fifi

I'm so sorry C&R, What a horrific shock for you. Too young to leave, run free little Cruise. hugs to you Sarah fifi

Wow, congratulations handsome little man and teamsnag go the little hairy hounds lovely fringie ribbon win. fifi

Don't think I could hunt wolves. Rabbit and hare at least are feral here, and a quick death in the jaws of a hound seems kinder than the diseases and poisons used on them. But I couldn't do wolves, not even when wolf hunting was a large part of why the modern Borzoi exists. Bit of a contradiction I know, when I'm in support of functional tests, but the culling of a species now under as much pressure as the wolf is not something that appeals. thank you, just what I wanted to say, only worded better than my foggy brain would have assembled today The truth is that many hunting dogs are species specific - their size, speed, method was developed to hunt a particular prey. It's one reason why I don't like it when my dogs bring down a rabbit - because the rabbit is not really what these big boned hounds were bred to hunt, rabbits turn so fast that wolfhounds are in danger or tripping. And of course rabbits come with holes ready made to break legs. I really think that the big critters like deer are more suited to their abilities. I can only picture a wolf hunt with the dogs, and am happy to relegate that to the breed's history. fifi

Hi all, just got off the phone to Trish's lovely OH. Grover is back to his boofy naughty self :-)))) Trish is sick in bed though...get well old chook !!! fifi

http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?Gender=Wome...d=p3286.c0.m282 Ebay have some well priced golf shoes in the modern 'sketcher' slimline styles too ! What a good idea, I've worn my Rivers shoes to death as they had little knobbles on them like soccer shoes and was wondering what to look for. fifi eta, couple of worn once pairs of footjoys there too !!!

Oh yes, I met two like this years ago when I had to deliver something to people I knew only slightly ! I ended up quietly herded onto their front verandah by two very capable and menacing GSD's - and was prevented from making my way back out the gate by them sitting on the bottom step and growling with real intent each time I tried to walk down the steps !!! Stuck there for a VERY long time until the owners returned !!!!!!! Two VERY good guard dogs !!!! fifi

Although I don't activley hunt my wolfhounds, if we go for walks in the paddock they have brought down hares, rabbits, feral cats and the odd wallaby ( sadly brought down before I was even aware of their presence) The hounds show a keen interest in anything that moves and change from couch potatoes to awe inspiring creatures of grace and ground covering speed when chasing. I would be very disappointed if my hounds did NOT show that interest, of course some show it more than others, and its usually the girls who are very switched on. I have no doubt that if they were raised & trained to the fitness and surefootedness required, and taken into a hunting situation on a game suited to their size & application - they would be very successful in the field. fifi

I did dilute it and use it as a rinse in the hydrobath, but sometimes also sprayed it on the coat and massaged it in with rubber gloves on to work it through the coat. It does tend to attract dust though if its used neat, but if they are surfing then that probably won't be a problem. It is difficult to get that balance for a coarse coat ! fifi

Was it cooked bones ? if so you would be right to worry about a blockage / perforation issue. I would be phoning the vet and take the vet's cue for further treatment. (assuming you get a good on call emergency vet) fifi eta; and yes, as per Persephone's advice, treat the dog as potentially infectious just in case.

any updates on Grover tonight Trish ? fifi

hehehe, I know what you mean ! Some of the show suits look like 80's refugees !! I buy nice tops & pants at op shops, Miller's sales, ebay ect. I guess think dressy casual that lets you move and contrasts or compliments your dog. Be careful of wide cuffed pants - they are easy to trip over, If you are a woman - then tops that don't show your 'puppies' attributes will stop ringside giggles too ! There are few good threads in this forum about show clothes - someone who is cleverer than me might be able to put the links up. fifi

Hi Elfin, When we were going down to the coast more often, I bought some Seabreeze oil from Plush puppy and used it once a fortnight as a coat treatment. I found it was pretty good and didn't affect coat texture. here's the link: http://www.plushpuppy.com.au/home.php?cat=2 In fact one of Tamsyn's biggest wins was on the way to a coast show, she had a runny poo accident in the van, (a mild tummy upset) I stopped and ran her into the ocean & rubbed her coat clean in the waves, towel dried and into the ring with only a quick brush out......she took a lovely fringie ribbon !!! fifi edited to add link

