mita

Straight talking letter to the public re greyhound racing in Qld from the newly appointed Integrity Commissioner, Ross Barnett. His former role was as a respected police officer... which may be useful background experience for hunting down any bad eggs as he promises. Seems the Integrity Commission will operate separately from the commercial wing so it's answerable only to ethical standards. Also steps like higher fees for licences to be put in place. He also puts emphasis on the adoption of greyhounds, via their Greyhound Adoption Program which will be under his wing. Figures show a big increase in greyhound adoptions from the recent publicity. Of course, the challenge will be putting the plans into action. I notice they urge anyone who has concern about a greyhound/s to contact them. Interesting to see what kind of process they have ready to handle such reporting. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/queensland-is-ahead-of-the-game-in-eliminating-livebaiting-and-animal-cruelty-from-racing/news-story/d55be2fb4c8337341d0a7494c88058fb

Here's the Dowager Empress T'zu Hsi describing the standards of conformation linked with behaviour of the Pekinese in the Imperial Palaces of China (its origin). : 'For its colour let it be that of a lion, a golden sable, to be carried in the sleeve of a yellow robe, or the colour of a red bear, or striped like a dragon, so that there may be dogs appropriate to every costume in the Imperial wardrobe.... Let it be taught to refrain from gadding about, let it comfort itself with the dignity of a Duchess... Let its forelegs be bent so that it shall not desire to wander far or leave the Imperial precincts...' ( lots more, all delightful). Not a breed intended for doing zoomies or hiking for miles in the bush. Too busy being absolutely charming in its own unique way.

Euro looks a real gem! Here's hoping he finds his home soon.

What a beautiful tribute to the best of mates. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Interesting overview of greyhound racing in the US.... from ASPCA. Seems only 7 states now support it. The overall decline in the industry is described, citing increasing lack of community approval & support ... given what abuses tend to go with it & which can be a huge challenge to eradicate. Especially as the industry is a source of big earnings for individuals & for government coffers via taxes on gambling. But the point that struck me, was how they say the final death knell came from economics. In order to counter the abuses, a large amount of regulation had to be put in place....& that, in itself, cost a lot to both individuals & government bodies. Eventually, it cost more overall to keep the industry going than it was bringing in. http://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/other-animal-issues/greyhound-racing So while its decline was stirred along by community distaste re what happens to the greys.... it finally died from money issues. Still surviving in only a handful of states. I tried to find information on what has been the consequence for the greyhounds & especially what has happened if hobby greyhound sport has started up. Still looking. ADDED: For balance with another view, here's the Greyhound Association of America's website. They say they want a 'clean' sport that takes in welfare concerns. They comment that you've heard the stories in the greyhound racing industry...& say, 'So have we' and invite help in making things right. Off to read it thoroughly. http://www.gra-america.org

It's that kind of attitude towards dogs that people in the community are so strongly reacting to. The greys being treated simply as economic/performance units. There are decent owner/trainers who genuinely love their greys as loved dogs. We lived next door to one for many years. He truly loved them as dog-personalities & was an all-round animal lover. He took responsibility for rehoming his greys as companion pets....& socialised them when young to pave the way. When he did, he kept his contact on the microchip along with the new owner's, so his greys would have a lifeline back to him. He had no illusions about the abuses in the industry. In fact, he brought home to be a pet a big grey called Boofy that he took from a man who was going to shoot him because he was slow. When Boofy died when being desexed, he was shattered. He loved that big boofhead & so did the neighbours. But he despaired of how to make his values (& those of his friends) the norm across the industry... which seems to be the heart of the problem.

Possibly because the whole country would roll about laughing at the concept: meaning with the numbers involved and their previous commercialism/professionalism, how long would it be before the SP Bookies were standing up (oh that's right, thought that was illegal too: another joke). I'd agree that would have to be included in the discussion... how gambling in Australia has historic precedents of going underground, as in the old SP bookies. And an already established set of habits is not likely to die easily. Certainly, the industry is a huge money-maker in terms of income from gambling. However, there seems to be a wave of genuine concern to do something to improve the lot of racing greyhounds ... for all sorts of reasons and coming from all sorts of perspectives. So it's good to see likely resolutions being aired... for critique, and for debate on pros & cons. Note I said that other models should be brought up for discussion...not just advocacy. WnH made a point about how public (rather than entirely private) regulation would still be needed. Regulation would be a significant issue, lest a hobby model might take abuses (as well as gambling as you pointed out) underground. So it'd be interesting to see what's the nature of the US regulations and what evidence there is on their effectiveness in improving the lot of the greys.

Of course there is. It's the model followed in most American states that the anti-racing brigade would have you believe have banned it. No "commercial" racing. No professional trainers. Just hobby people racing the dogs they keep at home. And a whole bunch of regulation. Why isn't that US working model of 'hobby' greyhound racing being brought up here - by both the anti- and pro- brigades. Seems like an attractive compromise. The community happily lives with the various dog sports as hobbies. However, a 'loss' would be in dropping high priority on the economics. One strand of pro-racing stresses the fact that presently some communities & individuals rely on the associated moneys. It was the SMH journalist who made the good point that the greys enjoyed racing, so no inherent cruelty. Rather it's the commercial/gambling influenced infrastructure that seems to promote toxic practices. That's when I hoped they'd move on to discussing a different model (or models). Is that regulation of the US hobby model, linked with laws or is it self-regulation? Or, perhaps, a combination of both?

