puppy...

I have been checking all the aussie websites here in California, most of them would take a day to get to if I plan one one up north. I think I found one litter that will be coming in April---soooo long to wait, but we seem to like the size of the parents so hopefully their little ones will be on the bigger size.

I am so excited for you, but I know I am having a hard time to want to wait, but you have one all picked out waiting for you!!!!!!:D

addy

02-04-2011, 09:48 AM

I like them ALLL:D:D:D:D

Once you see more pictures of Little Miss one of the names will most likely stick.

And it is better than being pregnant though you should still be able to eat pickles and ice cream regardless;):D

Have a wonderful weekend

Addy

Bichonluver3

02-04-2011, 12:14 PM

Hi Susan!
Well, I think Chloe might be good......I wonder why:rolleyes:
I am so excited (and she's not even my pup!) that I think I would just say "To heck with it" and move in with her until she would be able to move in with me!
Seriously, though, have you painted her room pink, yet?:D
Lots of love & hugs,
Carrol & Chloe

Bailey's Mom

02-04-2011, 03:57 PM

You guys are nuts!!
No, no pink room yet. I'm working on getting the filing that's on the floor picked up and put away. Palmer had learned, mostly, to leave it alone. A little puppy would have a field day!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Six weeks from today, at this time, we should know something about how the car ride is going to go.:eek::eek:

Medical report: now everyone knock on wood........ratatattat..........since I slowed down on moving around even more, the foot is not talking to me. It's the first time I've not had pain in it in over one year.:D:D

Bichonluver3

02-04-2011, 04:19 PM

Yaaaay - no pain. Good news! Looks as if 2011 will be your year. You deserve it. If you need help with the papers, I have a 3 yr old maltipoo that will gobble them up. Filing problem solved:D
Have a great day!
Love,
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

02-05-2011, 03:16 AM

Carrol-
I was thinking of getting that goat from the AFLAC commercials.....and the duck to hurry the goat along! :D

Okay-I am pleased to report we have narrowed it down to a list of two names: Bailey or Katie I like them both. My husband is maintaining his Swedish peaceful territory. I had originally liked Brinkley but Ryan does not like it, so it went off the list.

Having no luck with sleeping. :(:( Makes catching up with the filing and organizing go quicker.

Enjoy the weekend everybody! :)
susan

Squirt's Mom

02-05-2011, 10:44 AM

Hey Susan,

Keeping true to my "odd man out" character, I liked Ellie. It reminded me of Miss Ellie Ewing of Southfork. :D

I'm glad you are experiencing less pain with the rods and surely hope they are removed pronto!

Hugs,
Leslie and the girls - always

Bichonluver3

02-05-2011, 12:43 PM

Hi Susan!
Now that you are down to 2 names, maybe you should hold off until you actually see the little Miss. Then you will know which one fits best.
With my daughter, we had a couple of names and finally settled on one. Then, when she was born, it was spring and she literally "sprung" out, so we decided on the other name, "Aviva" which means "spring":D
Hmmm........The goat sounds like a possibility but watch out for any carpets! And, don't ducks poop a lot???:eek: Grover has had his breakfast and is ready to travel if you need him:)
You have a good weekend too and rest that foot. With a new baby, you will have a lot of chasing to do.
Lots of love,
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

02-07-2011, 12:59 AM

Okay-now I have a dilemma. I was on the Schnoodle site and there is a video that was just put up.....now I can't even remember what it was about. Anyway-it was all schnoodle puppies. I did not see ONE docked tail. I'm going to call in the AM and ask the owner about the discrepancy from what I was told. That's not to say I won't still want Little Miss. The gal down there picked out the one with the most brown on it, so I didn't even get to choose from seeing them. :confused::confused:

It's picture day tomorrow.:D

Rod is progressively coming out of end of toe. I don't know how long it is but pretty soon what sticks out will be too long and it will either need to be cut shorter or pulled out.(YES)

I have stained glass because I work with it and I was moving some of it last night. I decided I should look at the rod because I hadn't see nor redressed it in over a day. Rod looked fine. Then I needed to go across the room to get a band aid to cover that sharp end. I was just about back to my chair and my foot brushed up against a piece of glass. I said "ow" and I looked and there was already blood on the carpet. :eek::eek: I didn't have anything nearby to put on it to stop the bleeding......so I had to walk back to where I got the band aid. I have spent the last 24 hours trying to get the stains out of the carpet. :mad: I'm trying my fifth concoction. I emailed a friend and told her what had happened and she wrote back "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you have a real thing with your feet. You do know if you destroy them you cannot buy a new set."

