My moms dog was poisoned

PearlsNLace · 09-04-2010, 01:43 PM

Corkey, the neighbors are no longer there. Plenty of sane healthy people have lost pets to crappy neighbors for one reason or another. We have had it happen to a member of our our own queer community here in Asheville. Its common enough it doesnt even make the news.

Corkey · 09-04-2010, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PearlsNLace

Corkey, the neighbors are no longer there. Plenty of sane healthy people have lost pets to crappy neighbors for one reason or another. We have had it happen to a member of our our own queer community here in Asheville. Its common enough it doesnt even make the news.

Thank you it wasn't clear from your first post that the neighbors weren't there any longer.
Try Best Friends Society, they will hook her up with the right pet for her.

ruthie14 · 09-04-2010, 02:08 PM

Pearls... I am so sorry that that happened to you! Our neighbors poisoned our dog when I was a kid. Rat poison the vet said. Nothing was done because in those days no one did anything about that kinda thing. THEY were horrible. He was a beautiful sweet collie (looked just like Lassie). So gentle and loving and smart. I hope you can find a dog for your mom.... pets are so vital for folks like your mom. Good luck on your hunt! Ruthie

Bit · 09-04-2010, 04:20 PM

{{{{{{{{{{{Pearls}}}}}}}}}}}} OH honey!! So here you are in this complicated relationship with your mom, and the Geographical Cure is failing you... oh, I can sooo relate! There are times when I would give ANYTHING to be back in Phoenix just for a day--just one day!--to sort out something or other for my mom.... and then yanno I would have to sky outta there before nightfall, lol, just to keep my sanity!

So. Here's the thing. Your mom is really good with small dogs but not all small dogs are going to be good for her. You want to avoid the really yappy ones--Yorkies and Chihuahuas come to mind, and so, unfortunately, do Pomeranians; and the bitey ones--again, most unfortunately, Pommies and Chihuahuas.

You also want to consider your mom's physical grace level. If she's clumsy and at ALL inclined to trip--OR if her vision is failing!!--you want to avoid the teacups and miniatures. Their bones are fragile and it would cause her immense pain to step on or crush a furbaby; plus, if one jumps off a couch, say, or a bed, they run the risk of breaking bones... and if you get her a puppy, they are in constant danger of hypoglycemia until about six months of age.

I think getting her a dog which will naturally run about fifteen to twenty pounds would probably be the safest for her, as well as the best for the dog. A short haired dog would be easiest to take care of and also would be more easily able to deal with any summer heat. I'm a fan of rescued mutts because I think their genetics are usually better--but if you go with a purebred, I believe very strongly in meeting the breeder face to face. The same thing which tells you which patients are likely to resist taking their meds (the first time you meet them) will also tell you if the breeder is honest.

Good luck to you, honey. I hope you and your mother can find the right dog very soon.

PearlsNLace · 09-04-2010, 04:53 PM

Bit, Thank you for this, yes you are reading all of this situation exactly. I have tears in my eyes, because I feel validated, and seen. THank you dearling, thank you!

What do you think of a Westie cross? I think a beagle is probably too pig headed. I certainly want a dog that will love on my mom. Poor mom, she just has never had enough love in her life. Sincerly. I want reincarnation to be true just so she can have a do-over.

Cockers tend to be incontinent, but I did think of them.

I want the adoration and energy of a Lab, in about 1/3 or 1/4th of the size I think.

suebee · 09-04-2010, 05:01 PM

It's amazing how cruel people can be to animals. The "it's just an animal" defense enrages me. I hope you're able to find an appropriate dog for her.

I'm looking for one right now, and have in fact applied to adopt a specific dog. She wasn't listed on Petfinder, but I found her indirectly through that site. Many of the breed-specific rescue groups will have referrals, either from individuals or smaller rescue groups. If you click on the listing organization you'll be able to see if they have listings other than their own dogs as well.

Also, you may be able to look farther than your Mom's immediate region, as there are several different volunteer organizations that provide transportation for rescue dogs so they can reach their new home. I have the name of several if you want, and know that other members have experience with some. Perhaps they'll post information for you.

NOT to contrary Bit, but larger dogs can sometimes be calmer than smaller breeds, are less fragile, and can give a senior a sense of security. Most shelters will have some kind of temperament testing system and can advise you on a particular animal. If you're really familiar with petfinder you'll know that if you click on "see all" instead of choosing a particular breed, there are links to give you information on characteristics of most breeds. Many have reduced adoption rates for seniors or will waive fees altogether. There are also organizations that help seniors in need provide food for their animals.

