Mette König - 06/13/00 17:54:18

Comments: nice to see that you are doing soo much for the ESS - I have had 3 of my own - but my last dog did in oct. 99 Love from DENMARK

Howard Knoebel - 06/02/00 15:18:22 My URL:http://www.rr1.net/users/hwknoebel/molly.htm My Email:hwknoebel@rr1.net Kind of Dog (If Any): beagles

Comments: I have had three springer spaniels. They were all loving pets. I changed to beagles because of easier grooming. I recently read of Springer rage syndrome. However I don't think that was Skeeter's problem. I had my last springer euthenized because of erious health problems.

juanita - 04/16/00 04:04:08 My Email:jmandlk@.iinet.com Kind of Dog (If Any): lab x red heeler x boxer

Comments: i am very sorry to here about dogs been put down i am glad that i have a dog that is so loveable with anything and everything. keep up the good web page. needy xxxxx

Susan Rogers - 02/18/00 18:54:04 My Email:susan4kids@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): ESS

Comments: What a sweet web in memory of Skeeter! Thanks for the info :-

Ron - 01/13/00 20:43:51 My Email:feis2000@flash.net Kind of Dog (If Any): Springer spaniel

Comments: Very interested inyour story of Skeeter. My grown daughter adopted at rescued Springer for her three little girls. She is a divorsed mom of three little girls(9 yrs & twins 8)and lives with us. She remembered growing up with Springers when she was a ch ld. We are going back about 25 years. God put so much love in this breed!! However bad breeding can get you bad dogs. This is a shame because it does not due justice to these wonderful dogs. Skeeter sounds like such a dog. But remember although Skeet r was aggressive there still down deep was the ability of love in him. We had two litters of Springers. We were looking for a pup that we could continue to show and be a member of the family. The pups were great but not of the bench type we were lookin for. The dogs were vet checked and were sold to homes that we "screened" before we would let people take one of our pups. Due to the way we bred them we gauranteed the temperament (written). We let the people see mom (dad was at the home of his owner) nd touch,play and interact with her. Our pups were not sold for profit,but rather to insure they had a good home with people who really cared. the adopted Springer that now lives with us is eight years old and failing health forced her owner to give her p. She is a doll!!! I could tell when is first came into our home that she was the temperament Springers should be. She loves everybody! She is very,very intelligent and tries to please at all times. She loves the little girls and plays and takes walk with them. The more attention she gets the more she likes it. Should you have put Skeeter down!! I'm sure at times you might think to yourself that you made a mistake. Poor breeding can make a animal aggresive through inhereted genes. Correctional b havior clsses would never had corrected this flaw no matter what the so-called experts say. Mentally unblalanced dogs are a truth of life. You did the best you could for Skeeter. Sadly the deck was stacked against him. I can only say don't beat yourse f up because of having to put him down. tell people that yes you can get a good dog from backyard breeders, but your chances of getting a bad one greatly increase when you go this direction (pet shops included). Talk to the breeder,ask to see mom/dad. s the breeder doing this strictly for profit? One can tell. Should I go to a professional breeder? This is someone who is trying to continue the good blood lines and is interested in the betterment of the breed. People say these breeders charge to muc . Hardly!! People will think nothing of spending X number of dollars at a petshop for a dog of unknown heritage. For the same price and maybe having to drive farther than the shopping mall they will spend just about the same money and get so much more rom a reputable breeder. Please take the time when getting a dog. If it is from rescue as our Sadie was the rescue people are pretty good at sizing up a dog. A pup. Seea good breeder. A dog that circumstance has made homeless will give you as much lo e as any. Don't be leary of adopting. God has a special blessing for those that reach out to his creature. I know Skeeter is in doggy heaven and I hope he gets to meet our Ginger and Cinnamon who left us so many year ago.

