Little Gifts

Boronia, Best Friends Rescue cover SEQ and have rehomed numerous huskies and mals - [email protected] is the email addy re surrendering dogs. They will also give advice about rehomng.

I work for this dept and at our central office building there is a lady who has a guide dog puppy in training that she is allowed to bring to work and another worker has a small yorkie looking dog that is also in training to be an assistance dog that she brings to work with her. It's gives me a warm fuzzy feeling when I see them coming and going from the building.

MavericksMission I like the idea of an edible xmas card! I have been threatening 2 of my dogs with the pound for weeks now so if they survive all 3 will be getting a new clam shell pool, some homemade treats (trying new recipes) and the youngest is a toy freak so she will be getting some new tuggies (also homemade) and a couple of stuffed toys to demolish. Oh and a bath so the visitors might actually want to cuddle them. I have these xmas buckets with lids that everything will go into (except maybe the clam shells!) and they can dig in on the day.

To anyone in Brissie my friend sent me this comp for your animal santa pics. Prize is good so get those entries in! http://www.b105.com.au/win/santa-paws/enter

Not only do I have an old dog full of under the skin lumps and bumps but she is also covered in warts and skin tags - things are sprouting off her everywhere! We did have one gross skin lump that kept growing and growing under one armpit and I am horrified to tell you that the younger dog ate it off! It was only attached by a small piece of skin and there was very little wound or blood. My girl has six monthly check ups now due to old age issues and cancer. My vet checks all the growths out and has never been concerned by any of them. And apart from the armpit one my old girl doesn't seem to care either. I personally don't like them as I constantly panic that one is a tick and catch them on her doggy comb (have changed to a glove thing now). I'm sure the vet will be able to tell if they look problematic or just one of the bodies great mysteries of old age (like your grandpa growing very long ear and eyebrow hairs).

I used to be a vegetarian, lived on acreage and grew my own herbs, vegies and fruit. Since the dogs always want whatever the people are eating they ate a lot of vegetarian food as snacks (still had meat for their main meals). Kiwi fruit skin, orange rinds and the odd frozen grape (before we discovered they were bad for them) were highly sought after tid bits. And since I hate raisins and sultanas if I was ever eating dried fruit they would be dribbling at my feet waiting for them. The other funny thing was that one of them used to break into the chicken's grain and snack on that from time to time as well. You can just imagine how well turned over my compost heap was - those manky old corn cobs were practically a delicacy!

I have someone too - Penny Alexander, but I'd have to find her details at home and PM them too you. I guess it depends on the issues. Mine related to pack dynamics and serious fighting between the youngest and oldest when the youngest hit sexual maturity.

I too am previously guilty of letting a puppy sleep on my lap while driving and a large dog hang so far out of an open window because she liked it that she once fell out at the traffic lights (we were at a stop and she wasn't hurt). I used to have a car cat who lay on the back window ledge and a pet goat who rode around in the back of my hatchback. I implore any of you still doing this to think how devestated you would be if some tool missed a stop sign and hit you and killed your beloved pet. It isn't about how far you are driving or how good a driver you are, it is about taking preventative action to keep you and your loved ones (furry and skin) safe. It is no different to keeping your dog leashed when walking across a busy road - you would do that even if your dog didn't like it wouldn't you? You give heartworm treatment to your dog so it doesn't die a horrible death don't you? These are both preventative measures to cover those what if scenarios. We can't control everything but we can make efforts to minimise potential harms that we are aware of. Dju - this certainly wasn't directed at you (just saw your post above). I was just going back through the posts and noticed a few people who weren't into dog restraints yet and I hope in time that all of them will be - for theirs and their pets safety. I was previously the same as well and didn't see the need. Now I have seen the consequences first hand of dogs sitting on laps, in foot wells or just on seats loose. It's heartbreaking.

Goodbye beautiful girl.

Kirsty my sister has been feeding all the dogs the last 2 days as I have had some long working days. I just realised this morning that she had run out of the dementia meds, apparently 2 days ago. As of this morning my old girl just keeps peeing everywhere and not making any effort to go outside. And she keeps licking at the pee as well (which is how I keep discovering it) so the meds definately do make a difference and I will be picking up more this arvo. As it is also raining here and she hates rain I'll be keeping nappies on her until the meds kick in again.

I used to assist with road accident investigations and believe I have mentioned somewhere on DOL before but anything unrestrained in your car like your dog or a chainsaw (yes i have seen the damage that one did) may become a lethal flying object in a crash so not only may your dog be horribly injured but so might you and your passengers. And for anyone travelling over the break do not let passengers sleep reclined in your car. Seat belts can only contain a loved one in the upright position. If you fall asleep at the wheel while your loved one is reclining in a snooze then they can slip out of that seatbelt in a crash and go straight through the windscreen. Be safe peeps - cars are dangerous.

