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Boronia

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    Favorite Dog Charity?

    in General Dog Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Boronia

    6 hours ago, sandgrubber said:

    I've been looking for charities to name in my will.  I think I found a winner in the dog charity category.  In my value system, prevention and treatment of cancer ranks above rescues.

     

    https://www.ccralliance.org/

     

    What's your favorite?

    That looks like an excellent charity SG,   there is also the dog cancer research labs at University of Qld

    a couple of linkies   here   and here

    • Like 1

    Wisconsin veterinary clinic tries new model, choosing co-op over corporate ownership

    in General Dog Discussion

    Posted

    Sounds like a good idea

    link has photos

     

    https://www.wpr.org/news/wisconsin-veterinary-clinic-co-op-uw-center-cooperatives?fbclid=IwY2xjawFqmw5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHY0j80QFaKxyPNRr-24KLbuzf5DPpp2KbF9MDx082VfO9OCdGfHIsTDnCw_aem_vsx1q3CA0fDmnWjCEvcXcA

     

    A Pair of clinics in southern Wisconsin might be the first employee-owned veterinary co-op in the US

    September 24, 2024
     
    DSC_0369-scaled.jpg Dr. Eric Howlett is one of 14 employee owners at Cooperative Veterinary Care. The clinic is thought to be the first employee-owned, vet clinic in the country. Mackenzie Krumme/WPR

    Whenever Dr. John Dally opens the email inbox of his veterinary clinic in Spring Green, he often sees a request from a corporation asking to buy his practice. 

    “We get solicitations constantly,” he told WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” “At least a couple times a week.” 

    That’s because veterinary clinics are becoming big business for corporations and private equity firms around the country. Today, at least 25 percent of general practice vet clinics are owned by corporations. Some estimates show that number could increase to 60 percent over the next decade.

    But Dally is uninterested in selling his 20-year-old clinic to a corporation.

    Instead, Dally’s Spring Green clinic and his fellow colleagues at Mazomanie Animal Hospital last year opened Cooperative Veterinary Care, a co-op that might be the first employee-owned veterinary cooperative in the country, according to the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives.  

    The 14 employee owners include veterinarians, vet technicians, vet assistants and a receptionist. Each owner is on the board of directors. They get equal voting power on decisions and a share in the end-of-year profits based on the number of hours worked. 

    Together, the group makes decisions on health care, pricing structure, wage tiers and employee benefits.

    “I like to think of it as an analogy to the Continental Congress in the formation of this country,” said Dr. Eric Howlett, an employee owner at Cooperative Veterinary Care and former board president. “We’re coming together, forming our bylaws and asking: What are our shared values?”

    And the group casts votes by animal noises instead of saying “yea” or “nay.” 

    “I mean, ‘yea’ and ‘nay’ are so boring,” Howlett said. “So, sometimes it’s a ‘woof’ or ‘meow.’ Sometimes, it’s a ‘moo’ or a ‘neigh.’”

    Abe, Dr. Eric Howlett’s 6-year-old dog, hangs out at the Mazomanie Animal Hospital during the day. Mackenzie Krumme/WPR

    The changing ownership of veterinary clinics has local effects

    Dally graduated from the UW-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in 1992 and has practiced in southern Wisconsin ever since. He said over the last 10 years, ownership of veterinary clinics has changed dramatically. 

    Corporations are interested in veterinary practices, he said, because the business was relatively recession-proof during the 2008 financial crisis. Pet owners today consider their “fur babies” members of the family. 

    As a result, people spend more money for their pets’ care. For instance, the veterinary care and products market is expected to increase from $38.3 billion in 2023 to $39.1 billion in 2024, according to the American Pet Product Association.

    Sometimes, patrons might be unaware of who owns their pet clinic. Mars Inc. —the owner of Snickers, Dove and Poptarts — also owns 3,000 vet clinics worldwide. Fortune called the company the biggest veterinary care provider in the country. 

    Howlett previously worked for a corporate veterinary clinic in Wisconsin. He said staff still had autonomy over the veterinary care, including decisions such as what drugs to prescribe or tests to recommend. But employees felt pressure from ownership to see an unsustainable amount of patients. 

    “There were quotas put on staff members to try to sell things (like) fecal tests,” he said. “Making staff feel more like they were salespeople as opposed to health care professionals.”

    Maddie Hansen is an employee owner of Cooperative Veterinary Care with locations in Mazomanie and Spring Green. She recently served on the co-ops business operations committee. Mackenzie Krumme/WPR

    Dally and Howlett agree that employees working at corporate-owned veterinary clinics can have a limiting or difficult working environment, but still aim to give the best quality care.

