Boronia

Hi Puddleduck - thanks for popping by - yes I like the idea of a portacot and I saw some on gumtree which were very reasonably priced - and I liked the idea of the floor in them and their height would be easier on my back - but having no experience with them whatsoever, I was unsure whether the mesh would stand up to him, the floor would be stable enough and whether or not it would be big enough? He doesn't need a paddock but needs to be able to take a step or two and turn around to 'nest'... and yes the pillows is a really good idea - and I have tons of those! So do you think they would be big enough, is the floor stable enough for him to walk on without falling over and do you think the mesh would be strong enough? Thanks tons PD... as I said I know absolutely nothing about them... My toddler is 14.5kg and couldn't knock it over. I know in the US they are often used as playpens so must be able to take some shoving. The floor is usually a lightly padded mattress but if you wanted something more stable (and it's going to be a 'permanent' type setup) you could get a piece of plywood cut to fit? I'd also have one side against the wall to add stability. For a little dog it would be plenty big enough, it would probably be larger than the appropriate crate for his size. To be honest you could probably even score one off freecycle if you put out a wanted post. It's one of those things everyone buys when they decide to go away for 2 nights then never gets used again...like so much other baby crap. :laugh: I'm thinking I'll have to join this thread soon for my old boy doofus.....he seems to be showing early signs of dementia with lots of barking, not good for a big dog in a unit block! That is probably so true PD, in which case WM should head off to her local Tip Recycling Shop (I wrote that with capitals as it is an important place ) there are sure to be some useful pens or porta-cots there.

Maybe you will have to get one of this design (I think it is Pers' pick) at least it has a floor so you could place it near a corner and put a heavy weight on it or push one side under your bed (if your bed is high enough http://www.crazysale...CFUw3pgod4hMAUA also this one as well http://compare.ebay.com.au/like/271180166209?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&clk_rvr_id=489026825546&crlp=1_262691_262711&UA=L*F%3F&GUID=3f31920f13e0a5edcdd43bf4fff7678d&mt_id=641&query={query}&fitem=271180166209&linkin_id=8077022&kw={query}&crdt=0&sortbid=21&ff4=262691_262711

That one is pretty good but what if he puts his front paws up onto the top...there seems to be no way to stop it tipping over. He also may just put his head on the walls and just push the pen all over the bedroom floor when he does his 3am exploring Maybe you can stop it from tipping over by running a strap around the outside and attaching it to a wall bracket (or to the bed frame). You could use a ratchet tie-down strap from Crazy Clarks or Supercheap.

Hi Bianca - thanks for the suggestion - but as Perse pointed out earlier (I didn't think of it} soft would be better for a dementing boy with deteriorating night sight, a tendency to pace at 3am... I can find one of these used locally for $50.00 which seems a fair price. Its 130 cms in diameter, will fit next to the bed at a pinch, is as close to circular as Perse suggests as I can find, has no toxic materials and I could put a rug under it and a bed and blanket in there for him and he can move around at night without disturbing the whole house. What do you think? What haven't I thought of? oohh... this is the sort of thing I had in mind :) LINK to Ebay Australia I saw them as well Pers, they look good but they may tip over if WM's Mac tries to jump up on the side, though he will still be ok...the playpen will just be upside down with Mac still inside.

Found these on Gumtree http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/adelaide-region/other-baby-children/jolly-kidz-playpen-play-pen-with-extension-pieces-60-ono/1021223163 http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/morphett-vale/other-baby-children/childrens-playpen/1021323228 http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/magill/other-baby-children/playpen-jolly-brand-coloured-wooden/1021314819

hahaha, saw this one which is full of unhappy pups--> http://www.quicksale...8-panel/1681854

These are a good idea but may be a little expensive--> http://www.zanui.com.au/Versatile-Playpen-Extension-17942.html?utm_source=myshopping&utm_medium=price_comparison&utm_content=zanui&utm_campaign=products&wt_pc=au.price_comparison.myshopping.products.zanui.ad I'll keep looking as it's raining and I'm stuck here at home and really wanted to go fishin' today

How about one of these WM,It is on special , you could put his blankies in it to make it comfy---> http://www.oo.com.au/Aquaspirit-2-Ring-Inflatable-P_P19522C914.cfm

Update..9th June: I met Angus (he is a lovely handsome boy in real life!) yesterday at the Westie Club's BBQ, Angus is having a good time with his new people and his new Bestie...a female Schnauzer. His new servants have bought him a stroller so he can have a ride when all that walking becomes tiresome. It appears that Amanda (Qld Westie Rescue) really 'busted her gut' working with the RSPCA to get him released to her for future re-homing...well done Amanda..you are a legend! edited as I put this message into the first post by mistake...woops