Disney - 12/31/99 03:47:56 My URL:http://kiss.to/Disney My Email:HappyDisney@yahoo.com Kind of Dog (If Any): English Springer Spaniel

Comments: Hi Dennis, I love seeing your agility photos. Yor are very lucky to find such a loving home. Your mom must have spent a lot of time with you. I know you can't replace skeeter. But you can bring your family joyness and help them go over the pains. I am also a rescued dog. My new dad and mom love me so much that I don't want to leave them any minute. I wish you and your family a very happy new year! Love, Disney http://kiss.to/Disney

FRED the DOG - 12/30/99 19:03:52 My URL:http://www.oocities.org/petsburgh/zoo/2858 My Email:promarble@msn.com Kind of Dog (If Any): ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL

Comments: Hi Dennis & Freya, I have a buddy named Freya too but much smaller than yours- You can visit her also at www.oocities.org/heartland/lane/6544 also plesae visit my web page! FRED the DOG

Tim O'Connor - 11/01/99 22:38:51 My Email:goirish2000@mindspring Kind of Dog (If Any): english springer spaniel

Comments:

Beth Linnell - 09/29/99 16:54:26 My Email:MummyLiz@AOL.Com Kind of Dog (If Any): Had Springers, Collie

Comments: I had Springers for about 13 years. I use to show and breed them. We lost our last girl on Jan.11,1999. We have a male Collie that is two years old now. But nothing can replace my Springers.

Sue - 08/06/99 02:19:34 My Email:scs4200r6@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): English Springer Spaniel

Comments: Our Jessi is a rescue dog. We have had her for almost four years now. We got her very soon after we lost our 11 year old Springer, Sally. Both dogs are/were wonderful pets. Skeeter's story is very touching.

Dianne Kirouac - 07/30/99 01:35:22 My URL:http://www.netcolony.com/members/tanasia/dogs.html My Email:homepage@fastmail.ca Kind of Dog (If Any): Akita mix, Lhasa Apso

Comments: Hi Freya: I know how sad you must have been with Skeeter gone. You are doing an absolutely wonderful job in educating the public with your website. Keep up the excellent work. Love Gizmo & Sasha

Nancy Hamblin - 06/17/99 18:58:50 My Email:randyhamblin@email.msn.com Kind of Dog (If Any): two ESS, male and female

Comments: I've enjoyed reading your stories on ESS-L. The puppies are cute. Keep up the good work. Nancy

Françoise Allard - 03/28/99 13:33:54 My URL:http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Pointe/3135/index.html My Email:fabert@cyberglobe.net Kind of Dog (If Any): Dobermans of Course

Comments: Must have been a terrible decision but due to what was what else can you do? It is not a question of spoiling a dog or whatever. We have own dobermans for 20 years and have never seen it except once in a dog we bought and had to put him down as he was mai ing everyone and everything. We were highly critique and condemn for it (by the breeders) but in the end nothing was working and no one was helping. We didnt keep any thing that came from that male but warned all the people who had his get. Luckily no on got his tendencies so I guess it is something that just happened in a dog. It was a very painful decision and we feel for you. Love from the Fabert`s Gang, Françoise

shelley lambie - 03/16/99 04:28:09 Kind of Dog (If Any): dobermans

Comments: I have two dobys and every now and then they will have a little fight with each other. But I will never let my babies go.

Karina - 02/19/99 19:33:05 My URL:http://members.aol.com/otavis64/pi/pi.htm My Email:otavis64@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): 2 Labs; 1 Border Collie

Comments: Your writing on Skeeter was great! About 5 years ago I chose to euthanize a 1/2 Lab - 1/2 Border Collie mix for many of the same reasons you euthanized Skeeter. Yarrow gave us so many warning signs when we picked her out at the BYB's house and we just did 't have a clue what was going on. I still get emotional when I think about my choice and whether it was the right one. Part of me knows it was, but she was a great dog with my husband and I. Thanks for such a sad, but wonderful telling of Skeeter's life! It makes me feel like I'm not the only one to have dealth with such a problem.