I'll be an expert on removing carpet stains in case anyone needs help.;)

-Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-07-2011, 03:15 PM

Good Morning.....or afternoon, actually.

I just spoke with the puppy place and they are singing the same song they sang to me about how you have to pick so early-the third day. Now they just called me back and have said that the puppies in the video I was watching are labradoodles not schnoodles. That then makes sense.

They are taking the pictures today and they will be posted to see either tomorrow or Wednesday. DO THESE PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND HOW ANXIOUS I AM TO SEE MY LITTLE MISS???? :mad::eek: I don't want to miss any stages.

Nothing new to report so I'll wish you happy Monday!

-Susan

Bichonluver3

02-07-2011, 08:00 PM

Hi, Susan,
Oh, poop, I know how frustrated you must feel. It's like being in a long labor and beginning to think maybe the baby is a figment of your imagination:rolleyes:
It's a good thing that these folks are not closer to you. You could just go over and give them a good boot in the rear...and with that rod in your toe, they would really feel it. Ooops, you would feel it too:o
Hang in there. Rest up because, before you know it, the up every few hours during the night will start:D
Love,
Carrol & Chloe

Bailey's Mom

02-07-2011, 08:52 PM

Hi Carrol-
The rod now sticks out maybe 5/8ths of an inch. :eek::eek: I have taken a cork stopper and put it on the end.......I've already ruined one sock. I thought it looked funny before!! :rolleyes::rolleyes:
I just checked-no pictures yet.:(:mad:
It's going to get harder when the pictures start.....the personality should show through some. It's under 6 weeks now.:cool::cool: I wish I had a time machine!!
Carrol- interesting spelling of your name. My middle name is "Carroll" which was my Mom's maiden name. I've always liked it. Did you lose your second "l?" ;);)

-Susan

Bichonluver3

02-08-2011, 02:03 AM

Hi Susan,
I think I lost the second "L" when I lost my mind and I haven't been able to find it since:rolleyes:
Now, how are you going to buy a layette for your new baby if you have to keep replacing socks?? Mind you, I have 1 dog that chews up our socks:(
Please make sure you post the VERY SECOND you get those pictures!!
We'll be watching and waiting...
Love,
Carrol

Bailey's Mom

02-08-2011, 02:56 AM

Carol, hi-
At least it could have put a hole in an old raggedy sock that I didn't care about. :(
The cork didn't make it through getting into bed. I heard a "snap" and I said "Aw snap"
I now have a 4" bandage folded into quarters on top of it and about five miles of tape trying to hold it down. I think I will call tomorrow, talk with the doc, see if he will change his mind.
I offered to give him a dollar if he took it out, last time.;):D
Well-back to preparation for a new family member. I figure I have to get taxes done, bills paid, papers filled or scanned now. It won't be happening very much later. If I miss paying a bill I can just tell them my new puppy ate it!:D
-Susan

Bichonluver3

02-08-2011, 12:16 PM

Bailey's Mom

02-08-2011, 05:13 PM

I just faxed the doc telling him I soon would be able to roast hot dogs on this thing and to please reconsider taking it out SOONER!:mad:

The brand new, hot off the presses, two week picture is here. :D:D:D "Little Miss" is called "Red Dot."

-Susan

Bichonluver3

02-08-2011, 05:31 PM

Oooooo, I'll be right back...got to see the pics:D:D:D

Bichonluver3

02-08-2011, 05:35 PM

Okay, I'm back:) I LOVE the pics. OMG, Susan, she is SO beautiful. I bet she is SO soft. Don't you just want to cuddle her?!:D

Bailey's Mom

02-08-2011, 05:55 PM

Hi Carrol-

Their little eyes are still not open :(. I love the little tan eyebrows! :)Everything is relative but-from looking at all those feet, I think these gals will top out at over 20 lbs (which was my top of my requested weight range.) :eek:And, YES, I can't wait to get her in my arms!! [warm heart icon goes here] We may have to rethink this name thing. I'm not sure I see a "Katie" or a "Bailey" there. I guess these little gals just sleep and eat, at this point. I wonder what they think when their eyes open. "Whoaaaaa......where am I and who are all these people!!" :D
-Mommy

Bichonluver3

02-08-2011, 07:37 PM

Yeah but then she'll see you and know right off "That's my mom!":D

Bailey's Mom

02-08-2011, 10:43 PM

Yeah but then she'll see you and know right off "That's my mom!":D

BIG, warm icon goes here!~!!!! :D:D:) :)

addy

02-09-2011, 09:16 AM

Oh I just want to bury my face in that little belly!!!!!!