What a wise summary that could be applied to considering any breed. And I like how you included plain 'luck'.

WnH, that's a great quote from Temple Grandin to generally tuck away. Saw/heard couple interesting 'takes' this week. BTW I don't necessarily agree with the 'takes', but they add to the debate: Came across a woman with a greyhound waiting outside a local store for a relative. I stopped & spoke to her. She has, for many years, helped with the rehoming of greyhounds from a well-known, ethically & practically well- organised greyhound owner/trainer. She said his position was that, by following the best practices of animal husbandry, there's a reduction in less 'able' dogs. So there'd be less so-called 'wastage'. But, given he will still have greys that don't make the racing grade, he takes it on himself to organise rehoming in co-operation with this lady. Both of them work at a base where the greys are likely to adapt well to being close companion dogs. BUT his position on banning greyhound racing as an industry (with gambling), is that he can understand why it's being called for. He reckons the breeding & rehoming standards he follows, based as much on welfare as on producing good racers, never will be the norm because of the nature of the business. Even tho' he believes it should be. It was interesting how lots of passers-by spotted the greyhound & came up to talk with her because of what's appeared in the News in the past year & now. They were so happy to ask questions of someone in the industry & who knew greyhounds well. To give her credit, she gave a realistic account. I came away with the thought that members of the public really appreciate the chance to talk to a 'real' greyhound person (even if it was just that person's particular view). The second was an edition of the ABC's The Drum. Journalist from The Australian, Carolyn, & one from the Sydney Morning Herald, Mark (I think) Kenny, both speaking personally. Carolyn said she had family in Victoria who race greys & they do it as well as they can. But she believed greyhound racing as a money-making industry with a gambling base, has had its day in terms of community standards. She said dogs are now regarded as 'man's best friend' & should be given the best opportunity to be so. Loss of jobs would be 'natural' attrition. She likened it to whaling, which once was a significant industry, but then had its day & was closed down in this country. The SMH man said, from what he saw, the greys actually loved the racing & he couldn't see any intrinsic cruelty in that (only that good vet care could be needed). So he saw the problem being how the greys were treated as 'economic' & 'race performance' units with some pretty cruel practices getting in behind the scenes. And he didn't like that at all. The program ran out of time, but I wished they'd had time to flesh out if there was any way greys & their owners could simply enjoy racing... but outside an 'industry' structure Also the president of the greyhound trainers association was on the panel & he didn't have time to spell out what he said was a recent innovation. Each greyhound was given an ID when born which would permit tracking & accountability re what eventually happened to it

I always look forward to your photos. Just shows what beautiful dogs come up in rescue & what lovely families adopt them into homes where they blossom!

Lovely photos, Isabel. They look like great mates!

What a lovely Grandma! I'm so sorry for your loss.

It's great isn't it! I like how they're flexible in how to best help the elderly person's pet. Might be visit to the home or short or long-term foster. And sometimes it can lead to rehoming. Sad thing is how they said it's known for an elderly person to refuse hospital treatment because they can't leave the pet alone. One of the sponsors is the Cancer Council. You're right about how to spread word when many elderly people might not be on the Net, so here's hoping whoever's treating them... like doctors, nurses, clinics etc knows about the service & can refer them. I'm checking if there's anything in Brisbane.

This notice is in the Senior Newspaper. About an organisation in Port Macquarie that helps the elderly when they're hospitalised etc. Serves the Lower Hunter Region & Central Coast of NSW. Such help could be useful for rescues to know about ... A new op shop is supporting companion animals in a poor situation. The Companion Care Foundation, which provides help for companion animals when their owners are unwell, has now opened a shop in Main Road, Boolaroo, a suburb in Lake Macquarie near Newcastle. Selling a range of donated goods as well as pet accessories, the store will raise funds to support the foundation in caring for pets when their owners cannot. The shopfront will also serve as an office and permanent headquarters for the foundation. “We have been able to assist many isolated people, whose main concern has been their companion animal,” said managing director Neroli Sneddon. “Before our service was available, some people would even refuse hospital care or medical treatment because they had no one to care for their pet.” Volunteer sales assistants are needed for weekdays and Saturday mornings. Training is available and mature volunteers are welcome. Phone 0416-962-273 or email [email protected] They have a website (check the Gallery photos of pets helped) & a Facbook page: http://www.careforpets.org.au

Look, westie, still in one piece after her career as greyhound tester. Only time she gave a signal...'not good here'... was when a greyhound, outside the GAP process, was brought to be tested with a small dog. I didn't know that greyhound being led across the park to us, came via a rescue shelter. First time ever, Angel's plume tail went down. as it got closer. She'd picked up something. And she was right. This grey turned out to be a bit flakey & unpredictable (but not in a dangerous way). Opposite to the calm, sensible GAP greys. Top dogs, every one! .

