lappiemum

that means that while samoyeds can be judged there won't be any points handed out for them, as there is probably a samoyed specialty going on that day in QLD. Usually, you won't get many enteries from a breed which isn't elgible to cc's at that meet.

poor baby - hope someone can give this boy a new home that is willing to respect him and love him the way his old owners obviously did not. how callous can you be?

so pleased to hear things are going so well - great news!

She has admitted that she rarely had to work with spitz breeds... and if so, she worked with them when they are older and more settled. The spitz dogs I've had were never a problem - challenging, yes, a problem no. I also had a kelpie that I trained too - and she was way more stubborn than my spitzes!

If you arn't happy definatly find someone else. I ran into a trainer awhile back who told me spitz breeds where impossible to train and I should give up now Not a good attitude to have in a trainer. I would have thought that was a reflection on their skills as a trainer.

We have a genetic test to determine genetic status of one form of PRA in Finnish Lapphunds (prcd-PRA). There is more than one form though since not all Lappies affected with PRA give a positive result on the test and two clear dogs (or possibly a carrier to clear) bred together resulted in affected offspring! Which is why yeary ophthalmic exams from breeding stock is so important even after they are genetically tested. And op testing should also be from an ACES vet.

I have called the VCA in the past regarding this breeder and I have also spoken to the Cavalier King Charles CLub of Victoria also. Ill get back onto the phone to VCA today also to see what I can do. The last time that I called the VCA they pretty much told me that there is nothing that I can do You may also consider contacting the DPI to see what the status is officially re this issue under the Code, although it may be that if its not a recognised condition in Cavs it may not be applicable. Regardless, its very disappointing your breeder doesn't want to know as it is an indication that there may be problems within their breeding program. I should add that legal issues around the Code are as yet untested, as the legislation only came in 2009/2010. However, I do know that breeders and clubs who have breeds which the Code applies to in terms of recognised conditions are taking it very, very seriously, as is the VCA.

Sorry to hear your news S_edmonds. From what I understand, the big difference in PRA among breeds is in the age of onset and the rate of progression of the disease. Certain breeds, such as the Collie, the Irish Setter, the Norwegian Elkhound and the Miniature Schnauzer, have early onset forms. In these breeds the disease results from abnormal or arrested development of the photoreceptors in the visual cells in their retina, and affects pups very early in life. In other breeds, including the Miniature Poodle, the English and American Cocker Spaniel, and the Labrador Retriever, and my own breed, Finnish Lapphunds, PRA is much later in onset. Affected dogs in these breeds appear normal when young, but develop PRA as adults. We are fortunate in our breed that we have had a genetic test to determine carrier status, so there should be absolutely no reason for any Lappie to develop this disease if bred in this country. In addition, the Code of Practice for Inheritable Diseases here in Victoria requires testing of breeding stock for PRA status, and prohibits carrier to carrier matings (unless under an authorised breeding program - which its not). I am not aware if there is a genetic test in your breed - its is concerning, however, if your breeder does not wish to discuss this problem - my understanding is that, with one exception, PRA in all breeds so far studied is an autosomal recessive disorder. That means that to be affected a pup has to receive one copy of the defective gene from both parents, and therefore both parents of an affected pup must be either carriers or affected themselves (and similarly, because affected dogs have two copies of the defective gene, all their progeny will be at least carriers). In short, your breeder is breeding with affected/carrier stock, and if they are informed of this, should be dealing with this issue immediately. Is there a breed club that you can contact re this issue? And the VCA should take note of this issue - who have you contacted?

A hard decision. You are asking the right questions, as there is both the economic and emotional issues to consider. One other question - if returned, do you believe that the breeder likely to invest $ in correcting pup's health, or is it something that will be too difficult/expensive?

