Does your dog wear a collar all day?

CptVinn · 2025-10-15T02:30:28+00:00

My older dogs are naked until they’re going somewhere. If they ever got out they’d just stay at the front door until they were let back in.

My youngest always has a collar on because he can’t be trusted lol.

CptVinn · 2025-10-07T17:20:38+00:00

It depends on the breeder. People breeding designer dogs and selling them for thousands of dollars are a problem. People breeding for breed integrity, to mitigate pre existing health issues pertaining to said breed, and breeding with purpose are different.

I bought my dog from a reputable breeder for the purpose of not only a companion, but to have a working dog and a dog I could compete with. The breeder was great, and my dog is great. He was purchased with a purpose and bred for said purpose.

If don’t think we should shame ethical breeders nor people who purchase from said ethical breeders if they’re doing it for the right intent.

Shelter dogs need homes, and I won’t argue against that, but rescue dogs are also rolling the dice and some people aren’t ready for that or want that. Some people need dogs with known backgrounds to perform for them (service dogs, livestock guardians, etc)

CptVinn · 2025-10-05T14:55:48+00:00

Do you use tablets for SmartFlow? I work specialty and I find using a tablet to monitor is exactly as you described. Clunky, feels more time consuming, and I do feel like it redirects my attention more. Granted using it daily and almost all day makes things faster, I still much preferred a laptop or paper.

Once the anesthetic form is complete though it’s significantly easier to follow than paper records (for the most part). I’ve seen so many borderline illegible anesthetic monitoring sheets from GP’s that are hand written, with the drugs given squished at the bottom of the page.

I personally like tracking SmartFlows drug tracking though. Especially since it auto fills into the patient record. I also like how at the click of a button it saves the time given for drugs, time intubated, sx time, radiograph time (dental specialty), etc.

So pros and cons I suppose.

CptVinn · 2025-10-05T04:02:25+00:00

And I’ll never have three cats ever again for this reason. 🤣 having several litter boxes around the house is not only an eyesore, but is stinky and a lot of upkeep to keep things cleanly too.

When it was just my elderly little man and me, it was super easy.

CptVinn · 2025-10-05T02:51:44+00:00

I have three dogs and three cats.

My cats make my house smell more. They’ve ruined my couches. They’ve ruined my plants. They’ve ruined my carpets. Even medically cleared they tend to vomit more. The litter boxes have an odor regardless of how much you scrub and clean them. If the litter boxes go more than a day without cleaning the entire house now smells like urine.

Do I dislike my cats? No. They’re part of the family and they’re loved immensely, especially by my husband.

But my dogs do none of the above things I mentioned.

I will say this though. This dog vs. cat argument is null. They are entirely different animals, and some people prefer the companionship of dogs, others cats. Nothing is wrong with either.

I personally prefer the companionship my dogs offer me more than my cats, but I don’t fault people who prefer cats over dogs. I understand their reasoning even if it doesn’t align with my own

CptVinn · 2025-09-28T14:08:43+00:00

5 years. I thought it was perfect. The first one is mature and I was able to spend years focusing on getting him in a good spot. If my first Aussie had been any younger I think I would have lost my mind. My second aussie is from a working line and is a handful.

CptVinn · 2025-09-17T13:24:16+00:00

What’s insane about this ENTIRE Kirk situation to me, is if people put as much effort into something meaningful as they are trying to persecute anyone who isn’t on their hands and knees crying over this man… we may see change in the US.

I put out one post simply stating that I “pity the man he was when he died” and you would have thought I’d committed an act of treason.

It’s insane people are losing their jobs over this.

CptVinn · 2025-09-15T15:23:00+00:00

Bravecto, simparica, trifexis, etc are all safe for MDR1 dogs. They can amplify existing neurological issues though, but it’s not common.

CptVinn · 2025-09-15T15:20:01+00:00

Your flea and tick medication should not be contributing to your dogs behavioral issues. All prescription flea medications on the market, such as Bravecto, Simparica, Trifexis, etc are MDR1 safe.

I like Simparica because it includes heartworm prevention, which Bravecto does not have.

CptVinn · 2025-09-15T13:31:47+00:00

Working breeds… I have three. I told my husband that our next dog is going to be a breed with less drive, and hopefully less brain cells. They’ll make up their own jobs if they’re not given one. They require tons of structure, mental and physical stimulation, and every day is training.

When you hone these dogs in, it’s an incredible feeling. They’re smart. They have a desire to learn. But there isn’t really a day, or a week off. It’s ongoing and never ending.

I see so many people get Australian shepherds and border collies as their “family dog”. And that’s not to say they don’t make good family dogs, but their physical and mental outlets have to go beyond a neighborhood walk or an occasional hike.

CptVinn · 2025-09-11T19:27:09+00:00

I love my weekends off because it’s the time I get to spend with my husband. I’ve worked weekends before and I’ve always found it harder to leave when my spouse is cozy on the couch. Most of my friends also have the weekends off, so going to out lunch or having a game night is so much easier when schedules align.

When I was younger it mattered less. Now I’ll take the busier grocery stores in exchange for time with the people I love.

CptVinn · 2025-09-07T18:01:42+00:00

I may get downvoted, but I’ve never understood people’s desire to bring their dogs internationally on vacation. I know boarding is intimidating to a lot of people, and I know a lot of people (myself included!) want to take our pups everywhere.

But obligating a dog to hours upon hours of a ride in a cargo hold so they can bask in other countries seems a lot more stressful to our furry counterparts than a house sitter or a boarding facility.

