mita

Now I've got what you meant. I thought someone must have actually said it, in this thread. My own experience has been that there are good pet-owning people who thought that a pet-shop is where pet buyers have to go. Like how they go to other special product shops. Our landscape gardener is a good example of that. He & his family are great pet owners. He bought his GSD (no papers) at a nearby pet-shop. This dog is a few years old now, & is much loved and very well cared for. He likes our 2 small purebreds & they like him (dogs are good judges!). He was very surprised to hear they were ex-showdogs. Another person who thought pet people can't buy from 'show' people & that the life of every show dog makes them not suitable for pets! He's been interested to know that his family will have other options, when they get another dog (far in the future!). I'd agree with you, in this case. Wherever this man gets an animal from, it's well looked after (even their chooks!).

Where did someone make that assumption? I'm not having a 'go'.....I may have missed it. The point I made was that there are people with a good record in pet ownership (wherever their pets have come from) who don't know that they can buy directly from registered breeders. And there's scientific evidence of the statistically significant differences in socialisation between puppies sourced from registered breeders & those from unregistered breeders (UQ). It's a trend, not every single case. Not in answer to you but someone else. The people I've referred on to contact registered breeders in order to enquire about adopting an adult dog (of my fancied breed), have all successfully obtained one. With the proviso, told up front, they may need to wait until a good match comes up. And it has. There appears to be a positive culture among that group, both here & internationally. I can't speak for any other breeds. So I continue with word of mouth, for my own breed. Also there's been initiatives like 'just for fun' picnics, put on by the breed club (NSW), where breed fanciers with their pets are equally welcome (& where folk interested in the breed can be directed). My own state has a Social Club, run for both breed fanciers & show people by the registered breeders.

Yes, even tho' most don't. Even when there's a tendency not to kill other animals/birds within a certain (pure) breed, there will always be exceptions. It's how nature works.

Gawd! I was going to say that I thought the TV presenter & husband were up to their 8th foster. But I thought....that sounds a lot, maybe my memory is playing tricks on me! It's only a trickle compared with 19 !!!!!!!!!

Even niche markets vary in size & the majority of the pet-buying public still don't know either (1) that they CAN buy puppies/dogs from 'show' people, or (2) HOW to do so. As someone else said earlier, the job description of the Kennel Club is to act as a registry & to organise shows. Also, as someone else said earlier, so there needs to be another 'wing' of KCs which is a parish pump for the (pure) Breed Fanciers. Centering on purebreds & where information about purebreds as pets, can be obtained. At the moment, all this depends more on word-of-mouth or finding out by sheer chance. Interestingly, CHOICE, the Australian Consumers' Association, subtely points puppy/dog buyers towards buying from registered breeders (& ethical rescues). There still remains numbers of people who are responsible dog owners & who don't treat their dogs as throwaways....who still don't know that they can get p/b puppies/ dogs directly from registered breeders. Our vet, who's dealt with the adult p/bs that a few of us have adopted, contacted me last week because she wanted details of how this was done. She wants to tell 'good' pet owning clients who honestly believe that pet people have to go to places like pet shops....& that show people only sell to show people. She's been impressed by the socialisation of these 'show' dogs. Given she's seen them in the very first weeks they've been in their new homes. It's a plus for welfare....as the evidence is in, that puppies/dogs raised by & sourced from registered breeders tend to be better socialised and so make a better transition into pet homes. It would also be expected that registered breeders would more likely screen for suitability. This is a market that needs some well-placed public relations. Where the benefits and realities can be spelled out to consumers. Realities such as buyers are likely to be screened and there may be waiting time.

I'm glad you'd consider doing it again. He looks gorgeous & ready for work in that last photo. He'll surely do well. Some time back, they had a segment on TV about the RAAF fostering program & they talked about foster-carers who'd come back, again & again. One young woman was a news-reader for one of the Brisbane TV channels. She & her husband have had quite a few thro' their hands.

