Online Case/Ben - neuter

[The Annan's]

Hi Rich,
Neuter? Because we don't feel it is healthy for him;). Where would his
energy go if it were cut off? We cannot see that the benefits outweigh the
detriments to him in general.

I've seen my daughter (when she couldn't see me) playing with Ben. I mean
that she is not a *girly* girl - but more a tomboy and plays heartily with
him. He herds her (she runs and screams with delight) and when he does
this - he sometimes physically leans against her once he's got her cornered
or he will stand very close to her to keep her cornered (visual: he in his
*herd* stance with both front paws spaced - head low - eyes alert - tongue
out - tail up on alert....she giggling and screaming in anticipation).
She'll push past him (or jump over him) to *get away* - and they start the
chase again. It can be the opposite too - with her herding him!! He will
jump over her if she is down on all fours (pretending to be a dog!) ---he's
much better at herding her than she is herding him.

She's not cruel to him - though when she was younger she would try to sit on
him to ride him (she stopped when we explained he simply couldn't support
her and it would hurt him). She adores Ben and he, her. If she is too rough
in pushing him - he will yelp and nip her (never bite) and then *push* her
(by running up to her and leaning heavily on her) - the tail is always
wagging though. This is NOT a regular occurence though.

The lump is the same. It is free floating under the skin - not smooth - but
a lumpy mass. No pain or apparent discomfort if you gently pinch it up to
assess the size. Fairly firm (not mushy or soft...).

Thanks for your well wishes;),
Lisa