This page was last updated on: March 22, 2008
Comments from Weim owners
used with permission....
Dangers are lurching about....
Breeder's Note: There are many dangers to your Weim's well being. These dangers are varied and at times are surprisingly quick to happen. We all worry about genetics and breeding a healthy pup but there are other factors in your pet's health. We all know a quality diet, exercise (the right kind for the age of the pup), and training are vital. Did you know hip dysplasia can happen due to diet and too much exercise for a young growing pup? Sometimes in our zeal to do everything the right way we can actually create a problem. Behavior problems have been created by well meaning owners who take two weeks off from work and spend every waking moment playing, training, and helping their pup adjust. Then they return to work (maybe even schedule breaks with the pup) but nonetheless the pup suddenly freaks out and and becomes destructive. The trainer or Vet says it is separation anxiety. We regret to say, this type of separation anxiety was created by a well meaning human that loved the pup so much they made them totally dependent. This can happen so quickly. There are other dangers as well: Bloat, Poisoning, eating something that gets lodged in the intestine, and the list goes on and on. Here are some links that will help you avoid the more common dangers and keep your new puppy or adult Weim safer:
- Socialization (sorry there no link at this time)
The Greatest Danger
Your Weim Faces
Is human error!!
Note: Keep in mind, a Weim does not mature like a child who grows into an adult. They are child-like all their life. Yes, they are trained and become easier to handle, however, you cannot totally trust a Weim. You cannot trust they will always do what they have been trained to do. Failing to understand that a well trained Weim can suddenly without notice take off because they smell or see something can cost you your friend's life. Please limit your risk. If there is a road nearby, remember your Weim might see something on the other side and take off without thought to an on-coming vehicle. It is simply in their nature. Remember this has happened to people who train Weims, Show Weims, and are experienced Weim owners. Please don't think you are exempt!
We get a lot of notes from persons who have experienced this heartache. Here are a few of the notes. Names have been changed (or withheld) for the obvious reason. They share their heartache with you as a warning!
Hi Cliff and Shela,
I want to report some devastating news from our family. On 12/30 Buddy, Dolly, and I arrived home and were walking into the house…Buddy must have smelled or heard something in the woods because he took off. I put on my snow boots and walked around to all of our neighbor’s houses calling for him. One of the neighbors said they saw him sprinting toward the highway. So I got in the car to look for him, I found him on the highway about a mile away. He had been hit by a car and by the time I got to him he was curled up like he was sleeping but unfortunately he had already passed away. He was missing for about an hour and was wearing his collar with name and phone # but no one called. I have no idea where he was going or what he was doing, he had never done anything like that before.
Buddy wasn’t like a child to us, he was our child so coming to terms with him being gone has been really tough and almost unbearable. We know he had a good life however I can’t help but feel like we let him down. We are realizing even more now, how much we truly love him and how much he will always be apart of our lives.
Dolly has been her usual self bouncing all over the place and we know it’s such a blessing have her. She has always had trouble being alone, so this will be a huge adjustment for her. Our goal now is to make sure she’s happy and has the best life possible.
Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, giving us Buddy and Dolly has truly changed our lives.
Bob & Jean--Idaho -- December 2008
My weim (Gus) was killed a month ago when for no reason he ran into the road and was killed by an on-coming instantly. He was one of the best dogs I have ever had. I have had labs forever, and am now a weim fan. It has taken me this long to get serious about finding another to try to replace Gus.......what do you have available?
Bill -- Western Washington -- Sept 2007
Dear Shela,
I am desperately seeking a Weim to fill a void left by my Pearl. I cannot tell you how devestated I was to carry her back to the house in my arms. I rushed her to the Vet but there was not saving her. The accident happened when we were playing behind our home in the woods. She and my other dog Skipper were running full force like they always do. Skipper bumped Pearl into a tree and I knew something was dreadfully wrong instantly. As I said, there was no saving her. I know I cannot live without another wonderful Weim. Pearl cannot be replaced either. Can you help me out?
David -- Northwest Canada -- November 2007
Shela,
I am writing to tell you about a terrible accident that occurred on Christmas Eve. Sugar and I were heading for our annual family event. As you can guess down south the temps are much warmer and I had the window down. Sugar and I ride around town like this all the time. This night was different and it is a Christmas Eve I will always remember. Suddenly Sugar dove out the window of the car. I pulled over and ran back................she had toppled down the bank. Her leg was broken and she was bruised and scraped but she is recovering. I will never drive with the window down again unless she is securely fastened in the car. I am licking my wounds too. I love Sugar and as you know I have spent a great deal of time training her. She is the best dog we have ever had. I don't want to lose her. I just wanted you to know what happened. I am sorry I will take better care of this baby you entrusted into my care.
Debbie -- December 2005
Breeder's Comments: We are saddened whenever we receive a note like this about the untimely loss of a Weim or even a serious accident. We urge you to make wise decisions. Remember the hunt instinct is always there. These are only a very few of the inquiries and comments from people who have contacted us about getting a Weim or about the tragedy of losing an OwyheeStar Weim.
All of these Weims happened outdoors, but keep in the mind the bag of grapes or raisins sitting on your counter is equally lethal in many cases. There are other common food items, plants, chemicals, and objects around our homes that can be lethal. Sometimes we simply forget these items that we commonly use or eat are not safe for our beloved Weims.
Imagine Your
Picture
Here
You are the greatest danger your pup faces....