Beth Goldsmith - 12/07/98 14:21:28 My Email:bgold@ctlnet.com Kind of Dog (If Any): none at this time

Comments: Thank you for your story about Skeeter. It has helped me deal with the grieving process of my own dog, Opie. She was so much a part of my family and loved beyond measure but she also had agressive tendancies. Although she loved to snuggle and was frequ ntly around children from an eary age, she became agressive at times. I'll not go into all the details, but making the decision to have her life ended was the most painful decision of my life. I always second guess that decision, but in my heart I know he could not be a hazard to other children or other animals any longer. She had a short life (5year) but a very good one and she knew she was loved. Thank you again for taking the initiative to share Skeeters story so others could have their difficult d cisions reaffirmed.

Charlotte - 11/26/98 20:12:20 My URL:http://www.lolli.mcmail.com My Email:lolli@mcmail.com Kind of Dog (If Any): English Springer Spaniel

Comments: Skeeter's story is very very sad. I have a 6 year old male called Archie, whose a handful, but I love him to pieces. He has his own webpage, which is currently being updated, and I am sure he would like you to come visit sometime if you can.

Laila Zvejnieks - 10/07/98 15:46:30 My Email:zvejniek@mcmaster.ca Kind of Dog (If Any): Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Terrier X

Comments: I'm terribley sorry for your loss. My Toller is aggressive in certain instances and I've had a hard time dealing with it as I've never had such a dog before. Can you tell me how to join the List - I joined the support list but can't seem to find the addr ss for the other one. Thanks.

10/04/98 10:58:34

Name: Bad Bunny	My URL: Visit Me
My Email: Email Me

Comments:
Nice page. Very informative. Keep it up.

Sharon - 09/22/98 01:17:01 My Email:vizsla@bellsouth.net Kind of Dog (If Any): vizsla & golden retriever

Comments: Your contact me button doesn't work! Neither does the "Shamans story" link on the links page. Nice site, though. I will visit again and finish reading. Thanks for posting it

Charlie - 09/04/98 02:13:49 My URL:http://www.oocities.org/heartland/ranch/7378 My Email:CBarth5632@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): Mutts

Comments: Hi, you have great a great pge. And I love the look of your site. Wonderful backgrounds and graphics. Great work.

Kay farrell - 09/03/98 23:41:38 My Email:kdobos@uia.net Kind of Dog (If Any): Doberman

Comments: Nice page but it sounds like you let her get away with a lot as a youngster(nipping the kids butts) and then your fear of her prevented you from fixing the problem as an adult. By this time her aggressiveness escalated beyond what you could handle. Shape ehavior in PUPPIES not adults!

Quark - 08/05/98 16:27:57 My URL:http://execpc.com/~heidmann My Email:mudepoz@execpc.com Kind of Dog (If Any): I don't have them, I am ONE! But I am a field bred Rescue English Springer.

Comments: I am saddened that humans do this. Indiscriminate breeding led to my pain and so many others. I don't bite, but my partner does. And humans carry SOOO many diseases. Sic 'em RED!

Nita - 07/27/98 14:02:02 My URL:http://www.gurlpages.com/rants/machita/ My Email:machita@gurlmail.com Kind of Dog (If Any): Springer/Lab mix

Comments: I admire your courage in your decision. It's a horrible, tough call and one that takes a great deal of love for your darling dog, your family, and yourself. I hope that you add another dog to your family soon. It sounds as if you have a void that may begin healing when there's a new darling in my family. My own springer mix (rescued at the age of 3 from a shelter) send you and yours cuddles and romps and kisses. Because that is what he does best. Best of luck.

Steve Page - 07/03/98 13:12:07 Kind of Dog (If Any): ESS DOG (very dominant)

Comments: I know you made a difficult decision and I applaud you. Its easy to say I know how you feel but I think I have an idea.My own ESS (Chester) is extremely dominant, if we had kids in the house we would have faced the same difficult choice. Its very confusin that a dog that can show so much affection has also hospitalised me twice. I continue my battle with no guarantees, but like yourselves I will know when I can offer no more solutions. until then I relish the good days and rightly or wrongly put the bad d ys behind me and double my efforts. I wouldnt want a dog without a personality but I can't punish Chester for not understanding the parts of his that don't suit me. For anyone who has similar problems (I know there are lots) . Chester is now 5 years old nd has been difficult from 12 weeks, I have had tremendous successes and almighty set backs, I have nearly had to throw in the towel numerous times, if you are willing to put in the hard work and only yourselves are at risk go for it. the rewards can be g eat. But if the risk encompasses anybody else think long and hard. Quality of life applies to you as well as your dog. Best Wishes Steve

andy & alice - 07/02/98 22:19:25 My Email:andytea.@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): 2 springers

