would like to see your 2013 garden

[canesisters]

Digit... NOPE to the "rescue dogs" ... most have too many "issues" to deal with and many will destroy / urinate/ chew up one's home, furniture, carpet, doors, kitchen cabinets, pantry goods , and / or yard ( dig huge holes ) and chew on fences. Many have health issues that will command HUGE Vet bills. If one cares little for one's property or blind to the dammage and have deep pockets for repairs and Vet bills, go for it !

My experience has been just the opposite.
I had a pure bred boxer. She was constantly at the vet for skin, ears, eyes, urinary problems - that caused her to be incontent - and a host of other things. At the same time I had a rottie/husky who was picked up at a dumpster where he had been shot and left for dead when he was about 5months old. Although both were wonderful and well behaved dogs, the mix was the most intelligent and obedient dog I have ever had. Even to the point when hed be panting and dripping I could say something like Frankie, youre dripping again and he would lick his lips and sit there with his mouth almost closed (now.. WHO could teach a dog that??)
Right now I have a pure bred lab that came to live with me when my sister in law had to move. When she came to live here I already had 2 other dogs who had been living here in doggy/person harmony for years (one from a shelter, one from the side of the road). She has taught my rescue dogs to dig holes in the yard, go after food on the counters, jump on people and a host of other annoying things that didnt exist prior to the arrival of her pure-bred butt. We are all working very hard to educate her on the merits of civilized behavior.. and to remind the other two of their previous manners.
Proper training is the key to a good dog. It has NOTHING to do with the dogs parentage.

I say go for the free rescue dog. Treat it like you paid $1000 for it and it will be a great dog.

 

[thistlebloom]

It's just that pound dogs are an unknown quantity Steve. It's a gamble any time you get a new dog IMO.

I have had exceptional good fortune the last two times I've got a new dog. They were both one year old and came from nice homes. In both cases they were well adjusted but unnecessary as working dogs in the homes they were in.

Wren is completely house trained and trustworthy, although she is mostly an outside dog (actually they both are except in the winter ). Gator will stay on his bed in the house and not twitch until you ask him to, but I don't trust his potty habits enough to leave him inside all night.

Wren is scary smart and totally wanting to please. I haven't had to clean a pile off the lawn for years. Gator has always done his business in the woods, and once Wren saw that I was mildly displeased with her "gift" she now follows Gators example.

I think a dog would be a good garden companion for you, a buddy to travel with when you check all your gardens.
If you took your time and watched for a dog that had a good situation but due to unforeseen circumstances needed a new home I think you could do well.

 

[lesa]

I have had wonderful dogs that were rescue dogs. Around here the only dogs in the Humane Society are pitbulls. I guess that is the one dog I wouldn't be brave enough to rescue...though I know, many of them are fabulous animals. One of the main pluses of a rescue dog- is that usually they are not puppies. So, all the problems associated with puppies are pretty much missing. I had a Great Dane from the pound, a Doberman rescue, and now have a Japanese Chin,and a Pekingese both rescues. If there is a particular breed of dog you are interested- chances are there is a breed rescue for that type of dog. Was it Barbara Woodhouse who said, "there is no such thing as a bad dog?"

 

[seedcorn]

Then Barbara is wrong...........I've known a few bad dogs. There are too many inbred pure breds that should not be saved.

 

[journey11]

There may be such a thing as a bad dog, but more often than not, it's the owner who is to blame....IMO.

People often choose a dog based on its looks or out of sympathy for its plight, without taking into account whether or not they are able to fulfill the dog's needs for exercise or a breed's working traits. Puppies need so much exercise that some more sedentary (or too busy) people would be better off choosing an older dog. It's very important to take into account with any dog you are considering adopting whether or not your family's lifestyle fits that dog's needs. Some dogs also have baggage: insecurities, nervousness or are overly territorial and need stronger leadership with firm routine and expectations. You should always ask the shelter to let you take a potential dog for a nice, long walk before you make up your mind. You can tell a lot more about a dog's disposition while on that walk. Don't let your emotions get in the way. Dogs are not emotional, and in the long run it's better for all involved if you take an objective and practical approach.

On to the topic, I did get a chance to snap a few photos of my garden yesterday, as it is finally coming along. I've got to get going for now, but I'll come back and post them later! :tools

 

[NwMtGardener]

Well i guess i have to chime in on the dog conversation! We've had a ton of adopted mixed breed dogs (and at least one adopted that i suspect was pure chocolate lab), as well as fosters from a variety of situations. We have had a few challenges, but there are always solutions if you're willing to look for them. For instance, if a dog seems destructive, i wouldn't give them the opportunity to tear up my house...with proper crate training and a positive experience for the dog while in the crate, everyone is happy! As far as health issues, any dog whether pure bred or mixed breed can have issues, just like people!!

We adopted our most recent dog 2 months after reading a description of his PERSONALITY from his foster mom, not based on a picture or how he was acting in a kennel. I wish more shelters would take this approach, because i'm sure it would lead to better matches. He has been a perfect fit with us and our other dog

Steve, i think it would be helpful to write down the qualities that Garbanzo has that you and your wife enjoy...go at it like you're shopping for a tree, or something that's a long term commitment in the garden! What's your zone, is it sun or shade, do i want an evergreen or deciduous... Then talk to someone who knows the dog WELL, not just in the shelter environment. you'll have a much better chance of success!!

 

[majorcatfish]

back to garden pictures..
while at work today the dw went out and trimmed the basil plants
she dried some and turned some into pesto patties and froze them



the leafs in the dryer are not that yellow, they are dark green....

 

[seedcorn]

I know, off subject, have to ask. What does your pesto taste like? Every time I make it, I get a anise flavor-hate anise.

 

[majorcatfish]

I know, off subject, have to ask. What does your pesto taste like? Every time I make it, I get a anise flavor-hate anise.

since the dw is allergic to nuts, there are no pine nuts in it.
all she added was basil,fresh garlic and olive oil ran thought the food processor and froze it, also she did not add the parmesan cheese, will add that when we use it..

allergic to nuts wonder why she married me then..?

 

[the1honeycomb]

Digit... NOPE to the "rescue dogs" ... most have too many "issues" to deal with and many will destroy / urinate/ chew up one's home, furniture, carpet, doors, kitchen cabinets, pantry goods , and / or yard ( dig huge holes ) and chew on fences. Many have health issues that will command HUGE Vet bills. If one cares little for one's property or blind to the dammage and have deep pockets for repairs and Vet bills, go for it !

NOt all rescue dogs are like that!! I have 2 rescue dogs and they are the best behaved dogs!! they are loving and take good care of me and my family