Reggie and Tiggy went to JAIL

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  • Chealsie508C

    Went to see the puppies today

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    J
    How exciting for you Chealsie508. I would like to comment on the old wives tale about calcium. Supplementing a puppies diet with extra calcium in the hope that it will build up the ear cartilage is not scientifically or biochemically valid. Adding calcium above the usual balance of that mineral in the diet has actually been shown to cause growth problems in some dogs. Do not add calcium to the diet in the misguided hope that it will strengthen the cartilage. EVERY PUPPY IS DIFFERENT. For example, the two extremes of my native imported pups were my boy's ears were standing straight up when he was ~10 weeks old; and one of my females had one ear flopping until she was ~5 months old. But, it did go up on its own and stayed up. So, look at your pups pedigree and don't sweat it. As I have come to understand, the general rule is that if the ears are standing or have been standing by between 3-5 months (the time teething starts), they will come back up after the adult teeth are in. Yes, calcium is one of the building blocks of cartilage growth. The body uses calcium as needed and when teeth and bone growth are developing, the calcium isn't being used for nonessentials like the cartilage at the base of the ear frame. Supplementing calcium is NOT a good idea and can actually be harmful. Be forewarned that most over-the-counter calcium supplements are NOT absorbed by the body and are a waste of money and time. With calcium that is absorbed, too much is given. Calcium will settle in joints when there is too much in the body, setting your pup up for bone spurs, hip problems, arthritis and other problems when they are older. If you really feel that you need to do something, provide natural calcium found in bones. I would strongly advise that you talk this over with your veterinarian. To be fair, you really need to give your dog until the age of 8-9 month range before you even think about the ears.
  • MayaM

    Maya Went To Her First Show!

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    BuanaB
    @Maya: Sorry, no pics at the show as i hadn't taken my camera :( I did just post some of her taken last night :D Next time… bring your camera!!! :D The other pics are very nice :D
  • WBLW

    Tiggy likes WATCHING the Transformers movie

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    wizardW
    EL D likes to watch but only when dogs, wolves, birds and meerkats are on. The really funny thing, though, he'll watch the reflection in the stereo cabinet (if you young pups don't know what that is you'll have to do some research :)) instead of the TV directly. So here he is lying half off the chair or with his head hanging over the arm, staring at the stereo cabinet. And every now and then he'll get up and go looking behind the cabinet to see if he can find the creature. :D
  • WBLW

    Tiggy tames the beast LMAO

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    nala121498N
    My BIL (a "Lab" only guy) just said when they came to visit a week ago, "Darn, I think this dog is growing on me!" Another beast tamed.
  • WBLW

    Tiggy and Pigmy (cat) Their Story

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    nala121498N
    Aw, it sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship!
  • WBLW

    One Week After Tiggy's Arrival (A little long)

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    nala121498N
    Awww…you (and Tiggy) seem to be adjusting quite well...and I love your "signature"...how sweet!