Faron, I know exactly where that car wash is! That was a long trip and I imagine you were probably a lot more bent on getting home instead of sightseeing in Norman, but did you get to see much of it? The town is so pretty and the university campus is drop-dead gorgeous. I passed along your good wishes and the fact you were right there in Norman to DD and she loved it ! She wasn't there at the time, though, but still home here on Winter Break. Cathi: I emailed you through GW. Hope you got the link. Thank you for asking. Outsideplaying: great idea . . . thanks! She'll like that. Technicolor: Yes, I was thinking the same thing. We did check out the apt complex online and it's a good one, but being on the first floor, does make me worry. **Funny story: I can tell that I'm subconsciously worrying because last night I dreamed that I was there sharing the apartment with her and 2 of her friends. Our big Doberman lived there with us, along with 2 other dogs . . . and two 9-foot alligators! Apparently they were tame and friendly (towards us), as it was not a big deal to me at all that they were living with us (LOL)! What a very weird dream that one was! Javachick: yes, DD has always been more mature and very practical. Thank goodness because, as you mentioned, it's paying off now! Joanie: Yes, it seems to be working out. Now if they can just finish settling themselves in and get some decent sleep and more studying. BTW, I have to tell you this. Emily's duvet, curtains, sheets, etc. all came from Pottery Barn Teen catalog. I called yesterday to order replacements for the damaged things and the folks there were beyond helpful. They were so kind. Apparently, their call center is just north of Norman in Oklahoma City! The two customer service people I talked with were both impacted by the terrible tornado that pretty much wiped out Moore this past Summer, which is just north of Norman. They went hugely out of their way to help me find replacements and get them sent off to Emily quickly. They should arrive on Wednesday. Again, I am blown away by the kindness we've all experienced this past week. And here, as well. Lynn This post was edited by lynninnewmexico on Mon, Jan 20, 14 at 17:31

Hi Svava, it's good to see you over here on Garden Web! Look for me on the Decorating Forum, too. I can imagine how badly your poor little dog must have felt during the time it took to build your new home. Poor thing! I'll keep that Royal Canin food in mind, if mine doesn't work out. Your allergy tests showed many allergies with your little dog. If Ronin's problem doesn't clear up, I think I'd like to have him tested, too. Thanks for that info! Hope your mother is enjoying life back in Iceland after living in Florida all those years. Speaking of dog foods, my neighbor called this morning to ask about my new dobie. She has two rescue dobies herself, a Blue and a Fawn. She told me that both have very bad food allergies and she suggested that, instead of putting Ronin on Eagle Pack's Duck & Oatmeal, I should try her dog's food, Taste of the Wild in the salmon variety, which her online dobie group highly recommended. Apparently, many dobies are allergic to grains and/or chicken (who would have thought?!?). This food has no chicken and no grains in it and is recommended for dogs with allergies and skin problems. She gave me several sample packs and I'm going to start easing him into it this evening. Both her dogs had severe skin issues with lesions and itching when she got them (I had no idea!) and now, after switching them to the Taste of the Wild/Salmon . . . and going off all grains and chicken, they have no skin issues at all anymore. Of course, she now reads labels like a hawk to keep them that way! Jean, my neighbor told me that there's a great Doberman forum over on Yahoo, although it's mainly for owners of Blues and Fawns, as they have the most allergy/skin problems, she says. Ronin is our third dobie and is a Black. The other two were Reds. The first, Mikaela, had no problems, except toward the end with her heart. Our second, Turk, had nightmarish eating problems, but more with eating EVERYTHING he could force down his throat, which caused over thirty partial and full intestinal obstructions and resulted in two major surgeries and many hospitalizations. He died from #37 (I believe) just before Thanksgiving at age four. If I didn't love dobies so much, I'd have given up on the breed after all I went through with Turk . . . and missed out on our sweet boy, Ronin. I do love Dobies! Again, thank you all for the information and experiences. I'm so glad I found this forum! Lynn

MtnRd asked why Dobermans have such a bad reputation. They were originally bred and introduced in Germany in 1890, specifically for protection. Around the time of WW2, they were used as police dogs and dogs working with soldiers. The movies picked up on those beautiful, quick, smart, intimidating dogs as the perfect "scary" dog for their movies. But, over the years, especially in the U.S. and and Canada, they have evolved into a great family dog, that is also great for protecting you, if need be. As I mentioned earlier, they love to cuddle and will gladly sit or lay on your lap if you let them. We don't as they're quite heavy. Ours have always loved to lie right on top of our feet or right next to them, so that they're touching us. Dobermans love being close enough to touch the people that they love. Hence, their nickname as "the Velcro Dog". Knight is my fourth Dobie, and all have been very affectionate, and also very good and welcoming to our friends. They're a very smart dog, fun-loving, athletic, and very loyal. And, as I said, good protection if/when needed. Over the years, mine have scared away three would-be burglar/intruders/? . . . and perhaps more that I don't know of when we were gone. Two of these incidents happened when I was home alone during the daytime. Although we live in a small mountain development, there are several acres between our homes. I feel safe having my Doberman here with me. He's my loyal friend, my furkid and, if ever needed again, will keep me safe from whatever.

Early one morning last week, DSIL had to chase a bear out of the garage. The garage door was closed, but he came in through the man door that is almost always closed, it may have been left ajar that night. The bear got the dog food and had opened the refrigerator and pulled out a few bud lights (probably trying to get to more dog food on top of the fridge. DSIL chased him out with a broom and then managed to lock himself out of the house. Fortunately, the bear had run off by then. The dog, who had just walked past the door to the garage didn't bark or do anything to alert. Not a good guard dog to say the least. It is not unusual to have to chase a bear off -- usually yelling is all that is needed. Bear are frequent this time of year around town, but are frightened by humans and property damage is really the only problem. Garbage cannot be left outside, by city ordinance, unless in an approved bear proof containers. Making it easier for Bear to forage in town is dangerous for the bears, not so much humans. Humans tend to contribute to the problem by leaving food out -- even hummingbird feeders are a problem. Moose and mountain lions are much more worrisome -- those are much more of a threat to humans and dogs. Luckily, mountain lions are relatively scarce, but there seems to be a moose injury to a human in the area every year or so. Usually cows protecting their young and they will charge a dog, who they view as a wolf, one of their primary predators.