Little Gifts

Pepe I'm pretty sure she went back to them - she ran straight across the road to the house where she has had the last couple of litters. She is always very committed to her kittens in the early weeks even if seperated from them (it's happened before in our efforts to catch her). At about 5 weeks though she doesn't care and dumps them. And Trifecta that's not a bad idea about using the kittems as bait in the actual trap! Either way we have arranged for one of the neighbour boys to crawl under the house with a torch and see if he can at least spot them and all is ok. We don't want to frighten her away from them or move them so soon after giving birth. She doesn't need that kind of stress.

It's amazing how she is looking directly at the pug as well. I also think you are doing a brilliant job with this girl Kirty.

Things went belly up. So very dissappointing. She has definately had the kittens and quite recently (she's still spotting). Mum and dad decided to carry the trap to the verandah door while I got the wheelbarrow instead of waiting for me like I strongly 'suggested'. They knocked the cage and the door got opened a smidge and Irish got out. I saw it happening but couldn't get past dad to try and close her escape off. I'd clamped the top of the blinking door and wired up the bottom before even contemplating moving it to my car so obviously it just wasn't meant to be. She'll be back given she is always in need of food while feeding her own babies but I doubt we'll get her anywhere near the trap again. I reckon she only went in there out of desperation when she found no other food out.

Apologies for starting a new thread on this but I couldn't find the old one. I've posted before about a stray cat we've called Irish that just keeps having litter after litter of kittens that she leaves at my elderly parents house. Some have gone to rescue, some have been fully vet worked by me and remain living the life of luxury at mum and dad's and others have gotten too old and feral and have sadly had to go to the pound. As she is ageing she is only have one or two live kittens each litter. We've constantly had a cat trap set up for years but have never come close to catching Irish - until last night! Despite there being no food in the trap last night (mum is due to go shopping today) There was Irish in it this morning!!! We are all so excited! She has either just had a litter in the last week or is due to give birth any day/moment so I will have to rely on what the vet says at our appointment this morning about our desexing options. We know where the kittens will be if she's already had them (just have to crawl under a neighbours old house to find them). I've also contacted a local cat rescue group to see if they can assist if she needs to be confined for a period of time as we don't have the right kind of cat gear for that and I don't want to risk her getting away again. So please cross your fingers and toes for us that Irish finally gets rid of her breeding bits so she can just enjoy her old age. I'm sure she will let us handle her more once she realises we can offer her all the food and comfort she needs and don't want anything in return. She has never attacked or clawed anyone but is an escape artist like I have neve experienced before. She's a tiny cat that can squeeze herself out of any predicament - hence why it has taken everyone so long to ever catch her.

Even people are dearer to run when they are older! Cataracts, hip replacements, heart bypasses....

Hi Dogbesotted I notice I got a snap of you sitting at the table still in that group shot!

Last pic worth posting is a group shot of all the winners (a couple had left I think). Congratulations everyone - I had a great night meeting new people and was very proud to be a small part of the dog world doing such great things for our furry friends!

Next is Princess Pauline (Tapua) who won Master Breeder. Pauline was at my table and I was fascinated to hear her talk about her work. It really is quite specialist and very interesting. Not to mention that the dogs she is working with also do some remarkable work with humans. Congratulations Pauline - keep that tiara all shiny!

Here we have a pic of all the nominees for Master Rescuer of the Year. L to R we have Anne, Linda and Anna (winners) from Senior and Silky Rescue (congrats guys!), Ams and Heather from Adelaide All Breeds Dog Rescue.

Next we have Klaus Keck who collected the Dianne Gunn Scarcella Award for his wife Nancy. Hi Klaus!

As I was sitting right up the front I took some pics of peeps at my table and peeps I was rooting for. Apologies I didn't get a pic of Erny and Dogbesotted and the quilt but the photographer (professional one - quite cute!) was in my way. First up is Zoo Studios, winners of Best Canine Photographer. These guys also take loads of photos for free of rescue dogs. You guys rock!

CB was in the same position in the pet page of The Sudnay Mail again today. Kind of wierd for him to be in twice, but hopefully it is positive for him!

I took some pics last night so will check out and see if there is a general winners thread and put them in there. Great win!

Good luck Timmy!

Staffyluv how does Ziggy go after the foster dogs leave? My SBT girl is very involved with her first ever foster sibling and adores him. They have a mutual love fest really. I didn't think she'd be so attached to him but even seperating them for walks or outings causes angst (in both parties) already. Do you have to do anything special with Ziggy when his new buddies leave him? I hadn't even thought of this being an issue.

Bones is such a beauty! So expressive!

I used to meditate in the backyard - complete with a fat, hairy arse sitting on my crossed legs! I always knew I was in the zone though when I could ignore the bad breathed, attention seeking kisses....

My old SBT used to snaffle my used ear plugs if I left them lying around or if they fell out during the night. So my back yard would often be dotted with fluoro yellow or orange surprises she'd pooped out! I only wore them because she snored so badly. Obviously ear wax is YUM!

Yep, the person we got in was the best money I ever spent because they give you knowledge which you can use for other dogs. Ours cost $200 but that was about 3 years ago and she was new at it so charged less but she was oh so good. Holly's mummy I could donate a minimum of $50 towards engaging one if that helps as my fundraisers are still running at and I have nothing committed to anyone else at present. Are there any large rescue groups in your area who you could contact to ask who they use? You might be able to get rescue rates.

Fantastic news Keiko! Do you know if Best Friends Rescue and Little Paws Kitten Rescue are already linked in? If not I can pass the word on to them. Also Australian Working Dog Rescue Inc don't seem to be on DOL of late but would be interested, so again, if Di from AWDRI isn't on your list of rescue groups you already deal with let me know and I'll pass the info on to her.

How is CB going Teekay? Anything come out of the adoption enquiries?

Very sorry for your sad loss Vince. It is so hard to lose the special ones. RIP bubby girl.

Good luck little man! Testicles are over rated!

Some naughty boy busted open the front screen door and the gate on the front verandah this morning and was doing a runner to dog knows where! He got to the stairs though and froze up into a statue so I was able to grab him. He tried it again tonight. Unfortunately the dogs have broken the top hinge on the front screen door and it is awaiting repairs so we will have to keep the front timber door shut at all times now till it is fixed. You have to wonder what happens to dogs even as young as Clancy before they come to rescue because I pulled out a belt to put on my jeans last Friday morning and he went into a total panic over it. Usually I can give him things to sniff when is acts nervous and he settles but this time he was too terrified. I can't bare to think someone may have beat him with one.

Hollys Mummy I'm going to PM you.