OMG!!!! BOB!!! LOL

Latest news is that the lines and roads have all been reopened, police have found a firearm but they haven't got the guy yet. Apparently the firearm has been discharged at some point, but they are not saying when and where. There is a pic of the suspect and his photo on the Ageonline site - see http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-h...tml?autostart=1 Latest report from the Age online: Police hunt gunman at Melbourne Park MEGAN LEVY AND PAUL MILLAR June 21, 2010 - 1:06PM A firearm has been found in the vicinity of Rod Laver Arena following this morning's search for a gunman in the Melbourne Park sports precinct. Police are still hunting for a gunman who led officers on a dramatic high-speed pursuit through Melbourne’s east this morning before fleeing into the precinct. Heavily-armed police wearing bulletproof vests this morning locked down the area - home to Rod Laver Arena and the MCG - and warned workers and sports teams to stay indoors. The man, aged in his mid 20s, is carrying a shotgun and is believed to have already fired a number of shots during an armed robbery at a service station in Bulleen about 3am today, Superintendent Rod Wilson said. The gunman is also believed to have robbed a home in Balwyn and stolen a number of vehicles in the crime spree, before police pursued him along the Monash Freeway into the city about 9.40am. Witnesses said the gunman reached speeds of up to 130km/h in a stolen car on the freeway and hit up to four vehicles, including a police car, before driving into the sports precinct. He is believed to have ditched his vehicle and fled over a footbridge from the Hisense Arena, before running around the perimeter of the MCG towards the Richmond area. Superintendent Wilson said the man, who was known to police, was dangerous and was last seen still carrying the gun. "He is armed and violent and under no circumstances should be approached," he said. "He has a history of violence, and witnesses last saw him running over the footbridge (towards the MCG] with a jacket and a shotgun." Players from both the Melbourne Demons AFL team, which was having its first official training day at the new AAMI Park facility, and the Melbourne Victory A-League team were caught up in the incident, with both teams told to stay indoors from about 10am. Victory spokesman Nick Slade said staff who had been going out for a coffee about 10am had been told to get back inside, and they had "battened down the hatches". However, the lockdown appeared to finish about 12.15pm, when MCG security said it was safe for staff to move out of the stadium. The gunman is described as being of Spanish appearance with straight dark hair and wearing a dark jacket, red or orange T-shirt and silver tracksuit pants. Superintendent Wilson said the man was believed to have committed an aggravated burglary at a home in Balwyn. He stole a vehicle from the home before driving to the United service station in Bulleen, where he committed an armed robbery. "We believe a firearm was discharged, however further investigations by police have not confirmed this," Superintendent Wilson said. Police believe the man then stole another vehicle before officers began chasing him west on CityLink towards the city. Witnesses to the car chase described seeing a blue VZ Holden Commodore SS sedan travelling at up to 130km/h on the city-bound lanes of the Monash Freeway before the entrance to the Burnley Tunnel about 9.45am. Police said up to four cars were hit in the chase, including an unmarked police station wagon and a Mitsubishi outlander 4WD. Both vehicles were badly damaged. Ambulance Victoria spokesman Paul Bentley said a police officer was treated at the scene for a sore back and had been taken to Box Hill Hospital in a stable condition. Witnesses said the Commodore sped from the scene and was being chased by up to 10 marked and unmarked police vehicles before the vehicle entered the sports precinct. Radio 3AW caller Chris said the pursuit on the Monash had been like a scene "from an American TV show". "It was unbelievable," he said. "Just the speed and (he was) very erratic. There’s no room to weave on the Monash." Chris said the gunman "came flying down the embankment to bypass all the cars coming onto the Monash". He said he saw the driver "shove" one of the police cars. "He missed me by millimetres," he said. A delivery driver who arrived at the MCG was told to stay in his vehicle. "[Police] are everywhere," the driver told Radio 3AW. "Up Punt Road and down Brunton Avenue." Police are advising that public transport including trains, trams and light rail had been stopped in the vicinity of Richmond. Services on eight Metro rail lines were originally halted, but have now resumed. Metro has warned passengers to expect delays of up to 50 minutes. Batman Avenue, Brunton Avenue and Swan Street were also closed but are now open in both directions.

