Little Gifts

Sleeping is also an olympic sport in our house. We have dog beds in several rooms plus our dogs are allowed on our beds and lounge furniture so they just sprawl wherever we are. Even foster dogs who come here get hit with the slug stick!

I had my girl eat a lot of medication when she was a naughty teen. She has the gut of a tip goat so she survived without any probs. I'll be thinking of you and your doggies hoping for the same outcome.

So sorry Nekhbet. To lose three dogs in 12 months is more than a person whould have to bear. Run free beautiful boy.

Can't help with buying probs sorry as I already have gazillions of coats. inc raincoat type ones so I wasn't planning on buying - just enabling!

I have often wondered if puppy farmers originally started out as BYB and realised how little work they had to do to make a lot of money? Get some FTGH dogs and they do all the work for you! Call me cynical but even cattle, sheep and diary farmers know that healthy and well bred livestock will make them more money. They also drench and take other preventative measures to ensure their stock stays healthy and monitor their environment and food supply to ensure their wellbeing. So why are puppy 'farmers' allowed to neglect companion animals so dreadfully? How many need to die or be euthanised after being saved before enough is enough in this country? It is simply not appropriate to breed companion animals using a bulk breeding or farming approach. How many puppy farms can anyone name that operate appropriately to the animals they are breeding? As for breeders making it hard to buy a dog I have absolutely no issue with that. It might make people realise how special owning a live animal is and how it will change their lives. I filled out a very long application (offering referees) and had a home check before being even able to foster a dog. The reason this kind of scrutiny is now demanded by breeders or rescue groups that actually care about what happens to their precious dogs is that there are so many people out there now who either don't have a clue about how to meet a companion animals needs or simply don't care. That doesn't mean they wouldn't call themselves an animal lover either! And if anyone doesn't understand why some people are so passionate about this problem then I suggest they contact one of the DOL members who do the pound lists and see if they can go around their local pound with one of the volunteer assessors. Look at the number of beautiful dogs with pleading eyes facing death and tell me this issue does not exist or does not need to be acted on immediately.

A beautiful tribute for a beautiful girl who will be sadly missed. Run free sweet girl. XXX

Just bumping this to remind anyone interested in coming along that it is happening tomorrow!

I nearly had a total falling out with my best friend of over 20 years when she bought a 'shiatsu' (she didn't even know the correct breed name when she got it) from a back yard breeder. She got this particular dog after finding an escaped dog of the same breed and deciding it was so cute she had to have one herself. I was livid that she had not listened to all the stuff I'd gone on about over the years about backyard breeding and puppy farms and giving rescue dogs a chance. She paid the same for her 'shiatsu' from a backyard source as she would've done from a registered breeder and brought that tiny thing home at only 6 weeks of age. She also went to a pet shop that sells puppies and spent $700 on accessories for her new pet. Her dog is now almost 3 and it wasn't till she watched the RSPCA show the other night that she put it all together and rang me and apologised. She is now educated. I have asked her to now pass on what she knows and feels to someone else in her circle. I actually don't care if good breeders or rescue groups make it hard for people to obtain a pet. Those that are committed to a particular animal will go the distance and that pet's life will be better for it as the match will be an informed and dearly wanted one, not just on a whim.

No Poodle prices up but cav puppies were $850 to $900. I'm going to look at huskies now as they are common in pet shops (and rescue!) up here. Couldn't find any puppy husky prices. I remember seeing an older shar pei puppy in a pet shop for sale for $785 and being told by the shop owner that she could tell it was pure bred by the black tongue. The dog was terrified. Now I actually know more about shar pei I know that dog was a cross with something much larger and it has probably ended up in rescue for being unmanageable as it would've not have gone to the right kind of home. Oh and there is a 14 month old pure bred pei being sold on DOL for $450 so some idiot paid $785 for a bitsa. When I was a kid the only way you could get rid of a bitsa was to give it away! People are being ripped off and dogs are suffering and dying. The only winners are pet shop owners and the so called 'breeders'. Maybe there should be some kind of legal cooling off period for live animal purchases (like with door to door sales people) so that people go home and do their homework to make sure they got a healthy dog and can meet its needs? I accept this would be hard on any puppies returned BUT if pet shop owners had to accept returns and provide refunds perhaps they would be more careful in sourcing healthier puppies to sell, selling them as the true breed they are (ie obtaining more history on the animal) and be more focussed on selling to the right homes? Surely if they want to be in the business of selling live animals they have to take some responsibility in the process? Even when you buy fish you will get asked which size and type of tank you already own so you don't go trying to put a large warm water fish in a small tank without heating.But all pet shops seem to be concerned about with puppies is if you need a collar and leash, bed, coat, food, etc. Where is their duty of care to the animals and customers? This issue is totally bugging me today after the show last night. Whatever consumer education is out there is not working.

