If I were ready to work my tail off and for a dog that was a far from a herding breed as possible,,,, Irish Terrier. Big dog in smaller dog package. Less "terrier" than some of the group. More weather proof than the sighthounds, less worry about heat than the pug.

If by chance these are not "hobby: breeders (think Gina as a typical hobby breeder) make sure you know if there was a purposeful breeding of a white dog to up the chances of the dilutes. I would stay as far from such lines has humanly possible. Also, chech on thyriod and cardio tests for both parents. I also lost one to cancer, ask about parents, other puppies from prior litters. Spent 26 years in the breed, great dogs but a health risk without a VERY dedicated breeder. The cost of the puppies

Great news for both of you. If you have questions regarding behavior, just let me know. These guys are balls of energy and you have to keep them busy. Good on you.

Working cattle is extremely dangerous and you need good instruction for both of you for it to be safe. There are some folks who have volumes of experience in ACDs. Tenley Dexter in Conn. Larry Painter (MO) and Cappy Pruitt (CO) are both breeders, judges and instructors of cattle dogs. If you do a general search on stock dog clinics look for their names. I know they go to up state NY. Tenly is likely to be the most active in your area. She has working aussies. All three were trained by Bob Vest who

In most cases this is neurological in origin. Something is interfering with the travel of signals from the brain to the rear. There are multiple causes. Investigate now to get a better understanding of what is happening and how to address it.

I had a reference in my notes at work and went and checked. You do have (almost in your backyard) a well founded and successful program for teaching social skills at hand. Here is the link. I had the opportunity to meet one of the authors about 10 years ago when the program was just starting to get attention on a nation wide scale. I was very impressed with her and even more so after I checked out the book. Here is the link. http://www.rdiconnect.com/pages/About-Us.aspx Of course check out the local

Baylor the GSD was a mess when we got the x rays back. We did not do the surgery. We kept him fit and lean (what others would call skinny) 82-84 lbs and he was big. We used supplements, homeopathics and in the end pain meds. He lived 13 years.....So it doesnt sound harsh, it sounds like the decision that makes sense for you folks. PS many of the working K9 s in the military had dysplasia at the rates reported for the breed. Still worked 10 years (without surgery)

If it is possible, let him die at home with the vet coming there. I have struggled with ending pain and found great relief and comfort for all of us when we planned to transition at home.

Belgians can go as long 16 to 17 years. She deserves better. If you dont take and soon, call ABMC. Those folks will get her fast. If you will share the location chances are there is a contact close. http://www.malinoisrescue.org/

My daughter has a rather unusual name. It was my cousin's name. She had died and I asked my aunt for permission to bring the name back into the family. It happens we were discussing names on a trip north for a baby shower. Her take is make it unusual in and of itself, rather than invent spellings. Her name is Jerilyn (rhymes with Marilyn) and my maident name is her middle name. Just a thought.