Little Gifts

Yes T, I can imagine you guys are under intense scrutiny. Even with so many standards you'd have to ask why is it still so ambiguous then and open to individual interpretation? Makes it all a bit pointless.

I know I'm a bit late to the party on this but I wanted to comment on the equine vets story Asal posted above. I don't agree with how the RSPCA went about things at all but shouldn't all animals owned by humans have access to shelter? On large farms cows will shelter from rain and sun under trees. Wild brumbies will shelter from the same under trees and overhanging rocks and in gullies. Wildlife also shelter from the elements in and under natural growth. It is something instinctive. It is not specified in the story if there were any trees in that paddock and the photo makes it look like there was none. So even though the vets were able to assess that being without shelter (and by that I'm assuming they mean man made shelter) was not harming the animals in anyway, I'm sure if there were trees for shade and rain protection on that plot of land the horses would be making use of it. If there are no trees then a man-made shelter of some type is another option. If I saw farm animals on a plot of land in stinking hot sun with no shade option or standing all soggy in a rain storm for the same reason I'd also think it was a bit harsh. What would you think? Are people (owners and the RSPCA) getting too pedantic about what words mean and what basic needs could entail? And just because an animal isn't being physically harmed is that a reason not to provide a little more if you can? Particularly with farm and companion animals. We know enrichment is a big thing for wild animals in captivity so why not for other animals we own? Just some things I was pondering about that particular story....

I'm not a breeder but don't find breeder's prices unreasonable at all (good, quality breeders I mean). It is a skill to breed a good, sound pup so to me that has value. I consider time and knowledge part of the purchase price as well as vet fees involved during the pregnancy and life of the pups, food, supplements, training, genetic testing, micro-chipping, registering, food and cleaning. It all costs the breeder money. It's like buying your product from a professional craftsman. It actually offends me when puppy farmers charge more than a quality breeder and they've put zero effort and skill into the genetics behind the breeding, left the puppy in a pen to be whelped and raised by the mother with minimal human assistance or vet care. That's where the madness is and that is where the true price gouging is happening. How can people not see that?

My vets and vet staff mean the world to me. It makes me so sad that they are exposed to this kind of suffering. Back when I was a teen (in the 70s) I did work experience at a chemist and I still remember the chemist telling me how people would get angry at paying the cost of medicine to make them well and save their life but think nothing of blowing their cash on a night of drinking or a holiday. Same mentality isn't it.

Brachy breeds as well? For some reason I thought there were restrictions pre lockdown on brachy breeds. Anyway the right rescue should know. Minis was also recommended to the owner by someone else.

Squishy Face is in Vic and Minis is in Sydney and we have travel bans still at present. But did find a Frenchie club that rescues and rehomes so will pass that info on.

Squishy Face is in Vic and Minis is in Sydney and we have travel bans still at present. But did find a Frenchie club that rescues and rehomes so will pass that info on.

This has popped up on Gumtree. Frenchie is not desexed and has a leg issue so no-one wants it going to a backyard breeder! I've sent links to some shar pei options already but don't know anything Frenchie specific. Can anyone help or advise? https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/north-lakes/dogs-puppies/dogs-sharpei-french-bull-dog/1247500197?utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=ios_VIP&utm_medium=social&utm_source=com.apple.uikit.activity.copytopasteboard&fbclid=IwAR1HsTOEnt2VHkgXBi1AFz3qMKqOws_G-4cT5UwrG9m4zxc4FmrCFpyCa-w

There is a FB Page that is on this puppy farmer like flies on shit. And I love them for it!!!! They've been trying to expand their operation by a ridiculous number of breeding dogs but not getting far still because of the public backlash up here.

How did you go at vet Juice? Stussy developed one after a dog fight. It was large and very uncomfortable. She had to have surgery and was a lot miserable but it healed and no reoccurrence, although that ear remains sort of thicker and she doesn't like me to rub over where it was anymore. She had to wear a cone right up until the stitches were out or she was trying to rub or scratch the ear. I made her a fabric soft cone so she could cope better (it was QLD summer too).

