I am spending today at the vet, but for my Nature Friday contribution I've posted pictures from this week's short and rather soggy visit to Torridon. I believe that in my absence Gail has a few words to say below.
Gail here: As readers of Wednesday's post will have deduced, I have decided that Nobby, unlike my two previous dogs, would benefit from being neutered. I can't pretend that this has been an easy decision. It's been one made very much with my head not my heart, and I still worry that the operation will cause my wonderfully spirited and mischievous pup to lose some of his 'spark'. However, Nobby's favourite 'toy', Sophie Snow Leopard, with whom he has developed an increasingly intimate relationship over the past few months, will probably welcome a decrease in the amorous attentions she endures most evenings!
Other relevant factors here - I note that Nobby's father Jimbob seems to have sired half the wire-haired fox terriers in North East Scotland and with Nobby I suspect it's a case of 'a chip off the old block'. Also, at risk of posting TMI, I note that Nobby's testicles are at least twice the size of his predecessor Bertie's, and my vet friend Kirsty tells me this means twice the number of testosterone producing cells...
The scientist in me is curious to see how 'the snip' changes Nobby's behaviour, while also recognising that over the coming year he probably would have calmed down a bit anyway due to age and, of course, I'll never really know how he would have been if left intact!
we hope all things go well and nobby is back at home soon... hugs and lots of potp to youuu
ReplyDeleteSending POTP for ya, Nobby! On a side note, MJF was like Nobby in that everything needed to be 'hugged'...including our kitties, and just about any dog e met, of any size as well, BOL!! (He got the snip ast about 9 months...)
ReplyDeleteNever mind Gail, we think you're doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteCarol says that all her male dogs had the "snip" and all the females were spayed. It was so much less worry because the males certainly calmed down, and there were no more embarrassing moments! Before his little op. her first dog Sultan would "attack" anything that stood still long enough, with a particular fondness for table, chair, human legs and his bedding came in for many amorous moments too! The vet recommended that he was "done" and he certainly quietened down and became more obedient - she was finally able to let him off the lead and know he'd come back when called.
We'll be thinking about you both today and hope all goes well.
Big hugs from us when you bring him home.
Love,
Indy xx
Prayers for Nobby and for you as you wait, I know this was a hard decision and your heart is not really in it.. I did not know the info about the larger teticles. that explains our dog Joey we had when growing up. we called him the whore hound. back then, dog were yard dogs and allowed to roam and roam he did, he even once dove through at screen door into a house. Daddy nearly had a stroke on that one
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteWell, Nobby, I am sure you will feel a little lighter, later, but it's all for the good. Hugs and wags and a wee bit POTP, YAM-aunty xxx
Gail - yup, as we have discussed and Carol also observes above, you will settle with your decision on Nobby's behalf... sending hugs and wishes for it all going smoothly. Yxx
Torridon is so beautiful! My paws are crossed for you, Nobby, and we send you lots and lots of healing vibes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful area. We hope your neutering goes well and helps you with your issues. There is nothing wrong with being neutered, so your mom shouldn't feel bad about it. You will be fine and a happy fellow again in no time.
ReplyDeleteJust to relate our experience: We found no need to neuter our first Cardigan Welsh Corgi. We neutered our second cardi when he was about three (admittedly unlike Nobby), after his breeder decided she did not want to breed him; he was a mellow dog to begin with and I noticed no difference is behavior. (Of course, I didn't have a neutered and an unneutered Tali to compare:). Our third cardi, a much more serious, reactive pup, was neutered at 2, after finishing his Canadian championship, with the breeder. I had raised him and she took him back to show him. I did not see any difference in his attitude or behavior. These dogs were neutered later than Nobby, but I found each had (obviously the same personality but also) reacted to life in ways I could not distinguish from pre-neuter life. After some internal debate, I had my Standard Poodle spayed after her bone plates had closed (about 2) and she is, to my estimation, just as curious, silly, active, and busy (no weight gain, in any of my dogs) as she was prior. Perhaps too long a response from a stranger, but, in sum, I uncovered no reasons to regret my decisions.
ReplyDeleteThanks Fay, that's all rather reassuring. Cheers, Gail.
DeleteNobby - it's the price we pay for a good life with our humans. Truth be known lots of them can't produce off-spring either. Keep bouncing mate - I did - and you will still be Noble Nobby in our eyes. paw smacks Mr T
ReplyDeleteYou sure have a beautiful place to visit when you go to Torridon even if it was a bit wet when you were there. We have our paws crossed for you that your snip goes well, Nobby. Don't worry, Walter had his done many years ago and he still is as bouncy and crazy as ever.
ReplyDeleteNobby darlin' I hope by this reading you might be home resting after your snip and tuck. Your photos are quite handsome and you know I love your harness.
ReplyDeleteGail I due understand your head's reasoning especially with Kirsty's recommendation. Moving forward I expect you will find more peace of mind when you and Nobby are out and about other pups no worries aggression
Sophie may your evenings be restful
Hugs Cecilia.
What beautiful scenery Nobby...and looks like you had a lovely hike. We are thinking of you today as you recuperate!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Sunny and Rosy
From Mama...Gail, it sounds like you gave this a lot of thought and made the decision best for both you and Nobby (and that's all that matters). A side note that Arty was "snipped" and never ever ever lost any of his spirit or mischievousness! LOL
Oh Nobby ~ gorgeous walks that you take ~ scenery is wonderful ~ Getting snipped I doubt will change your personality at this stage of things ~ The spirit is strong ~ be well ~ lots of hugs to all ~ especially Nobby ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days ~
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
We are saying a little prayer for your little man.
ReplyDeleteGail, will your scientific curiosity hide Nobby's snow lepord friend for a month or two (while N's hormone levels decrease) and then return his toy to see if he still has old habits? Sending best wishes to you both.
ReplyDeleteNobby, we're pleased to hear, via Angus' blog, that your op. went well and you are now recovering.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Indy xx
Such beautiful nature shots you have here today!!! We hope things go well for Nobby and for you. All of the pups here have always been either spayed or neutered. Everyone has to make the decision that is best for them. We are sure Nobby will do very well.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
We always enjoy your wonderful scenery!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the snip, Nobby. We have to think about getting our puppy girls fixed too. There are always second thoughts, but it's for the best.
I have been away - sorry for not commenting recently. But oh what a post to come back to - made me laugh and cry and wince all at the same time We have thought too about having Oscar 'done' as they say - but decided against it for now, not least because his dad was a champion racing whippet so a number of owners have asked if he might be a stud dog (is that the term?). But I get that it's a tough choice - I was surprised to learn that the majority of male dogs are now neutered. Meanwhile best of luck to little Nobby - hope it all heals up quickly and that he forgives you too!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful pictures again, it is amazing the beauty that you and Nobby have to enjoy! And we think your decision is good for Nobby, you and poor snow leopard!
ReplyDelete