    The co-op model is a better fit for them, however. Dally worked closely with the UW Center for Cooperatives to establish the clinic. Although there are matters the employee-owners are still working out, things seem to be going well. 

    “I just am super excited to watch young people getting to be leaders of a group and decision makers and share with each other their ideas and ways of working out disagreements and having to compromise,” Dally said. “I’ve just seen the process works so well in so many ways.” 

    Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.

    • Like 2

    Ageing dog on a limited income.

    in General Dog Discussion

    Posted

    sometimes your home and contents insurer has extra pet cover as an add-on, usually it is just for accidents (NRMA) and there is an age cut-off, the cover pay-out is usually below $1000 and that additional policy is usually under $100 annually. it's worth checking with your insurer

    • Like 2

    Dogs finally allowed to stay in cabins on Spirit

    in In The News

    Posted · Edited by Boronia

    Excellent news!

     

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/ZeQ63qMrdR9iK7ni/

     

    456481672_1050828333714914_1801451334593322533_n.thumb.jpg.1ce5f9f2a20678e527fcdd5809dced25.jpg

     

    Animals will no longer be forced to stay separate to their owners, with the Spirit of Tasmania set to change their policies when the new ships launch in 2025.
    The two new ships will each have 18 cabins dedicated to accommodating furry friends and their owners, with a designated outdoor area available for dogs to stretch their legs and enjoy some fresh sea air on a lead.
    In addition to the cabins, the ferries will also have a secure climate-controlled pet housing area with kennels for dogs of all breeds and sizes.

     

     

    • Like 5

    Is Dog Foods GST Free In Au?

    in General Dog Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Boronia

    11 hours ago, RobertSB said:

    Also, how do you usually calculate the GST for such products? like we have to do it manually or the store owner does it upfront?

     

    go to Google (or whatever search engine you are using) and search for 'gst explained in simple terms'

    There is a very old topic here that may be helpful

     

    Shetland Sheepdog

    in Dog Breeds 101

    Posted · Edited by Boronia

    8 hours ago, lloyd.abrahams said:

     

    Breeders with puppies are not going to chase after you Lloyd, it's up to you to do the searching and showing you will be a good owner, maybe go to some shows and chat with Sheltie breeders and get yourself known, breeders want to get their puppies into the best of homes so introducing yourself is a step in the right direction.

    and...

    wait until you get to know the breeder before asking how much the pup costs (and don't ask what is their 'best price' :laugh:)

    There is a show today and tomorrow: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July 2024, Dogs West, Southern River.  12 Shelties being shown  https://www.dogzonline.com.au/event-diary/list.asp?state=WA

    • Like 3

    Shetland Sheepdog

    in Dog Breeds 101

    Posted

    2 hours ago, lloyd.abrahams said:

    looking to get a sheltie sheep dog not a puppy like to get a older dog as mine has passed over the rainbow so would need to be in western Australia PLEASE if one does become available could u contact me please 0428100051 or [email protected] thank u

    one puppy here in Perth  https://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/member.asp?name=nightwoodshelties

    and a 6y/o in Qld though transport can be arranged. https://www.dogzonline.com.au/breeds/mature/shetland-sheepdog.asp

    • Like 1

    A Good Dogzonline resource: puppy buying questions, what to expect from the breeder

    in Puppy Chat

    Posted

    https://www.dogzonline.com.au/resources/getting-started/working-with-a-breeder/11-questions-to-expect-when-applying-for-a-puppy

     

    11 questions to expect when applying for a puppy

    14 May 2023
     
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    11 questions to expect when applying for a puppy

    Bringing a new puppy into your life can be a joyous and exciting experience, but it's important to be prepared before you say yes. If you're looking to apply for a puppy from a Dogs AU breeder, you'll likely have to go through an application process that will include customised questions from the breeder who'd like to learn who you are to establish if you're a match for their pup.

    Like every interview, this one shares the same objective - finding the right fit between you and the puppy. Breeders are dedicated to their litters and want to ensure that their pups go to loving homes, hence, they’ll love to know everything about you and your lifestyle. Although every breeder asks different questions, here are 11 questions that we've  come across in the application process:

     

    1. Tell me about yourself.

     

    The most dreaded question of any interview!  This one doesn't have to be too daunting though. As we mentioned above, this is an interview. Breeders would be keen to understand who you are, what you do, where you live, with whom, and many more questions. They only want to ensure that their puppies end up in good homes and are well taken care of by their human counterparts. We urge you to be as honest and descriptive as you can be to help the breeder understand who you really are.

     

    2. Why do you want a puppy?

     

    Breeders want to understand your motivations and ensure that you're committed to the love and care of the puppy for its lifetime and not an impulsive purchase.t is pivotal to understand that getting a puppy is a commitment for ~15 years.

