There is no reason why we kept him whole. It was just something that never got 'done'. We did make sure to get our other dog fixed (a 'she', and even more 'stealable' if she was all there). Unfortunately I can't take him to agility or training or anything like that, as I would have to have him in the car with the two kids, and I couldn't look after him and the two kids while out somewhere with lots of dogs (and Ryan is afraid of dogs, so I would end up holding him ALL the time). I can't even get him to chase a stick or a ball (he never has).

I am sad and annoyed at myself for not being able to give him the time that I know he needs. I got him at a time when I was very sad (trying to replace my last Kelpie girl who died very quickly and tragically, dammit, crying now over that!), but had an enormous backyard (big enough for a sheep too!). Then we moved house, and Steph was born, and he didn't like her at all (the other dog was happy) even though I did a lot to socialise them all together and get them used to the idea of children. I also got him from a farm, and both the Man and I felt we couldn't leave him there, as he was mistreated. We agreed that if we couldn't have him at home (because we would have preferred a female dog), that we would rehome him. Grr, I am soo annoyed at myself!