~:~:~:The Doggie Thread!!:~:~:~

FearTheBeard wrote:

RKCNDY wrote:

FearTheBeard wrote:

Can anyone tell me if soft water is bad for dogs to drink? I just had Culligan installed and have done some research online, but everything seems inconclusive. Thanks!

soft water should be fine....hard water 'could' be bad for them...no real evidence, but dogs can get crystals in their urine which is bad. Crystals come mostly from calcium.

Hmm I'm confused. My vet told me to give them whatever I drink. Using something like a Brita is fine or a filter on the faucet. I guess the concern is sodium?? I read about calcium too which is a bad hard water problem.

We have hard water here, not extremely hard, but it's not soft water. I don't have much experience with soft water, but I just know that the clinic I worked at, when pets would be diagnosed with crystals, we'd reccomend that they give their pets filtered water, and feed them a urinary diet (only IF they have been diagnosed, the pets shoulldn't be on the diet long-term). No real reason 'why' some pets get crystals and others don't. Not uncommon for one pet to get crystals, and the other to not get them even if they are littermates.

It's the scariest thing when your dog is sick/not feeling well and you are not sure what the problem is. Time for your diet to start Snoopy.

Peace

^^^ She's gorgeous. Congratulations! A warrior princess puppy may be just the super-hero healing that your family needs

Kraven wrote:

Well I figured we would get another dog to replace the Boxer sized hole in my family's heart left from the passing from Hammond, but I never in my right mind did I think it would be so fast. But we got an email from adopt a boxer saying this darling of a dog needed a home, and we obliged.

we never thought so either....but gracie fell into our laps about a month after shelby's passing ....and we're damn glad she did!

Xena looks beautiful - congratulations!!

^^ He looks distinguished!

norm wrote:

Claireack wrote:

^^ He looks distinguished!

yeah well he not because he just farted!

dog farts are the worst

Not my favourite aroma either. I might start feeding Molly roses.

BhagavadGita wrote:

Who has gone through this? How are we going to feel? How can I keep my spirits up for the dogs sake instead of crying at the moment the procedure is done? It sounds so overwhelming.

We wanted to do this at home so Rocket feels at home and the environment is not sterile......

I want some nice music playing to sooth us all....does anyone have any ideas for music?

I have been through this more than once and so have others here. It never gets any easier.

You are going to feel very sad. You will probably feel that way for a long time afterwards. I wouldn't worry about trying to sustain a mood for Rocket's sake. You are showing him love in so many ways. The fact that you are doing this at home, where he is comfortable and secure, says volumes to me. It's the most caring gesture you can show him.

Rocket knows you are sad. I'll bet he has always been able to pick up on your moods. He probably even knows why you are sad. But he is weary and ready to go to the place where he will be free from all pain. He will feel your love more strongly than your sadness. You will be there with him to say goodbye.

Your vet is obviously caring and considerate to be willing to come to your home. Try to be around people who are understanding for a while. Cry as much as you need to. Come to this thread and post about it.

Although this has always been hard for me to face, I've still found comfort in little things. I still remember the first time I went through it years ago. My dog Artie had been in a lot of pain and as much as it hurt to lose him, it meant so much to me to be there with him and see how quick and painless it was. He laid his head down and was gone.

My heart goes out to you. You will be sad a long time, but one day you will find yourself celebrating Rocket's life and all the joy he gave you. He has been your loving friend. You are giving him the most loving gift that you can.

Carolyn