Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy *clapping hands* bravo! You did do it

Beautiful dog you've got there Chris!

We frequently look after two dogs (a Labrador and a Jack Russel) that came from the UK last year and they are doing great. No problem with the heat as they find shade during the day or stay indoors with the air con going full blast.

Just always need to make sure there are buckets and buckets of water for them to drink (the water evaporates from the heat so quickly too). Otherwise I don't think you'll have any problems.

The photos from left to right are my husband, Michael, and the Labrador (her name is Poppy), Michael and our Pip fast asleep (Pip was given to us by a farmer living next door to one of the villas we were renovating) and the last one is of me and pip.

Hello chrisw,

I don't know whether you've already seen my reply on the "Animals" thread??
(Post no:8)
I won't repeat myself here, but would just like to add a couple of things I've thought of since.

I totally agree about only giving bottled water to drink.
In the summer, we added ice cubes to our dog's water - at very frequent intervals!
We don't have any outside space at the moment, so we couldn't use the hose pipe trick suggested by Mercedes - but we did invest in a "Supersoaker" (giant water pistol!) and we had great fun and games with that!
Our dog thought it was really exciting to try and catch the water in her mouth, and was more than happy to be squirted at whilst standing in the shade

She seems to have settled very quickly and happily, and loves all the freedom she's got to run around the countryside.

This is a brilliant dog thread!!
There are some gorgeous looking dogs, but I have to admit to being rather biased towards the German shepherds!

What did your boy do to his knee, sam parky? How is he now?

Martha, those dogs are SO cute! Pip looks thoroughly gorgeous.
jandy44, George looks to be a totally loved and spoilt dog!!
Hillybilly, your Staffie looks like a real character!
Mercedes, hurry up and get a photo of your GSD on here please!

chris, like I said, I'm biased when it comes to GSDs - but your boy is VERY handsome
What's his name?
I bet he has great fun running on the beach?

Here are a couple of photos of our GSD bitch (aged nearly 8) enjoying her new life in the sun

Here's my little darling, poppy poodle-doo. Not really a poodle, she's a small yorkie. She thinks she's a scarf - as soon as you sit on the sofa she's around your neck. She will be coming with us.

Sadly our little boy, Buster (big Yorkie) will be staying with our son as he's a bit old to travel and it wouldn't be fair on him to subject him to the heat so suddenly, after living in Birmingham for so long. He was 18 in february and we've had him since he was 2 from Yorkie rescue. People are very insensitive - they ask me when Buster's going to "peg it". I just hope that he will go on forever, brightening up our grandchildrens' lives as much as he brightens ours up.

So our little girl Poppy will have to learn some Spanish. And it's not so easy for her now she's over seven.

They are all so beautiful.

Brisca, your Shephard is a dream and ditto on your comments on jandy's, Hillbilly's and Mercedes' dogs. Adding sjrw's Poppy scarf to that list as well! They just all have such a unique personality.

I love cats too, but Michael is not too keen *pout*

Anyone have pics of their cats?

Hey, this reminds me of a dog vs cat diary....... *l*

Dog Diary vs Cat Diary
EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY

Day number 180

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 181

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 182

8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm OH BOY! THE GARDEN! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!


EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY

DAY 752

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

DAY 761

Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair...must try this on their bed.

DAY 765

Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768

I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid?! My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771

There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call "beer.." More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774

I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured.

But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...

That was brilliant, Martha!

There aren't many things that make me laugh out loud - but that was EXCELLENT!

And you wonder why Michael isn't keen on cats!????!

PS Thank you for your kind words about our dog

All the best, Sam.

Hello sjrw

Haven't seen you before - welcome!

Poppy is lovely!
It's funny you know, but my GSD isn't very keen on other dogs (unless they're puppies!)
For all her size, she's a bit of a wimp when it comes to other dogs, and she has to take her time deciding whether she likes having them around or not.
However, she ALWAYS likes Yorkies! Maybe it's because they're small, so she thinks they're puppies??

Anyway, when are you moving, and where to?
It will be interesting to know whether Poppy picks up any Spanish!
Our dog has found that good old dog communication is a bit like Esperanto!

I'm sure you're doing the right thing for Buster, considering his great age.
He must be very well loved, and I'm sure your grandchildren will love having his company and all the joys a dog can bring.

Good luck with your move

Best wishes,
Sam.

[F][/FONT]

Hi again everyone,goergous dogs on here,thanks Brisca for your comments about George,yes he is thourally spoilt, I got him five years ago at five months old,my hubby didn't want me to have a dog let alone a boxer,I lost my son five years ago feb.if it wasn't for George I dont know how I would of got this far,he as been as good as gold.He as had two ops on his back leg and has been through the mill.He had a cruciate done two years ago,his leg was never right after that,then he had a cartilage removed the week before Christmas ,it cost a arm and a leg but hes worth it,and he is plodding about just fine now.Each time hes had a op Iv been a blubbering wreck,cried buckets,and when hes come home from the vets Iv stayed up all night with him pampering to his every need.I take him for a long walk morning afternoon and night and then he has his bonio which he takes to bed.He is a funny old thing though,he gives me a lot of pleasure as only us dog lovers can understand

Hi Jean,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your son

We don't have any children, so I can only try to imagine how you coped/still cope with such a loss.

