meggie

When I had to get new tags for my dogs, the pet shop bloke who whipped them up on a computerised tag maker suggested he add the word 'microchipped' along with usual info. Seems a sensible idea to me - especially as I know Twig's has moved - & no extra cost involved.

Oh, griff I am so sorry you have lost Ryan. It's so hard when they go. RIP Ryan.

Umbrella! LOL. Haven't got to that stage yet. Mind you, I have to put my little whippet princess's raincoat on before she'll go out in bad weather. Then she looks so reproachfully at me while insisting on going in her usual grassy spot. Boys are tougher - they just do a fast run out as far as the concrete & an even faster one back in.

How true! Such a photogenic boy!

My lot go to the kennels that were recommended to me by the vet when I first moved here - 12 years ago now &, though they have changed hands, I'm still happy with them. Dogs always come home in good condition with all their little extras like jackets, etc. THe old Stafford who has gone there his whole life will cheerfully walk in off lead. The two whippets go in one run with the old boy in the run next to them & they all get playtime outside together. Costs me a fortune (the only negative having three dogs now), but I'm happy to pay for peace of mind. When I had to stay longer overseas recently after an unexpected death in the family, it was a great relief not to have to worry about them too - one phone call & they were set for the extra week or so. The cat stays home in peace & quiet with a neighbour popping in daily. A holiday for her too.

Love it! Laughed so much. Can almost believe it too. Before I moved to whippets, I always had Staffords. Years ago now, one of my girls used to play at the park with a whippie pup whose owner was always astounded that Biddie could keep up with his little bloke. Not for long, but she could do it.

Is she the naughtiest or just the smartest & most persistent? She looks so good in that collar - all sweet & girly. LOL

Loved it! Had to get to the end to understand the purple reference. Worth it.

That puppy's definitely famous now - made it into the cartoonist's subject list i.e. Andrew Dyson's 'The cavoodle that grew" Saw it here: http://www.smh.com.au/national/letters/honouring-the-police-who-died-on-duty-20110930-1l1h1.html

Most of the smaller models will fit under your bed. Or the Whippet ones. Then my Whippet ones are faulty too - they don't fit under the bed, only in it! Try getting out the nail clippers - this puts most Whippet models under the bed. Have tried that, but they head for the hills instead. Last time I had to dig them out from under a Bougainvillea. Now they are scratched. Should I trade them in?

Most of the smaller models will fit under your bed. Or the Whippet ones. Then my Whippet ones are faulty too - they don't fit under the bed, only in it!

The Australian Oh Jesus its a Poodle x Schnauzer : Thanks for the confirmation Burkes, I was beginning to think I'd dreamt it all about -oodles. Wish I had ...

Hate to say it, but there was a report on ABC TV I think (was channel surfing) last night & it's an -oodle. Reddish colour. Already ordered & arriving Oct. Can't find the report now, so assuming it was fact.

I haven't read all the posts, but wanted to add my bit since I have been in a (sort of) similar situation. You have my sympathy. We have a older, friendly, placid Stafford who didn't cope at all well when my old rescue girl (our 3rd Stafford) went, so we decided to try another rescue Stafford. Not quite like Missy - she was a nice well mannered girl fostered in a family with kids & another dog. Meet & greets went well. When she settled here, she decided she'd be boss. Big fight. I had 8 stitches in my hand, my boy was at the vet. It wasn't fair to him. She went straight back. We settled on a whippet instead & they are happy together. My point is that your first responsibility is to Astro & your family. I wouldn't have an aggressive dog round kids & she's shown that aggression quite clearly. Too risky. I agree with ReadySetGo that 'Astro's best bet would be as the role model for a young puppy. If you've got one laid back, happy Stafford, there's every chance that you can raise another and another. '

We took our menagerie (1 dog & the kid's 2 cats) to NZ & back. Granted, that's not as expensive as crossing the world & quarantine requirements were easy, but still the equivalent of another couple of tickets. Wouldn't even have considered the move if they weren't coming. Have never had a problem when renting either. I would get the list of local agents, sit down & ring though the list telling them what we had & what we wanted. Always found someone who was prepared to allow inside animals. Was handy that after the first time we had a good pet reference. When I was doing short term contract work o'seas, had a lovely reliable couple who would come to house sit for the few weeks/months each time. They brought their cat to keep our cat company. Worked well. As an aside, I think some people don't take enough note of that bumper sticker - 'A puppy is for life, not just for Christmas'. 10-15 years is a long commitment & life can change so much in that period, not always as you'd wish.

I know of somebody who had their heart set on a Keeshond after they met a lovely, well trained dog with a beautiful coat, so shipped one up from Tassie. Pup was normal, bright, boisterous, but (of course) didn't come trained. After a couple of months being left to dig up backyard, poo everywhere & knock over the kids, owners decided that wasn't the dog for them because he was 'much too naughty'. Lucky for him, the breeder took him back. Think they may even have got their money back!

Great photos. Makes me wish we were closer. My two would love it!

Yes, I think he will be a handful too, but should be a great dog if you can keep all that energy under control. Love the name. Our Khan (long gone now) was a collie/BC X & the perfect family dog & watch dog rolled into one. I hope you have as much pleasure from your Khan as we did from ours.

I second Poodlefan's suggestion. When we had a Pyrenean in Melbourne years ago, he had a cubby house knocked up by the ex with the opening to one side, so he could tuck in behind it. Hugo only used it in the very worst weather - much preferred outside (or the bathroom tiles in high summer).

3rd ed. currently available for $49.95 from Amazon.com. If you want to cost any book you might buy online, I recommend going to booko.com.au to compare prices first. Forgot to add, that doesn't include p&p.