lappiemum

Lovely pics!

oh, I love this idea - ok, here are some professional ones- and some not so professional ones!LOL

Love the framing in this one!

We're all flu ridden in this house too. Hope you get better soon Pointees! Love the pics Pointees

Its wrong. very very wrong.

Hey BB - Sharon in the Spitz thread has a son looking for a DSLR camera to start out in...two birds so to speak? Glad you like your new camera

From the Ageonline today http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/homesty...0817-1289c.html It does focus more on pedigree breeds, but also talks about cross breeds more positively than I would personally agree with. Cat in a flat? It's a purrrfect idea August 18, 2010 If you've ever wanted to keep a cat in a flat, but thought the unit a whisker too small, think again. A new study says keeping pets in city apartments is a purrrfect idea. It also advises how to get your paws on a building which is pet friendly. And in a move which will set posh pooches tails wagging and get yuppie moggies purring with delight, developers of upmarket new buildings are said to be increasingly willing to accommodate animals. One in four Australian households are now based in apartment blocks, says the Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS), which is attempting to bust the myth that pets can't live in small units. "There is absolutely a perception out there that cats and dogs can't live in units because they are too small ... but it's really not true," PIAS spokeswoman Susie Willis said. "Traditionally, people think you need a quarter-acre backyard for a dog to run about in, but most are just as happy in an apartment as long as you take the right steps." And developers and real estate agents that were traditionally "anti-pet" are now changing their ways, Ms Willis added. "We know city dwellers want to keep pets and some developers are now cottoning on to that fact," she said. "They've realised there is money to be made from allowing pets." She said Sydney's upmarket Jacksons Landing development and parts of Melbourne's Docklands residential development, among others, are now pet-friendly. PIAS's research is based on a 2008 study involving 800 respondents and has been turned into a new guide, called Pets In The City. It aims to advise people which pets are most suitable for apartments, such as those which shed less hair. And it offers advice on how to find pet friendly buildings, negotiate with anti-pet real estate agents other potential obstacles to pet ownership. It has won the backing of Sydney mayor Clover Moore. "In a society in which people often live on their own, pets give pleasure, they teach responsibility, they provide security, and they love and are loved in return," Ms Moore said in a statement. For more information visit www.petsinthecity.net.au AAP

The example said such as cockatoos and galahs. I would think that they would extend it to any medium to larger sized birds (larger than a budgie). I am not in logan, btw - I'm just pointing out that in terms of animal housing and welfare there already exist several layers of juristiction and regulation already, so why create additional regulation if its not to create additional revenue? And what is with charging $200 per permit anyway? Thats just a bit excessive, IMO.

No, a council trying to foster a harmonious community. Obviously they need some feedback to let them know that not all large bird species are noisy which is why they ask for public comment. Yes, you feel fine in your situation. But you need to consider that they are looking at all types of situations - not just the great owners that are responsible and do nothing wrong. The problem with this kind of one size fits all legislation is the unforseen ramifications it has. I am not sure why you infer that having animals doesn't fit with a harmonious community, as long as those animals are cared for and housed appropriately (which is outlined under state animal legislation). This appears to be yet another level of regulation that is not needed, unless you are looking at income - and the $200 fee appears to reinforce this point.

So if I lived in Logan I would have to either move or find a new home for my parrot, an elecluctus - who lives inside with us and is an important member of the family? She is no louder than the kids next door, I can tell you. Stupid councils looking to make more money.

Hi BB- Its up to you but I've taken pics in very very low light conditions and the pics have worked out fine. It may be that you do need a new body, but when I did my investigations recently (I've just bought my camera) I didn't feel that the Canon or Nikon were better than the Pentax I eventually bought I agree that the lens is probably an issue - and yes, you may also need to upgrade your body - but I don't think Pentax sells crap cameras taken inside, without a flash at night in really, really crap lighting

Forgot to mention I have sigma lenses ;)

Bb - I have a pentax k7 body and a 18 - 200 lens which I love. The body is solid and weather proof & has an internal dust filter & the lens gives me great close up options - Esp when taking dogs in motion pics! I would look at either upgrading your lens or do both lens & body but have to say I'm very happy with the brand.

Hey Amergio First of all, don't stress! LOL Yes, by the sounds of it she is in season. Some girls will keep themselves very clean and so you may not see any blood, or she may also be having what we call a silent season (boy are those fun - NOT!). A couple of questions - is she likely to be in contact with a whole male dog? If not, you will be fine, just keep her indoors and don't let her urinate on the grass at the front of the house if you do take her out (thats a BIG I'M HERE BOYS!). If you do have a whole male, he is likely to get nuts for the next several weeks. If you can't seperate them safely you need to look at other options (such as kenneling one of them for a period, or having one go visit a friend or relative). A season should last roughly 4 weeks. She'll probably be rather sooky and want lots of love and attention from you. Make sure your property is secure and there is no chance she can get out or romeo boys can get in, and you will be fine.

i've been notified tonight that the Lappie breed club here in vic has been contacted in the same way.