Susan, Missy is sooooo cute, what apretty little girl.:D:D:D:D

Hugs,

Addy

Bailey's Mom

02-09-2011, 09:57 AM

Thanks Addy-
I think now you might only be able to bury your nose in there. ;)

marie adams

02-14-2011, 11:38 AM

So Susan if you don't see a Katie or Bailey in there, do you see a Little Miss Ellie???? :D:D

HaHa!! She is sooo cute!!! I would be rubbing my nose in her belly and head. I always like the rubbing your cheek on their head. There is nothing like their smell (not a dog smell:eek:) to make you feel good--if this makes sense.

Enjoy your pictures :) and take care of that foot!!!! Ouch!!! It hurts me to read about it--sympathy pain here for what you are going through.....can't even imagine.:(

Have a great week!!!

Bailey's Mom

02-14-2011, 08:29 PM

Thanks Marie! Tis a mystery as to what we'll do about the name. I seem to lean towards names that end with the sound "lee"-like Kellie or Bailey,etc I am hoping with the next set of pictures next week that with the eyes open we may have more of a clue. She may just remain "Little Miss" until she's in my very welcoming arms.

It's Monday. I don't know why Monday is any different, but I'm missing Palmer again. He was just such a sweetie....it still makes me very sad. :(:(:(:(:(

The foot-ah the foot. Actually I think it sounds much worse than it is....although after nine weeks I am MORE than ready for this to be over. :eek: I don't think I'll be watching as it is pulled out. :eek::eek: I don't feel it except for the end of the toe, where it sticks out. That part is just sore. :( It has stayed sore. I still need to use a cane when I do any amount of walking....more than 20 feet or so. By this time next week, either the doc will have taken it out or I will!! :rolleyes::rolleyes: And it has caused me big problems with sleeping. Sometimes that leg seems to have a mind of its own. My husband said the other night I was unusually active in my sleep. He said my foot brushed up against him twice and he was worried that it was the foot with the saber in it! Apparently I have been moving around quite a bit in my sleep. I will be so glad when this one is over......then we get to look ahead to early October and the other one....but I really don't think that one will be nearly as bad as this one has been. :confused::confused:

We had an absolutely gorgeous day here today, for us. It got up to 70 degrees, was sunny and a beautiful blue sky. Now it's dropped 20 degrees and is VERY windy. The nicer weather is supposed to return on Wednesday and be here through the weekend. YAY!!!!!!! :D :D:D :D:D :D
-Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-15-2011, 08:12 PM

For anyone following the health saga of my life, I went today for an xray to see if my left forearm had splintered.:eek: I was unable/am unable, to rotate it more than about 25% of what I am used to. :(The doc thinks it is tendinitis, but sent me for x-rays to be sure. They took the x-rays and said-"OK-you're doc will have a full written report in the AM." I said- WHAT if it's BROKEN??!!:eek::eek: They said then they treat it as stat. I've not heard anything so I guess I can assume it is not splintered. I didn't know of anything that happened that could cause this, but the pain is acute.

Meanwhile, I'm getting impatient for week #4 pictures. This is only week #3. A whole other week to wait. I want to see those little eyes opened. The trip is plotted out. I think we'll leave here on Sunday the 13th. We are visiting friends along the way down. Little Miss is to be picked up the AM of the 18th. That's four whole more weeks. BUMMER.

-Susan

addy

02-15-2011, 08:27 PM

Try to think positive, I had a period of time when I could not lift my arm even to my waist without really bad pain. Finally got one of those cortisol shots and then went to physical therapy. As long as I keep my shoulder exercised, I never had to have another shot and the pain is minimal.:)

If it was broken, they would have called you by now.

I am starting to like the name Little Miss- you could call her Missey.;)
Though I do like Ellie a lot.:):):)

Feel better Susan!