Sorry Coogie I only just saw this. Yesterday I played a couple of videos to Jonah where you could hear Duane calling to him. I started softly as I didn't want to upset him. He got up and looked out the back door but wasn't stressed or cying at all. Then he went out and lay in the sun, hopefully dreaming of his dad. It was interesting to reflect yesterday on how far he has come here. We are so glad he is in our lives and hope Duane looks down from time to time and sees both dogs are in the best situation for them.

I'm very sorry Cynthia. I know how much your dogs mean to you and how huge a part of your life an old dog becomes. Fly free Jeune.

Thank you j. I confess I read the entire article but didn't watch all of the video as I found it too sad. My bad.

I just want to add I hadn't heard that the dogs had been an issue before, running loose and attacking another person, when I posted the earlier link. Adds a different twist to things.

Here's a story from the owner's perspective. Very sad. https://www.9news.com.au/national/woman-mauled-to-death-dog-attack-jervis-bay-nsw-news/b67675a8-4f69-42fb-bc0a-264da5c7b50d

I did with Pet Circle for several years and my only hiccups were the delivery people and the strange places they would leave it.The only reason I stopped was because I changed brands when Jonah arrived and the price on it fluctuates a lot so I tend to shop around. I have a kibble bin so I know when it gets down to a certain level it is time to start shopping.

I'm not sure if you would also consider a Lab? Pauline and Pete from Tapua Labrador Retrievers are in NSW. They are very well known for their service dogs. The pups start training from birth for purpose (probably while still in the womb!), they win awards for both their breeding and acknowledgement of their service skills. They are here on DOL and also on FB. I've cared for their dogs as a house sitter and their are other DOLers who own them. I couldn't fault either the dogs or Pauline and Pete's skills and knowledge. They have new litters during the year but might also have adult dogs available from time to time that might suit your needs?

Never thought about it from this perspective. We always had expensive purebred cats back when I was growing up (they were just cats to me!) and my first dog that was purchased just for me was a purebred OES that we went and got from a breeder (still remember all the details about it). And we also had quality farm dogs that were carefully selected and paid for. But as an adult all my animals have been rescue and they have all been unwanted and chosen me. So I'm not sure I even have a preference but I recognise the value of both in our lives. I cringe when people bang on about adopt, don't shop, outside of the rescue world. I think well bred, purebred dogs play a very important role in our lives and the world - maintaining healthy specimens of a breed, particularly those breeds serving a purpose. I'd also much rather breed more towards health than show ring beauty but that is me. And of course I'd love to live in a world with more balance - less puppies and dogs overall ending up in pounds, shelters and rescues with no hope in hell of all finding a home. In my mind one major way to do that is reduce the number of poorly bred ANYTHING. Since puppy farmers produce far more of this type of dog they are first on the chopping block for me, followed by dodgy back yard breeders as both are deliberately producing high/higher numbers without any concern for the future health of the puppy or where it ends up. We just don't need any more of that type of 'product'. There will still be plenty of oops and sneaky litters so dog owners wont ever become an elite group. And given my love of shar pei you can clearly see when we have a meet up the difference between a well bred pei and all the others who supposedly had 'pure' parents. Then you have the clearly cross bred ones because pei will breed with anything! It's all there if you look. Not all have significant health issues but you sure reduce the odds significantly with more careful breeding. There is an important place for both but like anything we need to do it in balance so the animals themselves don't ultimately suffer our neglect and wastefulness.

Very sorry to read this. You have dedicated yourself to your fur babies and Bunter could not have had a more loving home. I know this one is going to hurt so take care of yourself.

Happy tears! I just love their relationship and loved that story! Thank you Boronia!

