Once they've been nicked, oh boy! Imagine if someone had to clip your nails, and from time to time you got cut to the quick? Owie! Anyway, I used to take mine to the groomer or the vet but he hated it so much. The vet did the best - they'd have me hold him, then they'd take just a tiny sliver. Okay, but his nails were starting to look all "Dracula" LOL. So a girlfriend finally showed me the right tool and method to do with my dachshund. I bought a "guillotine" style clipper, not the usual kind. Then I lay him on his back on my lap or in a chair (which he doesn't mind - some dogs DO mind being on their back for you, so your mileage may vary!) When he's on his back, I can see his black nails from the bottom, and cut each one carefully. The guillotine doesn't make any noise. It's more like a quick slice through the nail. I do a little at a time and do it twice a week. Here's a page that shows the type I got - the first 3 are guillotine style - the last ones are the typical ones - the ones that are more "butcher"-like! If your Abbey doesn't respond to anyone's ideas, you may just have to have her sedated at the vet to do it. Poor girl.

I doubt they will use the litter box during the 5 hours, and it's probably safer to just keep them confined to their crates while you are on the road- lest somebody panic and try to get away, even with the car closed up, it can be distressing. I'll give you my advice on traveling/moving with cats because we've done it a few times. Take extra blankets and/or towels, a roll of paper towels, a non-offensive cleaning agent, and some plastic grocery bags. You never know when someone is going to have an accident from one end or the other, and if you need an airtight laundry bag, a trash bag, new bedding, and something to wipe down the carrier, you'll be glad to have it. Also take along an extra bottle of water in case you have to clean up a cat as well. My very responsible cats have both messed themselves in one way or another while on the road. I also found that my cats traveled better when a light sheet was put over the carrier from the sides- not restricting their view out the front, but removing any awareness of scenery flashing by to the side.

What is this dogs regular schedule like? Do you take the dog for walks outside the home? How long have you had the dog? Where did you get the dog from, what was its life like before you got it (to the best of your knowledge)? Has the dog been socialized? Does it get along with other animals? Is it okay around people? The more detail you can give me on the daily routine, the better I can help you...

My son was home this weekend and brought his little 3 lb.Chihuahua.I knew my cat would be upset with a strange dog in the house and since she has been such a good girl about not peeing inapropriately for several months now,I didn't want to take any chances.I started giving it to her last Tues.(DS arrived late Thurs.).I put 8-10 drops in her water and she was so good while they were here. She even allowed the dog to walk past her on several occasions! LOL No peeing anywhere and she was very calm. She still doesn't care for dogs or other cats but at least she tolerated the dog with no bad behavior. I actually think had he been here a little longer she may have warmed up to him even more.He's a real laid back little dog and basically acted as if she was invisible.LOL RR is actually a homeopathic remedy for humans (made from the essence of several different flowers) used to relieve any situation that causes stress or anxiety and can be mixed into a glass of water or place a few drops under the tongue. Lillie