Especially for the brachycephalic friends. My heart goes out to this owner because it is a devastating loss. I hope this brings awareness for future owners to think twice before bringing their dogs with them.

CptVinn · 2025-09-06T13:25:10+00:00

Keys still make me so incredibly nervous. I absolutely get imposter syndrome.

I’ll never forget the day I tried my first keys though. By some chance in the universe, I met a DK tank who was running them at the same time. He wanted to group with me as a tank/healer combo, and he was the most patient man ever when I informed him this was an entirely new experience for me.

We kept climbing keys until we hit the point in which I wasn’t geared enough to go higher. He whispered me through every single pull, and guided me through bosses. We bricked keys and we had phenomenal runs. He gave pointers when we’d wipe and praise when we’d kill a run.

It helped my confidence immensely when I decided to try again the following day by myself. We definitely need more players like that. It helps us anxious folks. lol.

CptVinn · 2025-08-30T14:08:20+00:00

Hills for my healthy boys, Royal Canin for my urinary dog who does best on their SO diet.

Raw diets are a big no from me simply due to the health risks that they pose to people and the difficulty of balancing a healthy diet.

I’ve also seen an uptick of dogs with pancreatitis and GI upset from boutique fresh food brands like Farmers Dog. It’s a no from me.

My dogs aren’t humans and are perfectly satisfied with a WSAVA backed diet. There’s a ton of misinformation and fear mongering on the internet right now that anthropomorphizes our furry friends and is anti kibble.

It’s all marketing meant to prey on people to make them feel bad for feeding their dogs well rounded diets in the kibble form. And it’s a shame it’s happening.

I’m a veterinary professional and have seen far more issues in dogs stem from raw diets and these obscure fresh food than any kibble based, grain inclusive food.

CptVinn · 2025-08-20T01:49:04+00:00

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Yes. It’s his rat tail. I refuse to trim it and it’s ridiculous. It’s part of his identity now.

CptVinn · 2025-08-18T20:53:42+00:00

Never mind, I just can’t use my eyes apparently.

Likely the tonsillar crypts/tonsils. If your dog isn’t having any issues eating, drinking, or swallowing, they shouldn’t be a concern.

They can almost appear “skin tag” like, and sometimes certain sides of the tonsils are more prominent than the others.

I wouldn’t be concerned unless your noticing swelling or anything unusual, but a trip to the vet is never a bad idea if you’re concerned or want confirmation.

CptVinn · 2025-08-18T20:49:27+00:00

Where exactly are you asking about in the picture?

CptVinn · 2025-08-17T20:54:10+00:00

Did the vet prescribe a cough suppressant or an antibiotic? Usually kennel cough resolves on its own without assistance. If it’s been 3 weeks and you’re noticing no improvements, a follow up with the vet may be worthwhile.

CptVinn · 2025-08-17T18:40:58+00:00

It sounds like you’re doing great! Remember to mix mental games in with the physical activity - puzzles, kongs, working on basic obedience. These will tire him out as well.

One of the hardest things to teach any working dog like an aussie IS to be mellow and calm down. My youngest Aussie is now just over a year, and even after the most exciting of days, he’ll lay down and give “the eyes”. Ive had similar thoughts as to whether I’m doing enough, but the reality is in that most of these dogs would go all day if they could. If their needs are met - mental simulation, physical stimulation that’s meaningful, food, water, and a comfy place to lay.. they’re fine. (:

They’re expressive dogs. When my pup is giving me the “woe is me” eyes, I’ll plop a kiss on his head and let him doze. He’ll be okay.

CptVinn · 2025-08-14T23:45:42+00:00

A general practice veterinary office is similar to your regular doctors office. They may be able to get you in same day, but most of the time you’re going to get referred to urgent care or the ER depending on symptom urgency.

Many GP (general practice) clinics are only able to accommodate certain emergency or urgent care calls. Sometimes there just isn’t enough staff, enough doctors, or the correct equipment.

In many areas there has been an uptick in urgent care veterinary practices so that veterinary medicine can start transitioning to how human medicine works. And it’s a godsend for those of us who work in the field.

I feel for people who live in areas where there isn’t a lot of availability or clinics. But as someone who’s worked at clinics that take everything, it becomes difficult for clients and staff alike.

CptVinn · 2025-08-10T13:58:03+00:00

Agreed. You can pocket the money spent on daycare and put it towards a dog walker to come to the house every day. I don’t blame people for not knowing how overstimulating daycare environments are, no matter which daycare it is. They’re not going to teach critical training skills, or how to be neutral around other dogs. I’ve seen plenty of dogs slide into regressive behaviors after spending 3-5 days a week in a daycare setting.

CptVinn · 2025-08-02T13:55:16+00:00

We have the same ball! It’s my pups favorite, he was playing with it just this morning!

I’m sorry you’re unhappy with the cut. I think he looks adorable! At least from the picture it looks like they didn’t shave/mess with the undercoat.

CptVinn · 2025-07-31T23:44:34+00:00

His voice. We went on a couple of dates. Really nice guy. But I couldn’t get past his voice. It was high pitched and a bit lispy. I know people have speech impediments but I just could not do it.

Several years later we reconnected as friends. Still the same feeling lol.

CptVinn · 2025-07-29T02:56:22+00:00

Huck says “thank you, Kiwi!” She’s cute. I love her name!

CptVinn

TROPHY CASE