I'm going to go into the sale area and have a look! :D

Tibbie Tabbie have you seen what pet shops are charging? In some cases they are charging more than a registered breeder AND there is no guarantee the dog is the breed it is advertised as! People are buying bitsa's from pet shops for like $985 because they think it is a pure bred! Would you buy fake Jimmy Choo shoes or a Gucci handbag for the same price as a real one? Nope, so why do people do it with dogs??? People impulse buy shoes and handbags too so it can't just be an emotional buy and it certainly isn't a bargain!

I too don't understand how people who have been so negligent with any animal can ever own any of them again. They should not even be allowed to own freaking goldfish because they have proven to have either an inability or disinterest in meeting the basic needs of the animals they have had. It is not a case of one strike you're out but 250 strikes and you are out because that is how many dogs had to be removed from their 'care'. If I ever I forget to get fired up about the puppy farming issue/back yard breeding issue then all I need to do is remind myself that a dog with no eyes was basically allowed to be raped so these 'inhuman beings' could make money. That dog would've had no idea what was put in the pen with her or what was going to happen. She could not read body language or see to protect her own body in some way (like sitting down). She was at thw owners mercy and in my mind she was raped. I've never used that word in relation to a dog before but there was no way she could've consented on any level to that mating so to me she was violated in the worst possible way. You know I'd really like to see a show on tv sometime where these BYBs and PFs speak out and defend themselves, even if their identities are kept anonymous. I'd really like to know what drives them to do this and whether they lack empathy towards human beings, their children, spouses or other animals as well? Do they kid themselves that they are doing it because they love animals or because they don't know any other way to make a living? I'd really like to know how they justify this to themselves and their local communities, let alone to the owners they sell these poor puppies to. How can they look in the faces of these damaged dogs? How can they bare the stench of where they keep them accomodated? How the hell can they look at a precious new born puppy and not want the best for it? I truly don't understand them and perhaps if we did we could address the problem at their level because going to court and being fined don't seem to change much. Perhaps they should have to go to court ordered therapy as well???

Saw this on Facebook and thought I'd be an enabler and post it here! http://www.ourdeal.com.au/deal/paws-for-life-keep-you-best-friend-war-with-a-weatherbeeta-dog-jacket

Go Skeeter! I love the mismatched ear action!

I feel sorry for staff losing their jobs and I feel sorry for wholesalers who might lose some income but I do not feel sorry for PP owners and operators who choose to run shops that sell live animals. And I certainly don't feel sorry for any BB's who lose an income outlet. Boo hoo to you, get some humanity, get real jobs that don't hurt others.

Oh Teebs this is so sad. I too have laughed over Atlas and his antics. What a terrible loss for you. I wish there was more that could be done than send you our love and understanding. Alyson XXX

Thsnk you Mita! I really do love being a foster mummy. We don't have one at present because I am heading interstate for a few weeks soon and our last boy was just adopted. The house is very empty and my heart girl and I are clinging to each other for comfort! She misses having a crazy playmate as our other dog (my sister's heart dog) is too prissy for such silliness!

1. I foster shar pei and they need a good diet. Our 2 dogs actually eat cheaper kibble than the foster's do but extra's and treats are all the same. I'm kind of fussy about ensuring the fosters become as healthy and health stable as they can be and obviously potential forever homes are vetted to ensure they understand that an appropriate diet means a healthy, allergy free dog. 2. The fosters have always slept in my bedroom. I aim for them becoming crate trained. Because of some conflict I did want one foster to sleep in the bathroom (our laundry has too much dog food in there!) but he broke me down and ended up sleeping on my bed. He slept very soundly there! My preference of course is for fosters to sleep in their own beds, hopefully in a crate, but I do like to have them in my room so I can keep an eye on them, particularly in those early days when I'm trying to bond with them. Having them sleep on your bed sets them up for disappointment in their forever home and I agree that it also miffs your own dogs. Funnily the dog mentioned above does not sleep on the bed at his forever home. I really think he was pushy about it because he wanted to be where the other dogs were. 3. We have a thing where our dogs can be on the bed and lounges but only when invited to do so. We have lovely dog beds everywhere so there is no lack of comfy spots to lie. But as per point 2 above one foster just kept at it until I gave in and let him on the lounge. Once on the lounge he was very quiet and took up little room. When he went to his forever home I suggested to them that they put a blanket on their lounge and let him up but only onto where his blanket was. So far he has stayed on his dog bed! I think it is because he is not competing with any other dogs. I have not had any trouble with other fosters simply staying on the dog beds next to the lounge and that is my preference. 4. I have bonded with all my fosters. I can't help it. Our dogs also become extremely close to some of them. But once you see them interact with people who they have decided are 'the one' it is much easier to let them go. I have a heart girl and I really want these rescue dogs to find their heart people. The other thing is these dogs will get different experiences in their new homes. One boy I had here was a physical and emotional mess when I got him. He has gone to a family with young kids and he LOVES them! I never would've expected that and I could never offer him that kind of life here. I'm getting all teary even thinking about this topic! 5. I don't feel I control when a dog's forever home comes along but I do feel it is my responsibility to make each foster the best they can be in the time I have them so that they are ready for their forever home. The fosters that have been here have had fairly quick interest. I had one boy I still hadn't managed to get to walk alone (ie without the other dogs) and hadn't managed to get car trained (a panic vomiter). His forever home worked around this. The last boy was still a terrible weaver on the leash. I just share all this with potential adopters because I think it is important they still get to do something developmental with their new dog! I'm lucky in that SP are very smart and often simply follow the other dogs behaviours and learn quickly to do the same. All mine have already been toilet trained as well. At the very least I think the basics that are needed are of course toilet training and basic commands such as sit and recall. I'd also be focussed on stopping bad behaviours like jumping up or being mouthy as quickly as possible. The other thing for me is recognising when a foster is in or has hit the limit of their comfort zone and working with that. I've had one boy who only ever ate outside without being watched. Fine by me. The same dog would not go to the toilet if anyone was around. Again, not such a big issue to work around. If they like toys then I encourage play with those types of toys. If they like balls they get balls. If they prefer to lie in the sun then I put a dog bed in a sunny area for them. If they don't like to be touched a certain way or in a certain area then I'm not going to force the issue (unless I have to for health reasons). And if they don't like me kissing or cuddling them all the time then I deal with it! Luckily I have not had one who doesn't like a smooch once they get used to me!