    Breeders invest time, money and effort towards their program and they are intent on ensuring their puppies are homed in the best households possible. To answer this question, you need to understand why you want a puppy before you apply for one. Ask yourself if you’re ready for a dog.

     

    3. Do you have any experience with dogs?

     

    Whether it’s your first puppy or you’ve grown up with dogs, breeders need to understand your experience with dogs to see if you’re the right fit for the breed you’re applying for. Different breeds have varied needs for training and development. For example, a first-time puppy owner might see themself struggling to adequately care for a stubborn breed like a Shiba Inu or a Siberian Husky, and may better suit an easier-to-train breed like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Golden Retriever.

    Read: How do I find the right breed for myself?

     

    4. What is your living situation like?

     

    It’s unsuitable to have a large breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog in a 500 sqm apartment with no backyard. Hence, the breeder will be curious to understand your living situation to learn if you have enough space for the pup to move around freely. This question extends to not just your home but also access to nearby parks, playgrounds, trails or beaches.

     

    a cat sitting next a dachshund lying down, facing the camera

    Some breeds are other pet-friendly

     

     

    5. Do you have any other pets?

     

    This question helps the breeder understand how the new puppy will fit in with your existing pets, and whether your home is bound to be a battleground for territory.

    To avoid disappointment, it’s best to research breeds that tend to be friendly with other pets. For example, a working breed like Border Collie may work fantastically if you have a variety of farm animals but you may find a Chihuahua struggling to adjust.

     

    6. Are you the primary caretaker of the puppy?

     

    At least during the initial months of the puppy living with you, it will need tons of attention and care and dedicated time for socialising and training. The breeder wants to ensure that the puppy is well taken care of and does not develop behavioural issues early on such as separation anxiety, or worse hurt itself when unsupervised.

    However, some breeders may suggest leaving the puppy alone for a while but increasing the time gradually to ensure there is a healthy balance of companionship and individuality. If you do need to leave the house, try to set up a pet sitter early on and puppy-proof your home before getting the puppy. Separation anxiety is something that is common amongst all breeds and you will need to factor in training your puppy to be alone and to be confident that you are returning home. There are huge amounts of resources online from YouTube to Facebook pages of trainers.

     

    7. What do you know about the breed already?

     

    The last thing that you or the breeder wants is for the puppy to end up in a mismatched home. The decision to get a puppy must be immediately followed up by adequate research on different types of breeds and narrowing down to breeds that match your lifestyle.

    Once you’ve done that, take a deep dive into the shortlisted breeds to understand the varied health and behavioural elements of the breed. What specific health issues is the breed prone to? What unique tests are necessary? What grooming routines will need to be followed? The best way to show the breeder that you’ve done your homework is to ask them breed-specific questions. Just because Mrs Wilson down the street got a Poodle, it doesn’t mean you need to get one too - do your research.

     

    8. What kind of exercise and training do you plan to provide for the puppy?

     

    As we mentioned above, the breeder will be very keen to understand your daily routine and how much time you’ll be able to devote to the puppy in a day, especially early on. For the puppy to have the best chance at leading a happy and healthy life, you need to have a training plan in place.

    Now, to do this, you can consult with any friends or family that have a dog or any professionals such as a dog trainer or the breeder themselves. The puppy will need consistent physical training and mental stimulation for well-rounded growth.

     

    9. What kind of food and treats do you plan to feed your puppy?

     

    The breeder will be curious to discuss the nutritional needs of the puppy and ensure you understand the depth of this topic. There are a variety of diets out there: raw, kibble, freshly cooked, and more. The breeder will tell you their suggested diet based on the breed and what they’ve been feeding the pup. Food plays such a critical role in the puppy’s growth and well-being. Bonus points if you research the breed’s allergy tendencies and have a backup plan in place.

     

    10. What kind of veterinary care do you plan to provide for the puppy?

     

    The breeder wants to ensure that the puppy will receive proper veterinary care and that you understand the importance of regular check-ups and vaccinations. It is good practice to look into vets in your area and create a shortlist so you’re prepared. Based on your budget and the breed, it might be a good idea to save up for unforeseen health emergencies that may arise in the future.

     

    11. Do you have any questions for me?

     

    Like the end of every good interview, you will be expected to have your questions ready for the breeder. If you follow the research process mentioned above before you meet the breeder, you should have a list of questions for them to answer. This application process is a two-way street.

    Consider this list as a starting point only, and not the holy grail. A reputable breeder will always ask the important questions to see to it that their puppy goes to a responsible and loving home.

    When you're ready, you can explore all verified breeders, puppies for sale, or mature dogs looking for new homes on Dogz Online.

     
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