FREEPER BARK PARK: No Leashes Required

Self ^ | 12/12/08 | Self

[Joe 6-pack]

As per the request of many, here's a holiday gathering place for FReeper dog lovers...grab some hot cider, have a seat in front of the fire with your faithful companion curled up at your feet and tell your dog stories here, share your pics, and enjoy!

This is a friendly gathering, and is NOT the place to bash pit bulls, argue about whether dogs were created or evolved, etc. Those that can't keep a muzzle on it will end up in the doghouse.

Although this is primarily for members of the FReeper Doggie Ping List, non-members who happen to stray in will be welcome and are also invited to post pics of your iguanas, ferrets, exotic fish or whatever other furred, feathered or finned companions you'd care to share with us.

As some of you know, I've been working back in the northeast for a few months and found some time in my schedule to make a pilgrammage to New Skete Monastery on Saturday morning. I'll look forward to all the pics and pet stories tomorrow evening when I get back!

Enjoy!!

[ovrtaxt]

An American Bulldog!

Mine is named Samson, we call him Sammy. woof! Here's my wife and Sammy:

[ovrtaxt]

Hmm, let's try that again:

[KosmicKitty]

Actually, she’s an Olde English Bulldogge (Yes, the spelling is silly)

She’s part of an attempt to breed bulldogs back to the way they were in the 1800’s, but with gentler dispositions.

Smaller than the American. The nose is a bit more pushed in, but not as much as the British bully. She’s 70 pounds, about half way between the American and the British.

And the BEST!! dog I’ve ever had!! Personality plus!! Has my husband trained just the way she wants him :-)

[ovrtaxt]

Just for grins, here's my daughter and Sammy playing dress-up:

[ovrtaxt]

Madame has such a sweet face! I know someone with an Olde English at the local dog park. They are very sweet, and she gets along very well with Sammy. They do the bulldog thing, you know- roll around in the dirt and chew on each other’s faces...

Sammy is almost a year, he’s about 70 lbs right now, but he’ll probably end up around 90-100. Not an aggressive bone in his body, he loves everyone. Even cats!

I do think though, that if he ever had a reason to protect us, he would be pretty scary. He’s strong as an ox anyway, and his jaws could snap an arm bone no problem.

[txhurl]

I have one of those! (toy fox terrier).

Also a 250lb. English Mastiff. They’re quite the team.

[KosmicKitty]

A real keeper (Both of them)

I have a picture of duchess w/ reindeer antlers - I’ll have to see of I can find it.

[AnAmericanMother]

Oh. My.

What a splendid story.

Of course I have all their books - but what a privilege to actually BE there.

[KosmicKitty]

I do think though, that if he ever had a reason to protect us, he would be pretty scary. He’s strong as an ox anyway, and his jaws could snap an arm bone no problem.

Duchess has scared off several delivery n, but she's just a big old cream puff. If she gets startled by something when we're on a walk, she'll hid behind me.

Here's a picture of what she does best

[ovrtaxt]

HA! I can relate.

[Tunehead54]

Sophie says Merry Christmas to one of her cousins! ;-)

[Joe 6-pack]

"Actually, she’s an Olde English Bulldogge (Yes, the spelling is silly)"

I've always been told you have to buy Olde English Bulldogs at the Pet Shoppe ;-)

[Darnright]

>What do you do to keep your old guy healthy and happy?<

Well, I’m not sure except for changing him over to a good senior dry food, and using a high quality glucosamine/chondroidin supplement daily (I use a liquid horse product called “Next Level”, which has dosing instructions for dogs). Just recently the vet put him on Rimadyl to ease his arthritis.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16064

He has a tumor behind one eye we’re watching closely. If you notice in his photo, one eye doesn’t reflect the flash like a normal doggy eye, and he’s got an obvious head tilt. It has blinded him already, and we do eye drops to keep him comfortable. Needless to say, we’re cherishing the remaining time he’s with us :(

[Joe 6-pack]

"I thought that I’d read that the Monks were taking no more orders for dogs because they were overwhelmed with interest. Not true?"

There's an application for a puppy, downloadable as a .pdf on their website. You fill it out, an if approved you sit on a waiting list which (I believe) is presently 2-3 years. When your turn comes up, you are contacted to see if you're still interested and can start the process of acquiring a puppy. I suspect they screen out a lot of impulse or fad/fashion buyers that way, and find people who are really dedicated and committed to owning a New Skete dog.

[Darnright]

What an amazing, beautiful place. Thank you so much for this post, and for the photos. The monastery is not that far from my sister’s home. Perhaps, one day, I’ll get the chance to visit at least the gift shop.

[gorush]

Hi Betty, good to hear from you. We're in touch w/ WIladyconservative and have commiserated with them over the untimely passing of Woodie. You sure get attached to the little beggers. Jake is hanging on but getting to old age for a corgi. He is still a joy, however, and is cuddlier than ever if not as fast.

[Joe 6-pack]

If you have the chance, attend one of their services. They’re entirely open to the public and truly inspiring experiences.

[fanfan]

Oh, how sweet!

Is she still a Pup?

Rush sends an Aussie hug!

[Eaker]

WOW!

What an experience!

[Tunehead54]

Here she is today ~ 10 months:

---

She's a wonderful dog - very smart - puppies are still an option - we haven't decided. ;-)