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Oh Sarah I can't believe its been 2 1/2 years since you rang me in a panic because the transport run had gone to pot. You asked me to hang onto him for an hour or 2 before I drove down to meet you. We went for a walk and he managed to back up to a fence and poo through it He was the only dog I have ever known to manage to poo in a bucket Donna Daunting asked me to pass this on to you because she can't post. Sleep tight fat boy (and if you happen across Buster keep an eye out for him he can't be trusted on his own.)

They ought to. I've never seen Amber move so much, or so quickly

It varies. They do swim in the evenings probably till about 7pm ish (but you would have to check.) They also do weekend swims, usually in the mornings on both Saturday and Sunday.

I think Amberco is down your way somewhere. If you do a search for Canine Hydrotherapy Association they've got a list of members on their site.

I use the Dog Spa with Buster for regular hydro sessions. Bert & Norah are lovely, so lovely that they let us groom from there!!! The pool is clean and both Bert & Norah are used to dealing with dogs of all shapes and sizes. If need be one of them will get in the pool with some of the larger dogs on their first swim, but usually after a session or two the dogs can't wait to get in on their own and swim and play!! As well as the pool they've got a big spa bath thing - big metal tank that's a bit like a jacuzzi. Its brilliant when Buster's back has gone into spasm and he needs a bit of extra help. They also have a physiotherapist who works out of there once a week and can do sessions if need be. I know they welcome people to go up and look round. If you do go and visit ask if I'm there and come and find me! As you can see Buster hates it!!! Rhomi has fun swims from time to time just because she enjoys it! Siân

Buster has spondylosis and can't take any of the non steroidals so he has acupuncture sessions regularly (between once a fortnight and once a month). He also has regular physio and hydrotherapy sessions. I wouldn't say he enjoys the sessions but he does a wonderful impression of a statue the whole time and is pleased to have either a hydro session afterwards or failing all else a biscuit will do. For the most part he has no other conventional painkillers although when he's really bad he does have vetergesic

Could you send some Reiki for Buster. My oldie terrier x whippet. He suffers with back problems but they seem to have taken a turn for the worse today. He's on v. strong painkillers to keep him comfortable overnight and is a bit dopey. We'll go back to my usual vet tomorrow and decide where we go from there.

Could you put a bamboo cane resting on 2 cuphooks above the gate. Or even 2 if he's particularly athletic?

I use Slippery Elm when Rhomi has a tummy flare up. It has meant that on a couple of occasions we've managed to avoid using antibiotics although she often still needs the zantac.

I very rarely use the microwave when I'm making dog treats (I tend to make loads in bulk so its quicker to use the oven) As well as liver cake I make sardine cake (substitute the liver for 2 cans of mushed up sardines.) Mine also like banana bread - mushed up bananas, honey, flour, eggs and porridge oats. All mushed up together and then whacked in the oven. (Not very specific cooking instructions I know ) I usually use 1 egg to 5 medium sized bananas and then enough honey to taste. And then mix in the dry ingredients until it looks like a scone mix. I cook all my treats in a hot oven until they look cooked!

I would teach the down near you and link it to the blow of the whistle to start with. I would then move on getting the dog to drop while he's stood still (facing you), while he's moving towards you, while he's mooching about (but can still see you) and then eventually when he's mooching about moving away from you. The final step would be him running away from you (while you cross your fingers and pray that the training worked ) Doing lots of (whistled) downs with him, in lots of different situations will make it easier to get the down when he's moving away from you.

I've been toying with the idea of switching my 2 to raw. Buster wouldn't be a problem. He can eat just about anything. But Rhomi has a severe allergy to chicken and can only tolerate small amounts of lamb or beef. I have tried her with the occasional meal of mushed veggies, raw fish or tripe and she wolfs it down (although that doesn't say much as she'll wolf anything down ). My concern is how to add enough variety in to create a balanced diet. She can tolerate venison and I've got a local butcher that could supply rabbit but I want to keep one protein source that she hasn't tried should we develop problems in the future. My other concern is calcium. I know if I feed her whole raw fish she'll get some from the bones, but I don't think I'll be feeding enough to make sure she has an adequate amount. I don't know whether she'll be able to tolerate raw bones (I suppose to try it once and see would be the answer.) I've looked at the AMP minced packs but both the rabbit dinner and lamb dinner contain chicken The tripe would be an option though if only to add a bit of variety.

I've got a Kong Wubba for my 2. Buster lies on his back with his legs in the air and chomps on it and Rhomi (when Buster lets her) runs around like a demented fool throwing it up in the air and trying to catch it before Buster does. My 2 have had theirs for about a fortnight now and the 'tails' are a bit soggy and worse for wear but the whole thing is holding up well (and still squeaks). Rhomi usually trashes a tennis ball in 12 seconds so a fortnight is pretty good going.

Or could you have one on a long line and one free. So that if the worst comes to the worst you can reel one back in and call the other

My 2 are covered with Petplan and they've always (and still!!!) pay promptly. The only gripe I have with them is about their policy on complementary therapy. Because of this I've looked at other insurers and the only other policy I could find with a lifetime cover policy and a reputation for prompt payment (without the hassle) was M& S. I don't think pricewise there's much to pick between the 2 of them. Saying that I looked at Marksies policy last week and they also seem to have added a £750 ceiling on complementary treatments. Not much if you've got a dog that needs ongoing hydrotherapy/acupuncture etc. etc.