Here's the photo that says to me, purebred dogs from the show world, in the hands of caring & experienced breeders, already have the potential to be great pets. 3 registered breeders, who fit that description... with their dogs after a show. They originally posted it, to say how happy & relaxing it was, to catch up with fellow breeders. (I asked for their permission.) But...look at the faces and body language of their show dogs. Who's just as happy and relaxed....out in public, with other people and other dogs? Much care & thought & effort have gone into those beautiful, confident, happy little dogs. As I said previously, I've now adopted 3 adult dogs from 1 of those ladies....& another Brisbane person recently adopted 1. You can guess what their natures are like. When people praise them as wonderful pets, I honestly say, 'They came like that....from the world of show dogs.'

There may be truth in that. Recent, rigorous research into the personalities of those who lead in corporations, turned up interesting results. On certain not very humane traits, they tended to score higher than inmates of a special hospital for people who'd committed serious crimes. Shelby might indeed be more like a pleasant person.

A while back, there was a research program at one of the (NSW?) universities. But it ceased operating (maybe a funding issue?). So it's good to see that research into a possible vaccine is back. Such a horrendous problem. I've got a very vague memory that there was some interest in the fact that the paralysis tick doesn't kill some native animals....& that some clue to immunity might be found there. I stand to be corrected, tho'. ADDED: Found this. Matthew Shaw, Dpt of Zoology & Entomology, UQ: Native animals with regular exposure to paralysis ticks usually have some immunity to paralysis toxin. Nonetheless a long list of mammals and some birds are known to have succumbed to paralysis.

A decent & sensible move. It's just as important for making a statement about what's expected in pedigree dog breeding.

I am so, so sorry. He was such a handsome fellow. I can understand your shock & disbelief. A remarkably similar thing happened with one of our dogs. I'm relieved you were able to discover that he would not have suffered pain. And that you were able to hold his precious 'boof' head in your hands, at the last.

I believe you didn't mean to be insulting about the 'prancing around the show ring' comment. I think you were suggesting what can be in the pet buying public's mind....that showing dogs is like the supermodel world, but for 4 leggeds. And that there's some level of artificiality about it. Which, of course, is not true. I actually tell people of the advantages that dogs and dog owners gain from the purebreed show world. First, it opens up breeds to public scrutiny and measuring against standards. NOTHING like that exists for the dogs produced by puppy farmers and backyard unregistered breeders. Second, everything connected with showing, provides the most fantastic socialisation opportunities for the dogs. And every bit of scientific evidence points to the fact that it's socialisation which makes dogs good companion pets. From a young age, the 'show' dogs travel in cars, get used to being around other dogs, walk well on a lead, get touched by a stranger (as in judging), see lots of people going by.....and join in groups as their breeders happily socialise, too. In fact, 3 Australian breeders (of my fancied breed) just posted a pic on the international breed list telling how happy and relaxed they were, with their dogs, as they met up at a recent show. I replied that they were not the only ones happy & relaxed. So were their lovely dogs. I'm going to ask their permission can I use that photo to show pet buyers what I've been talking about.....how the showing of dogs by interested & caring breeders, provides the most brilliant socialisation for dogs. Not surprisingly, I've had 3 retired dogs from 1 of those breeders in the photo.....& they are the most social and confident little dogs. In my reply, I said I feel like their social secretary and driver!

That's a spot on comment. I'd only add that should a sub-group of the ANKC be formed in order to promote purebred dogs, memberships should be open to breed fanciers. And there should be public activities where breed fanciers could take part with their purebred pets. The American Kennel Club hosts an occasion like that, once a year, called Purebred Pride day. Fanciers of purebreeds, gather in parks & other venues across the country to promote awareness of the purebred breeding world. Meanwhile, I find that our purebreeds do some 'selling of themselves'. Our dogs get a lot of public attention & interest. But that's where I find people saying things like, 'I didn't know pet people could buy puppies/dogs from 'show people'!'. I've lost count of the number of good pet people that I've now put onto the same bunch of good registered breeders. And there's only positive feedback on how lovely the pets turn out to be. Even tho' word of mouth is a powerful means of spreading information and sources, there really needs to be some efficient organised way of doing it, too (like you've suggested).

