I have been reading some of the responses and comments in this thread, and went back and re-read some of the exchanges I have had with posters on the board.

Interesting. Comforting, almost. In general - civility. Occasionally - passionate disagreements. Often - insightful counter positions. Usually - support and genuine interest.

There have been a few tougher moments but in more than one instance I managed to chew on my own foot while trying to make a questionable point. And when you're being a dope you should expect to be called on it.

More than a few very generous people post here. Candid, experienced, straight-forward comments.

I'm grateful for the information freely shared, the general grace associated with a response, the willingness to go the extra mile... And I appreciate the contrasting opinions and positions because on more than one occasion I have been nudged - some times not so gently - into reconsidering my own probably misinformed opinion.

And I appreciate the moderators, and Mr. Frawley for providing the forum in the first place. The tone starts at the top.

I certainly have not had enough cofee this morning.

I've often thought it odd, but it's true, but this is the forum (and now the only dog forum I visit) where I can expose all the warts and mistakes I make, and despite it all being under my real name, I'm comfortable posting all that here, and there are boards I used to be on where I would never have felt comfortable, even with anonymity.

I don't even like to think where I'd be without the great advice and support I get from all you guys!

This forum is the only real forum I know.

a year ago I knew nothing, came on here, and connie and ed showed me the ropes.
Now phoenix is 1 1/2 years old and doing agilty, got her therapy dog.
And bruiser does agilty also.

they are on the best diet for them.
And they are spoiled in a good dog way.

I learned that i wanted to be a vet tech and have done that.
And made goals for my dogs. Because of this forum.

A year ago I did not even think about really training much less goals and things for them and me.

And I got the support and help I needed from people across the board when Ike hit us hard.

Thank you Leerburg.

I have found myself and my dogs on this site.

 Quote: randy allen

We're all great Americans here.
Randy

and Candian's . I know we're a small group, but we do linger here.

I personally think that it has to do with maturity level of the group of people on here.

Not too many teenager's here that post ridiculous questions or ridiculous answer's.

I agree; it's a very supportive place. I came here after making some serious mistakes raising my puppy, causing some serious problems, and I received nothing but support and encouragment. I am merely a pet owner, but no one ever made me feel like the incompetent clod I sure felt like. My dog's behavioral issues, while not forgotten or downplayed, are pretty much a thing of the past. I got a challenging dog; one that was really too much for me and my level of knowledge to handle, but armed with great advice and info here, I was able to turn things around for the better. I am forever greatful.

Stephanie,

I have to say, it has been great to watch you grow and learn with your dogs.

You have been through so much and have hung in there through it all. I commend you for that and you are doing a great job!!

I do have to say though a friend of mine got blasted here. She`s always polite, has been a dog person for years, has great dogs that do well in agility. I don`t remember if it was training methods or what.

Her dogs name is not "Chaos" is it?

 Quote: carol boche

Her dogs name is not "Chaos" is it?

Don't start now.

 Quote: howard knauf

 Quote: carol boche

Her dogs name is not "Chaos" is it?

Don't start now.

<sigh>....okay...

I was just wondering....I promise.