I wish you luck, and hope your Mom will end up with a great little furry companion.

Sue

Bit · 09-04-2010, 06:15 PM

That's not contrary to me, Sue! I agree with you about larger dogs; I was just going by what Pearls said, that she wants a small dog for her mom. I personally think an older rescue would be a wonderful idea and I also was thinking a medium size dog might work--but I don't know her mom and what issues (flea meds? food costs? physical strength when handling a leash?) might make a smaller dog more appropriate.

Pearls, hon, I don't know the Westie breed well enough to know about temperament and energy levels, but I do know cocker spaniels and I was actually debating whether to recommend one for your mom when I posted the first time. I didn't because of the size, but yanno, my Mandy was NEVER incontinent; I got her when she was two and she was exactly as you describe--all the adoration and energy of a lab in 1/4 the size. She was smarter than a lab, too, the smartest dog I ever had.

For smallish dogs and incontinence, there's always the Wizdog option. http://www.wizdog.com/ I want one more than I can say for the iced-in days of winter! But truly, if we couldn't have resolved Lady's incontinence issues, I would have gotten one for everyday use. Her pattern of going by the door told me that she was trying to get outside and just couldn't--and I bet cockers are the same way.

Reincarnation and do-overs are good! My Mandy and my Pooka both came back, so if dogs and cats can, why can't we?

julieisafemme · 09-04-2010, 06:22 PM

This is appalling Pearls. I am so so sorry this happened to your mother. I'll tell you a small breed I really like is the Corgi. They are sturdy and sweet and not too physically demanding. They get on well with other animals and people too.

09-04-2010, 05:01 PM	#6
suebee Member How Do You Identify?: TOWANDA! Preferred Pronoun?: Queen Bee Relationship Status: Good 'n married. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Eastern Canada. But if I make a wrong turn at the lights I get stopped by a border guard. Posts: 1,499 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,355 Thanked 2,756 Times in 820 Posts Rep Power: 16450092	It's amazing how cruel people can be to animals. The "it's just an animal" defense enrages me. I hope you're able to find an appropriate dog for her. I'm looking for one right now, and have in fact applied to adopt a specific dog. She wasn't listed on Petfinder, but I found her indirectly through that site. Many of the breed-specific rescue groups will have referrals, either from individuals or smaller rescue groups. If you click on the listing organization you'll be able to see if they have listings other than their own dogs as well. Also, you may be able to look farther than your Mom's immediate region, as there are several different volunteer organizations that provide transportation for rescue dogs so they can reach their new home. I have the name of several if you want, and know that other members have experience with some. Perhaps they'll post information for you. NOT to contrary Bit, but larger dogs can sometimes be calmer than smaller breeds, are less fragile, and can give a senior a sense of security. Most shelters will have some kind of temperament testing system and can advise you on a particular animal. If you're really familiar with petfinder you'll know that if you click on "see all" instead of choosing a particular breed, there are links to give you information on characteristics of most breeds. Many have reduced adoption rates for seniors or will waive fees altogether. There are also organizations that help seniors in need provide food for their animals. I wish you luck, and hope your Mom will end up with a great little furry companion. Sue __________________ "Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind." -Albert Schweitzer Last edited by suebee; 09-04-2010 at 05:06 PM.

09-04-2010, 01:43 PM	#1
PearlsNLace Member How Do You Identify?: queer Preferred Pronoun?: They/Them & her/she Relationship Status: Lucky, very lucky Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portlandia, Oregon Posts: 427 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 875 Thanked 1,284 Times in 315 Posts Rep Power: 6505517	Corkey, the neighbors are no longer there. Plenty of sane healthy people have lost pets to crappy neighbors for one reason or another. We have had it happen to a member of our our own queer community here in Asheville. Its common enough it doesnt even make the news.