My precious tibetan spaniel was the small dog tester for the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP). By the time they got to her, the greys had already passed many tests which predicted she'd be safe with them. And so she was. Running behind, beside & in front of the greys, their only worry was not falling over her. They were truly beautiful dogs, I could've taken each one home myself. Only worry for Angel was that she'd cry when put in the car to go home.... because her new 'friend' was going in another car. So not a worry when going with a greyhound that's had the depth of assessment from a group like GAP.

And I remember Maggie! Just look at her.... beauty & brilliance.

In the same direction. Get some of that black plastic weed matting that comes in rolls. And roll it out along your side of the fence. Nice & thick so it cuts off any view of the dogs on the other side.

I totally agree with this. Both dogs we've had, that showed separation anxiety after they came from breeders as adults, were not kept or made familiar with being in & out of a house. They were familiar with kennels, runs & free running on secure rural properties. Given they came from large (tho' well cared for) groups of dogs, they didn't have the socialization experience of a close relationship with 'their' person, who came & went from a house they shared. The UQ behaviourist vet explained that this can make a dog, getting such close attention for the first time in its life, literally overdose on this lovely, lovely contact & attention. She said our sheltie, by ripping the chair soft furnishings to pieces when left home alone, was actually demanding this lovely, lovely close attention all the time. And why the chair cushions & seats? They had our scents on it... the demand behaviour was directed towards us. The training guidelines she gave us then made sense. They taught Shelley, she couldn't demand anything (which included attention), what good things she got came from our decisions & she had to obey a direction first to get them. So obedience training was vital. There was more, too.... like leaving 'approved' things with her that we'd transferred our scent on. We had to do it all consistently, & she came good. BUT she did have a temperament that was reactive & she wanted to dominate. So, as an earlier poster said, in-born temperament tendencies count, too! Another dog with a different temperament could come from the same background as Shelley, but not develop separation anxiety. Your French Bulldog might not be exactly the same as Shelley....like Shelley never tried to run away or escape. But there's nothing like getting an assessment & guidance from someone qualified.

Another bonus for the kennels, is that you have peace of mind that your dog is safe & secure. I certainly feel that when the 2 tibbies are in the kennels. But I stress, the staff go the extra mile for their 'guests'. It's not the cheapest but it's worth it. The tibs know the staff now & are likely to go off with tails wagging. So, if you find the right kennels & go with that option, consider giving him a trial run or visit there, so its not strange to him. The staff may be able to give you some good advice about how to organize for a long-term stay.... like maybe take his own bed/bedding/toys/dinner dish & also old items of your clothing that strongly have your scent on them.

I just saw Scottsmum's post asking if you've checked the viability of taking your boy to New Zealand? Just adding an idea to that. . I know a couple who come from NSW to stay for a few weeks with wife's elderly mother who lives in a small unit that doesn't allow dogs to stay. But they always bring their tibbie with them, following an arrangement with a nearby good local kennels. They drop the tibbie at the kennels each evening, where he has his dinner & sleeps the night. His family pick him up after breakfast & he spends the day with them. And so it goes on. That could also be done the other way around.... staying at the kennels during the day & picked up to go home with you for the night.

Loba, as he's still only young, are you still in touch with his breeder? Sometimes breeders are in a position that they can temporarily mind one of their rehomed dogs in certain situations. That was a good suggestion to get any arrangement clarified. Also there are kennels & there are kennels! Some are willing & able to give a more personal service for the dogs. There's only one here in Qld (sorry it's not Melbourne) where I've been more than happy for our tibbies to have a longer stay. They like it, too. I know they cater for long-stayers, too. If you thought one in your area looked promising in that regard, would it help to give your boy a test try? Another suggestion. Young couple in our family go to New Zealand for a month or so regularly (wife has elderly parents there). They've got house sitters (who come with references that you can also check out & a love of animals, too). That means their 3 dogs & 2 cats & miniature horse & 2 alpacas have live- in- their- own -home care. They've always been very happy with it. Would you like me to ask them how they've got these house sitters.

I can only cite Qld experience.... I don't know how the law works in Victoria. The final arbiter if laws have been broken or not & what is to happen with dogs seized, is a magistrate hearing both evidence & any rebuttal in a court of law. Which is why I asked if the case has been heard yet before a magistrate.

The UQ researchers made that same point about a significant number of dogs in pounds. Their needs to re-learn are basic on a scale of severity of behavioural problems. So they recommended (among other things) that pounds should include a strong prevention element in what they do. By providing some basic knowledge & training guidance to some owners could prevent a dog being left with that pound or a particular rescue in the first place. Making it a more economic service ... would cost less money than a pound stay and/or a PTS because a home couldn't be found within a time frame. And a more humane service for the dog. Obviously it'd be based on assessment of a particular dog & owner's circumstances. I notice that the San Francisco SPCA includes counseling & guiding owners.... in its services. Rescues could consider including that among their services, too.