She is such a cutie pie! And yes she does look very happy!

Rest in Peace now beautiful old girl.

Suz I think that is amazing, that they are so in tune with the people they have bonded with. On the reverse side of things one of the rescue staffords I mentioned earlier started having seizures when he was 6 months old, which is why he came back to me. His mother had stayed with me and he was going to be pts because his epilepsy was so severe. One of his issues was being alone so I had arrangements with my neighbours that I would drive through their places on my way to work and drop him off for the day. He would be waiting for me in the afternoon from up the hill and come running when he saw my car. Despite having regular seizures we never saw any evidence of him having them when no-one was about. He seemed to know they were coming on and would always take himself into an open spot at ground level where he could be seen. I think that was why he felt a need to always be with people, even if they were just kind neighbours. But it saved him from accidentally injuring himself having a seizure alone. My neighbours were amazing too - cleaning him up and sitting with him till he came to after an event.

I had mother and son rescue staffords. I lived on acreage and fell down my front steps. One dog stayed with me while the other ran to the property next door and alerted them to come and help me. I injured all four limbs and was unconcious so could've laid there for a long time until someone found me if it weren't for the dogs. The one that went and got help was a very anxious dog so I was very proud of him. I still have a permanent dint in one leg from that fall. In 2000 or 2001 the same two dogs chased 3 intruders from inside my house. They had broken into the top part of the house and ransacked it, stacking things to take. We were out the back of the house watching tv. The dogs suddenly jumped up and flew up the stairs. One intruder fell from the top floor window trying to escape them. The interesting thing was once the intruders were out of the house the dogs immediately returned to protect me (ie they did not physically attack the intruders or chase them down the street). I had run out the back of the house and called Triple 0. Unfortunately they could not send a car to me and with a 000 operator still on the phone I had to go back into the house and make sure each room was empty and lock up the house as best I could. It was terrifying and the only reason I was able to do it was because the dogs were by my side, on the alert. Those 3 intruders were drunk and had robbed several houses that night. The one who fell from the window broke his foot or ankle and was later caught by the police. Unfortunately the son passed away 5 years ago and the mother just over one year ago. She lived to be almost 17. You always hope your dogs would protect you in your time of need and these two did. They were a special pair still sadly missed. I know as they are deceased their stories aren't useful to you but thanks for listening anyway!

I got all my display stuff from a lady who used to sell at markets and bridal shows. She lives close by so I've been scrummaging at her house numerous times! Her prices were also very reasonable so I was very lucky. And when I'm finished I'll on-sell them cheaply to someone else! Mrs D I couldn't get your link to work either. WTH? I wonder if it is because I have them linked to an invite only event on there?

Hi Noisy!

Melinda after the event I will put up what doesn't sell in the Commercial Marketplace thread. Prices will be the same. If I find anything in particular is really popular at the party I will make more but of course they wont be exact copies as I just put the items together as I feel at the time. I will continue to raise funds for Peiradise but also have some specific items to raise funds for MDBA Pacers. I am a terrible photographer but I went back and looked at FB and it said the album doesn't exist! Poop! I logged on and it was there and it is marked as 'public' so I'm not sure what else to do. Anyway any items leftover will be photographed again and posted up. Alyson