Melissa, I was wondering the same thing about the Oriental poppies. Just wanted to post an update. I planted out all of the annual poppies two weeks ago, and they have made it through several nights of freezing temps, LOTS of strong winds, etc. and survived just fine. They are even starting to show some growth. I'm pretty certain now that the problem last year was that it was too warm by the time I planted them out. That high altitude sun can really fry young sprouts! I'll try to get some pictures of my baby poppies to post. Bonnie

I understand completely! My BH and I rescue dogs, and have to adopt the ones that really mesh with our family. Anyway, they're always outside with me, and they watch me do EVERYTHING! Last week I was digging a hole to move a hosta, and I feel dirt spray down the back of my shoe. there's one of the dogs digging right bedhind me. Doggie see, doggie do! With my plants, I find that they are curious only for a few days after I'm in a certain area of the yard for a while so I put my wrought iron little tables around the new stuff till the newness wears off. They get bored and go onto the next place I'm working.

My main purpose for this thread was for people to be aware of how to do the heimlich on their dog if need be Mrs TLC, I hear you, it just was when you posted the link of the story it totally over shadowed the other. Your post was the first I saw of this, of course it was all over the web which is a good thing as it definitely will not go unnoticed and it shouldn't. I for one felt mortified that a police officer, a public servant in the USA would conduct himself more like KGB. I can't tell you how upsetting I found this to be and still do. When I say my heart really goes out to these owners is an understatement. Anyway just so you know, the Heimlich maneuver is a good thing to know for all pet owners however many owners don't know the difference between difficulty breathing ( such as in Laryngeal paralysis) and choking.If your pet is not really choking, the Heimlich can cause serious injury.My advice is if you actually see the dog/cat eat something it shouldn't or tell tale signs there of than by all means do the procedure.

hMikka - sounds like you are doing a great job - a metal file wont give you the same FEEL as a Dremel which vibrates alot. It is important you always end on a positive note. Reward your dog for being curious about the tool when it is off. ALSO the more you just touch your dogs paws with and without the tool the better. Dogs front paws to them are like our privates are to us. No dog likes to have its paws (front especially) and from the minute you get a new pup the more you are hands on the better, front paws, sticking your finger down in their ears - not far, lifting their lips, lifting their tails (I scratch my dog around his "pants" making certain I get to touch the area close to his anal area - when he was younger I had to manually release his anal glands, and had to get quite personal. Because I had a more hands on protocol, my dog did not care one iota. As far as tying up your hair. It almost got me!!! I grow my hair out every year to donate to LOCKS OF LOVE and last summer I got the Dremel out and went to make certain it was on and working properly before introducing my dog to it (we have been doing this 12 years now and I still make certain his stress level stays low) and the darn thing tried to grab my hair!! But it gets so long that the window grabs it, the seatbealt retractor grabs it, it tries to grab my food....I get so sick of it being pulled and grabbed at that I am happy to have it chopped off. Good luck with your pup, and remember touch touch touch touch touch, communicate, praise and treat and go slow....