K R said, "Carprofen is an NSAID for canines, my senior dog is on it and it works very well! Why wouldn’t you just ask the vet for a prescription? I would never give my dog human drugs." Why? "Are there any potential side effects? Side effects in dogs include gastrointestinal upset, such as mild vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and temporary lack of appetite, as well as tiredness. More serious side effects include liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal damage characterized by severe vomiting, diarrhea, black or bloody stools, bloody vomit, increased drinking and/or urination, yellow skin or eyes, severe lethargy, and persistent lack of appetite. Other reported serious side effects include neurologic signs such as incoordination, paralysis, seizures, or disorientation, behavior signs such as restlessness, or aggression, skin effects such as itchiness, hair loss, or scabs/wounds, or allergic reactions such as facial swelling or hives. Your veterinarian may see blood abnormalities such as low red blood cell or platelet counts on bloodwork. Carprofen may also affect lab tests, such as thyroid levels, liver enzymes, blood cell counts, potassium levels, kidney values, and bleeding times. In cats, serious kidney effects and gastrointestinal effects have occurred, and is therefore not usually recommended. This moderate-acting medication should stop working in a few days, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease." That's why.

I really don't have any complaints about his behavior. Since the puppy came along, his behaviour has actually even improved. I can (and have) left an open jar of peanut butter out and left the kitchen trashcan door open and he doesn't mess with either. I think these examples of all things demonstates who's calling the shots here. It wasn't always this way. As for dominance w/ the puppy, the only time he clearly tries to make a point is when they're walking up the stairs. The puppy will frequently interrupt his meals to go sample some kibble from the older dogs bowl and the older dog lets him do it. This puppy gets away with a lot of crazy stuff when they're playing. Sharing toys, even stuffed kongs. I keep waiting for this to come to an abrupt end but they continue to get along really well.

I've heard that too about black dogs being less likely to get adopted. We fell in love with our very large big black lab at a local shelter. Alongside him was the most adorable little lab puppy. My kids were all clambering for the puppy, and it was hard to resist, but after potty training four kids, I just couldn't bring myself to house train a puppy. And I knew he'd get adopted much more quickly than the huge lab (100 lbs). So we went against the grain and got the black lab (I call him a horse). I can't tell you how often I'm stopped while walking him and complimented on what a beautiful dog he is, which always makes me chuckle b/c it makes me wonder why black dogs are less likely to be chosen. Plus, I see black labs everywhere so obviously people choose them. Puppies are cute and all, but I'm so glad we took the big guy. He's awesome.

You are correct, Murraysmom. I wrote about it years ago on Pets. I tried to find my old post to link to it but its gone. I didn't want to rewrite the whole story again. I know she'd be happier here, she loves us very much as we do her. She is so sweet and loving. However, her fearful behavior troubles me especially do to her age. We live in Florida and travel to NY to see family a few times a year, which is why we chose not to have another dog. My husband has multiple health issues and that adds to things. If I could keep her full time, I could make a commitment to work with her. However, she always has to go back to him which just reinforces her fearfulness. He's not a gentle type of person and can be quite harsh. She's afraid of him but tries so hard to do what he asks. Breaks my heart. Anyway, I suppose the best thing to do before moving ahead would be to have a consult with a dog trainer or behaviorist. Her fear of people disturbs me and makes me hesitant to take her on. I don't even trust her with my daughter and granddaughters. Loved reading all the stories above. Gives one some hope! Yeon, you are right, he is the owner. I've made his life so much easier so he can come and go as he pleases knowing I have the dog. Yet, I have no legal rights to do anything. A few weeks ago, he had to fly off and handed me the dog. He was to be gone 12 days. As I took her, he said, "oh, I forgot to tell you, she's in heat again." Had a sheepish smile on his face. He knew I told him before that I would not watch her unless he spayed her. It made my life difficult because of her bleeding and every male in the neighborhood visiting my house. Makes it difficult to walk her outside, which she loves more than anything. I offered to take her to the vet and have it done and let her recoup at my house. He would always say, "I'll think about it." So here it was again and I was angry. I took her but blasted him by email a few days later when I almost had a confrontation on the street with a couple of dogs. When he returned, I refused to talk to him. Now, he's away again, this time hunting and he took her along which has me upset. So, either way I lose. Thanks everyone, you have all given me a lot to think about. Jane