Labadore

I cannot give you any advice on when to re-introduce but is there any way you can split the original cage so that they can see and touch each other through the mesh but without mating or getting hurt trying to get to each other? This way it will be easier to re-introduce them when safe to do so. I personally would not be re-introducing them if I thought he was a he unless he was castrated. You should perhaps take him to your local vet or someone familiar with degus who can give you a correct decision. We used to have a couple of girl degus, but be aware that all vets are not familiar with their special needs. I hope all goes well Take a look at http://www.degutopia.co.uk

You have received some very good advice. I agree that they would benefit from more physical exercise, fun and mental stimulation to both make them think and tire them. Perhaps you could do some training with them, if you can afford at classes but if money is short do this yourself, there are plenty of online free guides. Be warned however training is addictive and you may end up gundog or agility training. Labrador forums is also a wealth of ideas and support, £10 per annum well spent. You need to be packleader and set the rules. Crating may help with the toileting and damage limitation, you can get cheaper second hand or online rather than on the High Street. The destructive behaviour is most likely from boredom but with some work none of the issues they have cannot be overcome. Stick at it, it does get easier and you will be rewarded.

Labrador Welfare still currently have Barney a black 3 year old male for adoption. Applicants need fill in an application form from the site. Further details available from June Robets, Rehoming Co-ordinator http://www.labradorwelfare.org

Degus definitely are happier when not alone. We had a couple of degus and one died unexpectedly. We never got another as the remaining one, Conker, unfortunately had cataracts and we did not think it fair to bring in another. I also know of someone who had rescued one degu and then bought another two youngsters from Pets at Home and introduced them together. They used the 'in the bathtub method' and have never looked back, they now have three happy degus. If you google introducing degus it will give you some ideas. Pets at Home often have degus in, including some for rehoming. Would also be worth you checking all the local rescues as the RSPCA have had them in the past. Good luck

Paddy aka Houdini now, goodness knows how he slipped a harness??

Disgusting! It sickens me. I have posted on labrador forums

I think all the posts have given honest and heartfelt accounts. I totally agree that 'you will know'. That time will arrive when you no longer have the quandry, and make the decision. Both my previous labs have been pts at home. Becky was a week off 14 and she 'asked' me. She had struggled with arthritis and was on metacam for years. Her quality of life dropped and her body was tired out. She lay in her box, which we brought through to the sitting room and gently passed whilst I cuddled her. Amber my other lab was with her too. Arwen was slightly different in that she had emergency surgery to try to save her from a cancer on her spleen which ruptured (hasten to add it was undetected prior to this). I got her home after a couple of days but she was starting to suffer. I could not put her through this. Our lovely vet again came out, at 3am and Arwen died in my arms in the sitting room. Again Amber was with her. If the time is right and they are suffering then it is the best thing you can do, your last act of kindness. Don't prolong it for want of feeling guilty. Time heals and the good memories will outweigh the sad ones. I don't envy you, it is the hardest part of owning and loving a pet. Take care xx

Run free at the bridge sweet Albert. At least there will be no pain any more. At times I am ashamed of being human when people can allow such suffering. Other times I thank the angels who come to their assistance, even though up against it. The battle goes on...

It seems to have been a good start to the year for Labrador Welfare at least. The following dogs are now reserved for adoption Jake - he has been waiting so long so hopefully he is shortly off to his forever home - reserved Marley - reserved Harry - reserved Ozzie - reserved The three below dogs are still available and looking for their forever homes. For further details please visit http://www.labradorwelfare.org and contact June Roberts 0114 2661756 after completing an online adoption form if interested. Barney black male 3 years Grit black neutered male aged 8 years looking for a foster home (see site for further details) Jo black female neutered bitch aged 7 years

Hi Dullas Thank you for your post. If you visit http://www.labradorwelfare.org, then click on Adopting a Dog then click on general rehoming (adoption) the application form is at the bottom of the page. Scroll down and do not open the PDF as you are unable to complete this via computer. Go further down to the bit that reads: "If you have access to MS Word you can get a copy of the form in DOC format by clicking here. You can then attach the completed form to an e-mail and send it to us at Application For Re-Homing. (The subject line of the message has been set for your convenience!)" there are two links here, one for the application form and the other which opens an email to attach the application form and send to Labrador Welfare. Please mention Sheffield Forum when making contact and let us know how you get on, thank you for considering rehoming a dog Hopefully you will get sorted.

Absolutely thrilled all back home safe and well. Some tlc, food and a good rest will soon get Bella back to normal.

Listed below is the current overview of labradors awaiting their forever homes with Labrador Welfare. Further details can be obtained from http://www.labradorwelfare.org. Interested parties will need to have completed one of the online application forms from the site: Jake, is unfortunately still awaiting his forever home. A gorgeous chocolate neutered male aged 4 years when he arrived last August. Let's find this super boy a home soon There is really nothing wrong with this boy and he does not deserve to be overlooked. Marley, black male, aged 18 months Harry, black male aged 5-6 years Ozzie, black neutered male aged 3 years Barney, black male 3 years Grit, black neutered male aged 8 years looking for a foster home (see site for further details) Jo, black female neutered bitch aged 7 years I can also confirm that Jimmy has now gone to his forever home, and Bruce (the labrador shrunk in the wash) has been reserved.

Unfortunately I still cannot see her as lost on Doglost. It really is an excellent site, and will greatly assist getting Bella back. Please take a look at it and update them. There are so many people that may look on this site as dog lovers and not think of looking on Sheffield Forum.

Let's hope you can get Bella back soon as well. Good news you have managed locate your boy

I think it is a lovely thought. Our vets do similar, we even get them when the rats, gerbils, degus go to the bridge.