*kirty*

The puppies are generally removed from their mothers at 5 weeks old and sent off to shops while they are still small and cute. Parvo isn't the only problem either - they also once sent off a whole batch of pups with ringworm. Lovely surprise to take home when you buy your new pup...

All of those stores were supplied by the KKK puppy farm in Gippsland. Not sure if they still are, but a few years ago they definitely were and it sounds like they still are. They also supplied Knox. Disgusting place - google if you want to see pics.

Pretty sure all councils have a 2 dog limit in Vic, but most will also consider permits for more dogs. I know that Gippsland and I think around Clyde/Cranbourne area are easier to get multi dog permits. Council will ask your neighbours and assess your property to determine whether the permit should be granted.

The thing is there is not much that can be done now. B's pup is cute, its not going back. What frustrates me is the nerve of the so-called breeder. B, you asked what can be done now? Nothing. What SHOULD have been done is that the breeder should have had the dogs tested BEFORE breeding them. The horse has already bolted in your case. We recently had a breeder come in to get breed-required health screens done on their previously untested bitch - who was already in pup with the last vial of some famous dog's semen. The bitch failed the health screen and the breeder was devastated, but why wouldn't you test BEFORE getting her pregnant??

Double post

You need to identify the cause of the staining. It could be mild entropion, blocked tears ducts, or allergies.

I believe revolution treats sarcoptic mange, and its applied every fortnight for a few applications. I will ask the vet tomorrow for you.

I took my dogs for a walk around Lillydale Lake this afternoon and was absolutely disgusted by the dog crap everywhere. I counted 54 piles of poo on or next to the path. There are signs and poo bags and bins all along the track too. No wonder places are becoming less and less dog friendly. Just disgusting.

Sarcoptic is contagious, but also easier to treat. They are such beautiful dogs. I'm a vet nurse in Melbourne - let me know if I can do anything to help.

It sounds like allergic conjunctivitis (mucky eyes caused by allergies). Fingers crossed the cream does the trick! :)

Weren't German Shepherds banned or restricted in this country at one point?

Totally agree. Sadly we see a lot of PRA in BYB Labs, Poodles and Cockers, and also in the crosses of these breeds. It is pretty much non-existant in pedigree dogs though due to DNA testing. Thankfully it doesn't kill the dog, but it's not fun having to tell the owner of a 4yr old oodle that their dog will be blind within a few months.

LOL that person is a tool. Can't believe a newspaper gave him space in their paper!! Once an animal has done its time, it is owned by the council/pound and they can do whatever they want to it. They can kill it, sell it, paint it purple, desex it, etc. If the owner turns up after that time, well they can only hope it's still alive. If it has been sold, sent to rescue or PTS, then too bad. And how will desexing prevent them from being adopted? LOL, I think being PTS might stop them from being adopted but that's OK with Mr Carr?

Gorgeous photos. :)

I love number 2 and 5. Very nice shots! :)

In the heater? LOL, I know they are heat seekers but that seems a little extreme... ;)

Bostons shed and they are also quite active. Plus they cost a bomb and are hard to come by. Super cute dogs though. :) Lagottos aren't very big - the ones I've met were about the size of a cocker spaniel. Mini Poodles are awesome little dogs and as a pp mentioned, you can clip them however you like. I personally love shaved faces but you can give them little beards, etc. Bichons are also fantastic little dogs and VERY people oriented. Mini Schnauzers can be high energy but are also cute little dogs.

donatella, this shelter has a very good reputation and generally does all it can to rehome as many cats and dogs as possible. Stray dogs must be held for a minimum of 8 days and assessments don't usually begin until this period is up. This shelter also works with trainers/behaviouralists so it sounds like they were a bit concerned about one aspect of his assessment, so gave him some more time or training etc, and now he is ready for adoption. And rescue isn't about first in best dressed - the pound may consider several families before deciding on the right one for the dog.

Well that's great, but if you ask an eye specialist they will tell you not to do it unless you know what is causing the gunk. Cooled tea is much safer (calendula tea is the best).

Conjunctivitis is a symptom, not a diagnosis if that makes sense. It could be allergies or an ulcer or glaucoma or many other things causing the conjunctivitis. Don't ever use salt water to clean eyes as it dries them out. You can usr cool black tea or plain water to wipe away any muck. Good luck at the vets!

I was bailed up by a HA purebred Lab once too. Nasty creature he was. I have two crossbred dogs sleeping next to my bed right now, both seniors, both from questionable breeding and neither has ever shown any aggression. There are far more crossbred dogs in this country than purebreds (whether we like it or not) and most of them have normal, stable temperaments. There is good and bad in everything.

Have you had his eyes checked properly by a vet, or even better a specialist? There could be a reason why he has such bad staining. Extra eyelashes, blocked or poorly formed tear ducts, etc.

I remember seeing a horse with stringhalt on Funniest Home Videos. I guess for uneducated people it might be funny.

My old girl is on them but I bought a bottle and do it at work. Hard to tell if it helps because she is also on glucosamine and Sasha's blend, but the combination has definitely made a huge improvement to her life.

I suspect most of mine would be PTS. I would hope that my parents would take at least one dog but most of my other pets would have nowhere to go.