Hi Shari
Wow, do you have a lot of dogs! I'm no expert but surely there has to be a big difference between a Pyr/Husky & an Aussie Setter? I remember a while back a Pyr mix was on limited time and almost on the way to a kill shelter but I'm not sure if your dog is the dog.
Here is Sugar's listing on Pet Finder
http://www.txpyrs.org/TGPRescue/Public/AdoptableServlet?COMMAND=DETAIL&AIF_NO=1177
The 'before' picture shows Sugar with untreated Entropion - a medical condition in which the eyelid (usually the lower lid) folds inward. It is very uncomfortable, as the eyelashes constantly rub against the eye.
The images after that is more recent.
Then, there is this:
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16562978?rvp=1
If you click on the Facebook link that says, "Kodiak Schmidt likes this," it takes you to Kodi's Facebook. I have not updated it forever but there are some images of Kodi
http://www.facebook.com/ItsMeKodiak
She has put on five pounds or so since the second image and slimmed down at the same time. She was kind of a little chubby when we got her because her foster family let her self-feed.
I have several images of Sugar I need to post on Photobucket so I will be sure to post the link when I do.
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Thanks for the Easy Walker Harness suggestion. I think it's a good idea for Sugar. I have always used choke chains with a long lead on my dogs and have never, ever in 15 years had to use the choke feature with any of my dogs. I might have had to tug a few times with my old Newfie but that's truly it. As I talk to others I realize I have just been fortunate in this respect - until recently that is.
Just a few days ago I panicked and left myself no choice to tug the choke chain it with Sugar when the Diva of a Great Dane down the street decided she didn't like Sugar. I am still sick with guilt and ashamed every time I recall the choking sounds Sugar made when I tried to contain her. If I had seen another person doing what I did, even in that short period of time, there is no doubt I would have intervened. To top that off, I didn't teach her anything and we made no gains from the experience. We have worked through a lot in a short period but there are still unknowns. Anyway, I went ahead and ordered the black large one for her.
Christine, Kodiak & Sugar
From: bdrube1441@aol.com
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2010 8:22:09 AM
Subject: Re: [pyrnet] Help! Bro/Sis Q's New Sister for Kodiak/Rescue Pyr
Heheheh, only a pyr owner would call 80 pounds small! Chrisitine are you a parent? As a parent and dog parent I know that what my Mom said about life not being fair is oh so true. You just give to each according to his/her needs. It sounds as if you are doing an awesome job. I would
definitely let Kodiak know that he is still your baby and go for shared activities also- things like walking will help. Have you ever tried the easy walker harness by Premier? They are great, especially when walking more than one. Now I am helping toys also as our shelter has no heat or ac. Adopted a Pyr to an abused Mom with 3 tiny ones last week and my formerly scared to death girl is doing an awesome job as protector and nanny. All the more amazing as she has never been around children.
Photos please Christine'! I was the person who adopted the deaf Pyr/husky who is rfally, I believe an Aussie setter. a smart, loving boy, but what separation anxiety! even with other family members at home. I'll share photos of him soon. He is still beautiful boy! Have a wonderful holiday season!
Shari
Congratulations on your new family member-how wonderful that you adopted a rescue- thanks! I have 20 in my house right now and am trying to learn to say no!
-----Original Message-----
From: Christine <chrissy@instant.net>
To: pyrnet-l@pyrnet.org
Sent: Sun, Nov 28, 2010 10:24 pm
Subject: [pyrnet] Help! Bro/Sis Q's New Sister for Kodik/Rescue Pyr
First, I hope y'all had a Happy Thanksgiving :)
Ok. We finally got another Pyr. Kodiak will be three in February and she is two months younger. Her name is Sugar and she is an absolute doll. At 81 pounds she is rather small for her age - especially compared to Kodi's 130 pounds. Though she has had much upheaval in her life, Sugar seems pretty well adjusted. It is looking like she is going to get on with Kodiak quite well. They are both super playful and she can handle rough play with Kodiak like a champ. Actually, she gets riled up a little more and growls but from what we can tell, it truly is just play. So far, that is. Kodiak already seems protective of her and she of him.
I am concerned about a few things and uncertain how to proceed. At first Kodi was a little mopey when he learned he would have to share our attention with another dog, but he's bucked up a little and now they are like two little kids bickering over who gets to sit in the front seat. Kodi is used to a lot of constant loving and play. But right now Sugar needs a little more. Mostly lots of talk and lots of reassurance.
We walk 2.5 miles every day and Sugar is pretty well behaved on a leash but needs more time to adjust to barking dogs as we pass them and other diversions. The problem is what to do when my husband is not around. At this point there is no way I can walk both dogs myself. As Sugar gains more confidence and used to her surroundings, it may be possible - especially since Kodi is steadfast and easy going. Kodi has only missed two walks in the past few months yet I feel like I really need work with Sugar on a leash. I hate having to choose between the two and hopefully that will not happen very often in the long run but I am torn about what to do now.
Then there are other little things like giving them both a bone or a treat; paying attention to one more than the other when I go check the mail and stuff like that. I am trying to be as fair an equal as I can but sometimes it's just not feasible.
I hope I am making sense since this really bothers me. I have never had a female dog before and I absolutely love having this cute, dynamic miniature Pyr that just needs a lot of love and attention.
Sorry for ramble but any insight, advise or tips would help a lot.
Christine, Kodiak & Sugar.