Bailey's Mom

02-17-2011, 12:41 AM

Thanks Addy! I have about 75% use today....much improved. :D
I was just glancing at your pictures....why is it "Zoe's tree?" Is Koko getting shortchanged?;) The peeking out from under the bed is so cute!!
I don't think I know why you like Ellie-or is it just something you like? yeah-I thought of Little Missey. I also thought of Sparky....short for Sparkle. I emailed and asked if they'd send me a cell phone picture so I could see her little eyes open, but no response. It's very frustrating having to wait like this!:( With the foot, though, it's good I have this time. Having had to stay off it for so long, I'm going to need to recondition my feet for walking. The foot is feeling much better. I think it was good that he did not take the rod out last week, as I asked.

-Susan

labblab

02-17-2011, 03:03 PM

I gotta say that I'm also partial to the idea of Missey (or Missy, since that was the name of a good friend of mine! ;)). But heck, Susan, maybe you won't be able to settle on a name for certain until you've actually scooped up L.M. to bring her home with you. Once you look at her little face up close and personal, maybe that's when you'll know for sure...:o

Marianne

Bailey's Mom

02-18-2011, 01:36 AM

Hi gang!
Still no cell picture. Oh well...there should be a new group picture early next week.:)
I am giving up on the name thing. :confused: I have absolutely no idea what I'd like. I am sure that in the car on the way back (3 days) we will be able to come up with something suitable.:cool:
Rod should come out on Monday. YAY!!!!:cool::cool:.
I found out yesterday that indeed the rod ripped one of our sheets. Arghhhh.:mad: We may try an iron on patch. It's at the bottom, so it won't show.
Absolutely gorgeous day today. I sat out front awhile.
We have not told any of the neighbors about our new family member. We just wanted to avoid a big commotion and critiques on name possibilities. Our neighbors on either side of us can be difficult. There is someone who lives nearby who knows and she is very excited....all of this is fun. She would have been a good one to put out the pink flamingo...but she will be traveling down south at the same time we are. If I tell one of our next door neighbors, I know she would do it.
We are now referring to her as Schnookums. I don't think that will work because of Snookie....the Jersey gal. I wonder if the kennel folk use a name....like Red Dot. Maybe they just call them all cuties.
I'm trying to add some more stops on the way down so we will leave earlier. I just want to GO! 3 weeks at most before we leave.
I was reading on their site last night-they have a blog-and quite a few people were raving about the Prep school. There was one, however, who seemed to think the Prep school didn't do it's job. She's having puddles and poops in the house 3 or 4 times a day. We've managed our way through this twice before.....and I just know you guys will remind me that it will get better!!:D:D
-Susan

lulusmom

02-18-2011, 09:55 AM

Hi Susan,

I just rescued a 14 year old Maltese and will be taking her to her new foster mom on Saturday. This little girl has not one tooth left so the shelter named her Gummy Bear. I thought that was terrible and so does her new foster mom. She's naming her Gracie Mae (short for Mabel) after both of her grandmothers and she's going to call her Gracie for short.

Grace is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Grace is favor; blessing, good will. Mae is of English /French origin, and the meaning of Mabel is loveable. Shortened form of Amabel originally; later thought to be the French ma bell (my lovely girl), therefore sometimes found as Mabelle.

I had no idea Gracie Mae was short for Mabel because I have relatives from Oklahoma that have both names. I have a few others like Flossie and Bewla. Go figure. Anyway, I think Gracie is an adorable name.

You may come up with a name before your baby comes home but after living with her for a while, she may surprise you and rename herself.

Glynda

addy

02-20-2011, 12:28 PM

Hi Susan,

Just stopping by to say hi and hope you are doing well. The count down to bringing Little Miss home is speeding by but I am sure not fast enough for you;);)

My brother would say when you have a boy and girl, the boy always gets ripped off:rolleyes::p Actually, Zoe was sick over the holidays and we were worried it might be her last Christmas. Zoe's tree was a way to pick ourselves up (really me) and not feel so blue. Hubby is very good at moral support and distractions:D

My niece was expecting and after two weeks of everyone chiming in with names, she did not divulge the name she and her husband picked until two days after giving birth;) I liked Ellie because I was hoping my daughter named our second granddaughter Elana so I could call her Ellie. I just like the name.:)

