Quote: David C.Frost

Does it still come in the metal bucket? They used to be excellant trading items (the bucket). Personally, I wouldn't feed S/D to a dead goat.

DFrost

I've never seen it in a bucket.

And a live goat will eat kibble, there's enough grain in it that they love it. The little bitty dab of meat in it isn't safe for the goats. What good is the stuff? Not good for goats, not good for dogs.
Just feed the goat to the dogs. Let the veterinarians eat the Science Diet.

 Quote: David C.Frost

They've been feeding Science Diet starting around '69 or '70. Before that, I can remember mixing a dry food with canned food and adding water. We put a vitamin mixture and each dog pan got a shot of ivermectin for heartworm. The rumor always was, Science Diet was the brainchild of a retired Air Force officer. Does it still come in the metal bucket? They used to be excellant trading items (the bucket). Personally, I wouldn't feed S/D to a dead goat.

DFrost

Does it come in metal bucket? Na just normal bags, we feed in a metal pan though. No more injections for heartworm just pills (not really a pill but more of a treat).

I find this absolutely appalling. Knowing this, I will never willingly allow any dog I own/sell/breed to become a MWD. I have irritated several PSD handlers by refusing to sell them a dog b/c of their food/shot protocol. There are departments waking up and feeding raw or at least grain-free, so why can't the military?

Did it ever occur to them that they might save some money by feeding better and having fewer medical bills and longer life??? Isn't it cheaper to feed one dog properly than replace it with a new one at 8 or 9 b/c it's unable to work any longer?

It wouldn't irritate me. I buy a dog, it's mine. I've never had a vendor ask me how we feed or what our immunization schedule is. We don't always have a choice on what to follow as for immunizations, since we are a state agency, we have to follow state law. Besides, if I'm buying it, the breeder/vendor is out of it. It hasn't limited me yet.

DFrost

Yes, IF you buy the dog, it's yours. If someone won't sell you the dog, it's theirs. The BS state laws are exactly why I won't sell a dog to your average dept. I do what is in the dog's best interest, and I don't give a rat's @$$ if I irritate someone along the way. I will not throw a dog into a life of eating cereal and being injected with poison. Simply will not do it.

It amazes me how shocked people are when you tell them you won't sell something to them that's listed for sale. They just assume it's like walking into a store-anything they want can be had for a price. I'm not nearly so easy to deal with. I guess it's lucky for the military and police that most vendors and/or breeders don't care about the welfare of their dogs.

Truthfully, I'd be surprised it irritates anyone in the police business. There doesn't seem to be a shortage at todays prices. Like I said, it's never been a problem with any vendors I've dealt with.

DFrost

 Quote: david c.frost

Truthfully, I'd be surprised it irritates anyone in the police business. There doesn't seem to be a shortage at todays prices. Like I said, it's never been a problem with any vendors I've dealt with.

DFrost

Be surprised all you want. It keeps you young! I know you may find this hard to believe, since you find me so easy to get along with, LOL, but I have had probably a dozen conversations the past 2 mos. w/"irritated" LEO regarding the sable in my signature. They all see his vids, and they want him. Then I ask some simple care-related questions, and tell them I will not send them the dog. They get hostile, saying "You can't do that." To which I reply "Where is the dog now?" Oh, but I CAN do that.

My point was not to start a debate over whether police officers are above getting irritated at a bratty girl who won't sell them a dog. My point was, HOW SAD IS IT THAT THESE ANIMALS ARE OUR PROTECTION, SERVE IN OUR WARS, AND WE FEED THEM SOMETHING I WOULDN'T FEED TO ANYTHING I WASN'T TRYING TO KILL? I find it equally, if not more disheartening, that so few vendors care what kind of homes their dogs end up in. "There doesn't seem to be a shortage at today's prices" SAD, SAD, SAD.

The pic Carol posted ruined my morning. These dogs give us their all; what do they get in return?

BTW, I sold that dog for less than 25% of what I was offered by a department to a forum member who will provide him with PROPER care. Someone has to look out for the dogs' best interests, and realize that they don't always coincide with making the most money.

I know for a fact that there are some departments who are realizing that the old school diet and shots just aren't the best way-economically, if nothing else. I just hope it catches on.

I did not mean to ruin anyones morning, and I really think this dog is a "demo" dog now since he is 8 or so. It is unfortunate that he was so out of shape, so I was looking for some opinions on the dog himself.
I do think they need to feed a better diet, but as far as the dogs being soldiers.....the handlers take good care of them and the dogs are recognized, IMHO, at least the dog was "well fed" and not skin and bones.

It disappointed me a bit, however, I am a dog person so I like my dogs a certain way.......and as I said earlier, the general public doesn't even know what to look for and they were all really impressed with the demo......

I totally agree, Carol. The dog looked awful. My 8 yr old looks like a 2 yr old compared to that dog. Very sad. I don't care if he's a demo or not. Every animal deserves the proper care that will allow them the best health the longest. SD isn't any part of that equation.

You didn't ruin my whole day-just the morning.

Jenni,
Not to sound harsh, but as David stated, most LEO'S, myself included, could care less if a breeder/seller didnt sell a dog to a department because of the breeders stipulations on how the dog is to be raised.
I personally would stay clear of such a breeder, as to not want to get a surprise visit from such breeder in a few months to check on said dog. I take very good care of my PSD, as well as my personal dogs, but, at the same time, I have to follow what I am asked to do by department head.
There are to many service dogs out there for sale, than to deal with the headache of some breeders..Just my opinion, and not intended to upset anyone!