Age website has just been updated - this is the latest Police hunt gunman at Melbourne Park MEGAN LEVY June 21, 2010 - 11:01AM Police have locked down the Melbourne Park sports precinct and are searching for a gunman holed up in the area following a high-speed pursuit in the city's east this morning. Heavily-armed police wearing bullet proof vests have saturated the precinct and motorists are being turned away from the area, home to Rod Laver Arena and the MCG. A building site has been shut down, with up to 100 construction workers confined to their site shed, while others in the area have been urged to stay inside and lock their doors. Unconfirmed reports have also said players from the Melbourne Demons AFL team were in the precinct and had been advised to remain indoors. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers were searching for a man believed to be armed with a gun, however she could not confirm a report that a man had earlier fired at police in the Box Hill area. The gunman is described as being in his mid 20s, of Spanish appearance with straight dark hair. He is wearing a dark jacket, a red or orange t-shirt and silver tracksuit pants. ''The public are urged not to approach the man and instead contact triple-zero should they sight him,'' the spokeswoman said. Police believe that the man may have fled over a footbridge from the Hisense Arena and run around the perimeter of the MCG towards the Richmond area. The drama follows a police chase earlier this morning, in which a police car and another vehicle were were rammed on the Monash Freeway. Witnesses described seeing a blue VZ SS Holden Commodore travelling at up to 130km/h on the city-bound lanes of the Monash Freeway before the entrance to the Burnley Tunnel about 9.45am. An unmarked police station wagon was rammed in the chase, as well as a Mitsubishi outlander 4WD. Both vehicle were badly damaged. Witnesses said the Commodore sped from the scene and was being chased by up to 10 marked and unmarked police vehicles before the vehicle entered the sports precinct. A delivery driver who arrived at the MCG was told to stay in his vehicle. ''[Police] are everywhere,'' the driver told Radio 3AW. ''Up Punt Road and down Brunton Avenue.'' A Metro spokesman said all train services between Richmond and Flinders Street stations had been suspended. Significant delays are expected on services travelling to and from Melbourne's eastern suburbs, with reports of trains in the City Loop being stopped and passengers being told the service would not be continuing. edited to add - I just heard sirens on clarendon street heading for the city.

hopefully no-one has been injured. he's done well to have closed down flinders st station and that part of the CBD - its going to be a nightmare on the lines.

All is now reopened, but the guy is still on the lose - latest story see http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-h...tml?autostart=1 ************************************************************ ************************************** Happening now - train and road closures, people are advised to stay in their offices From the Age online - http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-h...00621-ypz8.html Police hunt gunman at Melbourne Park MEGAN LEVY June 21, 2010 - 10:28AM Police have locked down the Melbourne Park sports precinct and are searching for a gunman believed to be holed up in the area following a high-speed pursuit east in the city’s east this morning. Heavily-armed police wearing bulletproof vests have been seen entering the precinct and motorists are being turned away from the area, home to Rod Laver Arena and the MCG. Those working in the precinct have been told to stay inside. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said officers were searching for a man believed to be armed with a gun. The spokeswoman could not confirm a report that a man had earlier fired at police in the Box Hill area. The drama follows a police chase earlier this morning, in which a police car and another vehicle were were rammed on the Monash Freeway. Witnesses said a blue Holden Commodore was travelling at up to 130km/h on the city-bound lanes of the Monash Freeway near the entrance to the Burnley Tunnel about 9.45am. Callers to Radio 3AW said a vehicle had sped from the scene and was being chased by up to 10 marked and unmarked police vehicles. Ambulance Victoria spokesman Paul Bentley said paramedics were called to the incident. Victoria Police has been contacted for comment. Police have sealed off Olympic Boulevard, Batman Avenue, Brunton Road and Punt Road. A Metro spokesman said all train services between Richmond and Flinders Street stations had been suspended. Significant delays are expected on services travelling to and from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, with reports of trains in the City Loop being stopped and passengers told the service would not be continuing.

thanks !! she's finally beginning to grow up!

Watch out - Kepala is additictive!!!LOL

ohhhh - poor charolotte - she needs lappie cuddles too.......!!

what a good idea!!

Hopefully all is well LC - we're looking forward to seeing our Charlotte back at Kepala again soon!! Something to keep in mind Kepala photographers - I reckon at the end of the year we should submit our best 5 pics, and then have a vote to select the 12 most popular for a Kepala calendar - what do you all think??

and last, but no least, Sohvi having her first Kepala hydrobath.....(which saved both my back and time!! ) see, they are relatively skinny when you get past the fur!

More play pics!

more sptiz pics..... - Dakota, Bear, Tasha, Sohvi and Echo

(who has treats??) (they know you have treats!!!)

(love the kisses in this one!)

Sohvi, Echo and Dexter off and racing! and some pointees pics - sorry, but I'm not going to be able to name them all....but here they are as a collection!