Ruin Maniac

I love apricot and tri-colour :)

I have to agree with Sheridan on this one. I don't at all agree with what the woman did, she's clearly uninformed. However suggestions like she's a sadist who wants to see people's dogs destroy seem extremely far-fetched. What if in the past she, someone close to her or a pet she had/knew was a victim of a dog attack involving a bully (to avoid starting fights, yes, I am WELL aware that it's not JUST bullies who do this)? That seems more likely, in my opinion, but it's impossible for any of us to know what her motivations are without having spoken to her.

It sickens me to think that a person who found a dog with a beautiful nature like the bitch you described, Disintegratus, would turn it in to the authorities based on its breed. Heavens knows, I've met aggressive bullies only as frequently as I've met aggressive everything else. BSL is infuriatingly stupid. Lucky you found her

I'll admit as much as I admire bostons, frenchies and english bulldogs (had cuddles with one perhaps 2 weeks ago at the local park - beautiful young lad, about a year old), their issues regarding reproduction and respiratory issues have put me off considering one as a future dog entirely. Not that I'm going to start beating my chest and abusing BD breeders, as I know and appreciate very much that efforts are being made by good breeders to fix these issues (isn't that a large part of purebreeding in all breeds?). Regardless, and call me an idiot, I don't think I'd be comfortable taking one.

You'd think with such pedantic measures in the name of safety, that they would take more care to maintain their aircraft? Honestly, it's all smoke and no fire. Why they don't realise that blanket measures such as this will help nothing, I don't know.

Thank you so much, and thank you all for your suggestions, recommendations and advice. I now have a puppy-proofed and equipped home. With only a few short weeks now, the next step is surviving the wait! :laugh:

Glad that you came here for advice first. Though they are heart wrenching, there are threads here made by unfortunate dog owners who bought their puppies from backyard breeders only to have them die weeks later of hereditary diseases which could have been screened for before mating the parents. Follow the advice of the users here. It's not always fun and games, but the majority of dog owners here know exactly what they're talking about and are extremely helpful. :) Besides, as others have said, $600 for a pup that has no papers or health testing is robbery. ;) Be sure to ask any breeder you encounter lots of questions about their dogs and about the breed in general! If they won't or can't answer those questions, RUN. Finally, do your own independent research into the characteristics of the breed. This is crucial. While dogs that belong to other people may seem perfect for you, be aware that it can be a lot different when you have to train them yourself! Some bull breeds are known for being stubborn and require a very confident and strong owner to train them properly, not to mention breed-specific lifestyle demands (exercise, diet, etc.) The more you know, the more likely your dog will live a long, happy and healthy life with you. Best of luck! :)

There are a lot of pet friendly rentals in the Banyule and Darebin council districts, but I think they are a bit further away than what you're looking for. The train at the end of my street gets me into the CBD in less than 30 minutes with no traffic delays, however, so if public transport is an option you can take it might be worth a look :)

From the RSPCA's facebook page: "RSPCA Victoria We're really sorry the segment on puppy factories didnt feature tonight on The Project. Breaking news bumped our story. We'll reconfirm with Channel 10 and let you know when it will air. Please visit our take action page in the meantime though - at this time of year puppy factories are at their most lucrative. There is no better time than now to spread the word about this cruel industry and shut these factories down." With this link: http://rspcavic.org/issues-take-action/puppy-factories/#page3

Perfect

There isn't a facepalm gif quite worthy in this instance. Mantis, I'm also happy your dog has helped you :)

I know, right? You would think it was a hoax.

I'd have a hard time holding my tongue in the presence of someone who surrendered an old dog for stupid reasons. If the thought didn't sicken me even more (and given for the next year I'm working with the graves of people who were treated in such a way), I'd almost wish their family shipped them out of home when they started to become more of a chore than company. What a heartless thing to do.

Don't know what to make of this one. Part of me is amazed, and the rest of me is... puzzled. http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2012/12/04/15/44/dogs-taught-to-drive-by-nz-animal-welfare-group

I think this is a great idea, though trained adult dogs would be preferable in my opinion. University studies, coupled with other common stress-inducing factors that coincide with them such as working, family commitments and (for many I know) needing to move once or twice each year as their rental homes are sold or on-campus housing becomes intolerable (the stories I could tell of my old college... excrement, urine and vomit in the stairwells - no lifts available, by the way, and five flights - and meat left on counters in common kitchens until they reek of death, kids smashing pumpkins and champagne bottles on the walls that frame your windows at 4 AM)... complete restructures of a department or a degree while you're midway through it don't help a student much either. There are bright kids in my classes who struggle to pass. These same kids, I've noticed, don't employ healthy methods of dealing with their stress and anxiety (binge drinking being their preferred method). I did poorly in my first degree in another state as a result of doing nothing for my own wellbeing. I've maintained high distinctions in all but one unit since I've stopped to smell the roses now and then. Gives you an opportunity to rewind and "get back to the real world" with a level head and a positive approach. I'd rather have an employee engage in what may seem like silly activities now and then and perform well, than one that spends sleepless nights stressing about tasks and deadlines until they have a breakdown. :)

I thought turkey was only bad for dogs if it was like those processed rolls they have at Christmas? I've heard that before. I can't think of why it would be bad.