Thanks Vizeuse! - I think that's it, and the relevant breed clubs and/or concensus amongst breeders (such as that is) will make a determination which the VCA will officially endorse. 12. A member shall not breed with a bitch unless the bitch has reached adequate maturity for that breed as determined by the member's Member Body. http://www.ankc.org.au/About-ANKC/National...-Ownership.aspx There is also this down as recommended best practice under the VIC legislation: Regardless of breed, bitches should be at least 12 months old and in their second season before being mated for the first time. For the larger dog breeds, the recommended age for first breeding is generally 18 months old, i.e. when the bitch is fully grown and mature. Bitches should not be mated to have more than two litters in an 18-month period. For the larger breeds, this should be not more than 2 litters per 24 month period. I'm pretty sure there is also something in the breeders exams someplace too.

There is the following: Under Code of Ethics & in the Regs Breeding 20.1.12 A member shall not breed with a bitch unless the bitch has reached adequate maturity for that breed as determined by the Victorian Canine Association Inc. I'm quite positive there was some reference somewhere; the fact that this refers to a determination by the VCA means it is someplace. It may be that this is being revised because of the revision they are doing with breeders and breed clubs? But will keep looking!

will have a look

I thought there was a generic reference under the regs somewhere.

Lappies are the same. no problem here.

Hey Dolers- I have a good friend of mine who this year moved to Singapore (she's a post doc at Uni of Singapore - not bad work if you can get it!). Anyway, she is going to stay in Singers permanently and her and her hubby want to get a maltese to be part of the family. However, she is worried about finding a reputable breeder over there nand wants to find someone who doesn't do the puppy farm thing and health tests dogs and pups as appropriate. Do any DOLers here have advice for you or know of who she can contact? I've had a look at the singapore Kennel Club site and advised her to contact them regardless, but I'm not hopeful that they will have much in the way of advice over breeders. Just to add, she was going to the pound to see what is there - I know maltese and x's have a high dumpage rate sadly - but she was hoping to get a pedigree dog, which I can't blame her for. Is there a breed club over there that she can contact or should I just advise her to talk to breeders here and import? Thanks!

love the pics guys!! I'll forward the Bronte ones to you SG - do i have your email? LC - I haven't sent you the ones of Charlotte yet, will do it tonight - just have to kick the OH off the computer.

Hey guys- I've had my new camera for about a fortnight now so I'm still working out how to not take fuzzy shots!LOL But here is something I took the other day - not as good as others in here but its a start!LOL

Interesting. Have people seen this? http://www.politicalanimal.org.au/ From the website: Puppy Factories Every year hundreds of dogs are churned out of puppy factories that show little regard for their health and welfare or pet over-population. The breeding dogs generally spend most of their lives in pens with very little social interaction or exercise. Puppy farmers will sell to anyone, wholesale and retail, and by any means, on-line, through pet shops, via newspapers and car boot sales or by using a false house as a ‘shop front'. Some puppy factories actually operate the pet shops in addition to their breeding facility, where they then sell their puppies to the unsuspecting public. Puppies born in puppy factories often have long-term health and behavioural problems as a result of poor housing conditions, poor maternal nutrition and a lack of adequate socialisation during the crucial first few weeks of life. Other problems associated with puppy factories include over-breeding, in-breeding, minimal veterinary care and high mortality rates for puppies. RSPCA inspectors have seized dogs from puppy factories where hundreds of breeding females have been kept in cages in appalling conditions. Both crossbreeds and purebreds can be mass-produced on puppy factories (although the purebreds are unlikely to be registered as pedigree dogs). Puppy factories are legally permitted to operate under local council permits despite serious animal welfare concerns. Legislation only dictates the most basic of animal welfare standards, which are not acceptable to the community or to the RSPCA. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How you can help Ask your prospective representatives how they would address these animal welfare issues. Find your local MP or candidate here. Never buy a puppy unless you can visit its parents and the place where it was born. Follow the RSPCA Smart Puppy Buyer's Guide. Report puppy factories to your local council or RSPCA Pledge your support for our Close Puppy Factories campaign Contact your local council asking them to stop puppy factories from operating in your area -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What we want The laws governing puppy factories are a mess and need to be completely overhauled. Every level of government has a responsibility to fix this problem and has the power to make it harder for puppy factories to operate. Federal Government Tighten export provisions for the sale of puppies overseas – this is a small but lucrative market for puppy farmers. Ask the Australian Taxation Office to investigate known individuals involved in puppy farming – our information indicates that puppy farmers favour cash transactions and may not declare their full income. Work with State/Territory Governments to reform and harmonise animal welfare and consumer protection legislation and processes. Work with State/Territory Governments to develop national standards for the breeding and selling of companion animals. State Governments Require all breeders to obtain a state government licence to breed dogs. Make licencing conditional on compliance with a Code of Practice outlining enforceable standards. Strengthen Codes of Practice to better protect the health and welfare of animals in these establishments. Introduce a compulsory registration and licensing system for all outlets selling companion animals. Legislation should incorporate mandatory minimum standards for pet shops with specific requirements in relation to stopping puppy farming. Legislation should be amended to prevent puppy farmers from continuing their business while any legal proceedings against them are underway. Increase RSPCA's authority to enforce Codes of Practice. Make it compulsory for all pet shops and other retail outlets to desex animals prior to sale to bring into line legislation that exists for animal welfare shelters. Local Councils Should not be providing permits for puppy factories to operate on private land without appropriate licences and enforcing adherence to standards. For breeding establishments that are in operation, local councils should implement a strict enforcement and inspection regime with instant revocation of permits where welfare standards are deemed unacceptable.

LOL Odie was def top dog!! Acheron will be fine once he gets used to Kepala zoomies - he might even join in!!