3 of our Great Pyrs tangled with a woodchuck last year. The woodchuck lost, 1 dog was unscathed, 1 had a bloody tongue, the other a bloody tongue and a nice gash under her eye, thinking she was the first one to attack. Woodchucks are tough little buggers. I doubt your dog bit her tongue. Personally I EXPECT my dogs to keep me, my children(now mostly young men), my grandson, and the livestock safe. If the dogs didn't they're not worth a hoot, not when we live in such proximity with nature. They keep us safe by not allowing anything perceived as dangerous near us, clearing them out of the area, and yes killing it if it ignores the warnings. I expect your dog knows these woodchucks can be aggressive when needed, not surprised he didn't listen especially if you and your son were approaching the "danger" while the danger was still present & alive. He's not called mans best friend for nothing. When you and your son retreated towards home, I would have expected the dog to cease when you called him off. Fine line there. My dogs will stop on the word NO, but they will not remove themselves if there is danger until I/we are safely away. They remain a solid deterant between us and the threat. I say work on the training, and let the dog continue to make the area safe for you. The woodchucks will become wise to when you are in the woods & learn to move away knowing the big doggie is coming. Although if you are that rural, don't expect larger animals, like a lynx or such, to be run off by 1 little dog when she has kittens hidden in the brush. Brendasue

I can't find the bit that clarifies "drop" and "give". But I recall that the verbal command, "Drop!" is what is used to command a field dog to lie down when they are far from physical control in a field setting. Well, really it's just the way you train the dog that clarifies it. I could choose to say "drop" while you could choose to say "give". It really doesn't matter, the dog doesn't understand the difference in the words, only in what he has been taught. I have no doubt that some field trainers use "drop" and some use "down", just as in my agility classes some use "hup", some use "over", and some use "jump". The important thing is for the owner to decide what command to use, what it means (drop it on the floor, or drop it in my hand), and to be consistent. And as jancarker said, you can use different commands to indicate which you want - the gross slimy tennis ball in your hand or the gross slimy tennis ball on the ground. I agree with others though that a clear difference between "drop it" and "leave it" is helpful. We use "leave it" in a variety of situations from sniffing at (and considering eating) another dog's droppings (that were not picked up) to inordinate attention to the baby in the stroller to the piece of steak I accidently dropped on the floor. In our house, "leave it" basically means "whatever it is you are currently considering doing is NOT okay, so stop and either continue in another direction or wait for more instructions from me". A very useful command.

Thank you everyone for the advice. I'm still as lost as ever. My mom, judiegal, is picking up a book for me called the natural vets guide to preventing and treating cancer. The reviews are all great and I'm hoping it will give me an idea of the supplements and food I should give her. After so much research I've found that my dogs, and so many pets everywhere, are getting improper diets. I thought I had my dogs on such great food, it's expensive and holistic, no preservatives... but it's not what they should be eating. I strongly suggest any one here who never really researched pet foods to do so. And there is false information out there about too much protein causing health problems, but if you read the research and articles written by veterinarians, you'll see that dogs should be having more meat and low to no grains. Still though, there are so many food options. Thanks again everybody. I have another thread in the discussions section and I've been getting great advice from everybody. You all are so supportive and kind and I thank you all for taking time out of your days to help me! My "friends" wont even answer their phones, and they don't really understand my passion for animals anyways. Thanks again. I'll still accept more advice! I'm putting all my questions down to ask the oncologist tomorrow.

I have tears running down my face. I'm sorry for your losses. I have no words, so I think this will be a good place to put the Story of Rainbow Bridge. I'm sure most of you have read it, but it's worth repeating. ............................................................ Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...