Comments: A VERY SAD STORY We have a problem with cindy a 10 year old,who came from ssp rescue when she was 6yrs old.she was skin and bone when she came and was very frightened and nervous. she is aggressive through fear and I think she has a mental problem aswell. We are facing a similar problem.

Louise Larabie - 06/30/98 11:56:56 My Email:llarabie@arnprior.com Kind of Dog (If Any): North American Shepherd

Comments: Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. The only thing it to help prevent others from this pain of having an aggressive dog. I had problems with my puppy and she looked dog aggressive, barked a lot and jumped at them, till let loose, then was submissi e and peeing a lot. If I had miss manage this I am sure she would have excalated to fighting dog. She was also inattentive, scratched a lot and had dry eye. She was also very afraid of new things and loud noises. I thought of allergies and thyroid problems and knew I had had these problems and I got rid of them with change in diet and vitamins. Had an older dog on food combining and he got better (arthritis) No kibble that combines meat and starches. So this tim went looking on the net for food combining for dogs. Got hold of Ian Billinghurst diet of RAW meaty bones and Raw veggies and fruit. Well in 4 DAYS there was a marked improvement and in 2 WEEKS she is a calm wondeful normal dog. Well some slight scarc ing yet when she is wearing her harness but well in the normal range. Would your put a link to Billinghurst diet as perhaps a place where someone might run accross it as a possible solution to less aggession. I was very lucky that I came accross it and would like to share it with others. Really it is the only way I would feed my puppy or dog. Please contact me if you want any more information.

- 06/30/98 03:58:07

Comments:

Maggie B. - 06/29/98 05:03:03 My Email:maggieb@msmisp.com Kind of Dog (If Any): Doberman Pinschers

Comments: I went to your site from the Doberworld List. I was touched by Skeeter's story. I have been there. Not in exactly the same way, but I have been there. I have done Rescue for 30 years. I have held in my arms many agressive dogs as they went to the rai bow bridge. I always hope that somehow they can know that I am trying to do the best thing I can for them. Over the years I have had some that were so wonderful in so many other ways that I kept them in spite of their problems. In many ways their lives were limited--they had to stay home, they could not meet guests or play with other dogs--but I like to think their lives were good. I no longer do this--keep agressive dogs, as there are too many dogs without this kind of problem in need of homes. So many times dogs like this lead lives of neglect, abuse and torment. Skeeter was lucky to have been yours, and your decision was the right one. Sometimes we can help them, sometimes we can't. Sometimes a kind and loving touch to ease them into the la t sleep is the best and kindest thing we can do for them. Yes, we hurt and suffer when we do this, but remember, they do not. They are at peace. Your site and the information that you offer there, in her memory, will help others--both dogs and people. Nothing will make you feel better now, but as time passes and your pain eases, know that you did well. What might Skeeter's life had been had you not been there? My heaart aches for you. Maggie

Riki Hoedl - 06/25/98 21:03:56 My Email:herwig.hoedl@kfunigraz.ac.at Kind of Dog (If Any): 3 ESS, 1 WSS

Comments: Sorry to read what happened to your girl.

Tanya Lawlor - 06/25/98 00:41:30 My Email:tlawlor@concentric.net Kind of Dog (If Any): Lab and Shep/Coyote Cross

Comments: I too have dealt with aggression (still am?), and I have been following your story with Skeeter on the list. Nancy and family, I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling right now. I can't say it gets better-it doesn't. What changes is that soon you are a le to remember the laughs and fun times more than the last day. This will come along soon-hold strong until that time. Take Care. I am thinking of you.

