WishingWell

I work in dog rescue and am not a believer in crating a dog! Each to their own, but I've never crated and I think it makes for emotionally healthier dogs. There really is no need to cause all that stress and anxiety in them. An adjustable gate for the kitchen is a good spot to keep them when you leave.

Be careful also with rawhide, that stuff is usually made in China, it's the highest cause of intestinal blockage next to . . . tennis ball covers! Who knew?

Puppies are tons of fun, but yes, a lot of work. And it lasts about 2 years. They go into their teen years at about 1.5. It's a great bonding but can cause stress, too. I hope you guys can find the enjoyment in this time and bond closer through it! Nothing like the love of an animal!

Florence

I dropped DD off at the sitter this morning and they have a new baby dachshund! It was ridiculous. So cute.

LoveMeNow

I have always had crates for my dogs. My husband was originally against it. However, he changed his mine after seeing them go in - on their own and take a long nap or even a rest. They have beds too, but prefer their crates most of the time. It is there "safe place' and they don't like to share them.

When I am leaving the house, they go to their crates own their own.

Crates are not mean. It is there own "den" of safety and security.

firebolt

bahh - they always find a way to throw a wrench in a "good week."

feelin your pain today.

The dogs are my savior many, many of these days - congrats!

PohsFriend

LOL. Yup, we had a big blowup three weeks ago when I found out about some things my RAW had done and hidden/lied about and she's been real good about not stirring up anything the past three weeks. Then Tuesday night she went right into something she knew would **** me off, hammering me with something I long ago made amends for and I got furious. I reminded her that while she's broken X number of promises and lied and yada yada yada, I have been sticking to my promises to her and have not given her any grounds for beating me up about something trivial that I had not even done.

....and a few days later, I'm starting to realize that was stupid of me. I should have stuck with "I don't understand what it is that you are angry with me about" instead of "How dare you come after me like this for something I am not even remotely guilty of after I've responded to your actual misdeeds with kindness and understanding!"

I over reacted. Need to let her know that. I also need to not take the bait. Alcoholics don't like to acknowledge that their actions have caused damage and sure don't like being reminded. It seems like if they feel like the spotlight is on them they will nitpick for things to put it on you and make you the bad guy....

...but I was stupid, I escalated this one and should have just stuck to the item she was griping at me for and calmly pointed out that I had not done anything remotely worthy of her getting mad at me. Whether or not I have been understanding and kind in the face of things that are just realllly hard to understand and forgive is not relevant. Sigh. ODAT..

Takes two to tango and I said "OK, let's dance damnit!"