The wife and I are starting to look into getting a dog. With a fairly large yard and house, space is a none issue. Both my boys and myself are big outdoors guys. I'm also very active with mtn biking and other similar activities. So... the wife has pretty much set her sights on a dalmatian. From what I've read, they sound like a dog that could work, but I'm not too sure. I've read in a few places that diet and controlling their available food is a big factor. Growing up with huskies and german sheppards, we never monitored or controlled their available food. Their dish was always available and they ate as needed. We also rarely had to worry about them touching food on the table, counter of coffee tables. I'm also wondering about how good these dogs are off leash. I've never seen one off leash before but have read they can be good hunting/retreiver dogs. Anyone have any experience or input regarding these dogs? For myself, I'm leaning towards a sheppard or cattle (herding type) dog as they tend to be great off leash dogs and with herding kids... Off leash manners is a must. As a mtn biker, hiker and back country camper, I don't want or need a dog that I'll be tripping over their leash or them.

Our cat seems to have developed a skin allergy of some type. I've gotten rid of all her plastic bowls and also want to try a new food. Does anyone have a recommendation for a dry food that is good for loosing weight and healthy skin. We use an automated feeder so the amount we feed is well controlled but she is a terrific hunter. When we used a normal dry cat food her weight stared to climb so we've been blending a normal (Deli Cat) and diet food (Good Life for indoor cats) half and half which has worked well. In addition to worrying about allergies I'm wondering if we're too cheap on the cat food which is heavy on grains. I'm wondering if she needs something with more vermin. Anyone know a cat food with mice, mole & vole?