IIRC, they were bred for bird hunting - flushing prey out of fields, etc.

I don't know for a fact, but I think Spaniels were meant to hunt waterfowl. They're filed under "water dogs" in my head.

Yeah, that reminds me I do need to update Darby's chip info. It's tagged to her rescue group now, so not like they couldn't find me, but still.

Wow, Megan, that would kick ass!!

I'm on the phone attempting to reschedule things all over the place. Whew. Have made it so I am driving through the mountains next week (fingers crossed that'll be OK) and not flying til the 20th.

Jesse - that's odd, when i adopted my younger cat from the county shelter he was already chipped and part of the adoption process was transferring the chip over to my name and address, i think the vet scanned him and confirmed all that on his first (shelter mandated) check up. But that's prob just Oregon.

I'd totally get my other cat chipped if there were any danger of him wandering off. As is, he's afraid to go outside; and the two times he has escaped all i had to do was shake a little food in his direction and he came running.

You guys know how I feel about the Wigglebutts.

When Cayenne ran away from her dogsitter (Charlie) in May of 2009, I would not have gotten her back if it wasn't for her chip.

You see, Charlie went to the exact facility where she ended up one hour later when someone brought her in, with her picture and her full description. And yet, even with the PICTURE he left with the humane society, and all the info, they STILL didn't match it all up until the next day when they scanned the chip! So I might not have ever gotten her back. I am a big fan of chipping.

And yep, Jesse, your vet can do a quick scan and give you the info that's on file - then you can contact the company and update it. It's really easy.

The way I see it is, we domesticated these critters. It's our responsibility as their caretakers to do absolutely everything we can to ensure their safety. They don't give a rat's ass about the chipping. It takes three seconds and it provides a lifetime of identification.

I'd also add that for all of you who think that since your cat or dog never leaves your premises, so a chip isn't necessary: Katrina, Oakland Hills fire, earthquakes, etc.

If there is a natural disaster, your pet might need to be evacuated and matched up with you later.

ITA, java.

Waterdogs, of course. I knew that. But thanks for accessing the info for me.

megan, I forgot to say earlier that I'm wishing you very strong fingernails. Hang on if you can!

meara, fingers crossed that you can see an ENT soon. Getting stuck in beaurocracy sucks.

Speaking of beaurocracy, i got a doctors excuse since i missed so much work due to the nasty virus that stole my voice (among other things). Today, my second week back at work, i get notice that i need a "fitness for duty certificate" "before returning to work." Ha. Ha. Hardy har har. I better get paid for the three days (2 days last week and 1 day this week) i worked before finding out that i needed written approval from a Dr in order to come back. Esp since one of those days worked was friggin xmas day, then the day after. I'm kinda counting on that 9.5 hrs of overtime. Sheesh.

erin, I hate your workplace.