tdierikx

If the dog had been stolen then onsold, you'd think that the original owner would have some say in whether they want the dog back or not... but it could go any which way methinks. T.

Nature provides the canvas, and nurture provides the paint... that's how I see it anyways. You can go all Pro Hart and get a big ass mess - or you can go Leonardo Da Vinci and get something unique and beautiful. T.

http://www.grr.org.au/contact.htm Phone numbers on the left of the page... T.

It's a very nice piece of software... and could possibly be adapted for use by a foster carer network - maybe instead of kennel id's, you could use Carer names? You can get the free software that you can load up on your own computer so you can test how it works... T. ETA - the rescue I was with uses it, and I found the query scripting to get info out was nice and easy to use also.

Again, not judging, just enquiring as I'm not terribly au fait with cats or cat rescue... being horribly allergic to them tends to keep me out of that particular loop. My experience with dog rescue however gives me a little insight as to how rescue and fostering usually works. We take in the animals that we can adequately cope with and rehome, and as much as it kills us to do so, we have to make decisions about which animals we can safely do that for - and leave others behind to the fate we KNOW is in store for them if they are not rescued or adopted. Each carer's setup is different - some can take on more animals than others - but if all available carers for a specific type of animal are taken already, then unfortunately some animals will have to be left behind (so to speak). It's going to be even harder if the animals left behind have certain needs that will have to be worked on before they are ultimately rehomable - which I would assume to be the case with only semi-tame (ex) feral cats. My setup allowed me to take on puppies only - not because I only wanted to take on the young and highly adoptable animals, but because that was what worked in best with my own 4 dogs. I would regularly have between 1 and 14 pups at any given time. I would assume that people taking in kittens are probably in the same boat as me... it's what they can adequately cope with - rather than just because they are cute and MAY rehome faster. As for not knowing what YOU do - the same can be said for YOU not necessarily being aware of what others are doing in rescue circles. To start spraying "blame" around for the deaths of animals that YOU took the othe pound because you found yourself unable to take them back in is a bit rich, don't you think? Technically the pound could have euthanaised those 2 young cats the day you surrendered them - but your own account says they actually had them taking up space there for 3 weeks before being euthed... I'd say that shows that they gave them at least the SAME chance as all the other cats in their facility at the time, no? T.

Just asking - not judging - but why are you trapping these cats and taking them to the pound when you know what the inevitable out come will be when no-one wants to take on wild or semi-wild young or adult cats? T.

I used to think crates were "cruel" until I started fostering and found out just how useful they are. Harper loves her crate, and will happily spend forever in there snuggled up on her blankie - especially now the colder weather is starting up. Vets will love you for crate training your dogs if they ever need to stay at the clinic for any length of time. T.

She is adorable! T.

Gorgeous! T.

I'm gunna go out on a limb here and will no doubt get flamed for it but I couldn't live like that Owning dogs for me is supposed to be enjoyable not a constant battle to keep my pets apart for fear of them killing each other. When I was working at the kennels we had two cockers that came in that hated each others guts...with a passion, to the point that when they came in one was on the floor of the car in the front with the lady and the other was tied into the back seat with large pieces of cardboard blocking their vision from each other. The husband told me he wanted to return the second cocker, which was from the RSPCA, but his wife wouldn't let him. It caused constant grief not only for the dogs but had put a major strain on this old couple as they constantly argued about it. I could see the strain on their faces when they came back to pick them up after the weekend and the husband actually said when they got into their cardboard fort..."here we go again" How is that an enjoyable life for all involved? It's actually working just fine for us here. I had 3 options at the time... 1. Euthanaise one or both dogs 2. Rehome one or both dogs 3. Work out a routine where they never had the chance to fight again My choice was number 3 for the following reasons... 1. I couldn't bring myself to euth either of the dogs I had committed to loving unconditionally until the day they go to the Bridge (as naturally as possible) 2. I couldn't rehome either in good conscience, as I know exactly what they are capable of when pushed. Why should someone else have to worry about that happening? 3. I have the means to keep them separated but still have one-on-one time with me, and company of other dogs they DO get along with. That said, these 2 dogs were perfectly fine with each other 99% of the time. We only had 4 fights over the course of 2 years... but as the nature of those rare fights was so intense, I decided that I really never wanted to have to go through it again. Separation means that all of us are safe, happy, and healthy. Besides, once the routine was established, it's been pretty easy for us. I am the only human here, so I don't have to worry about others not following the routine. T.