You should make a video of when you first get to meet and hold Little Miss so we can all be part of it. Little Miss sure has a big family!!!!;):D:D:D:D

Hugs,
Addy

Bailey's Mom

02-21-2011, 02:36 AM

Hi and hugs to you Addy-
I have just spent an hour or more watching videos that have been posted by the kennel of schnoodles and doodles. Had I been able to stand the waiting, I might have waited for one with more white/brown in it. They sure have a ton of cute ones there. I still would have had the problem of having to pick in the first few days in order to "save the tail!"
At the moment, we are going with Bailey. My son has voted and I'd like for him to feel part of this. He understands that if we choose something different after meeting her, that's okay. I should be getting new picture(s) within the next couple of days.
The rod comes out later today! :D:D Finally!!! I sure hope the doc doesn't call in sick or something.:eek::eek:
I don't have a video recorder. My camera will film movies....but I am the camera operator. I know you will see many pictures the weekend after we return because my son is planning on coming down to meet Little Miss. He is quite a photographer. I'm not bad myself, but he is really developing a talent for it.
I was watching a video of what they go over when you pick the pup up. Man will that be hard to listen to.....it seems to go on forever. :rolleyes: Just let me have my puppy!!!:)
It's less than 3 weeks until we start out on our journey.:D:D That's tolerable. I need to set up an appointment with the vet. I look forward to doing that....once I figure out what day it will be.
I'll let y'all know how the coming out of the rod goes. I don't think I'll be watching.:eek:
-Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-21-2011, 02:38 AM

[QUOTE=addy;49857]Hi Susan,
Little Miss sure has a big family!!!!;):D:D:D:D
[QUOTE]
She sure does and isn't that wonderful? I always know you guys are there. It's a very nice feeling and your excitement about this, with me, means a lot.
-Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-21-2011, 09:11 PM

Where did that message go??!!:confused::mad:
Okay-I'll try to repeat what I did............
NEWS ALERT..:D:D:D...NEWS FLASH...:D:D:D..NEWS FLASH!!!!:):D:)
Week #4 picture is in the album. :D:D They all have their little eyes open. Little Miss, aka Bailey, aka Red Dot is on the far left. Look at all the tan she has on her!!!
I can't seem to capture the exuberance I had when I thought I posted this news earlier. I even previewed it..............:confused::confused::confused::con fused::confused:
Anyway-there for your viewing pleasure..............
We are leaving on the 12th to start our journey. Less than 3 weeks!
I am soooooooooooooo happy. :D:D:D
Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-21-2011, 09:13 PM

PS-Rod came OUT!!!! I didn't feel a thing. Now I have to relearn how to walk:):)

Bailey's Mom

02-22-2011, 08:32 AM

What experiences has anyone had with pet insurance? Any recommendations as to what kind of coverage and company to use?
Thanks.
Susan

labblab

02-22-2011, 11:28 AM

Susan, the new photo of Little Miss is wonderful! :)

And congratulations on getting rid of the rod!! :) :)

And I think Bailey is a great name -- that's the name of the daughter of some of our very best friends, so I'm especially partial to it!!!
:) :) :)

Last but not least, here's a link to an earlier thread in which people have offered their feedback regarding pet insurance plans:

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2590

Marianne

Bailey's Mom

02-22-2011, 04:36 PM

Thanks Marianne for the link. And thanks for the support for "Bailey."
-susan

addy

02-24-2011, 02:44 PM

Hi Susan,

How is the walking coming along? You must be so happy the rod is out:D:D I had missed a few posts, I think:confused:

What is the count down for Little Miss Bailey? Are you leaving next week?

Counting the days with you,

Love ya,
Addy

Casey's Mom

02-24-2011, 08:49 PM

Wow Susan I just checked out Bailey she is cute as a button!! Congratulations - bet you can't wait to get her home.

Love and hugs,

Bailey's Mom

02-24-2011, 09:20 PM

Hi gals!