Louise & Moet - 06/24/98 21:02:30 My URL:http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Pointe/1452 My Email:lfperry@capecod.net Kind of Dog (If Any): Fawn Doberman

Comments: We are so sorry to hear about Skeeter. It was a very hard decision that you made. We hope you and your family can revel in the good times and keep those memories alive. Our thoughts are with you.

Christi Cooper - 06/24/98 20:42:39 My Email:Levody@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): English Springer Spaniels

Comments: Thank you Nancy and Skeeter for openly discussing a very difficult topic. To live with an aggressive dog is hard, at best. Heartbreaking is more like it. You were kind to her Nancy - right up to the end. Again - thank you.

Susan - 06/20/98 23:10:18 My Email:ssharpe@coolsky.com Kind of Dog (If Any): German Shephers

Comments: Trained dogs for 15 years and now seening more aggression. Although lately I am been receivenig requests to work with aggressive dogs and I really need to learn more about methods for the aggressive dog. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

Mary Fillerup - 06/20/98 00:38:04 My Email:mfiller@pacbell.net Kind of Dog (If Any): Australian Shepherds

Comments: Nancy, I've "known" you via e-mail lists for some months and jumped at the chance to join your support list. Thanks for being there for us!

Linda Valentino - 06/19/98 22:16:35 My Email:joslinv@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): English Springer Spaniels

Comments: Great page. Since we are some of the same dog e-mail lists, it's neat to be able to put a face to the names.

Lila Borge Wills - 06/18/98 19:02:39 My Email:lborge@vt.edu Kind of Dog (If Any): mutt rescue; english mastiff rescue

Comments: Hello, Someone just sent me your page address and I think it is great! I do all sorts of rescue though the main aggression I have seen has been with some Old English Mastiff rescues that haven't been taken care of. I am trying to learn the best types of training to give these creatures a chance at life. At the moment, I don't have any aggressive dogs, though would love to join the page to hear about other peoples stories/suggestions/experiences. Thank you... Lila Borge Wills SW Virginia

Jeri (Lady Rhiannon) - 06/18/98 03:46:42 My Email:dziabuda@ismi.net Kind of Dog (If Any): German Shepherd

Comments: I saw your link on the the message board and just had to check it out! Best of luck with Skeeter, she seems like a wonderful dog. I am sure that you will figure this out :) Our dog,Sophie, is 5 and a half months and the first dog I have raised from a small puppy. We got her at 6 weeks. It has been such a learning experience and my own collection of training books is beginning to grow!

Pat Carney - 06/17/98 11:00:10 My URL:http://members.aol.com/LocarBrits/ My Email:LocarBrits@aol.com Kind of Dog (If Any): Brittanys

Comments: Good luck with Skeeter. We were at one time given a beautiful adult springer as a gift because the owners couldn't keep him. We were told he had been trained as a guard dog. Wrong thing to do with that dog. He lasted a week at our house and we put him down. He had an extremely severe agression problem. Attacked a kid in our back yard (no damage done thank God). It sounds like you have Skeeter's best interests at heart and that his problem is no where near as bad as ours was. The reason I am writing is I'm interested in why you have the information on foxtails on your page. We have a lot of problem with the field Brittanys in our breed getting into serious life threatening trouble that in some cases the exact cause is never d scovered and the animal dies. I prominent vet in our breed that has helped save many a Britt believe that the problem comes from the hay we bed our trial dogs down with. It is prevalent out west and my trainer (from the east) has started traveling furth r west to the nationals now and he has started getting in trouble with some of his dogs. Foxtail could be the cause of possibly some of the problems. Would be interested in anything else you have on this or maybe you could point me in the same direction you went to find out about it. Thanks, Pat Carney Locar Brittanys

Lynn, Anne & Barb Dorsay - 06/16/98 23:31:31 My URL:http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Prairie/2674/index.htm My Email:Bondir@msn.com Kind of Dog (If Any): English Springer Spaniels

Comments: Nice site with lots of good information available!

me - 06/15/98 20:07:07 My Email:testitout@nowhere.com Kind of Dog (If Any): all kinds

Comments: hmmm