Posts
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Joined
11/19/2011
Location
Escondido, CA
US
Fantasy
762nd
We lost our Athena this week. Been a pretty rough week here. Last weekend she
stopped eating so we took her to the emergency vet clinic Monday night. Well
after half the night there, she was bleeding out due to a torn tumor on her spleen.
We were on the hunt for a vet that could due the surgery for less than the 8K
estimated at the emergency center. We were already into it for $2k at that point.
Found an amazing vet in Temecula that did the surgery but 2 days later she passed.
Athena (German Shepherd) was born 9 years ago and had never spent the night
away from either my wife, son, daughter, or myself. Every dog we have ever had,
we say that dog is/was "the most awesome dog ever" because they are so integrated
into our family. This is the first time in probably 15 years that we are between furry
little ones.
I don't want the wife and kids to think I'm trying to replace Athena but really need to
do something about the quiet in the house. So, my thoughts are to go to a new breed
so the new dog is not compared to Athena the "most awesome dog ever" but a whole
new adventure in life.
Any advice on Australian Shepherds?
TM
stopped eating so we took her to the emergency vet clinic Monday night. Well
after half the night there, she was bleeding out due to a torn tumor on her spleen.
We were on the hunt for a vet that could due the surgery for less than the 8K
estimated at the emergency center. We were already into it for $2k at that point.
Found an amazing vet in Temecula that did the surgery but 2 days later she passed.
Athena (German Shepherd) was born 9 years ago and had never spent the night
away from either my wife, son, daughter, or myself. Every dog we have ever had,
we say that dog is/was "the most awesome dog ever" because they are so integrated
into our family. This is the first time in probably 15 years that we are between furry
little ones.
I don't want the wife and kids to think I'm trying to replace Athena but really need to
do something about the quiet in the house. So, my thoughts are to go to a new breed
so the new dog is not compared to Athena the "most awesome dog ever" but a whole
new adventure in life.
Any advice on Australian Shepherds?
TM
My mom has an Australian Shepherd and loves her. She runs a small farm so the dog has a lot to keep it busy / focus on otherwise I'm sure it would get a bit bored. But the dog is crazy loyal, super friendly, and very protective of the family.
I cant imagine your loss. Another pup to share your journey with will ease your sorrow and give you a whole new outlook. Thank your family member Athena for sharing her earthly journey with your human family. She'll understand.
I had an Aussie mix years ago, and she was a dynamo. Make sure you have lots of room and time to exercise an Aussie. The flip side is they are a very loving breed. You can't go wrong if you have the time and space to let her run.
I also have a GSD and he is just incredible. Aussie was different than GSD. Im not sure if Ive been any help but something to look into.
The Shop
So here is a pic of Athena on last Birthday (9). Great shape, hardly any grey
for 9 years and just lightning fast. So unexpected. At least when dogs slow
down you start thinking about them being gone and prepare yourself.
This is Sydney, she will be 8 weeks tomorrow. She came home with us today.
The family has mixed emotions about another dog so fast but I think it's a good distraction.
TM
With our new addition to the family
The pup has a little something other than Aussie in him I think- his ears stand up. But he's great and a bundle of energy. Chases our girl around quite a bit and like to chew on her. She's very patient and is starting to like to play with him. He's learning his limits and jobs quickly.
I read where you have to keep them busy or they'll get naughty. That's not really been our experience with our girl, but then she is outside quite a bit and can keep herself busy when we aren't able to. We'll see about the pup- right now he's either WFO or sleeping.
Based on our experience they're great.
My ex has one, I rasied him since he was a pup He's two now. I miss him a lot and get to see him here and there (On good terms with ex) he's an amazing caring and smart dog, I dont see myself not getting one when time comes.
She is great, what did you guys do about them wanting to bite everything with their sharp little teeth?
She sometimes wants to just bite any and everything during certain times of immense energy.
I don't want to punish her for things like that, we try the distraction method and try to get her to play
with a toy instead but wow, sometimes she is like a little shark snapping and wanting to play tug-of-war
with any piece of your clothing she can snatch.
Lastly, this is the first puppy that wants to eat everything off the ground, yes she has eaten rocks,
how do you deter that?
She just turned 8 weeks so we have been introducing her to many people a day to socialize her but the
vet does not want us to introduce her to other dogs till she has a good Immune system (about 16 weeks old)
Well healthy dogs that we know are OK but not dog parks that we don't know who she will interact with.
TM
we got a replacement shortly thereafter and she is just the best little dog.
They do require a bunch of activity. I bought a tennis racquet at a garage sale because I cant throw tennis balls far enough for her.
When I don't have time to play with her she has learned to carry the ball up a hill and let it roll and bats it with her paws. she can do that for hours.
She is very smart and great around the kids that frequent my GF's boarding stable. she has only been aggressive with the coke man that comes to restock the machine and a few other men that she sees as a threat for some reason.
she has some quirks. she wakes up in the morning and scratched so much she gets to panting. if that doesn't wake me up then she comes and paws me from the edge of the bed wanting out. did I say this is usually around 5 am.
we are getting a shock collar for her soon as she has started going up to the neighbors chicken coop. and she runs back down to our house when she sees us heading up there.
just an awesome little dog.
Pit Row
Australian Shepherds are good dogs. Though, If you like GSD I wouldn't not get one because your last dog was one. It will have a different enough personality. My dog that died was a male and we got a female to have a bit of a change.
They are terrific dogs that require careful attention because of how smart they are.
Bert is eight weeks old and has been chomping like an alligator. I guess it's due to the pain of teething.
I have lots of pics and stories but have to wait till posting from computer. I will say these dogs are not for everyone, you need a lot of patience and energy and time for them.
TM
When he was a puppy.
Texas heat was rough on him this year!
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