However, I totally understand how a dog can help to mend a broken heart; and only dog people can really "get" that connection.
The companionship and love that a dog brings is unbelievable, and I can believe that he really is a rock at your side.
The other good thing of course, is that you can tell your dog ANYTHING - and he/she will never laugh at you, never think you're crazy and will never judge you.
Plus the fact, they NEVER let you down, and they don't tell anyone anything that you've said in a moment of despair!

It sounds like George has had it rough a couple of times too, bless him - but I have no doubt that he was nursed with so much love and care.
No wonder he's got all those lovely soft cushions - a boy's got to take care of his poorly legs!

What do you think George will make of his new life in Spain, and how imminent is it?

Oh Brisca thank you so much for your lovely reply,Im nearly in tears,yes George has been my rock,we are hoping to move within the next twelve months ,sooner if we can,we have a few things to finish on the house before we can put it on the market,Andy is tiling in the kitchen as we speak,he works such long hours its a job fitting everything in.Iv been busy looking at web sites at houses ect ,as you know only got lappy a month ago so its all new to me,but its giving me another outlet to keep me occupied.By the way I love your dog,mind you Im a softy I could adopt them all.xxx

He has had two major operations on his knees. His knee socket was too shallow for his knee ball, so he has had to have them chiselled out to be made deeper. He has still got pins in both his knees but hopefully will be having them out in the next couple of weeks.

Love all the doggy pics, keep them coming.

Sam

[He has had two major operations on his knees. His knee socket was too shallow for his knee ball, so he has had to have them chiselled out to be made deeper. He has still got pins in both his knees but hopefully will be having them out in the next couple of weeks.]

OUCH!
Poor lad!

Sounds like he (and you) have had a rough time.
He's not very old, is he?

Really hope all goes well for him, and that the pins and everything will be out soon.
Has he been a good patient!?

Sounds like you've got some helpful Vet advice from Steve too

Wishing you and your dog all the best,
Sam.

Hi all,
Not long got in from work and trying to catch up with the GREAT posts and pics!
Response frome Josh's mum, Chris

Martha, I did! I did do it didn't I? Loved the pics of Poppy and Pip and of you and Michael (does Michael know you took those pics? ha ha) Lovely smile from Poppy, and OH, that little Pip! They are both so cute! Loved the "Exerpts from a dog's diary"! It was SO accurate of the differences
between a dog and cat's personality. The dog is "manic" at any possible activity and interaction, whereas the cat is so "supersillious and independent and always seem to be looking down their noses at you. Don't get me wrong, I love cats, and we have had some lovely cats over the years, but dogs are just SO different!

Brisca. What a beauty your dog is, she doesn't look 8 does she? That is a great idea about the "water pistol" and ice cubes. Josh's favourite thing in the whole wold is to play with the garden hose. I cannot water the flowers unless I first tell him: "No, stay Josh, first the flowers, and then Joshey" Well actually, that doesn't work either! And I have yet to finish a Bacardi and coke, and have any ice cubes left for me drink! I hate my drink without ice, an' all!

Sam, what a little tweetie pie your little boy is! And hasn't he gone through it? Poor little thing! Hope he will soon be better!

Mercedes, do try and post some pics of your GSD, and I will pass on the "blind date" invitation to Josh! What is your dog's name Mercedes? And yet another good idea about having a bath, or something to pluge in! My shopping list is getting longer by the minute!

Hillbilly, I posted response earlier, but definately think your Staffie should be nominated for "sunbather of the year award"!

Sjrw, Hi Sjrw, nice to post you! Lovely picture of "Poppy poodle doo" your little Yorkie! Another little charmer! I am sorry you have to leave Buster,
but feel the same as you, that it would be a very big upheavel for such a "distinguished old gentleman". It must be very hard for you nevertheless! I am sure your son and grandchildren will take VERY good care of him though!

Jandy44, it looks like it's you and me for the computer "I dunno how to do it " prize then! You have a very good excuse however, you have only had your
"lappy" for a month! I wish I could think of an excuse for not being able to fathom mine out, I've had a computer for about 9 years now! Mind you, I have progressed recently, and am now able to turn it on all by myself ( be prepared to be very impressed now!) without the manual!!
The pictures of George are great. I see he too is rather partial to a pillow as is my Josh! Hope is will be ok now after all his ordeals!
I am so very sorry to have heard about your son. It must have been, and no doubt still is very painfull for you and am sure that George has been heaven
sent to have comforted you at such a time. I will look forward to seeing new posts from you, and in tracking your progress towards moving to Spain. God bless!

Hi Chris,

I'm going to sound like Big Pete now....................!

What are you doing, just getting in from work THIS late at night, young lady!?
(Knowing how some people's minds work on this forum, you could be in for some dodgy guesses at your occupation!! )

Knowing that you're a bit of a computer techno-phobe like me (!) I thought I'd let you know I've just sent you a PM.
Am only mentioning it, because someone kindly sent me one a while back - and I didn't notice for THREE weeks!!

Well done on putting a photo onto the thread.
I only managed it for the first time last week (with a lot of help from jdr and Lionda) and I remember what a buzz I got out of that (very minor) achievement!

Sounds like you, me and jandy44 are all in the same boat when it comes to using computers!

Am off out for the last walk of the night now, so goodnight John Boy and all!
Sam

Glad I was of some help Sam There are some lovely pics of some gorgeous dogs on here - here's a pic of one of my cats Thomas wearing a footie shirt kindly supplied by my daughter
Also one of Holly the Collie my daughters dog.