tdierikx

From the pictures Google gives up, it looks like Abbott is also a DD owner... T.

Right colour, wrong breed Purdie... want to have another guess? *grin* T.

I can remember my first forays into the rescue forums here... I can best describe it as trial by fire... *grin* If I had a dollar for every time I was told "you are new here" and then dictated to... and I still see that mentality from a lot of people in that forum regularly - even from ones I actually respect in real life. It does nothing to advance the cause and recruit those who may just become an asset to you if you just give them the chance. It shouldn't be automatically assumed that any newcomer to the rescue forum is a newcomer to all things dog... There will always be those in any and all areas of the dog world who aren't doing things responsibly or ethically, but until they actually break some laws whilst doing their thing, how do we stop them? Breeders can be removed from ANKC membership, but that doesn't stop them breeding dogs and selling to the public. Rescuers can have a revolving door policy for their charges and have many failed homes, but it certainly isn't stopping them keeping up those practices that aren't obviously working for their unsuspecting adopters. We have "good" and "bad" on all sides here... and those that are doing the right thing, whichever camp they are in, certainly don't like being tarred with the brush that says we are all "bad" because someone wants to generalise. T.

I have the utmost respect for pound staff... they have a pretty hard job when it's all said and done. T.

Responsible rescue is definitely not for the faint of heart, that's for sure... That said, it must be done with both head AND heart working together. Not every homeless animal can or should be rehomed/adopted - there are sometimes those whose best interests are served by being given their wings. Those of us who have the unenviable task of actually going to the pounds and looking into the eyes of each and every dog - and then having to select which ones we can help - don't always do it easy... but we can only take on what we can physically handle to ensure that each animal we take in gets everything it needs to be able to find it's very own forever home. But we do it because there is a need, and we do manage to help so many who my have had no chance without the extra time and care that rescuers provide. T.

Unfortunately there will always be others who may have differing opinions to what is posted to start a thread on an internet forum - and by starting that thread, you are (maybe not consciously) inviting them to espouse said opinions... then of course, like all great forum threads, there will be the inevitable sidetracks and derailings... *grin* T.

I've given up on caring whether people look at me strangely... I'm a crazy dog lady and proud of it... lol! T.

Dogmad is awesome... she will find something for this little guy... T.

*looks around sheepishly* Yes... T.

They are MUCH cuter in the flesh Kadbury... *grin* Definitely built for cuddling - that's for sure. Frodo and I had a great couch cuddle session last night... he's such a snugglebum! He's also the naughty and cheeky one... Peaches is cheeky too, and the others are a little more reserved at the moment, but will clamour for a cuddle if they think they'll get one... *grin* T.

Oh man! I need to get out more... I can relate to ALL of these... T.

OK - gone with a Hobbit theme for the scruffies... Frodo - brindle boy Bilbo - sable boy Daisy - brindle girl Lily - tan girl and Peaches for the white smooth coated girl... All had a good night with no crying, and have had a play and breakfast this morning. They are good little eaters. No stressy poos either, yay! And they cuddle like pro's... Master Frodo seems to like his new name... T.

PRADA68 and Purdie have the closest guesses so far... *grin* Daddy was a Frenchie/Pug - owner has desexed daddy already. Daddy looks all Frenchie. Mumma was a smaller fluffy breed (pure) - wanna guess what she is? Owner will be desexing once she loses her boobies. These pups were surrendered to us because the owner of the parents couldn't afford to vacc and microchip them all before finding them new homes, and didn't want to be breaking the law by rehoming them not done. They have taken steps to make sure they don't have any more litters. A big thank you to the rescue group the owner contacted first for sending her to us. These pups have been superbly cared for and socialised/handled well. They are gorgeous little munchkins in perfect health and have coped with their change of circumstances really well. Katdogs - I'm home all day today (Sunday) due to issues with my car radiator. Feel free to come over and have a cuddle of all of these pups any time... T.

How cute are these little munchkins? Sable boy - scruffy Brindle boy - scruffy White girl - smooth Brindle girl - scruffy Tan girl - scruffy The photos really don't do them justice - they are really stunning little pups. I got to see both parents, so I know their mix, but curious to see what others may think they are... *grin* (Hint: not staffy) T.

Oh my! Don't they look so much better now? That Phoenix looks like he's a bit of a camera tart, and poor Dusty looks quite camera shy... lol! Their eyes are starting to tell us a much nicer and happier story now too... not so scared and confused... and in Phoenix's case, how cheeky he might actually be under that cute exterior... *grin* I hope they like the teddies... and if Digby would like any of the teddies, he can choose his own too, OK? T.

I recommend Annandale Vet Clinic - 62 Moore Street, Leichhardt - awesome vets there! Well worth travelling a bit further for. T.

Not all of us are fanatical bleeding hearts HW... I cringe when I see people in rescue carry on like that too. I personally feel that there is room on this planet for all types of owners (as long as they care for their dogs adequately) and all types of dog (pure or crossed). You are perfectly entitled to choose your own family pet in whichever way you feel will ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for - and I commend you for your reasons for that selection. An informed decision is always a good thing IMHO. T.

My foster pups sleep in a crate in my bedroom where they can see me in bed (and hear me snore)... the longest one took to settle was about 20 mins. The current pup grizzled for exactly 4 minutes on his first night and hasn't made a fuss since. You get used to ignoring the grizzly ones for as long as it takes to settle when you do it often enough... and you also learn how to tell when a pup is truly distressed or just trying it on to get their own way. If truly distressed, I have been known to retire to the couch and get them to fall asleep with me - then move them back to the crate and get them settled with me half inside. Once settled, I gently and quietly remove myself from the crate and crawl into my own bed. Repeat as often as necessary to make the pup understand that the crate is not a scary place to be by themselves. A nice plastic bucket bed with warm bedding and a largish teddy bear to snuggle up to can work wonders for a pup missing having sleeping companions also... My own permanent dogs sleep on the bed - they live here all the time, and that is one of the perks... *grin* T.

Maybe crate Millie then if she takes her time about eating. Does Millie get fussed over when she stays at your place? Maybe Dusty is unsure of her position in your pack? I agree with seeking some professional help - one on one help for your dogs and you. A trained behaviourist will be able to see the dogs' behaviour and then be able to advise on a course of action. They are worth a lot more than they charge really... T.

Cute pup... but definitely not 8 weeks old... I'd say about 3 weeks at the most... T.

*waiting patiently for playtime photos* T.

tdierikx - Canon 450D, 18-55mm IS, 55-250mm IS - and backup is a Canon Powershot S5 P&S (12x zoom equivalent to around 400mm apparently) Can add Canon 60D and Tamron 18-270mm lens to mine please T.

Loving these little guys... please keep 'em coming. Also love the "girlie eek moment" description... lol! T.

Stunning!!! T.

*giggle... snort!* T.