Well-the rod being gone......yes, I am delighted! I have pain in the big toe but it's from not moving for 10 weeks. It is getting better each day. :D Bob & I went for a walk on the boardwalk yesterday-just a short one-to start getting my feet reconditioned. That went well. :) Today we ran some errands and ate dinner out and my feet definitely want a rest. :eek: The left foot still has a fair amount of swelling and it may take awhile for that to go away. I CAN fit my foot in regular shoes....what a delight! :D:)

With regard to Bailey, I discovered I was off by a week in my planning. :mad::( I had it right on my calendar, but somehow we got focused on the week before. :confused::confused: (Wishful thinking?!) I have begun making some hotel reservations and that is going well. (Except for the one-the first stop, where I booked one night, thought later we would actually be there two nights, so I changed the reservation and then last night I realized...no...we can't stay two nights.....so now I need to change it back.) :o:o Luckily most of this can be done on the internet. The official departure date is 3/19. We will pick up Bailey on 3/25. :D:D:D:D We hope to be back home later on 3/27. But it's okay-it has taken me so long to work all this out, that I am now back to just 3 weeks until we leave and four weeks from tomorrow that we get to meet Bailey.:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D and bring her HOME. :):):)
I went out today and got one of those jingle bell ropes. I've heard a lot of good about them and I'm going to give it a shot. You teach the dog to paw at the bell when the dog wants to go out. Palmer pawed at the front door, so I think a bell should work as well. Also that way we'd be more likely to hear it if we weren't right there. One of Palmer's days in his last two weeks, he and I were up in the studio. He needed to go out as he had diarrhea. :eek: He was scratching to go downstairs (he didn't like the steps so he was carried) and I just thought he was bored up here:o, so I didn't do anything about it. :( Came to find out later that he was trying to get a message to me! :eek: That's the kind of think I hate to happen. :( Come to think of it, maybe I need to get a second bell rope for up here.

Addy-I like "Little Miss Bailey." Maybe I'll work on that as an alternate. That would be a better second than calling her "Pearl", as in Pearl Bailey.:rolleyes:

We're getting nearer at least. I've not been sleeping well at all and I'm wondering if it's because I'm so excited about Little Miss Bailey. I need to get some sleep now.......I'm going to need it in 4 weeks! :eek: I have her picture on my bathroom vanity so I say "Hi!" to her each morning, and tell her goodnight each night. It's also helping me get used to her name. If we change it I'm going to be in real trouble!!:eek::eek:

Take care-(((HUGS))), Susan

Bailey's Mom

02-24-2011, 09:22 PM

By the way-I've just realized if I take my laptop I'll be able to post some pictures in those first days. Anyone interested in that???

-susan

addy

02-25-2011, 09:20 AM

ME, ME, ME,

I want to see:D:D:D:D

Hugs,
Addy

Bailey's Mom

02-26-2011, 05:42 PM

Addy (warm hug icon goes here)-
I love your reply!! You're cute!
hugs.
susan

gpgscott

02-26-2011, 05:50 PM

PS-Rod came OUT!!!! I didn't feel a thing. Now I have to relearn how to walk:):)

I know someone who has had several foot surgeries and they also reported that the 'rods' came out painlessly.

Very happy to hear it was the same with you.

Scott:)

Bailey's Mom

03-03-2011, 11:07 PM

Hi!

Here's a mini update. Bailey weighs 2 lbs, 2 oz. as of yesterday. She is approximately in the middle, size wise, with the other females.:)

I have ordered a pocket video camera. That means-videos right from the git go!:D:D
Hugs,
Susan

Bailey's Mom

03-08-2011, 05:02 PM

OMG!! :eek::eek::eek::eek: The new pictures just came up and they seem to have the ribbons mixed up. :eek::eek::eek::eek::confused::confused::confused: :confused::(:(:(:( The dog I've been calling Bailey has the most brown, as I said earlier. I was told she was Red Dot. The Red Dot pictured today is entirely black..:(:(:(...and she's not my Bailey!!! :eek::eek::(:(:mad::mad: My Bailey looks like the one they have a solid red bow on. They're checking it out now. Is this like getting infants mixed up in the hospital nursery or what!!????:eek::eek::mad::mad::mad::mad:

Susan

I'll post the pictures as soon as they straighten this out. What do I do if the one with the tail in tact is all black??!! She's not the one I've been loving. I STATED I did NOT want an all black dog. ARGHHHHHH!!!