My sister's husky shep cross Wolf has always been the fun police. Biggest dibber dobber and fun killer around and big enough to make the others stop in their tracks. Every now and then she will be caught on the other end of a tuggy and give us a look like "Oh just get over yourselves!" The one good thing we do use her for is in off leash areas if my younger one strays too far we just tell Wolf to go get Stussy and she rounds her up and brings her back to us!

Didn't you say in another thread that Hugo barked incessantly at the other puppies and had to be given a time out several times? That may have been constituted as bullying the other dogs... Knuckles did that once at puppy preschool, but it was a 'stop teaching me things I wanna play!!!' bark. Possibly the same thing for Hugo? sorry OT. My youngest was our puppy school's crazy dog. She was used to playing with older dogs who play very rough and often had to be leashed during what was supposed to be free play but looked more like puppy bowling. I still remember one horrible moment when a very spoilt small white fluffy was screaming for its mummy because its hair was wrapped around my dog's teeth and they were stuck together. I swear it was an accident!

Gemma is a cutie pie! You don't see many basset hounds - I think the old age droop suits her!

I used to be very close (in a brother/sister like fashion) with a younger work colleague who was dubbed the best looking bloke in our entire region. Wherever we went women would ask me about him. His second marriage broke up and we got a lot closer because he needed my support (he has very little family) but things also got too intense for me and we had a falling out about something stupid and blokey he did. Then I had a falling out with a very close female friend (who we both also worked with) because of my falling out with him and her taking his side and meddling. Things got back on track with all of us after about 6 months of me licking my wounds. But two years later I am still hearing from work mates in that region that they all think he left his wife for me and that I broke up with my close friend (and the man in question) because they both cheated on me! What the hell is wrong with people?

Here's a pic of my old girl taken in August when she turned 16. She used to be nearly all black brindle!

I'm so sorry Leanne. Mine is blind, deaf, full of cancer, has dementia and is losing weight and feeling bony with loose skin despite having increased her food intake. But she is still full of beans so we'll continue on until she isn't. The vet has told me once she goes downhill it will be a very quick deterioration. I'm trying not to think about it at all until the time comes.

Kirsty my vet just did all kinds of response tests. She knows my dog very, very well and usually she carries on like a banshee at the vet but that day (and since) she just took the whole thing in her stride, which was an indicator of a changed personality and sign of dementia. We did have to give urine and have her kidneys checked (think it was kidneys?) as the tablets can affect them. But all her organs are still working well despite her having mammary cancer. Even with dementia they can still have an enjoyable life. When my girl is engaged with you her mind doesn't wander - it is mainly when she is doing nothing in particular it is noticeable. We have a fairly strict toileting regime in place now as well - I spend lots of time encouraging and praising a deaf dog to go to the toilet - my neighbours must think I'm a little mad. Oh and one other indicator I remember was her getting stuck in corners and behind doors (mainly the toilet door - can't pee in piece at our house). They can go in but struggle to problem solve how to get out again. From memory I think the medication is to stop things getting any worse. She is certainly a lot better on it but not what I would call normal. The vet will explain it all to you. It is manageable and I really don't think the dogs really know what's happening.

I have an old staffy here and she was diagnosed with dementia earlier this year. She has the pacing - kind of like she was going somewhere and forgot where it was. She also stands hovering doing nothing a lot like she is trying to remember something. She is also deaf and blind now so that also doesn't help! Toileting is our biggest problem. She has forgotten about toilet training like a puppy. It is like she has forgotten the warning signs and just goes where ever she is. We've had to resort to nappies and she gets me up to toilet about 3 times a night. I have heard of poop falling out while an older dog sleeps though and it seems more like old age incontinence. There is medication for dementia. Can't help with the food issue - that's never been a problem with any of my dogs! And my old girl (almost 16 1/2) still rough plays with my younger dog every single morning and night and we bought her a doggy pram so she could catch a ride if she got tired on our walks but she wont use it! Some of the issues you face caring for an older dog are a little like having a puppy again!

