twhrider

I have a 15 yr old min. schnauzer that is reaching the end of her days. She had a stroke early December that left her with some deficits...head tilted and crab walking....but she got around pretty well, still happy, good appetite, still took part in "the family". Now, we see her deteriorating. She falls frequently, in the morning when she gets up she carefully chooses her route so that she can lean on things until she gets her equilibrium. To head off all the "take her to the vet"....she HAS been seen, multiple times. Blood work is WNL, she is retaining some fluid, but bladder stones, a common schnauzer problem, has been ruled out. No apparent masses.... She is somewhat incontinent, but I can deal with that. Her appetite isn't as good as it was, but she still takes great joy in canned food and small bits of people food, so it is no big deal to cook for her. How many would quit now, how many would keep going, trying to keep her as happy as possible?

I have been trying to help a friend sell her horses. They are priced IMHO very reasonable to low, because she needs to move them. I have had one person ask if she would: Reduce her price, get the horse all of it's spring vaccs (5way, WNV, PHF, strangles, and rabies), have a dental done on her, get her shod, and get a coggins and health papers, all at seller's expense. The asking price for the horse was only $1500!! Another one requested numerous pics, then wanted video, then more pics....all of which I complied with...now she wants to know if she'll lower the price and pay to have her x-rayed. Another wanted to know if she'd pay to have 30 days training put on the one that isn't started yet (2 year old). Asking price on that one was only $1200, and the trainer we use charges $650 per month. I have tried to be polite with all of these people, but when do you say ENOUGH! BUY HER, OR DON'T BUY HER....I DON'T REALLY CARE!!!????

I used to bird sit for "Birdy" (yellow nape amazon, 26 years old) for his original owner. His situation changed, Birdy got aggressive with him, seemed unhappy with the lack of attention, and since Birdy seemed pretty happy at my house, he just decided to leave him with me. All was well at first. He'd get out and ride around on my shoulder, played, seemed like all was well. Then, nearly overnight it changed. He will bite me any time he has the chance. I still let him out to play, but I have to be careful because he will chase and bite (and I swear, he LAUGHS while he does it). I have dogs in the house and a cat, I'm careful to keep them locked up when Birdy's out. He eats well, talks up a storm, but I don't understand the change in attitude. This is my first large bird experience (other than an emu outside) and I'm at a loss with how to deal with his change in behavior. Is it the dogs in the house? Any other ideas?