Joy we always had yard dogs but when they get 9old we keep them in guest bathroom and take the outside to do their business. Never paid for a dog just shelter fee's now it is $200 a dog to adopt then you have to jump thru hoops to adopt s dog or cat. Its worth the money because it pays for all shots plus fixing the animal. Less strays to suffer later on.
Thank ypou Beth and I will let yall know. I'm concerned about both but more so the male aka Rags. He has rapid breathing ,hope its just anxiety.
My mom wouldn't let any of our animals in the house, and I grew up in the cold UP of Michigan, although I snuck cats in my room upstairs all the time, particularly in the winter, but only one at a time. However, we did have a barn that was quite warm with a cow or two, and a bunch of horses, in it. In the coldest weather, it was warmer in the barn than in the house, I think. Plus, the cats and dogs had plenty of hay that they could burrow into. I never did like the idea of chaining a dog up in the yard, though. Ours were free to run, but that was not without the occasional complaint.
We had a couple shelters too for the cats and dogs momma kept picking up. It got out of hand so she had to stop tsking in every stray she saw.
The dogs are learning and so are we. The male always growled at his sister over food, now we put them on a leash and tell him no when he growls or tries to eat her food. He also isn't being as rough with her as before. They aren't as anxious now and not so scared. They run around the yard but love the porch.
This is great, but I'd still keep an eye on them. Dog fights can really happen over food and attention. Or, should I say, "been there, seen that".
Your right Cody and we do keep an eye on them much as possible and always at feeding time. He hasn't hurt her just intimidating her but we are working on it and he is improving more each day.
Foxie is feeling her oats ,she just dug a huge hole next to birdbath and slung a good part of it at least 15' so I had to dig with shovel instead of rake. Looks like they are settling in now, I told her no .Not time for lots of discipline but will keep closer eye on them.
She's probably so happy to be free of that chain! I'm sure they are loving being able to run around and settle in.
They sure are and he seems to be really smart. Foxie is wired so can't tell about her yet. A couple hours ago they both barked at ATVs tearing up roads,.First time they acted like they were protecting the place. Hubby and I get upset with the ATVs then remember how we were, drag racing dirt bikes. So we don't say anything. They were both really jumpy and scared but now acting like they own the place,lol.
Today started out challenging. Woke to a couple gifts on porch!  Two doggie poops. Almost diarrhea! and seems Rags forgot what he learned yesterday about being civilized. And of course, it happens on a morning of not much sleep last night. I think Foxie is the guilty one. And she put Rags in a bad mood so he bully's her. He hasn't hurt her just jumps on her and growls. We just say a firm NO and he stops.Old dog Molly is shaking after seeing the mess and seeing rags in bad mood, so she went back to her refuge in the bathroom.
So, Marie, just what does it feel like being in our age bracket and dealing with these two? I don't know about Rags, but I'd definitely watch him AND the health. I really don't that any younger or older Seniors that have big dogs. Just an FYI, "older" means early Baby Boomers (almost mid 70's) and older than them. Younger meaning, Seniors who are 55 or so. We did, but that was some 14 years ago. IOW, if a big dog jumps up on an older Senior (while that person is standing), the Senior could be pushed over and injured. Just saying.
Cody you are right about the jumping especially. That is their first lesson ,down and NO. This is also why I wanted medium size dogs too. And they are that, Rags may end up being about 60lb.s.Foxie 35 or 40. We do need dogs to warn us and protect chickens at night.
Thanks .Today is raining,and next 3 days is suppose to be storms and rain will see how they act in storms.May lose power like we do often in these storms.