Silly as it may seem, but I wondered lately if recordings of 'happy' & excited dog play noises, would help entertain dogs when left home alone. This happened because there was an interview on the radio which took part around dogs happily playing in the background. My tibbie girls were fascinated.....they just lay watching the radio and would've liked it to go on longer! They seemed disappointed when the segment ended. Because it was 'happy' sounds, the response seemed to be 'happy' interest. I wondered if anyone else had experienced something similar with their own dog.

I agree that some dogs do better with a house-sitter in their own homes. Relatives, with quite a few pets, have been very happy, over the years, with the sitters they've got from one of the house & pet minding services. There's also the dogs being in the care of someone else in another home environment. But it helps if you can get them used to going to that place, before you ever leave them there for a longer holiday. We have a great deal going with other tibbie pet owners. The tibs have plenty of play dates & over-night stays, so they have no worries when they go stay for a longer period. Also providing back-up, if ever they have to go into kennels can help. Like, I'll be providing 'refuge' to 2 tibs who'll be staying at kennels next month....if there's any sign of serious stress and pining. In that case, the arrangement is that they'll come here.

Shamelessly off-topic. But that is a gorgeous photo of a standard poodle. I never knew anything about them, until a couple of years ago, when I came across one, with just that same clip. The face, the lovely social nature, everything about him, very much appealed to me. Since then I've seen some more. Now standard poodles are on my short list of the breeds I really fancy.

What's come out of the visits, the walks, & more freedom, you've given.... is that this lovely dog has shown what a sweetheart she is. Before you both came into her life, she could only be lonely and frustrated. Now she's a great advertisement for herself. Healthy, shining and so sociable with people. Everything you'd want in a pet dog.

Christmas get-together This is an invitation to a Christmas get-together of people who love Tibbies. Organised by the Tibetan Spaniel Club of NSW. The event will be held at the park at Lake Alexandria, Queen Street, Mittagong, on Sunday 4 December from 1pm. Everyone is welcome: members, non-members, and pet owners. Bring your Tibbies along, and also bring a $5 value gift to go into Santa’s XMAS ‘doggy bag’. There are barbecue facilities available for use, or just bring your own choice of picnic. PM for a phone no if you want to make further enquiries

The clam pool is wonderful for her to cool off on these hot summer days. Great, too, that you've given her a longer & tangle-free run. That'll make her more comfortable, and you've sure made life improve for her. I hope there's a possibility of her going somewhere else.

Ipswich Rehoming Shelter Family Fun Day. Saturday, November 19 · 10:00am - 2:00pm 6 Hooper Street West Ipswich Animal Welfare League of Qld It’s been a long time in the making, but the Animal Welfare League of Queensland is excited to announce the opening of its Ipswich Rehoming Centre on Saturday November 19 and they want you there. To celebrate the opening of the centre and newfound hope for homeless animals, the Animal Welfare League of Queensland will be hosting an open day full of fun with jumping castles, raffles, face painting for the kids and gift packs for members of the public who adopt a pet on that day. The opening of the Ipswich centre is welcoming news for cats and dogs of Ipswich and its surrounding areas, with surrendered and stray pets no longer needing to make the hour long journey to the Coombabah Shelter to begin a new life. CEO of the AWLQ Denise Bradley says the team have been working with Ipswich council for almost ten years rehoming their pound animals at the Coombabah and Stapylton Shelters. “The new shelter will run in conjunction with the AWLQ Ipswich community vet clinic which has been in the area since 2006,” Ms Bradley says. “There is also an op shop in the area, raising the much needed funds to provide shelter, medical care and food to the animals.” The opening of the shelter to the public will be a great chance for the community to see the new facility and what is being done to ensure the futures of the animals in the AWLQ’s care as well as animals looking for their new home. The open day starts at 10am on Saturday November 19 and will run until 2pm at 6 Hooper Street West Ipswich.

