Myra, you brought me to near tears with your beautiful post. I've seen the same thing, and it moves me so! I always feel sad when I see any old, faded, torn and tattered butterfly. MissSherry

Noss, During the 1973 flooding when both spillways were opened to relieve levee pressure on the Mississippi river it ALMOST changed its course. The structure at the three rivers area was darn near undermined. Flow would have been diverted down the Atchafalaya River rather than its present day course. That would have been a catastrophic disaster because salt water would have gone up river all the way to Baton Rouge. This would have shut down all of the major Industries that line both banks of the Mississippi river from Baton Rouge to just south of New Orleans. The area between Baton Rouge and New Orleans probably would not have been able to overcome this disaster. Below is a link that you might find interesting. The Three Rivers control structure has been re-engineered since 1973 to "HOPEFULLY" prevent the river from changing its course during our lifetime. I'm praying for those who are in the flood zone. However, I'm praying even harder that the control structure does it job. In time, the Mighty Mississippi River WILL change its course no matter what little ole men do..... Dan Semper Fi-cus Here is a link that might be useful: Mississippi River Control Structures

SG, Thank you so much for your insight--I believe you are a true "dog whisperer"! Let me clarify a few things and ask specific training & environmental questions: First I'll say, due to you and Annz' kind help, I believe I have corrected one of my problems. When I designed our new home I made space under the wall cabinets in the laundry rm for the dogs' kennels--next to each other. I thgt I was so smart doing this, but for my dogs' personalities, this may be one big problem. So hours ago, I moved Tiger's kennel to a different room (pantry next to L. rm) and he went right in! So now they will have their own space--away from each other. ~~I am also not going to allow either to sit under my desk while I am working--maybe that made Pepper (the Wheaton) think Tiger was getting special treatment (?). #2: The dogs do know I am TOP DOG for I, also, use their food & bowls to show my dominance--pretend to eat a kernel from their bowls before putting bowl down--pick up while they are eating & touch them/their food while they are eating. Never a problem--never a growl or resistance. Also, when we pass thru a door outside I am to go first, after I have them sit-stay & wait for me. I have them sit/lay/stay on command from time to time during the day to reinforce this too. ~~A trainer I consulted after the first attack told me that they both knew I was top dog but I did things to allow Pepper to think she was my equal--that we were BOTH top dogs. So I've been doing these things for a long time---more strictly for about a yr--but now you'll see NOT STRICTLY ENOUGH. ***Let me be specific in my info and question: When I open a door to let them out, Pepper does bolt out the door ahead of me about 1/3 of the time. I use my correction sound (Ehhhhh) and she immediately returns to my side to sit/stay until I give her the "OK" to move. (Sometimes just hearing the correction sound from me, she stops & returns to my side.) Specifically, WHEN I say sit/stay--she ALWAYS obeys. If I give NO command, she will start thru the door. ~~~Writing this out, I see I'm slacking and creating top dog DOUBT in her mind. So she isn't totally convinced that I am top dog? Or am I teaching her that I AM top dog but if she "assumes a top dog behavior" there is no real consequence besides "re-doing the situation" and moving on? SO, I need to go back to square one and take better control--using a lead to control, give commands EVERY TIME AND be persistent. But is it as "simple" as that? I can & will do these things correctly now but what else am I doing or what else can I do. Surely my "allowing" her to even consider disobeying my top-dog status isn't the only reason she's "comfortable" risking punishment in order to attack Tiger? I believe Tiger knows Pepper is Alpha dog and is comfortable with it. It has to be ME & my behavior that affects Peppers attacks. Hope I've been somewhat clear about what I do & don't do in order for you all to help give me instruction & advice. tks again in advance, CB

(((Dolly & sister))) My heart breaks for you both. We can just hope and pray for the best! I will include you both in my morning thoughts!