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland The Honourable Tim Mulherin 06/12/2010 Festive season presents some threats to pets It's not just people who feel the heat during Queensland's festive season - your pets also need protection from the potential harmful effects of the hot weather. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin and Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan today talked to primary school children about the importance of animal welfare over the summer months. Mr Ryan said speaking at Morayfield State School that animals needed to have water, food and appropriate shelter available to them at all times, but especially when the temperatures soared. "All animal owners had a legal duty-of-care to their pets and we're keen to teach school students about the value of good animal welfare," Mr Ryan said. "Pet owners who would never knowingly harm their pets need to make sure they do not make the mistake of ignoring their special needs during this time of the year. "If your family is going to be away from home even if it is just to spend a few days at the beach, you need to make arrangements to ensure your pets are cared for. "The best option was to book family pets into a good boarding kennel or cattery. "Alternatively, arrange for a responsible person to visit your home daily to care for your animals," he said. Mr Mulherin said pets need company and it is neglectful to leave a dog in a yard for long periods without a person to care for them. "All pet owners or those in charge of an animal have a duty of care to provide food, water and appropriate shelter. This is particularly important during scorching summer heat and the wet season," Mr Mulherin said. "Pets should never be left in a hot car, not even for a short while, as intense heat can quickly cause heat stroke and death. "Biosecurity Queensland's Help an Animal Smile website for children is an enjoyable way for parents to help their children learn about responsible pet ownership. "The school holidays are a great time to foster good animal care skills with your kids and the website has fun and interactive downloadable games, quizzes and activity books. "It is a great source for parents as well with tips, fact sheets and important information on pet owner's duty of care to their animals." For more information on animal welfare or Help an Animal Smile activities, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au and click on 'Animal welfare & Ethics', then 'Kids' pages' or contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

I remember seeing stuff about this boy when you first took him on. It is horrible that there are people out there who abuse or neglect animals that to us seem to have beautiful natures. Remember that dogs live in the moment so what Toby does every day now is far more important to him than what happened in the past - he has pushed all that to the back of his mind. Yes it sucks that his life is going to be cut short but some dogs are amazing - I have one over 16 now full of cancer but still going like nothing is wrong. One day she will go downhill and it will be time but until then we make the most of what we have. That's all you can do with Toby. His time will come but it my not be for quite a while given what he has already endured. Until it does every day for him will be wonderful in your care so try and accept the joy he brings and deal with the sad stuff when you absolutely have to.

I can also be there at 7am to pick up Bandit. If I am a smidge late it is only because of traffic. I'm excited too and I'm assuming apart from stall duties Bandit is mine to entertain and show off until 2pm? I am going to bring water and poo bags and all that stuff like he was my own. Might also bring a toy in case he likes that kind of thing as well but will check with the kennel staff when I pick him up. LDH I will PM you my personal details in case you need to pass them on to the kennel people or Di.

I'm coming up to volunteer for the day, not bringing my own dogs and would LOVE to pick up a furbie. Probably only 1 though because I will also have food items to bring with me and will need a free hand. I don't have a crate either but have those seatbelt thingies to keep my dogs secure. I think I am a little in love with Bandit too if that helps? Given I am volunteering and assuming I may be behind a stall some of the time will Bandit or the other dogs be looked after by someone else while there? Anytime I am not behind a stall though I'd love to show one of them off.

Happy Birthday Holly! I have an old girl too (a dog) and she isn't fond of dressing up for Christmas either. TLC I am loving having an older dog and just watching how their bodies change but their personalities still shine through. I hope Holly makes it to 20 and beyond!

I can imagine paying more for a very rare breed of dog or one whose lines carry something exceptional, because availability affects price in most other areas of life. But since I'm not into rare breeds I would like to think I am paying for what I get, which means a skilled breeder has raised a healthy and socially capable pup ready to be safely rehomed and has assessed me as a suitable owner of own of their pups. I like to read the pups born each month on DOL and can see that there is the potential for breeders to spend a lot of money to raise litters so I would like to see a breeder adequately compensated for the efforts but not greedy or jumping on a colour bandwagon (a la blue SBTs). Like most people I am first attracted to the look (colour) of dog and do have my favourite looks for several breeds (I like short haired pieds in several breeds). But immediately after I narrow it down to that I need to know the health is good and most importantly that the dog has the personality both of the breed and of what I like/need in my life. No point me choosing a dog that doesn't like cuddles and to play when that is what gives me a lot of pleasure is it? I am not after a show dog either so a wonky ear or size not to standard are not a concern to me, but health issues that might cause me to lose a beautiful dog at a young age definately are. The dog needs to suit me and I need to suit the dog. Maybe too many people just don't go past the look of an animal? Maybe if they saw more rescue puppies they would realise that all dogs are beautiful when they are young and dependant and it is what they turn in to that they should be thinking about. A dog you adore is still a dog you adore regardless of it is 12 weeks or 12 years old.