I found that when I had a male in the mix, the girls have all been somewhat calmer... then again all the males I've had have been very mellow temperament-wise... T.

I seriously though about euthing my two after their last fight... but opted to establish a routine that means they are never loose with each other instead... been working for a few years now and all are happy with the arrangements... *grin* T.

I can see why you've opted for permanent separation. Well - if the policemen had grabbed a pair of back legs and pulled like I asked, it all may have been over a lot faster and with less injury to either dog... I already had hold of the back end of the better fighter of the two so she couldn't get enough purchase to go in for the kill. But the policeman decided that capsicum spray was the way to go... wrong!!! My girls recuperated side by side in their crates, and are still lovey towards each other (one always crated when the other is loose in the house), but I'm not about to ever let them get into a fight again... it's just not worth them getting hurt when I CAN prevent it. T.

See if there are any Herp Society groups near her... for the snakes... http://australianherpetology.com/aushrpsoc.htm#.U1jAbVdfZ8E There are a couple on the central coast listed on that page... T.

3 policemen, 2.5 cans of capsicum spray, boots, and batons - were no use when attempting to get my 2 bitches to stop their last fight... so I've decided that permanent separation is my best course of action to make sure it NEVER happens again. On the upside, my vets declared that last fight to be a "draw" - they charged the same amount for each dog to be patched up afterwards... *sigh* T.

2 of mine are permanently separated due to the fact that if they are inclined to fight, it will be to the death. Both desexed bitches - both I've had from very young pups - 6 year age difference between the two. Funnily enough, the 2 rescue foster failures are less inclined to scrap with anyone... but Pickles is top dog around here regardless. T.

There are worse fates for poundies than being euthed... and some really should be given their wings rather than rehomed. "Saving" everything with a pulse is NOT rescue. Preying on the gullible public to get dogs out of pounds with some flowery scripting and a cute photo is NOT rescue. Advertising animals you've never met and have no clue as to their temperaments is NOT rescue. T.

Hmmm... what about your local State Member (Chris Holstein?)? Local government get really active when a "ministerial" comes down the line... *grin* Seriously - go to your local member personally, armed with the photos and vet notes regarding the injuries to Stan and Maddie, and also photos and x-rays of your hand and foot. Let him/her know in no uncertain terms that you are being fobbed off by Council, and that next time it may not be an adult trying to fend off these particular dogs. You should see some action if the member formally asks Council WTF is going on with your case. Show the bastards that you can play them at their own game... T.

A 16D allows the carer to not have to pay registration on the dog for up to 12 months... however, it must be paid on transfer of said dog to new owner. T.

Meloxicam and understanding... I like your vet... *grin* Zeddy's winters are just that now too... but she's been pretty good through summer just gone. Not looking forward to winter proper - I think it's going to be a colder one than last year. Zeddy's magic temperature is 8 degrees, if it gets below that her arthritis really makes life difficult... but Meloxicam seems to help immensely for that so far... when it stops being effective, that will be her time I think. I'm "lucky" with Zeddy so far, as her eyesight, hearing, and mental faculties are all still intact... she just has arthritis so far. T.

I'd be more worried about the mentality of those deciding to buy a dog from the pound because of those reasons - rather than getting a dog carefully matched to them and their lifestyle by a reputable rescue or a registered breeder. It will only end in tears, and I'm betting they'll be contacting YOU to take the dog off their hands when it doesn't work out... T.

Hmmm... I have the 60D... This lens is now officially on my wish list, but I'd like a 70D first... *grin* T.

What camera are you using with this lens CC? T.

Call me a cynic, but I agree with ruthless... This fellow probably wants the laws changed so that there can be no challenge to the declarations... thus meaning less cost to council... Isn't Monash one of the council areas that took to the new legislation VERY enthusiastically? T.

A fear aggressive dog that is actually willing to attack is quite likely to warn, warn, warn while you're facing it then lunge when you turn your back. I wouldn't risk turning my back personally. I'd rather be bitten on my arse than on any part of the front of me... T.