westiemum

Beautiful! Even though I'm not so much a 'puppy person', these are just gorgeous!

Done. While Andy's epilepsy is mild and unmedicated and not the main focus of the survey, I thought it important to fill out what I could.

I've no idea which model I have, but I had tiles and carpets at the old house and the stick dyson did very well as a 'between main cleans touch-up'. Particularly after I spent a hour or two unclogging the head.

Done. Good work - a well thought out and simple to complete survey. Will be very interested in your results.

Yep absolutely corrrect PL. Which is why I never take more than one rescue dog at a time (although I'm often asked to take 'just one more'). One is all I can do, my breed rescue (westies) is usually expensive and I'd rather stay well within my capabilities than fail a whole bunch of needy dogs.

Gawd WT - that's a slippery slope - so do you discount eyes more than ears, what about legs? And what happens if the 'problem' is simply cosmetic (damaged tail etc)? So no absolutely not. Dogs are not 'products' and ' commodities' that are discounted if the box is damaged. Rescue dogs are not 'damaged goods' who need to be discounted anymore than people with disabilities are. Rural Pugs 'solution', is the best one - people need to learn that the vast majority of rescue dogs cost big bucks. The only rescue dog I've ever 'given away' was a surrender who cost me nothing except food and time. The most expensive rescue I've re-homed I was out of pocket well over $2000. So $350 for a fully worked rescue dog where the dog is matched behaviourally as well, is a fantastic deal. And people need to get with it - or go buy a puppy from Gumtree (and all the risks that entails!) or from a registered breeder.

Hi Christine_72. No nothing will come up on google - its a 'one man' operation and he works entirely on referrals. His name is Terry ('Pete' is his dog) and his food is human grade. He delivers as far as McLaren Vale and is here once a month. I'll PM you his phone number.

Yep! Bought three from Little Gifts. Exactly what I was looking for. I'll post photos when they arrive. Mia is very excited. And after they arrive I'll look amongst all your suggestions for the next lot! Thanks everyone - really appreciate your help and advice.

OK - thanks all - I think its sorted. Fingers and paws crossed for Frank.

And if time is a problem, see if you can find a reliable local raw supplier - there's sure to be one in your neck of the woods somewhere - they are worth their weight in gold. Terry who operates Pets Petfoods here is a legend. And if he can he will even customise for me.

Oh and BTW for anyone in or near McLaren Vale, (south of Adelaide), the Country Butcher (the 'top end' butcher in the main drag) makes his own liver treats - and they are sensational.

Yep agreed - which is why I buy human grade, necks, frames and raw mixture (Pete's Petfoods for anyone in Adelaide).

While this actually makes me very sad... I'm posting in the hope that someone might known someone who can help Frank the greyhound out... Link here. He looks and sounds like a lovely boy. And putting here in the hope more people see him... He certainly deserves a good home ...

Thanks tons SM - And she's just up the road from me too! xx

I'm still on a US group for LP-GOLPP from Mac days - and the number of pet food recalls that c ome through on that feed in the US is truly horrifying. I'll never understand how people can put their precious four-leggeds at such risk by feeding them this stuff. Particularly as the appalling way the pet food industry operates has been known for years. Its nothing but Maccas for dogs. I feed myself nothing but 'whole foods' and I feed my pups nothing but human grade raw whole foods either. Do people really believe that pet food companies have the health of their pets at heart at the expense of their profits? Nuts if they do.

Uhm... yes its sold - its mine! LOL!!

LG these are perfect! Exactly what I was looking for! I'll PM you.

Thanks everyone - it sure shows how out of touch I am with the dog toy world - I've never heard of some of these. Thanks so much - lots of exciting things to explore for my girl - that hollee roller sounds like great fun!

