MolassesLass

Is that for the new laser teeth cleaning? I remember a while back my vet saying there is a new way of doing teeth that is much more expensive than the old scrape-method. It might be best to ask exactly what is included in the costs when you ask for a quote. I can't help with a vet recommendation though, sorry.

If you can reconcile those ideas in your head, then good for you but I'm out. I can only discuss rational, logical thinking.

So the kennel clubs have unethical breeders and should be constrained by outside bodies but the ISDS breeders are perfect and shouldn't? But you agree with the article that says no breeder is unethical?

Given that I made the very same point in my post that you've quoted, yes, it makes perfect sense. But the article does not make the distinction. The article does not mention that there are bad breeders at all and that makes it a completely useless article.

Can't agree - different can be bad though it isn't necessarily so. I will NEVER stop standing up for those dogs who are mistreated in the name of breeding. And that includes the dogs that are born with health issues due to ignorant dog pimps. I understand the point that there are some differences that are based on subjective feelings only (like only breeding with show champions) and these should not be used to call other breeders unethical or whatever. But you can't just blanket say, all breeders are doing ok and should be supported.

Dash Jazz Fly Flick Kit

Some nights when Duke is noisly lapping at water for over a minute I wish I put water away at nights - but I'm too lazy. I would have no problem doing it though, even if the dogs did get thirsty over night, I hardly think they're going to expire without water.

A few years ago, some Border Collie breeders wanted to change the standard to allow for bigger dogs due to the better health care and nutrition available today (I think it got shot down since breeders control the size of the breed by selecting what to breed with).

Don't listen to this vet nurse again - she's full of crap. It is not illegal to debark a dog in Australia. Most states have a process that must be followed before it is ok (to show that the dog must be debarked or else lose it's life due to nuisance complaints). Many many dogs are debarked in Australia; some are silent, some are reduced volume, some are just very raspy. Sorry, I don't know whether a vet will be able to tell from an examination or not.

Our family dog was fed dry and scraps nowand then. The only bones given were those massive marrow bones and she'd get a tin of pal for her birthday. Never was wormed or vaccinated either.

I know that happens but I it wouldn't be fair to blame the credit provider for it.

In what way? I have never heard of anything else that is similar at all - would love to know what the Choice review found was best. GE interest rates are among the highest out there, people really need to do their research. Which are the best? Depends what you need from a credit provider i.e. low interest rates, cash withdrawl rates, reward programs etc. Ready Credit seems to measure up for many customers: http://www.citibank.com.au/AUGCB/APPS/port...&tabId=home Oh right, gotcha. I only use the interest free purchase so a totally different product to what you're talking about. And as I've never paid a cent of interest I wouldn't even know what the rate is! But I know GE are known for a high rate, so definitely better off with someone else if you're intending to pay interest.

In what way? I have never heard of anything else that is similar at all - would love to know what the Choice review found was best.

I'm not sure if you can put money on - most credit companies hate that and discourage it but I don't think they can actually stop you. I have used mine my regular vet and at a specialists. The specialist charged a 10% administration fee to pay using it so it wasn't actually interest free in that case (but still cheaper than credit card interest rates). ETA: I've just checked the online service centre and though my balance is at 0, I can still select to make a payment. They give you a BPAY id to pay with so you can pay anytime.

Nah, Greencross is a franchise vet organisation that has shareholders to keep happy.

Thanks for the reply Jed - again, very thought provoking.

Do you have any family you could get a short-term loan from? Do you have something worth about that much you could loan against at Cash Converters (assuming that's not a Qld only thing)?

I would have said contact the breed club for information but there doesn't seem to be an Akita club in NSW. I think if you're honest with breeders and say you are considering an Akita but don't know enough to be certain you want one yet then the good breeders won't have any problem in giving you information. And those who are are unwilling to give information without a "guaranteed" sale are probably not worth your time.

I'm not sure where you are but it's been really hot here the last 6 weeks - is he having enough water while exercising?

What weight is that for Becks?

Call your local council and ask for advice.

Oh boy! Thanks for the permission oh ruler of the universe!

I think you are right there Do you seriously think they would do that. I think you need to wake up and realise that not everyone in the world is out conspiring against you. Believe it or not there are alot of people in the world who don't just think of what is best for them and actually go out of their way to try and do what is best for everyone involved. I don't know the people on the council, I'm not saying they would or wouldn't - I'm saying there is a chance really dodgy things can be done. That's all. And there's no way in hell I'm voting on anything with my name on it.

Interesting Jed, I'd never thought it serious in terms of breeding but totally see your point. My bitch who had two litters never worried about storms until she was about 6 years old. Then she started wanting to boss the lightning and thunder around - she goes from window to window looking out trying to find the culprit while softly huff'ing. When outside she looks around when a flash or rumble happens but is happy to sit still and doesn't do the faux-barking. Would you call that a fairly serious fault (that showed late)?

It costs me just under $250 for a spay of a dog under 20kg (maybe between 10 - 20kg). The cheapest option is probably the AWL clinic at either Ipswich or Coombabah if you are really stretched for cash. They do their work as cheaply as possible and any small profit made goes back into the shelter.