That's good news WM, hopefully Olly's new people will post some updates and photos so we can see his naughty little face again. I just popped into All Westie Rescue's facebook page to check on Angus, the Westie in Qld Westie Rescue, and saw the update on Olly...wow, before and after piccies...what a difference! https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-Westie-Rescue/210408315642997

I did a quick search and here are a couple of links https://www.facebook.com/ThePugDogClubOfNswRescuePugs http://www.pugrescue.org.au/?page_id=41

Ha, look at her little face. She looks very snuggly in that bed. Good onyer Pomteddy Pomeranians and Donatella

Came to look how the little ones were doing this morning...so sorry T, how awful for the little pups and you. Your job is heartbreaking sometimes. Bye bye little ones, have fun playing over the bridge, on the grass and in the sun ❤

OMG...Today Tonight = "will be a very fair report" I don't think so! What a goose he is :rofl:

When Penny had a tooth out a couple of months ago the vet said for me to give her meat (I used chicken) chopped up into around 20--25mm chunks, that way she would just swallow it whole, therefore not putting pressure on the wound. She was adament that Penny should not have soft food (like her vegie slops) or hard food (like bones or kibble) for a week. It was only a front tooth so no stitch...just a little hole. Pen was on a/b's for a week also

That baby is going to have a heap of good antibodies to set himself up for the future :laugh:

Hahaha, that was great! thanks for posting from Dr Who fan eta for those who don't get it--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFKa9tQqzrs

Yay for Donna! I hope she phones Amanda rather than wait for someone to phone her.

Angus is with Amanda at Qld Westie Rescue but I thought I'd put the facebook link here to get the word out. http://www.facebook....210408315642997 MATURE AGED WESTIE NEEDING ADOPTING IN QUEENSLAND Introducing 16 years (approx) male Westie, Angus. He was surrendered due to his owner going into care & is now looking for a loving family that he can retire with. Apart from typical old age health issues such as a bit of arthritis, slightly hard of hearing (but that could just be typical Westie too) & a hint of vision problems, due to cataracts forming, Angus is coping like a typical stoic Westie. He's very fit & social with everyone he meets. He's had his teeth cleaned, so no nasty old man breath to deter the ladies away from his handsome charm & looks. Angus will need to be an indoor/outdoor man, as this is what he's familiar to. He would be more suited for a retired person or couple, as the sudden rapid movement of children may startle him. Plus he'd rather sunbake or relax on a nice comfy bed near the heating, than play with any toys. If you are interested in adopting Angus, please contact our friend Amanda Cloughley from Qld Westie Rescue on (07) 3206 6460 Please help Angus by sharing his post with your friends, so that this little man can happily retire with a loving forever family sooner. Thanks

Can you drop them off at your local library Erny? There is someone on our island who keeps dropping off Dogs NSW and Dogs Qld magazines at our library (there is a free to good home trolley that people can leave their books and mags) I usually snaffle them and when I've finished I put them on the DOL for sale section for pay-the-postage only) Aust Post has Parcel Post Large (5Kg) Satchel for $16.70 so you can put a heap of magazines in to make up 5kg

Cheeeeese! also banana and mandarin segments

So sorry T, I can see her shining star here in the Dogs-in-the-Heavens galaxy

I bet the wildlife is glad that they are being killed by a desexed cat (I bolded the relevant part of your post Garnali) So no, I don't agree with all their principles either.

I'm not sure if this should go in the news forum or here so I have posted it here as many Dolers will have contacts in the States, you may want to pass it on. http://www.ohmidog.c...-kill-your-dog/ Sierra, a West Highland terrier in Colorado, had 26 cents in her stomach. But it was the single penny that killed her. Owner Maryann Goldstein said Sierra was always attracted to change. As a puppy, the Westie swallowed 32 cents and had to have it surgically removed. In March, Sierra got sick again, and X-rays at the vet's office showed a quarter and penny in her stomach. The smaller coin was the bigger concern. Pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, and that's toxic to dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a staff veterinarian at Petplan pet insurance, told CBSNews.com that newer pennies are toxic because gastric acid from the pet's stomach reaches the zinc center, causing it to be absorbed in the body rapidly. She said zinc interferes with red blood cell production, and the longer the exposure, the greater likelihood red blood cells will be destroyed. Symptoms of zinc toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy, red-colored urine or looking jaundiced. "Be sure to bank your spare change before curious pets can get their paws on it," warned Jackson. "and if they do, get them to the emergency vet immediately." Goldstein, who now wears Sierra's ashes in a heart-shaped container on a necklace, shared her dog's story with CBS in Denver as a warning to others.

Yes, he is an idiot..the word is you're