Bella, have taken your advice - registered with a new vet...

[luckyblackcat]

Have been putting off my girls spay as I do not 100% trust my vets practice (and things have been a little fraught round here since DS' bump on the head).

Called a nearby one (8 miles away) which have heard v good reports from friends about, spoke to receptionist, within 30 mins a vet had called me and was chatting to me about the pro's and cons of waiting for a season etc.

Am booked in for a pre op/new patient healthcheck on Thurs with a view to spay maybe next Monday - the lovely woman vet I talked to only works pt but I really liked her.

Only bad news is that they start a neuter sale in Feb (20% off) but really I need it done asap as I'm sure it'll be too late by Feb.

They actually reccomend a season, but we discussed options and for me I think tis ok. Currently DS only doing 3 ams per week and being rather hard work, there being lots of loose dogs - rotties an GSDs - round here and her needing to get out each day of she goes mental plus, DH is away for the rest of jan and much of feb/march too so I just do not need anything else to worry about!

Do I get a gold star?

PS Gundog trainer, when I told him of rabbit chasing recall, said, "Well given her seperation anxiety I expect she just suddenly realised she was too far away and decided to come back." I almost physically sagged I tell you!

LOL, common sense I have - just other abilities I am lacking!

Midori, my person circs are that I do want her spayed, but due to DS's serious head injury in Dec and subsequent rather slow recovery (and upcoming tirbunal with LEA) it would be easier for me to cope if I can continue to walk the dog as usual but also these things contributed to me not getting on with the spay - it is particularly important for me to keep taking her to training and being able to train her outside daily as she is spirited.

I live in a very rural environment, BUT several of the feilds surrounding me have been bought by people who have set up large static caravan encampments (and are obviously retrospectively applying for pp as it was agricultural land ) I am sometimes pestered by several large Rotties and some GSDs off the lead if I walk too far away from home in the orchards.

When she has the op keeping her quiet will be the biggest issue, Bella you are so right.

I do have a 30 acre field that we can walk in that is rarely used by other walkers (sen one dog in 6 mths of dog walking) and I will keep her on the lead the 'feral' dogs do not get over here (yet) as they are the other side of the railway line, and perhaps investigate some spray.

I suppose it is really fear of the unknown, always had dogs before.

I think in my breeds case, having a spay will count against me as they are so protective of their bloodlines (and I know nobody - I used to be a face in hounds, as my late father was a champshow judge)

Bella, are you mocking my rare breed? The only Slovakian smooth haired pointer in UK?

Midori, kind of you call it refreshing but it is more that I do not seem to have the courage to trust myself with any decision, as I have made some shockingly bad judgement calls in the last few years it sort of knocks ones confidence

Oh do shut up, LBC.
You're pretty awesome, from what I know

"tbh I'm surprised you're in favour of spaying at all, Midori - most breeders are against it, as well as vaccination and are too busy piling calcium supplements on to pup's food ]"

Well, it is hard to breed from a spayed bitch...

I am in favour of dogs and whatever is best for them and sometimes that depends on each individual's experience and circumstances.

LBC, as I said, spaying and when to do it is entirely your decision, I would never debate that and it is very clear that you are a responsible owner. I understand dealing with a season is daunting for some people, especially when they are not used to it. And you are right, training classes would not be able to continue whilst she was in season.

LBC, I do not know the entire history here, but it seems like you're giving yourself an especially hard time when there really is no need.

Thank you both, I need a good talking to every know and again!

Has LBC shut up yet?

Oh good

Midori - am sorely disappointed. You rose to that one. Notice you didn't refute the calcium suplements though

puppy food

LBC

Bella

I have a rare breed too.
A Red Tricoloured Scottish Snapper

LOL @ pic of me - ROAR!

Easy, tiger