pm2 - yes, even a 'failed' dog from Dog Guides is pretty amazing. The socialization they get during their puppyhood time in a foster home is invaluable - and something you can't replicate with your own dog. The Dog Guide puppies go EVERYWHERE with the foster 'parents' e.g. in stores, restaurants, offices; at all sorts of public events and public places, etc. etc. The foster process is designed to expose them as many new things as possible, as well as give them basic obedience training, so nothing bothers them and they are calm in unfamiliar places. One of Cole's issues is that he is still a bit too excitable and overly friendly (wants to jump up on people!) so he still needs training in that regard. He's still basically a puppy - he'll be 2 years old on the 27th of this month. When he first came he wasn't walking nicely on leash so we used the training collar combination that Dog Guides uses when the dogs are in training - a Halti combined with a martingale (the one with a loop of chain under the throat - not a full chain collar.) The leash gets attached to both collars - instant easy walking with none of the snaky, evasive manoeuvres you often see with dogs on a Halti collar alone. I'd never seen collars used like that until we started volunteering at Dog Guides. Cole now walks nicely (most of the time!) with just the martingale collar. This is what the arrangement looks like: If you're ever having trouble getting a dog to walk nicely on leash, try this arrangement! Dog Guides breeds their own dogs - although some are donated by breeders too. Cole is a miniature poodle although I think they may crossbreed the different sizes of poodles as there are some standards that are smaller than normal and some minatures that are larger than usual. They use a smaller one than Cole for a lot of HED but I think they're a bit bigger than 'toy' size so may be a cross with a miniature (?) If you love dogs, it's a fabulous place to volunteer! As for accomodating the dogs in the garden.... The main thing is to accomodate their need to patrol territory and explore and play so they aren't bored when outside! The path network in the backyard has paths along the side fences and near the back fence. Because of the 'wet corner' the back path does not follow the back fence and there is a short (6") iron fence (just a cheapie ornamental thing) along the edge of the 'wet corner' bed to keep them out of the mud in the spring - they recognize it as a barrier and stay out. On the NW side of the back fence there is a small bank against the fence so the path runs at the base of the bank and the plantings are tough enough there so they aren't damanged when the dogs visit with the neighbours' two through the fence... :-) traffic patterns considered in layout: neater version of layout: Callie doesn't dig - but Cole has started to excavate one place just off the patio recently! So we need to train him not to do that! Callie's breed does indeed include Cairn terriers in the mix - see link.... Noodle sounds sweet - pictures...? Do you still make her cookies? Cole eats commercial dog food - and we make the dog cookies in small training-treat size pieces to use when working on training (which is constant at his age....) thyme - we were posting at the same time.... thank you - and back at you re the gardens - I always enjoy seeing yours (especially the fall color pictures which have inspired me to pay more attention to that here....) This post was edited by woodyoak on Thu, Aug 8, 13 at 17:44

I can't figure it out either. I've got very detailed photos but can't figure out how to get them to show up that way. I read and followed the instructions for linking but it won't accept an image more than 60k...which is too small to see. It MUST be possible to do it another way because I have checked other images (in the Gallery forum) for size and they were considerably higher resolution - and HUGE onscreen. If anybody can tell me how to do that I'll be happy to post the photos I have.

Morning all! Feeling much better but my mouth is still a bit swollem which make me have Julia Roberts lips. LOL I only had to take that one ibuprofer, as I have had absolutely no pain from the extractions, and minor swelling from the root canal. I don't think i'll be going out in public yet, because of the lip thing.LOL I started my chicken broth last night which means i'm already saving money. LOL And drinking tea too. Tam, I took Vicodin once and it made my stomach so upset it was more unbearable than the pain itself. The ibuprofen has worked fine, so will take that when necessary. I've had 5 childrem with the help of very little sedation~something was fastened on my wrist, I took a whiff when I had a pain, and that was all I needed. I had my first child when I was twenty, and back in my day, not too much was told to pregnant women, just to take your prenatals. My water broke, and when I got to the hospital upon examination, was told I was dialated to 8. Now not knowing anying, I asked 'how far I had to go'(thinking 20!)and they told me 10~my DD was born in 45 minutes, and i've never had over a 6 hour labor. As for the anxiety/anxiety drugs, been there, done that, and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy! It stopped after menopause, as did migraines, and PMS. My youngest DD deals with anxuety alsmost every day, and does have to rely on drugs. Hopefully, hers will stop with menopause. Now everyone *really* knows me!LOL Karen, go on line and look for dentists and read their bio. I KNEW I wanted to go with implants, as I had a bridge in for over twenty years, and didn't want one again. I also know from being personally lax in taking care of my teeth, there was the possibility of more extensive work needed such as root canals, deep cleanings, etc. Find a dentist who can do everything so you don't have to be shuffled back and forth for various treatments. I liked this guy as soon as I met him, but maybe that's because he's old(62), like me. LOL he actually still teaches at the UofC and publishes on-line journals to help other dentist with implant surgery. He's had patients from as far away as Italy If you have any sort of insurance, get started now! Making that first appointment will boost your self confidence. If you would like to read about him, i'll give you his website. I don't know what that 'serious' birthday might be for you, but mine was turning 30. I'm twice + four that now, and feel better than I did than! There hasn't been a birthday I have been sad about! Life is a series of experiences, and there isn't one, good or bad, that I would change! I have truly been blessed.;o) patty_cakes

I love pan fried noodles. The first couple of times I made them, I didn't know to rinse them in cold water after I boiled and drained them and they were just a big ball of noodles all stuck together. Now I just boil, drain, rinse well and drop in a pan of hot oil. Doesn't take long. now you've got me wanting chinese food. LOL