Oscar and Julie

OWNER  Julie and Andy

LIVES  Barrow

FAMILY NAMES AND AGES Patrick, aged 10 yrs

DOG NAME Oscar

BREED Shih tzu

 AGE 1 year

 DID YOU HAVE DOGS WHILST GROWING UP?

Yes.  I had a lab cross who was called Blackie. He was quite soft as labs go.  Then we had Bramble, he was an Alsation Cross Collie.  My dad got him when I was on the verge of leaving home.  Then my dad got very ill we had to rehome bramble to someone at Seascale who had lots of room to exercise him.  He was also an ex police dog handler.  When my dad died for company for my mam we got  max was a lab gundog, he was a big dog, he looked scary but he was soft.  He carried teddy bears everywhere.  He was about 13 when he died.

WHY DID YOU GET A DOG?

It was more of an impulse.  I had thought about it for years and thought I couldn’t as I work full time.  Then I saw Oscar and how he was living, I could not leave him there!

DID EVERYBODY IN THE FAMILY WANT A DOG?

Andy did not initially think of having a dog, but then met Oscar and wanted him.  He could not leave them there either.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOG/S?

6 months

WHERE DID HE/SHE COME FROM  

We got him from a house in Ormsgill, he was there because in the previous home he was being picked on.

WAS YOUR DOG A RESCUE 

He was rescue from the previous owner.  He was used for breeding, but because they could not breed from him because of his hernia, they just rid of him.  We think he has been through something as well as he was scared of big men.  He came with a jaw injury, which means his bottom jaw and teeth are not quite lined.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT SPECIFIC BREEDS THAT ARE TARGETED AS DANGEROUS?

(Julie)There is no such thing as dangerous dog but dangerous owners. Its owners that don’t have respect for their animal.  I would not leave my child alone with any dog.

(Andy) They can’t be trusted.  The chavy dogs that are used for fighting are not to be trusted.

IS HAVING A DOG HOW YOU IMAGINED IT TO BE?

He is easier than I thought he would be.  Once you are in a routine he is fine.  He is a good dog.

HAVE YOU HAD DOGS BEFORE?

(Andy) I had Gismo, he was a King Charles Spaniel, he died of cancer at 10 years old.  Then just cats.

WHAT ISSUES (IF ANY) HAVE YOU HAD WITH YOUR DOG?

First we get him it was toilet training.  He would not tell me if he needed to go out.  He would just do it anywhere.  The other thing is treatment for fleas.  His coat is so thick it is hard to see.

HOW DID YOU CORRECT THEM?

With the toilet training.  We initially put out the puppy pads.  Moved them closer to door as we went along.  We would praise him lots.  The flea, treated the bed and coat, and tea tree cream for the rash.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER PETS?

No

HOW DOES THE DOG SPEND HER/HIS DAY?

He wakes up at 6.30am. He goes for a walk at 7am whatever the weather.  He comes back and has his breakfast.  He is picky so he often does not eat it.  Then I go to work, if Andy at work too, his parents come around to half past two and take him for a walk.  He has his bed in the kitchen and looks out of the window. At 6pm when I get home from work I will walk again.  If nice he will get a run in the field.  Then maybe a bit of play with Andy.  Teatime then bed.  He likes dogs and visits friends.

WHO GENERALLY WALKS THE DOG?

Me and I pick the poo up!

WHAT IS THEIR FAVOURITE ACTIVITY?

He loves playing tug of war on the floor.  He loves being dragged around like a mop.  He likes a walk too.

WHERE DOES HE/SHE SLEEP? 

On my bed.  Or under the bed by my pillow.          

          

WHO IS THE DOG MOSTLY FRIENDLY WITH  IN THE HOUSE?

Me.

WHAT TIME DOES HE/SHE SPEND IN THE HOME WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

All day.  He is usually always with someone.

 TELL ME A FUNNY INCIDENT INVOLVING YOUR DOG

He has come into the house after going to the toilet and had a full mouth of poo.  I told him to drop it, then onto my floor he dropped this poo.  I also have him on video barking at his own reflection in the mirror.

 WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A NEW DOG OWNER/OR PEOPLE THINKING OF HAVING A DOG?

Think long term.  Think about the cost.  Think about they are going to fit into the family.  How will they benefit the family.   Time and money has to be considered.