I never signed up for this!

Both our last dogs were 'cast aways' - first one from friends who couldn't cope with her, and last one from DD2 whose life change drastically. We had Gatsby for about 10 years (to age about 17) and Slinky for about 3 (to age about 17 too) - miss them too, daft me. Next dog in a year's time will also be rescue. but we will choose HER/HIM to suit us this time (hmmm famous last words! daft mug printed all over my forehead- humans can't see it, but THEY do).

Balini chacun a son gout.

If that's how you want your dogs to be then fine, but do allow for others to be different. Our dogs have been so much more than a 'dog at your feet'. Our old one was once a great PAT dog visiting people with dementia and learning disabilities. Making many smile for the first time in a long time. Another was a lifeline my late MiL when newly widowed. A friend was recently diagnosed with early stage breast cancer after her spaniel started behaving oddly around her.
The current puppy is best friend (indeed only friend) to grandson with ASD.

So yes, I accept that is how your family prefer to interact with your dogs but please extend others the same courtesy to behave as they wish with theirs

DS allergic to cats, DIL allergic to dogs. Sometimes the inherited foibles of family are really useful!

Balini- I am somewhere in between- but agree with you that a dog is a dog and not a substitute human. I'm sure a lot of the behaviour and obedience problems many people have with their dogs is that that line has become blurred- and dogs just do not know 'who they are' any more. Dogs need to know that they are on a different pecking order- even when they are loved to bits like ours have been.
Anya- I do believe that most dog training experts do agree on this.

This 'problem' doesn't seem to exist so much here in rural Europe- although I hate it how in France and Italy, so many dogs are left outside in all weathers and only used for hunting and security

We're the other way round. Went on holiday last week and left cat in cattery for first time. He hated it, so in October will have to ask DS and DIL to look after him and they will just have a new 2 -month old baby if everything goes to plan.

Works both ways I suppose.

Yes Anya I don my tin hat automatically when I come onto the Gransnet forum, I find it's safer that way ( a parachute at the ready as well) then I can charge in and out of threads Commando style ( although fully clothed) before anyone realises what's happening.

Just have half a Mars Bar then?

Carol how do you know that your cat hated it?

Yes yes I wanted to know too.

Our cat was seriously unhappy at the (excellent) cattery. We knew this he he just stopped eating. They were very worried about him. He's quite a dim old boy and def not a chancer. Was thrilled to be home and started to eat again immediately.

Just say "no".

I was wondering if the cat had sent a text 'get me out of here!'

Oh dear.....laid up now with a broken left wrist (distal radius) in plaster and a broken right elbow, which they don't put in a cast these days. Very painful.

This daft old bat person tripped over her own feet, at speed, when taking puppy out for a late walk last night. Not puppy's fault, in fact even though I'd let go of the lead, she came back to me and started barking until a passing stranger heard her and helped me to my feel. I couldn't press on either arm to lever myself back up as both had fractures.

Feeling very sorry for myself.

Oh Lord, Anya How awful for you. You certainly didn't sign up for broken limbs.

I'm not surprised you're feeling sorry for yourself. Will you be able to get help with the menagerie?

Arghhhh NOOOO- what a shame and a pain. Get better soon- who's going to take care of all those pets now???

If you were looking for an excuse ... you've got a brilliant one now poor you.

Happily they're all back tomorrow and until then DH will have to see to them and me.

How dreadful for you, Anya. Painful and frustrating. You have no option but to let yourself be looked after.

Anya! That's awful.

Oh Anya how dreadful!
I can't imagine how you are managing.
I hope it becomes less painful day by day. Thinking of you. ?

Just picked some from the garden for you

Gosh you have had a week to remember. Hope you feel better soon.x

Oh dear! You've just taken on too much, especially when you're coping with your injuries. Hope you're feeling better soon and your family come back from holiday with a nice prezzie for you. Hope they appreciate all you're doing for them.

And I thought I was having a bad day with a milk spillage in the car!

Oh Anya how awful for you, both arms out of action, so sorry that happened. I broke my right wrist badly some years ago, but at least I still had the left to try and do things. Hope the pain eases soon,you need looking after now.

You are all so lovely and a big thank you for the flowers and sympathy. Having to sign in on mobile as the iPad is too heavy.