There's an event that all can attend to celebrate the new Ipswich centre: Ipswich Rehoming Shelter Family Fun Day. Saturday, November 19 · 10:00am - 2:00pm 6 Hooper Street West Ipswich Animal Welfare League of Qld It’s been a long time in the making, but the Animal Welfare League of Queensland is excited to announce the opening of its Ipswich Rehoming Centre on Saturday November 19 and they want you there. To celebrate the opening of the centre and newfound hope for homeless animals, the Animal Welfare League of Queensland will be hosting an open day full of fun with jumping castles, raffles, face painting for the kids and gift packs for members of the public who adopt a pet on that day. The opening of the Ipswich centre is welcoming news for cats and dogs of Ipswich and its surrounding areas, with surrendered and stray pets no longer needing to make the hour long journey to the Coombabah Shelter to begin a new life. CEO of the AWLQ Denise Bradley says the team have been working with Ipswich council for almost ten years rehoming their pound animals at the Coombabah and Stapylton Shelters. “The new shelter will run in conjunction with the AWLQ Ipswich community vet clinic which has been in the area since 2006,” Ms Bradley says. “There is also an op shop in the area, raising the much needed funds to provide shelter, medical care and food to the animals.” The opening of the shelter to the public will be a great chance for the community to see the new facility and what is being done to ensure the futures of the animals in the AWLQ’s care as well as animals looking for their new home. The open day starts at 10am on Saturday November 19 and will run until 2pm at 6 Hooper Street West Ipswich.

After always owning working dog breeds, we wanted to try a small dog. I did some research in breed books and settled on Papillons. So I went to the Brisbane Royal Show when the toy breeds were on. When I was making my way to the Papillons, I came across a row of little dogs I'd never seen before. But they were so, so different. None of them were twitching all over the place....they just calmly sat there & looked me straight in the eye. As if they wanted to know me, so they could make up their minds. I asked what they were....'Tibetan Spaniels.' Never heard of them! After some more research & talking to the registered breeders....& we adopted an adult retired Tibbie show-girl. I found that owning a p/b Tibbie from a good registered breeder, is like having the Dalai Lama on 4 legs, in the family. With a happy, loving, very centred personality. Sort of like mixing a dog with a cat. And a touch of a monkey, too, as they love their playtime. Only breed for us now.... Here's a row of Tibbies, much like I stumbled upon at the Show, while looking for Papillons.

Great cooperative work by Ipswich Council and AWL Qld. I know you were a great advocate for this partnership, Andrew. Ipswich Council showed the same humane spirit during the floods. I'll never forget Mayor Paul Pisasale announcing, as soon as people had to be moved to evacuation centres....yes, pets welcome. While the Brisbane Mayor, at his first evacuation announcement, said....sorry, no pets. Within a short time, someone behind the scenes must have said a few hard words....& this was changed. But it was the Ipswich Council which didn't give pet owners one moment of heartbreak. The work of AWL Qld rests a lot on donations and volunteer efforts, so I hope this move will inspire lots of people up that way, to help out.

I hope she has access to shade. It's wonderful what everyone is doing for her, in her circumstances. Fingers crossed that such a nice dog will get a new home. But it's cruel the way she's living.

He said the dog would be shot. Enough to make me report it to the police.....that someone was mentioning shooting during an abusive rant, full of threats and intimidation. Including the fact that he said he's prepared to report a false dog attack incident. Police do not take kindly to people making false reports. I'd be asking the police for reassurance and to record it. Even tho' you had no objective witness, form might tell which of you is likely to be the more credible witness.