Bailey's Mom

03-08-2011, 05:48 PM

Follow up-I was right about the ribbons....but....
Bailey's tail was docked. The word did not get to the "docker" and it took my asking about ribbons, six weeks later, for them to figure out.......whoops.......:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::m ad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::m ad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

Bailey's Mom

03-08-2011, 07:15 PM

Here is a video of the puppies. In the video, Bailey has on the red, not the red dot, ribbon.
http://www.vimeo.com/20807285 I'll post the new pictures.

labblab

03-08-2011, 07:45 PM

Oh Susan, Bailey is such a sweetie-pie, but I surely understand your anger about the docking. The "oversight" seems a bit hard to believe, under the circumstances and with your specific communication with them. If they did not wish to release an undocked dog, they certainly should have been straight with you from the get-go!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

But here is little Miss Bailey, and thank goodness the ribbons have been straightened out. Because docked or not, her face is adorable and she'll be your sweet baby, regardless...:o :o :o

Marianne

addy

03-08-2011, 08:21 PM

Oh Susan, what a ride you have had. Well, docking the tail is something you can live with though I don't blame you for being upset. Little Miss Bailey is beautiful and once you hold her in your arms it will all be fine. What a sweet face and what a sweet little girl. I am so thrilled for you. I can't wait for you to take the video when you pick her up.

You better think of a name for your new thread for Little Miss Bailey. You could call it Bailey and Friends:D Or Bailey and Family.

When do you leave?

Hugs,
Addy

Bailey's Mom

03-08-2011, 10:24 PM

Thank you ladies. You didn't even wait for the AM email telling you something had been posted.....I'm impressed! Of course I kept running in here to see if anyone else knew of my "misery."

Marianne, I really don't think this was intentional. The vet had been told but she was off on the docking day. Her assistant did the docking and no one had told her, or so they say. I will ask them specifically about that when I next talk to them.

Did you get to see the video? I had trouble connecting once or twice. I have posted the group picture, but I am having trouble with the individual picture. My son is going to rescue me so as soon as he sends that file back, I'll put it in the album. I had wanted to use it for the album cover, so I deleted the earlier cover and I don't know what if anything shows there right now.

I did answer the video email, as she asked me to tell her what I thought about getting a video and not just a picture. I told her I was really upset about this and I was dumbfounded that it took my asking about a ribbon mess up, six weeks later, for them to realize a tail was missing.
The woman has been very apologetic....for whatever good that does. I told her I had not slept last night and I was not in the best frame of mind. I was going to sleep on this.....and....since she had all my money and my tail, I figured there was no rush in getting back to her. (I will probably call her in the AM.)

My son thinks I should get compensation for this disaster and I agree. We'll see what happens there.

Addy, we leave in 10 days, 8 hours, and fifty minutes. I know that because for the millennium I purchased myself a countdown clock. It counted down to 2000. Now I use it for all kinds of things-the next vacation, the Bailey trip, etc. It says on the front "Time remaining....year 2000.....but I just ignore that. We leave Saturday the 19th in the AM. Hopefully by 9 or so. We go to Nags Head for one day so I'd like to get there early enough on Saturday to scope out how the place has changed since the last time we were there. We wind our way south, doing sightseeing and visiting friends, to arrive in Mobile, AL on the eve of the 24th. As soon as they open on that Friday, we will be there, pocket video camera in hand! (It still hasn't come, but I think it's supposed to be here by Thursday.)

Addy-I think I like "Bailey and Friends"......that really fits. I'll put a note on this thread right before I switch over so anyone who is interested can follow along. You guys have really walked the path with me, so I like referring to you in the thread title. (I also am ready to get away from always reading "(Palmer has crossed the bridge.)" Oh that was a painful day when I wrote that. I've even found myself a little upset the past two days.

Palmer had a big yellow duck-I may have described it. I'll post a picture. I had washed everything else that was his..toys and all....but the duck, which he used like a Linus blanket, remained with his DNA on it. I've kept it with me when I go to bed. I'll have to give that up soon. I still was able to kiss him goodnight, in a sense. I won't get rid of it.....and it won't get washed, but it will move upstairs to my workroom. He was here a LOT.
That's still sad, as well.
I'm working on his memorial and hope to post that before I leave....just tidy up some loose ends.

Thanks for getting in touch. I'll keep you posted on the happenings, if any.

-((HUGS!))
Susan

addy

03-09-2011, 09:27 AM

I think we all have to keep things that have a special meaning and connection to a lost loved one. I still have my cat's beautiful blue bowl and her harness and leash. She has been gone six years. I don't cry any more when I look at them but it took a long time.