Wow ! you got the whole set ?!! fantastic.. I have several of the deerhound & wolfhound one from that series. fifi

When we have had a tiny breed come into work with a litter for various reasons, I've always found it so different ! little basket in the cage, little mum's so careful and maternal, and you can just pop in and check them ! no great gallomping elbows, paws, butts !!! Sometimes I think it would be easier to own tenties or something !!! fifi

Sorry I missed your call Trish, didn't come home from the next door new year thingy and didn't think you'd want a call at 2am !! Danny was saying to his knowledge they use wood glue and some kind of sealant or laquer depending on the type of ply. Hope the poor boy stays well for you now, this would drive you to drink !!!!! fifi xxxx

Well, I"m going to risk these guys again...........!! :D ;) and add a few of these just because its been such a roller coaster....... ;) :D hugs to the big boof, and many hugs to you & Steve HAPPY NEW YEAR....... CHEERS :D fifi, danny & hounds xxxx

I'm so sorry :-(((( Is the other girl looking strong & well ? Wishing the surviving girl health & strength. fifi

What exactly do you want them to do Fifi? There is nothing in the legislation that they can enforce. If they do go in there, unsupported by legislation, then of course there will be the uproar over them abusing their powers, being bullies, etc, etc. Whichever way they can't win. Perhaps they could show some interest, order a vet examination & proof of vaccination ect. Regular swoops & health checks on pet animals in pet shops that are regularly reported. I"m not familiar with the QLD legislation pertaining to animals in pet shops, but even an inspection could put the wind up those selling unhealthy puppies. fifi eta; just saw Mita's post regarding minimum age, maybe the inspectors to check compliance on a least the age & vacc status.

Of course there was no inspector available, they were probably busy en masse raiding top notch breeders for some abtruse legistlation or stalking docked dogs at a show :-( Not something where little lives were actually at risk. poor little pups :-( the only rspca folk I respect are the small town coal face rescuers now. fifi

Just a quick update at Trish's request: Grover is not going to Melbourne - to do a bone marrow biopsy at this point (her vet prefers the specialist to undertake that procedure) is going to reveal one of the two likely scenarios based on his symptoms, massive infection & sepsis, or bone marrow cancer. His White cell count is ONE :-( His condition at the moment is so precarious that the three plus hours to Melbourne may kill him. Right now he is on fluids and his temp has reduced slightly, he's being placed on three AB's & pain relief as per the specialist recomendations, monitor his response and make decisions on how Grover responds. Trish's vet gives him a 50/50 chance of survival at the moment :-( So with DOL good thoughts & healing vibes - lets elevate his chances :-)) fifi

Sending all our love & good vibes to Grover. Hope the bloodwork reveals what's going on. Thinking of you & Steve. fifi xxx

Absolutley Centitout - I don't even think of whelp sitting as intervention, for most of the folk I know with giant breeds - sleeping in/next to the whelping box is absolutley normal for the first three weeks :-)) You learn the value of a power nap in that time !!! If you want to raise what is born, then being there for those heavy elbows, bums and paws is natural. I know some bitches are very careful, but who would want to risk a precious pup for the sake of insisting on natural selection ? and murphy's law, it would be your pick puppies who ended up flat. fifi

Best news I've heard all week Hope Grover continues to improve Do you have any protexin ? I'm thinking it would help his recovery. fifi

I agree about the high amount of intervention these days. But I'm also old enough to remember the tragic losses - where losing your bitch during a whelping was a very real possibility as ceasarians were almost unheard of. Or the many bitches that were left to 'get on with it' and died a lingering death due to a malpresentation ect. Good breeders know when it's 'time' to get the vet, and not too late that all is lost. We are lucky that we have the high standards of obstetric care in veterinary science. I reckon use it, but don't over use it to the point where it is for convienience only. As for artificial breeding - I guess its a double edged sword, but I am excited at the possibilities it presents with overseas or difficult to access lines using frozen semen. fifi

WONDERFUL NEWS Trish !! Give the big boofhead a nose kiss from all of us :-)) and hugs to you & Steve, raise a glass or two !! fifi