We’re most giving each other relief. Although to be honest, my brother the firefighter/paramedic has assumed the major caretaker role. It’s really wonderful to have such a person in the family — unflappable and knowledgeable.

The rest of us are just in supportive roles at this point while we wait.

Forget about me and my stupid questions. Gina and Christie — take the week off and spend time with your parents! The rest of us will come back later when you need us.

Is the “special spot to do one’s business” different for primative dogs?

I tried the “special spot” for Pepper when she was a puppy, but she would NOT do any business on our property - until she was 3 years old. Even when she cut her paw at one year old and my husband had to carry her, she had to be at least 5 houses down the block before she would do any of her business.

Even now, with her being 6 years old, she will not poop in our yard — I can be working out there for hours with her and she’ll go to the gate for a walk. (At least now, she’ll pee).

I’ve heard this also from Shiba owners — many have to be away from their property to do their business, especially when young. Of course, when Pepper was a puppy, we didn’t realize her curly tail was an indication of Shiba hertiage, so we thought we had one really odd BC!