Frankie

Body corporates can be a nightmare Bought my last apartment- because dogs and cats were in the building. . A couple of dogs barked a few times -one or 2 people complained- and not long afterwards- a total no-pet by-law introduced for new pets. More than one owner sold and moved because of their dogs- rather than rehome. Ironically- there were no break-ins in the building- before the Body Corporate forced the dogs out. Annoyed me- as I liked having dogs in the building- and I could never have a dog there.

Also dont know how they do it One of my cats was PTS at a Sydney Specialist place last week after being there for days- and long illness- 3 years The staff were so kind-I think I blocked one room there for over 2 1/2 hours- I apologised- the vet said- no- you are the most important person here right now. I held my girl on my lap when he gave the injection. I just went out later and waved my credit card at reception in tears. Euthanasia wasn't on the bill- not sure if that will arrive in the mail- or when I pick up the ashes. My local vet who was on holidays during that time was ringing them and me over those awful days- and sent me flowers a couple of days later and has said I can ring him if I need to talk. The vet compassion and caring really helped at an awful time.

Are you looking at just bad puppy stories- or kittens as well If s- worth asking the same question on Cat-world I've read a few sad stories there- where it is encouraged to rescue or buy cats from registered ethical breeders

I took out PIA major medical cover on a cat last year- while he is young enough- paid annual amount- the $500 excess Premium seemed cheap- doubled checked before recommending it recently to dog owning friends- the premium doubled a month after I took it out-(I rang them to double check) from $162 to over $320 per year. I only want it for the big stuff- I have spent a small fortune on one pet- and my brothers dog has recently been diagnosed with lymphoma- treatments not cheap. I'm not happy about the premium increasing so much- but still think PIA (like medibank- through Petsure and underwritten by Hollards) seemed a good option after doing research and reading PDS and posts here for a year.

I've been reading through all the insurance threads- and company policies One common exclusion seems to be "Diagnostic test- unless they result in a diagnosis of a condition covered under the policy" So in the scenario- if you take your very unwell pet to the vet- and as part of a diagnostic work up -blood tests and Xrays are done- and are normal. But the diagnosis is made on the next test- ultrasound (been in that position) Does that mean that is such a situaton- insurance will not reimburse blood tests and Xrays- even if they were important in excluding other diagnoses?

Wow All are great- but my fave is the 4th one No doubt her owners are very happy

That is a good price Mine cost a lot more about 12 months ago My old 50mm 1:8 takes pics almost as good- but the 50mm 1:4 is a great lens No problems with mine- just need to use it more

Lovely pics you wont regret buying a Canon SLR The 50mm 1:8 is a great good value lens for pet pics. I spent a year playing with my SLR- then bought a 24-70L lens- pricey but I love it. Since collected a few others. Photography and lenses are addictive.

What irriates me about petstores- is that often on the cages of the overpriced undesexed puppies and kittens are signs saying that they will offer people money for any kittens or puppies that they will sell. May put dollar signs in some people's eyes. When you are choosing a pet- think it will hopefully be part of your family for 15 years + So keep walking or don't look-as said already- buying these pups contributes to the problem. Some US petstores in the US- Petsmart- only sell/rehome shelter animals- kudos to them.

She is gorgeous- such beautiful eyes Fantastic pic

Pics would be lovely- I'd been following Marnie's story and wondered recently how she was doing. Thanks for the update

Found this hard to read- but it is online http://www.cessnockadvertiser.com.au/news/...ew/1772167.aspx the worries are the terms- 'should' "recommendation that it give in principle support to investigating extending the opening hours" And "Council will consider the proposal" Hope they will do something

Great news DMA- is a good start I looked at the meeting agenda and minutes on Cessnock council public website. Interesting and encouraging reading Great to see they are taking note and trying to do something.

Quite a few sigs from the cat people-well over 20 I recognise- most of us also love dogs- and its about rescue cats also. Starting sending it to people at work today- asking them to forward on.

Agree- sounds like they are trying to do the right thing. The Sydney Dogs and Cats home wasn't a no-kill shelter- has it changed? I hope so Poor liitle dog- looks like one of my childhood dogs