Hey "ya'll",
Don't know if you remember me or not, it's been way too long since I came on. Things get busy, and surviving life has taken precedence over internet down time!

So, in case anyone's interested... I got a weekend extra money kinda job cleaning beach houses and condos. It has occurred to me during these cleanings that if one were to be unfortunate enough to be on a tourist trap island like the Emerald Isle (NC) when Z-DAY hits..... you're gonna have a hard time making it. Especially if the bridges are blown and you're stuck trying to live off of fully stocked bars and convenience store foods! For this reason alone, I have concluded that I really need to get together a car emergency kit!

Next, having been a stay at home mum for nearly four years now, I had forgotten how annoying most people can be. A girl in particular feels the need to say "YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN" after nearly every. single.sentence. You know what I mean? However, this is not just a random rant. I have learned a valuable skill that will be applicable in ANY survival situation. **Keep Your Cool**

And finally, remember that puppy I was asking about? What kind I should get and what not? Well, after learning the the German Shepherd's nickname is "German-Shedder"..... I decided to go with my long desired....... doberman.
His name is Niko.






FINALLY,
I know I can't contribute much to the gear/tech aspect of these forums, but hope ya welcome me back for my perspective on things!

Take care!

Welcome back, Krista.

Niko is a doll!

And yes, a car emergency kit is a wise idea. Especially when you're traipsing back and forth to an island.

What are you planning on putting in it?

Glad to see you back. Your puppy is darling. I second Dagney on the car emergency kit. I carry one in my suv for me and my two Dobermans.

Dobe puppies are very susceptible to Parvo so make sure you get Niko to a good vet and started on puppy shots. I get mine out for socialization before the series of puppy shots are completed but I do use caution to avoid places frequented by lots of dogs like parks or pet stores. Lots of puppy socialization is very important with this breed.

Best of luck.

Welcome ... like ... it's cool ... you know what I mean.

I worked for a vet for 12 yrs and only met one psycho-Dobe, the others were jewels. I don't know what they're breeding them like now, but with care, he should be fine.

+1 on those vaccinations! Dobes and Rotties are both very susceptible to parvo. And don't forget the microchip AND the collar.

He's as cute as a bug's ear!

Sue

He's a cutey - I'll Nth - almost ever dobie I've met has been a sweet dog

Thanks everyone! Niko is scheduled for his second shots and microchipping on May 5th, so those preparations are ready to go!

Now, as for the car kit.... here is what I already carry in my car:

-bungee cords/tie downs
-flares
-basic tools (screwdrivers, ratchet, wrench, etc
-flashlight (and extra batteries)
-wet wipes and hand sanitizer
-first aid kit
-atlas
-trash bags (a necessity with so many kids and activities, lol!)
and of course, if I happen to be cleaning, lol, I'll have a bunch of cleaning supplies!

Here is what I think I should add:

*small knife (like a pocket knife or something)
*some water and food items (granola bars, small tuna cans, crackers?)
*small bag dog food (in case the pups are with me when Im stranded on the island!)
*tylenol, ibuprofen (I always have a headache, not sure why i don't ALREADY have these in the car!)
*blanket (for those rare chilly days)

So, how's that sound to start? I'd like to keep supplies contained in a decent sized plastic bin. I have lots of room in my mom-mobile (i.e. minivan)... but I don't want to have to take stuff out to make room when we go to do family things.

oh and rebwa, i have already started him with socialization (safely). Like you said, its best to avoid other dogs cause you can never tell if they're UTD on their shots. We have been walking around my house, and he has met the neighbors and the mailman so far!

Are you telling me your dog actually LIKES the mail man. This would likley be a first, since they are natural born enemies. Right??? JK JK JK JK JK. But Seriously Nico is a real cutie. You are blessed to have my dream dog. Heck, yall are blessed to have a dog at all. I want a dog soooooo bad but with 6 kids in the house and 4 of them under 10 it is banned by Mom and Dad for now.:( *sniffs*
adventureboy

Congratulations on the new pup, he is a cutie. I know it is traditional in many circles to crop the ears and dock the tail of this breed, but my personal feeling is they look a whole lot better untouched.

When I was in school (eons ago) two of our professors both had Dobermans as pets, which were always around the school (this was Vet Tech School, so it was not uncommon for dogs to be running around the building). One was a sweetheart, he would “smile” whenever he met you at the door, the other was not quite so friendly. It always gave you pause whenever you were approached by one, not being quite sure which one was greeting you until you got the “smile” and not the growl.

Pete

paramedic- thanks. niko's tail was already done when I got him, but I have NO plans of chopping off his adorable ears!

sadly, Nico's picture showed up on my PSP but not my computer! he really is cute!

And now for the kit for the pup:

Recent photos
Copy of vaccinations, esp rabies
Car harness that attaches to seatbelt
Food & treats
Water
Collar & tags, one with vet info*
Leash & steel aircraft cable tie-out (non-chewable)
1 or 2 bowls (some are collapsible)
Box of cheap (non-zip) plastic bags for waste collection
Roll of paper towels
Blankie
Toys
Maybe tarp for shelter

Pet First Aid kit (talk to your vet for meds)
Gauze pads
Stretchy-sticky bandaging tape (cheaper at farm supply?)
Q-tips
Antiseptic wipes
Tweezers and scissors
Disposable gloves

*I think most vets will take in ID’d pets when brought in by strangers, but leaving a document in their files that says you WILL pay the bill might be a good thing; also give permission to euthanize if needed).

Sue

thank you susan! Lots of stuff I didn't think of in there. I'm wondering, what if he gets lost and hurt and a stranger does take him to a vet, but not a vet I've seen before? Can you make notes in the microchipping records that indicate that i WILL pay for expenses for any treatment he needs? That seems like the most practical way to ensure he gets treated if separated from me...

"... what if he gets lost and hurt and a stranger does take him to a vet, but not a vet I've seen before?"

I don't know if you can add notes to your microchip service (usually AVID or HomeAgain), but you could call to ask. It might be easier to have info engraved on a steel collar tag (NOT aluminum or other soft metal that could wear off) that you're good for the bill... "injury bills guaranteed" or something? That also might be an impetus for a kind finder that is hesitating taking the dog in, in fear they might be stuck with a big bill. And there are still a few vet clinics that haven't invested in the the chip scanners, not many, but some.

Another way might be to have a out-of-area relative's (same last name, preferably) phone number on the tag for alternate contact, and brief them on what to say. Have them guarantee payment, even though you'll be the one to pay.

Also make sure you understand how the chip system functions, and what you should do if he is lost or stolen. I know you can call AVID and have the dog's number flagged LOST or STOLEN, but I don't know if anything else.

Sue

I keep a printed copy of this with my human and dog FAK in the SUV. The normal values chart is very handy to have with you. If you're ever on the phone with a vet in an emergency situation they will be asking you for the values. If you have any questions most vets will be happy to help you with looking at normal cap refill times etc, when your puppy is in for shots.


http://www.k9forensic.org/k9firstaid.html

I keep it folded and inside this human FAK book. This book came with a FAK but you can get the book alone. It's one of the better emergency FAK books I've found. I highly recommend the Adventure Medical FAK.

http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/prod...avel%20Medicine

thanks so much for that link rebwa! definitely looks super useful. yet another item to add to my "to print" list, lol.