I don't think they will be banned either but if we, the people who attend these events advise the organisers now that we no longer want fireworks and want other entertainment options that are already out there, then it will be them who choose to spend their money in other ways. Otherwise we boycott these events and everyone who relies on them loses money and they get the message then. Councils are the first place to start because they put on NYE and local shows and plan well in advance. Write on their FB pages for a start. Oh and I should add that the business who create the fireworks shows also do the laser lights and music and some are moving into drones as funds permit so they will not lose their livelihoods. Can't speak about options for firework sellers though.

What a cutie and obviously a beautiful boy who will always be loved whether he is by your side or not. X

Here you go - China using drones to create a unique display to see in the New Year. Let's move with the times and say goodbye to fireworks. Tell your councils and major event organisers now so they have no excuse to keep using them over the coming year. https://www.facebook.com/jim.cook.14268769/videos/2935428783142444/UzpfSTU3MTgwNzgxNjoyNjE1OTE4OTExNzk0Nzgy/

Lots of people have been saying fireworks should be banned but I see it as one of those vicious cycles. People do make a living organising these events and food, alcohol and taxi/uber companies also benefit from them. Usually it is councils or private businesses engaging them (some are also state government contracted via festival grants) in the belief they are a public drawcard and they are locked down many months in advance. So how do we get the message out that the general public can still happily celebrate without them (if that is of course true)? Will they be happy with a laser light show and music instead? (I'd like to think so) because they are already being used in conjunction with fireworks so organisers could simply shift focus without a great income loss. I myself have not gone to see fireworks for many years because I know how much they can affect some animals. They are illegal unless you are licensed yet every New Year some idiot is letting them off in suburbs. How do you deal with stupid? I've never heard of anyone being fined for letting them off illegally either. Same with the Chinese lanterns and the impact they can have on the environment (as well as fire risk). And bloody balloon releases! Lots of impact on all of these but so many people still enjoy and participate. Can we change all that? It seems like such a no brainer to just cancel them and give the money to firies but it doesn't work like that. I do know people involved in these big events and they plan all year and they are a huge source of income for many industries. They only provide what is being asked for so if we are real about this we need to be asking for something different or things will never change. It seems so insulting that we were even considering having fireworks displays anywhere in our country when the other half of it was already on fire but they went ahead as planned and paid for. So now all we can do is see what changes can be made for the coming year and let our councils and event planning businesses know that is not what we want anymore. No fireworks for New Years or outdoor concerts or festivals or weddings or sporting events or royal/local shows. Even if still legal we have to influence them to find safer ways to entertain us. We owe it to all the lives and livelihoods that have already been lost.

Hi Taliecat. I must confess I stopped looking at any new posts in the Rainbow Bridge area after we lost Tempeh (almost 13 months ago now). I wasn't up for reliving the pain of losing a beloved dog, particularly when they were still at their prime. I am so very sorry for your loss and can tell you that even after all this time I still talk to Tempeh, feel her around me (she is happy) and also still sleep with one of her coats. It hurts noone and gives me comfort. It keeps me connected. I think about her now and smile because she feels happy and free of her demons. But seeing your post about Dozer also brings up some guilt because back in August my girl Stussy (12 and a stafford) had all these lumps come up suddenly and the ones I was worried about were nothing, but the one on her back was a low grade MCT. We had some issues post biopsy and she had to have it removed under more urgent circumstances but she sailed through it and her recovery. She has also been losing a little weight and getting a few brain farts since but there are no signs of it showing anywhere else inside or out. At the same time as Stussy was having her surgery another famous stafford, Tonka the Concreter (almost 9) had the same issue and surgery. He didn't survive his either. His family were devastated and the community who follows him were also devastated. I don't know why cancer takes some babies and not others. I really don't. And I don't know why great doggos get hit with such awful illnesses that they don't deserve. I wish our love was enough to save them all. So I'm very sorry for your loss as it hits close to home. All I can do is hug Stussy a little bit tighter in Dozer's honour. X