Little Gifts

You need to choose a kennel the same way you are choosing your accommodation for your holiday and you don't do it at the last minute (although I know emergencies do arise). I've only had to use kennels twice in my life (normally my sister or a friend would house and dog sit). One time I remember the owners expressing concern about my two sbt's (mother and son) eating and sleeping together and I had no idea what they were on about but they said fights had happened before when two supposedly friendly dogs had been kennelled together. They tried separating mine but the crying and carrying on meant they went back together. Also when I drove in to pick them up my boy burst out from the kennels and jumped straight into my car before I had time to even get out. I thought that was hilarious at the time (he missed me) but for the staff it was a moment of great panic. I don't know how he even got out but he was a real Houdini at home so it didn't worry me as nothing bad happened. Now I'm imagining owning a kennel and having to deal with those kinds of situations and the grown up in me can see what a nightmare it could be!

I was just on Pinterest and oh my dog their are some very extravagant crate covers you can make. Mine just get blankets thrown over theirs and I can sew!

The Constitution has nothing to do with it. The Constitution is the supreme law under which the Commonwealth Government of Australia operates, including its relationship to the States of Australia and is only amended by a double majority referendum of all States and Territories. This issue would involve changing State/Territory laws relating to animals and personal property. The Constitution sits above state, territory and local law. No state, territory or local laws should be developed in a way that obstructs our constitution as these were the agreed modus operandi for the establishment of this colony. From memory it is only a rep of the Crown who can approve the alteration of the constitution. Of course it happens all the time (particularly at LG level) and no-one knows about fighting them in a higher court or perhaps does not have the money to see it through. My sister is heavily involved in constitutionally based court cases regarding farms and other items considered property under the constitution. These have been or are presently before the Supreme Court and there is also a large Australian case currently before the International Court for constitutional breaches regarding property use and theft by federal, state and local authorities. As long as our 'property' is not harming another then the constitution is there to protect what we own, not have our use of it governed minutely by lesser authorities or even taken away from us by them. There is a very large movement around this because of land use laws that are denying farmers their basic rights to use their land as they see fit. I'm really surprised anyone involved in a BSL matter isn't also using this approach - if their property has done nothing to harm another then under our constitution no federal, state or local authority or officer has the right to seize, contain or destroy it. And where local, state or federal laws are at odds with our constitution then the constitution takes precedence. QLD is a little different as it is actually running as a corporation and not a state govt. Whole other story and set of rules.

I bought this big octopus at an op shop to hang off the clothes line for doggy destruction, but it is too cute and has just been hanging out on the kitchen table for a week while I contemplate its future.

My BFF and her older daughter used to refer to their new dog as a shiatsu! I had to keep reminding them what it really was and it remains a running joke.

Extremely sad for the dogs and their owners on both sides but I don't know how this case will go because this is the truth under our constitution: Tracey Jackson, of Couper Geysen, Family and Animal Lawyers, said people had not previously sued because the law considered animals to be property. They could sue for damage or loss of property but to get Grommet's Law and change how companion animals are viewed they'd have to change the constitution and I can't see that happening. This is why I am so confused about BSL - if under the constitution animals are our property then how can council come and seize it? In effect they are stealing it and should be compensating people for that. Just like if they resume some of your land to widen a road they have to recompense for it. Both owners should sue the kennel owners for loss of property even though it wont bring their fur babies back.

Show them the listings of dogs available at every. single. pound. in. Australia. Ask them if they really think the world needs more staffy types. What about the hundreds of beautiful stiffies that are pts every year because there are already so many of them without homes? Maybe show them some pictures of that instead.

The only time I've had to go to that vet service is a couple of years back but the most scrumptious looking male vet worked there! I could've killed the receptionist for her slowness (another story). I live down at Beenleigh (15 mins south of the vet) and I assume you will be working odd hours so highway traffic shouldn't be a problem for you wherever you look at living. During peak hour it is always a nightmare heading north in the morning and south in the afternoon. Coopers Plains could be like 40 + mins away. Mt G is sort of spread out so it depends on whereabouts you are looking there. I'd aim for something no more than 5 mins from the motorway as driving through numerous suburbs to get to work will always take you longer than heading straight to the motorway. Your vet surgery basically backs onto the motorway at Underwood.

How exciting!!!!! We are a three dog house and anything less just seems wrong. But one dog is my sister's heart girl, one dog is my heart girl and our most recent foster failure is our mutual heart girl (although I'm sure she loves me bestest!). Having two adults to three dogs is much easier than one human to three fur kids when they are all different ages, breeds, sizes and in turn have slightly different care and attention needs.

One of the best saves this year I reckon!

If she couldn't be bothered looking after Narla before then I doubt she would make the effort to find your place, break in and take Narla or the pups now. She sounds all talk and no action to me. If she calls you or messages anywhere again I'd be very ballsy back stating the police and RSPCA are aware of the appalling condition the mum and pups were found in and would be dead from neglect if they had not been rescued by you. I'd add animal neglect and abuse of that extent is a criminal matter and one you take very seriously. I doubt she'd want to push it with you if she knew you were willing to take it further with 'the authorities'. Be crazy animal welfare lady and scare her right back! I bet there are warrants out for her or her partner for other matters. If there were young children involved I bet child protection knew about them too. People who neglect animals have a tendency to neglect lots of things, like their children, maintaining their rental property, paying all their bills, etc. They could be wanted for all kinds of things. Stay strong and don't let this scare you too much. The universe will not let any of these dogs go back to that woman after what you have gone through to save them.

LOVE!

Slightly OT but Spotlight has some courdoroy with Frenchies on it!

A great interim outcome for another sad situation.

So exciting for you and Zig and Zippety-Doo-Daa!

I was wondering if they were either baby greys, whippets or even iggies given their size next to the Stafford. Good to know I wasn't imagining things given the only pics I see of either breed are here on DOL, so my knowledge is not that great! Their legs just weren't long enough was all I really knew!

So cute! I loved how it had to push it's way through the greys to get through the water bit "Scuse me, comin' thru!"

Fantastic news!!!!

This is the exciting bit now, seeing them go to their forever homes to live long, happy and healthy lives!

Oh Lhok this is so terribly sad. I too will think of Raiden when I see lightning strike. He was a beautiful boy who left this earth far too soon.

Just the bestest rescue story isn't it!

He's gorgeous alright! And the name Russell suits him!

Linked but a little OT - I visited my friend today at her house and her swf had feet that looked like he'd been playing in the mud! She said he licks them. He had a slight pinky stain around his mouth but his feet looked exactly like he'd been in dark brown mud. Has anyone seen anything like that before or do you know of a product to address the staining? I've never had a dog with any staining so have no idea, but DOLers know everything!

Andrew I have been using the same vet since 1988, never even bothering how much something will cost because payment plans can always be arranged if funds are low. She is a homeopathic vet who absolutely adores all animals and aims to balance costs with care. The vet that looks after our foster dogs (shar pei) cannot be faulted in her care and treatment of our foster dogs (and at rescue rates) and if I need 'shar pei' specific treatment I will travel the hour each way to see her with my own girl. You will have your beautiful boy Caesar for at least 10 years, hopefully more. A good vet who is responsive to your concerns and questions, and who considers the health needs of your dog as a priority is far more important than price shopping. A good vet will save you money over the next 10 years by helping you keep your dog in good health through preventative advice and measures. And just think how debilitating/painful it will be for your boy to have someone rummaging around in his insides looking for that missing testicle before you discount the need for IV fluids and pain meds to reduce the cost.

He is so focussed on you, it's lovely!