Pets.

Why not an older rescue dog? As a family we only have rescued animals, including horses, lurchers,cats and rabbits. So many little unwanted animals need an experienced, good home.

Hi. We lost our 13 miniature schnauzer just over a week ago. The house is silent and so empty it’s vidtually unbearable. I have owned dogs for over 40 years but have always said when anything happened to Sophie no more. It’s early days yet and for several reasons we couldn’t get another dog until next year. I am almost 76 and my husband is 82. We are relatively fit and have back up from my daughter who lives close by. Is it wrong to consider getting another dog? Help!

I worried about my Oliver when it became really hot and rushed out to buy him a "cool blanket" I shouldn't have bothered as he did not take to it at all he now sleeps during the day under a large pinetree or under the shade by the washing line,the breeze seems to keep him cool,
When indoors he can be found wrapped around the sink pedastal in the bathroom or in the sink.
Poppy goes out 1st thing in the morning then sleeps all day until dinner and she then has a short walk before bedtime she never excerts herself even in normal weather conditions.

Tara goes out when I get up around 7am and does not appear until at least 8pm or like last night after 10pm. Where she goes is a mystery. She has vacated her single bed and flops on the cold floors upstairs but for some reason she will not sleep downstairs if I am upstairs. She appears to look after number one and she is not interested in the small fan I bought for her.

Our cat does not seem too bothered by the heat but spends most of his time outdoors anyway. The dogs flop around on the tiled floors finding shady corners. Our 13 year old JR will only go for a walk early in the morning and not any other time. Two of them are not eating as much as usual, our latest rescue dog still has to eat whenever she can in case there is no more food, don't think that will change now.

Oh for an edit facility!

Our Minnie is very fond of lying on her back and displaying her tummy, yes, it is probably cooling, as you point out, Willow500 but she is also quite partial to having to having it admired and stroked, the little tart!

It worries me that one of mine spends his days in the summerhouse which must be stifling hot - he won't come in the house except at night. He has water in there and comes out when he obviously gets too hot but just gets too stressed if I try to keep him indoors. The other one doesn't go out much and does try to find the coolest spot to lie out of the heat - she also lays on her back with legs a kimbo which must be a cooling position - I'd try that if I thought I could get up again I'm talking about cats by the way!

Ours have stayed indoors a lot during the day and gone out in the evenings when it is cooler. We're letting them stay out at night. Outside they lie under the thickest bushes they can find, and take a lick or two of water every time they pass either their outdoor bowl or indoor one.

Right now the one is off colour, but I am very much afraid that is not the heat, but old age. He's still content so I'm putting off going to the vet until later this week, as I am afraid I shall come home without him.

Jane

Bertie has spent a lot of time during the day sleeping under "the triffid" which is a large fuschia. He's also off his food.

When it was so hot here in Scotland Baz used to just flop out on the shower floor. I almost joined him!