Bailey will have a new spot in your heart right next to Palmer's spot. Our capacity to love these little ones is endless.:)

LOL though about you being able to tell me days, hours and minutes. That was a great way to start my day as we are having yet another snow storm:eek: Ugh. You brought a hearty chuckle to my morning, thank you for that:D

I watched the video just fine. It is a joy to watch the puppies running and playing. I plan on watching it again;)

Love ya,
Addy

marie adams

03-09-2011, 11:23 AM

Hi Susan,

I just always seem to have a little time to visit lately. I am so happy for you--see the big grin:D:D:D.

Since I will have the tail docked on a new puppy when and if that happens; soon I hope....not an easy task. I didn't realize how qualified you have to be to get an aussie pup--you would think 12 yrs would be testiment enough--haha!!! You will love her tail or no tail, but I would ask for compensation or something--I am not a big fan of vet offices with all "I' went through this past year with them. I think Maddie didn't notice except I would always be stressed out---:(:(

I knew you would be counting down the days, hours, minutes, seconds; I would be too.

I have all of Maddie's toys, blankets, etc. They are packed away so that when our new little addition comes they can be shared. It is bringing tears right now as I typed this, but good tears of remembering how she would carry some of them around with her--we use to call some of them her babies since she didn't get to have any--she would have been a good mom....

Bailey is so cute and I know when you see her your head will be rubbing her head:):):) and the hugs!!!!

Take care!!!

Bailey's Mom

03-09-2011, 11:40 AM

OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I went to look at the weather map and the computer lost my note:confused:.........now I have to start all over..:mad:
The kennel owner sent me an email last night:
"I am very upset about the fact that the puppies tail was docked as well, I know the vet was told to leave it and Brandy made sure she communicated this to her. Brandy just realized that it was docked and was actually sick about it when she found out....she was so worried and was discussing how upset she was about having to tell you and was actually about to call you when you called about the tags. Brandy does not work in the nursery and she does not see them as often......I am just so sorry. It is our policey to dock all schnoodle tails, I guess she docked it out of habit.

I want to let you know that this is a very precious little girl, she's so adorable and I know you will love her. I assure you this was just a mistake and I am so sorry that it happened, we would have never in a million years have promised you something and not kept our word....We all work so hard to accomadate our clients every need and I hate it that we let you down.

I do understand if you decide not get her, and I will give you a full refund, but I do hope that you think about it because she is so sweet and the docked tail is who she is now.

Bottom Line, I wanted to let you know how upset Brandy is over the situation and that I will do whatever you need me to do to make this right. Please accept our most sincere apology.

Get a good nights sleep and call us in the morning and let us know your decision.

Sincerely,
Sherri "

This is most of what I wrote back.....

"I have given this a lot of thought. I have watched most of your videos-the training ones, the meet the staff ones, and the puppies romping around ones. It was only in just the last week that I watched the one about the vet and how particular she is to keep everything straight and that you all can't touch her stuff, she is so dedicated. I am very impressed with what I can tell about your operation.

We will take Bailey. We are already in love with her. I am asking that you refund $100 to me for the "missing" tail. I think this is reasonable. I have met every requirement of yours from the very beginning.....even paying in full before I could see the dog. I know in time I won't remember/notice that she has this little stub for a tail. It's unfortunate this happened. If you're not comfortable with refunding $100, we want Bailey anyway."

So we''ll see how good she is at following up on "...I will do whatever you need me to do to make this right."

Addy-the clock - I could have even given you the seconds........I just figured that would really be a bit much for someone else to handle!!:) It tells me now that it's 9 days, 13 hours, 27 minutes and 53 seconds. But that is to midnight before the day we leave.....so I tacked on another nine hours.:D

I have already watched the video twice today. :):D I just love how puppies don't really run, they jump up and jump up and eventually move forward! I don't know if I could work in a place like that......with all these puppies coming and going.

One other thing-I have been reading their blog....there are several postings from people who sent their puppies to Puppy Prep. They can't tell that the puppy went. One woman said her puppy didn't even know it's own name. A good number of them (most of them) are finding their puppies are not house trained....which is what they expected from Prep school.

I am really glad you guys advised me not to do that. Really glad.

Take care-
Hugs and more hugs,
Susan