This forum rocks

LOL, I always wonder what the new members must think when they read i-dog?? 

glenmar

And I'm very glad to see some peace prevailing in certain areas of the forum!  We did have a fair amount of unpleasantness at one point and I'm truly glad to see that's over.  Now we seem to be able to disagree less unpleasantly and that's a huge step.

Now you all got me curious.  What's the story behind idog and why/what made it all change???  (might make a good new thread???)

When I joined the forum, it was run by one man who worked full time to PAY for the danged forum and didn't have a lot of time for moderating, so often the train got derailed. Even then, there were knowledgable and caring people here.  At some point, dog.com bought the forum and tidied it up a bit.  There haven't been massive changes, but just really the insistence on basic manners and decent behavior, and of course, more folks to moderate.  There have been a couple of new forum programs used...whatever those would be called.....that have made the forum more visually appealing, but again, no enormous changes to what and who we are.  Just a refining and defining really.  And, actually, due to the changes and rules it is a nicer place now.

There's your nutshell Johnny.

Jez, could I just take the GIRLS???  Your son sounds wonderful, but I did boys already.....and only got to have a little girl in a foster child.  I'd love to have TWO little girls......

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Amen sistas & Bros :) There are so many posts I want to reply to but I can't remember so all I can say is ditto to everything that has been said.

Everyone on this forum is awesome.  You have all pulled me through so much...

I also wish that we all lived near each other.  It would be awesome to have an idog reunion somewhere....

Cita

You guys are great, even those of you who don't post much. Don't feel not-included in the warm fuzzies if you don't post much - everyone here contributes, even if it's only sometimes, or even if it's only to ask questions. I've learned more here from reading responses to other people's questions than questions of my own!

 I like to think of those occassional-posters as those who help put the polish on the forum.... who fill the niches that help make the smoothly reflective "surface" of our forum community as a whole.  What the rest of the world sees.  What those of us members FEEL.

Maria, you're in my heart.  We've never met and may never meet, but Talus and you made the impression that only you could. ((hugs))

I just love this place to bits!! 

I first found it when I adopted Harry and had questions about dealing with a crazy puppy, lol.  IIRC, Glenda & Ron were the first to respond to my question and they were soooo nice and helpful, that I kept digging around to learn more stuff, and then I just felt so comfortable with everyone that I started posting more, and now I really do feel like part of a big ol' happy family.

I'm another one who talks about this place to other people (quite a lot, in fact).  I usually get crazy looks, but I'm like, hey, these peeps are my friends!  When one of you is going through a hard time, or has something great happen, I feel it just as if I knew you in real life.  You're all just awesome.  Love you guys!!!!

I wasn't here when it was called idog, but I call it that, too, lol.  Oh, and is it wrong that I actually enjoy it when I stumble upon an old heated thread?  I don't watch soap operas, so I have to get my drama/gossip fix somehow, lol!!

*stands up from her pew, fans herself and adjusts her wide brimmed hat with peacock feathers on it....clears her throat*

TESTIFY!!

 I do miss some of the people that were here when I joined...

Wow . . . what a nice thread to read from start to finish! 

I'm one of those "occasional posters" referred to earlier.  That wasn't always the case.  I joined the forum in 2005 (when it was iDog) because our senior dog had some health issues and I was looking for guidance and info before making a decision about a surgery.  I received valuable input and posted regularly in the following months as his health rapidly declined and we had to make the final heartbreaking trip to the emergency vet.  Despite all the awesome help (Callie's phone call was vital) and the friendly chatting I enjoyed up until that day, I could never have expected the outpouring of support I received after Tonka's death.  I simply could not have survived that agonizing period of my life without the comfort I got from people here.  Family and "real life" friends were sympathetic, but this was where I could really express my grief and not worry about being judged.  I printed all the threads and PMs and keep them with other treasured mementos of Tonka.

My job and volunteer work prevent me from having as much free time on the computer as I'd like, so I don't get to visit with everyone very often.  And there are lots of new folks I don't know at all.  But I do try to read threads when I can -- I enjoy reading about the fun things going on with everyone, and I mourn with those who've had to say goodbye to a pet.  I can't imagine not staying connected somehow to the great people here, even if it is sporadically.  Even though I've never met any forum friends, so many of you hold a very special place in my heart because of the compassion and kindness you've shown me.  I hope I do get the chance to meet some of you someday!

I have no idea how I stumbled upon iDog way back when . . . but I'm glad I did.  I can't say enough how grateful I am for people here!

rwbeagles

*stands up from her pew, fans herself and adjusts her wide brimmed hat with peacock feathers on it....clears her throat*

 

TESTIFY!!

Dang it, Gina, now you've put an image in my head. I can totally see you doing that. Can I get an "amen", sisters and brethren?