Haha! Thanks B - I have a legitimate excuse. I got her, then promptly moved house (60 km) and am still up to my eyeballs in boxes. (Anyone like to unpack a box this arvo in return for beautiful McLaren Vale wine and a lunch and/or dinner and a cuddle with my gorgeous pair? LOL!). I promise I'll introduce her properly in the next week or so - after I get some good photos of her. She came from Christine Moore, a brilliant breeder from Port Macquarie. And to satisfy the westie lovers heres a photo of her on a bed, just after she arrived. And yes she is the most lovely natured beautiful girl! A real smoocher!

Thanks Perse - I'll have a look - do you have any specific recommendations for westie size dogs? I have very little experience with dog toys and I'm honestly not sure what's suitable and what isn't. I have a 'Bobalot' from Mac days, which I'll try and find and see if she likes that as well. She liked a squeaky pig thing at a friends place last week but it was made in China and I wasn't overly thrilled with it.

Hi All, For the first time in living memory I have a new westie girl (not a puppy farm rescue) who actually likes to play with dog toys. I've looked in two shops but they are all, absolutely all made in China, which makes me nervous (whats in the plastic? And they don't look at all flash or safe). Does anyone know of a brand of an Australian made brand of dog toys? Or have a brand they recommend? Or am I being overly cautious/nervous? Thanks all.

Just a wonderful story asal! Damn you - yet another breed on my bucket list!!

And each and every person. jwt: while we can't stop you getting a dog, I agree absolutely with the advice you've received here. And people have spent a lot of time and heart to give you really kind good (if straight!) advice. I'm very sorry if the advice is not what you want to hear - but that's a risk you take when you ask the sort of questions you have on a dog forum with so many very experienced people who have been around dogs their whole lives. We were all a newbie at some stage - yep me included and no-one is criticising you for that (in fact we're commending you and praising you for recognising your inexperience, limitations and asking questions). Where the annoyance/criticism is coming in is that you don't seem to be learning from all the time, effort and advice people have given you in this thread to help you and your family. Please hear this very clearly - a dog is not a toy, commodity or a piece on a chess board to be manipulated as required or shut way when they are not convenient and wheeled out when their presence is required. (Mine are snoring on the lounge on either side of me as I type this!) They are living, breathing family members who want nothing more than to be with you, part of your social network and family (go on outings, go to the coffee shop, visit friends with dogs, be with you, go to training, go for walkies and smell the pee-mail etc etc etc) and to please you. In my world (human resources, employee and industrial relations) we make a useful distinction, mentally 'dividing the world into people who can learn and people who can't/don't'. It helps us determine who we devote limited time and energy to - as you can't help everyone. We just don't have the time and resources. People who can listen, take advice, make it their own and learn are a joy - they don't always 'get it' straight away but they recognise sound, wise advice when they hear it, start to make changes in their thinking and behaviour and get there in the end. They show signs of 'getting it' along the way. And in my game, they are where we put our time and energy. And the other group of non-learners, well... let's just say 'there are none so deaf as those who won't hear' - or act on good advice and learn. I think the jury is still out about which way this is going to end up. Ultimately, the advice here is that you and your family are not anywhere near ready for a new four-legged family member and a 15 year commitment. IMO you have a choice to make - take that advice yet stick around and learn. You'll then know when your family is ready, you'll go well through the whole process of acquiring and looking after a dog for 15 or so years. And it will more likely be a success. Or you can go ahead on the disastrous road you are currently on and ultimately come back here with 'your tail between your legs', and having to eat humble pie while you seek further help and advice to sort out a mess of your own creating. Or worse, end up with a dog surrendered to the pound for euthanasia and a distressed, distrustful family on your hands. Your choice. And I soooo hope you make the right one. Good luck and best wishes.

Yep good decision. There are some families that are just not suited to dogs - now or in the future. And to be honest, jwt, I suspect yours might be one of them. And my apologies for my 'troll' comment. It was simply how it looked and felt to me at the time.

Mine do exactly the same DD -even my new little girl westie. If I head to my home office to work my two lie at my feet and don't make a peep unless I move! No need to regiment or lock them away. They love to be with me and I love to be with them - but they also seem to know when I have to work.