I remember these happening near to where I once lived as a child. :/ I know some lovely daschund owners in suburban Melbourne. I hope they catch the culprit.

Thought this article might please some of you :) http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2012/11/25/11/47/pitbull-saves-baby-from-would-be-kidnappers What a good dog! And an excellent example of bully loyalty and bravery.

While I think the 'no dogs' and 'danger' ones are best, I do wonder if the 'friendly' ones might invite too much from the general public who see it. Might be a bit of a risk when a usually-friendly dog is having a bad day and everyone wants to touch it because it's wearing the harness.

We've both planned for our dogs to be slowly introduced. Our rooms are fairly spacious (moreso than the lounge/dining areas on both floors) and they will be independent territory for the dogs, with the living areas and yard neutral (sounds like I'm preparing for war :p). We've discussed our training methods and boundaries to keep them consistent and lessons will be carried out independently and in different classes (since her lad will graduate sooner than mine, being older). The only major difference with her ethics is she is uncomfortable with crates, but we have been investigating a soft one (it's the cage-like appearance that distresses her). Thanks for the links and tips, everyone, and please keep them coming! :)

We've both planned for our dogs to be slowly introduced. Our rooms are fairly spacious (moreso than the lounge/dining areas on both floors) and they will be independent territory for the dogs, with the living areas and yard neutral (sounds like I'm preparing for war :p). We've discussed our training methods and boundaries to keep them consistent and lessons will be carried out independently and in different classes (since her lad will graduate sooner than mine, being older). The only major difference with her ethics is she is uncomfortable with crates, but we have been investigating a soft one (it's the cage-like appearance that distresses her). Thanks for the links and tips, everyone, and please keep them coming! :)

Thank you for the warning. How awful :/

Alright, so now that I'm meeting my little man tomorrow (he won't be home with me for a while yet, of course) it's time I started making sure everything is in order for his arrival in a few weeks. I want to make sure I have everything I need, and also that I'm making the best decision. To clarify, the "boy" I speak of is a male samoyed. He's not yet 8 weeks old, so I have time to prepare. Already I have: 1. A 42" crate. I guess I could have gone smaller but I noticed that my breeder and most exhibitors I met at Sunbury used this size, so the dogs could move around a fair bit (and avoid catching their fur on the bars). For the crate, I have a 42" plush mat from Clean Run on the way. 2. Numerous toys including petstages teething toys, plush toys, skineez toys, rope toys, balls, kongs (squeakers and wobbler also) and other sorts so he can see what he fancies. We have a rescue puppy, Luca (who belongs to my housemate), arriving this Thursday who I'm sure will be happy to take whatever my boy doesn't fancy. 3. Non-bleach, non-allergenic whitening shampoo, moisturizing conditioner and grooming powder. 4. Bowls. 5. A basket with cushion for the lounge area (crate is in my room - good idea or no?) 6. A vet to meet (recommended by my breeder) 20 minutes away, though I will also talk to the one just down the road in case there's an emergency at any stage. 7. Breeder is providing food (and even a giant thing of water, since they're a few hours away) so new food/water can be introduced gradually and safely. I need grooming equipment, which I might ask about in one of the sammy threads here. I would however like one of those detachable shower heads which I can put shampoo in. Any recommendations as to those? Is it worth getting a grooming table? My house mate and I are combing the floors (and everything near them) tonight and tomorrow for her pup and mine to ensure they can't get to anything harmful. Am I missing something I need to get ready before the pup arrives home? What kind of training methods should I investigate? Are puppy obedience schools worth it or should I look to a home-based trainer or my breeders/local club for advice and socialise the puppy with dogs I know are well socialised? Also, anyone know of a good enclosed dog park in Victoria for when he's a bit older? Or are they all basically hit and miss?

By a skate park? I hope it wasn't another child psychopath like with the wildlife 2 years ago. How in the world are people becoming so sick?

My friend and I wondered about this the other week at Sunbury. Interesting to know :)