09-04-2010, 02:08 PM	#3
ruthie14 Member How Do You Identify?: femme Preferred Pronoun?: she Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 844 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,904 Thanked 1,245 Times in 461 Posts Rep Power: 5946335	Pearls... I am so sorry that that happened to you! Our neighbors poisoned our dog when I was a kid. Rat poison the vet said. Nothing was done because in those days no one did anything about that kinda thing. THEY were horrible. He was a beautiful sweet collie (looked just like Lassie). So gentle and loving and smart. I hope you can find a dog for your mom.... pets are so vital for folks like your mom. Good luck on your hunt! Ruthie

09-04-2010, 04:20 PM	#4
Bit Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme Relationship Status: married to Gryph Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,177 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,126 Thanked 3,770 Times in 1,264 Posts Rep Power: 10778870	{{{{{{{{{{{Pearls}}}}}}}}}}}} OH honey!! So here you are in this complicated relationship with your mom, and the Geographical Cure is failing you... oh, I can sooo relate! There are times when I would give ANYTHING to be back in Phoenix just for a day--just one day!--to sort out something or other for my mom.... and then yanno I would have to sky outta there before nightfall, lol, just to keep my sanity! So. Here's the thing. Your mom is really good with small dogs but not all small dogs are going to be good for her. You want to avoid the really yappy ones--Yorkies and Chihuahuas come to mind, and so, unfortunately, do Pomeranians; and the bitey ones--again, most unfortunately, Pommies and Chihuahuas. You also want to consider your mom's physical grace level. If she's clumsy and at ALL inclined to trip--OR if her vision is failing!!--you want to avoid the teacups and miniatures. Their bones are fragile and it would cause her immense pain to step on or crush a furbaby; plus, if one jumps off a couch, say, or a bed, they run the risk of breaking bones... and if you get her a puppy, they are in constant danger of hypoglycemia until about six months of age. I think getting her a dog which will naturally run about fifteen to twenty pounds would probably be the safest for her, as well as the best for the dog. A short haired dog would be easiest to take care of and also would be more easily able to deal with any summer heat. I'm a fan of rescued mutts because I think their genetics are usually better--but if you go with a purebred, I believe very strongly in meeting the breeder face to face. The same thing which tells you which patients are likely to resist taking their meds (the first time you meet them) will also tell you if the breeder is honest. Good luck to you, honey. I hope you and your mother can find the right dog very soon.

09-04-2010, 04:53 PM	#5
PearlsNLace Member How Do You Identify?: queer Preferred Pronoun?: They/Them & her/she Relationship Status: Lucky, very lucky Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portlandia, Oregon Posts: 427 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 875 Thanked 1,284 Times in 315 Posts Rep Power: 6505517	Bit, Thank you for this, yes you are reading all of this situation exactly. I have tears in my eyes, because I feel validated, and seen. THank you dearling, thank you! What do you think of a Westie cross? I think a beagle is probably too pig headed. I certainly want a dog that will love on my mom. Poor mom, she just has never had enough love in her life. Sincerly. I want reincarnation to be true just so she can have a do-over. Cockers tend to be incontinent, but I did think of them. I want the adoration and energy of a Lab, in about 1/3 or 1/4th of the size I think.

09-04-2010, 06:15 PM	#7
Bit Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Stonefemme Relationship Status: married to Gryph Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,177 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 1,126 Thanked 3,770 Times in 1,264 Posts Rep Power: 10778870	That's not contrary to me, Sue! I agree with you about larger dogs; I was just going by what Pearls said, that she wants a small dog for her mom. I personally think an older rescue would be a wonderful idea and I also was thinking a medium size dog might work--but I don't know her mom and what issues (flea meds? food costs? physical strength when handling a leash?) might make a smaller dog more appropriate. Pearls, hon, I don't know the Westie breed well enough to know about temperament and energy levels, but I do know cocker spaniels and I was actually debating whether to recommend one for your mom when I posted the first time. I didn't because of the size, but yanno, my Mandy was NEVER incontinent; I got her when she was two and she was exactly as you describe--all the adoration and energy of a lab in 1/4 the size. She was smarter than a lab, too, the smartest dog I ever had. For smallish dogs and incontinence, there's always the Wizdog option. http://www.wizdog.com/ I want one more than I can say for the iced-in days of winter! But truly, if we couldn't have resolved Lady's incontinence issues, I would have gotten one for everyday use. Her pattern of going by the door told me that she was trying to get outside and just couldn't--and I bet cockers are the same way. Reincarnation and do-overs are good! My Mandy and my Pooka both came back, so if dogs and cats can, why can't we?

09-04-2010, 06:22 PM	#8
julieisafemme Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Woman Preferred Pronoun?: She Relationship Status: Married to Greyson Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: In the present Posts: 828 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,156 Thanked 3,434 Times in 660 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	This is appalling Pearls. I am so so sorry this happened to your mother. I'll tell you a small breed I really like is the Corgi. They are sturdy and sweet and not too physically demanding. They get on well with other animals and people too.