What has the forum....

I can't remember HOW I ended up at the forum but I do remember WHY.  My first post was a frantic one, needing more info on Ivomec because the newest addition to our family was given an overdose.  She was experiencing all the horrible side effects I'd read about (including vertigo and blindness) and I was terrified.  It wasn't long before people began posting... either with info or just well wishes. 
 
Good news is, I now know how to deal with a doggie that has demodex... but I can't get much accomplished at work! [] eople have passion about their beliefs, the way we treat animals, how we can make situations better, their dogs/cats/evil bunnies (lol).... I've seen a few posts that seem a bit harsh when opinions clash but opinions are like noses, everybody has one.  We're all here for the love of our animals and because we never tire of hearing funny stories, seeing pictures or giving support!

I found this forum last year, right after the sudden passing of my (almost) 4 year old Standard Poodle.  I kind of just jumped into someone else's thread...someone who was going through a similar experience.  It was the support and understanding of strangers that drew me in.  Yes, family and friends were as supportive as they could be...but somehow the understanding was deeper here.  I didn't post oftern, but I read others thoughts frequently...and it was so reassuring to know that I wasn't alone in the depth of my grief.

I don't have anything new to add. I found dog.com while I was searching for flea medicine. One day while I was shopping on the site, I noticed the "dog forum" link. The rest is history!
 
Every morning I log onto my computer at work. I check my email, set up my work station and log onto i-dog to see what I've missed overnight. I'm addicted. There is so much great information here! I've learned so much about dog behavior, nutrition, socialization, etc. I love looking at pictures of everyone's dogs and I love meeting people who are as passionate about dogs as I am.
 
I don't take part in many of the debates, because I'm not very good at that kind of thing. But I read almost everything in A&E and General ?s. I'm here practically every day and I feel like I know a lot of you pretty well. I just love having somewhere I can go and immerse myself in the dog world!
 
Btw, my friends and family are sick of hearing "well according to the people on my dog forum, you should...." []

I've been here for almost 3 years.  I was here when Jim was still around, and "survived" the change in ownership, the change in forum format, and a TON of unpleasant folks who seemed to live only to cause trouble.  And, seen a lot of really good people come and go.....luckily a lot of them STAY.
 
I've often said that I'm not an expert on anything...with the possible exception of potty training pups.....just an old broad with a lot of dog experience under my belt.
 
I've learned a great deal about nutrition, both from board members and research that their comments sparked.  I've learned more about training and although I've never been a traditional trainer, the positive reinforcement I've picked up especially from Anne, has made a world of difference.  "too bad" is one of my favorite "tools"!
 
Immunizations....wow, that's been huge.  Again, both board members and independent research, and the results are no longer stressing my dogs immune systems needlessly.
 
In all aspects, information that I've picked up here at idog has had a positive impact on the lives of my dogs.  And I like to think I've helped a few folks along the way as well.
 
There are many, many folks here that I consider "friends".  Idoggers helped me to raise TWO GRAND for the 2006 MS Walk, they've been there with prayers when I needed them, support when I needed that, shared tears and triumps with me.  Yep, just like an extended family.

I am relatively new here although not new to message boards of other topics.  In March I had a hip replacement and Sunny went to live with my brother in another city.  By July I was still walking with a cane and needed to find some kind of solution to make sure when I did get Sunny back that he was under control while walking. I finally got Sunny back the first week of August.  He is great 95% of the time but I needed to know that he would not pull me over.  People suggested collars and we are still using the Gentle leader collar for now.  I had never heard of such a thing.

I tend to read more than post.  Some things I have learned is that I have been way lucky with my current and past dogs in terms of their behavior and health.  I am way glad I have always adopted adult dogs because I could not have handled some of the puppy stories I have read here......  I have learned a lot from reading here and I appreciate the board.
Barbara

Oh where do I start! Bunni turned me on to this forum a little over a year ago. And I haven't missed a day since. I consider all of you friends, and you are my support system, I 've come on in the middle of the night and Brando was in trouble and help was here. When Joe had his surgery your prayers and support really helped me through it.  Brando's latest escapade his fall and patella. I can't tell you what your advice and help did for me. Especially , AngelaMarie
Callie and Jamie, and my Annie.

I have learned so much here, I couldnt even type it all out. You have helped me with my alpha dog, Annie helped saved my cat's life by telling me it sounded like he had an absess (when we got to the vet he had a very high fever, I had no idea it was that serious him until Annie said he probably had an abscess), I have learned about BYBs and puppy mills and pet stores and partly thanks to i-dog I have gotten into rescue. Glenda & others gave me really good advice so I could decide weither or not to adopt Nico. I have learned about all different breeds of dogs and thanks to that, I have been able to educate people in my every day life.

I enjoy hearing everyone's perspective (even if i dont agree), and find this site very informative and educational. Plus it is nice to know you arent the only "crazy dog/cat person" out there *l*

Thanks!
 
Oh yeah I have learned a lot about nutrition as well. When I started comming here I was feeding Beneful (which isnt as bad as others) but now I feed Canidae.

This forum got me (and Grey) through a lot of his behavioral issues in the beginning. It also made me aware of nutritional issues, and I love having a place where we can give and receive medical/health advice.

Hmmm, let's see...
 
*Good nutrition, proper dog food, and raw feeding (not Ol' Roy)
*A very affective way to keep dogs teeth clean and give them something healthy to chew on (Soup bones)
*Help with Beau's Demodex. Which he still breaks out once or twice a month, but now I know how to keep them under control.
*Training... loads of training tips, and the proper way to use them.
* Rescuing. Plus not purchasing dogs from BYB's or petstores.
*This forum has been a wonderful place to conversate about dogs, and learn new things on a daily basis.
 
I could add, but that would require thinking, and I don't feel like doing that right now []

This forum has provided me hours of entertainment! I love the picture section where I can check out all the cute doggies! Oh, the information and helpful people are also a plus too. Three cheers for idog.com! [sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif][sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif][sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]

Oh I've been remiss, I was focused on Brando's recent problem, but I've learned so much from Anne (sprirtdogs) Mic, MudPuppy and Glenda and  I can't thank them enough.
Oh no now it sounds like the Academy Awards.

Btw, my friends and family are sick of hearing "well according to the people on my dog forum, you should...."

ORIGINAL: lokis_mom

HAHAHAH I think everyone around me is sick of me saying this too! Oh well, I'm just trying to help.

I've been here since 2002.  I originally had a dog.com email and then discovered the forum a year or so after that.   I enjoyed finding a place with other dog owners where I could share experiences and brag on accomplishments.

my Sadie probably lived a year or 2 longer than expected due to the assistance of people on this board.
And then there is Molly [] and I have Glenda to thank for that

Gosh, I forgot to mention that.  Through idog I found WONDERFUL homes for 3 of my babies!