How old is he?

About 10 now. He was between 6 and 9 months when he went to Battersea and they had him for 4months. We will have had him for 9 yrs in 8 weeks time. I didn't have to pay for him and they gave me all bits with hime. He was expected to live until he was 2yrs old - 5yrs old at best. He shows no sign of dropping dead yet.

When he does it will be like losing one of the family.

I am terrible when one of my animals dies. I hate it, they are so much part of my life. One woman wanted to slap me when the last one died as I cried - which I do very rarely, and it was 'only an animal'

Off to the shops.

How could she be so unfeeling. I have cried at the death of a dearly loved rabbit, and even the goldfish's demise

made me feel miserable (I had fed it for 16 years). The thing is you recall the happy associations with childen whose

childhood has ended and who have flown the nest.

I think taking the decision to have some of my pets put down, including Honey, my Lab/Lurcher cross, is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. My pets have always been an integral part of the household - not human but with personalities and feelings, each one different.

At least we have that choice so they don't have to suffer. I intend Dane to go on for years.

I hope he does Meg.

 

I've never had any pets myself but I bet they are easier to manage than a husband and daughters.

They can't talk back!

They can't talk back!

 

Can I trade my family in for a dog please.

 

Bet their social lives, don't cost me as much either. And they don't use mobile phones, need new clothes, help themselves to food and not wash up, generate mountains of washing. I'm liking this more and more.

 

But, much as you love them, you love your kids more - however awkward they are.

I'll keep the kids then - just swap my hubby for a dog.

Now Nina, who on earth would swop with you? The males we have already are enough trouble.

And remember you have to go walkies with a dog....... often, notwithstanding the weather.

I think Dane is an unusually accommodating dog.

He still gets his 2 walks a day. It's one (or two) of his greatest pleasures. Just not when no one is home to stay with my father-in-law. Even then he's in the garden a lot.

Is he a good guard dog, or would he lick a burglar to death.

Hmmm, not sure I'd want to go on walks when it's cold.

He'd hide. He was so badly treated as a puppy/young dog that there are people he is terrified of now. He never approaches non family members for a stroke and never licks anyone.

Oh dear, poor thing. At least he has a good home now.