Kazm

I agree some have a sense of humour. Molly is a very comical little girl. She can act like a clown, and frequently does, but also has a serious side to her. Her mother, Zena though was the one with the biggest sense of humour. She would do funny things every day to make us laugh. And she could definitely grin and this would show even if I said something funny to her. Very un- dog like.

Definitely been a bad week for it. Not happy hearing of all these attacks. I was just talking to a friend today who spent time on the weekend at a Gold Coast beach with her 5 year old son. She told me there were several large dogs running about off leash in an on leash area. She was most unsettled about it. Neither of us can understand what makes these people think that the rules do not apply to them.

I have no problem in telling people/kids not to pat Molly. She is very friendly but very choosy. Some people /dogs she is super keen to say hi too but then there are others that she stubbornly plants her feet and will not move or interact with until they pass. Most kids surprisingly ask if they can pat her but I just honestly tell them she doesn’t like kids. And she doesn’t. Zena, her mum, was teased by neighbours we had at the time she was a tiny pup. 2 little 3 year old girls. They really were horrible and the parents were useless. It was something Zena remembered and forever disliked kids and by her reactions I believe it was passed onto Molly. Most people are fine. I only had one mum say to her 2 little kids - “ stay away from that vicious dog. Molly was barking initially when she saw them coming. I got her quiet and stood off the footpath to let them pass.

The dog that attacked Molly was declared a dangerous dog. The council told me that to own a dog that was declared dangerous there were rules to adhere by, ie must have a visible sign put up, muzzled at all times when out in public, locked securely in its yard, registration is very high and if you move to another council the same rules would apply. I am not sure about reforming though. Personally I think this poor Rottweiler needs to be given its wings. It’s a young dog and sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

At my vet, as soon as we arrive we are lead to a consultation room where we sit and wait. Just you and your pet. No nonsense goes on at all. When leaving they make sure that the reception area is free also so that there is no incidents on the way out also. If by chance they are extra busy or running behind schedule we are asked to wait in our car. Seems like a good approach to me.

I’m really sorry to hear of this persons response. That is so upsetting for you. How can they say this to you. I think you do need to just forget this comment. Put it right out of your head. (Easier said than done I know). Concentrate on your little girls and do what needs to be done.

Thanks Mairead, I also have an itchy dog. Hers is seasonal and we have found cytopoint injections work for her. Only has about 3 a year. But we are always open for suggestions and constantly learning different things - good and bad, about looking after our pets.I was probably quite naive about what a shampoo could do. None of my dogs have ever had a reaction so I was very surprised but have learnt now. I am quite cautious with what our girl is given and in the way of food, it’s totally fresh and treats etc are all Australian made and owned.

Thanks everyone. I’ve passed on all the information to my son and he’ll work out what works for him. Rocko’s skin has since cleared up. Just a little pink and dry but he’s totally back to his happy self. That’s the main thing.

The dog does have skin issues but most of the time it is under control. My son had someone who is an expert on the breed go to his home over several weeks when Rocko was just a pup. This person helped with training, food issues and obviously skin issues and everything else to know about frenchies. A change in his diet helped enormously and every now and then with the humid weather he has a flare up. The malaseb was recommended by his vet and my son only uses it as was instructed. As for buying the aloveen, well we can’t be expected to know everything. It’s his first dog and he is trying his best. Who knew he should have asked a vet about it first. We all make mistakes. I’m sure we’ve all bought products thinking we were doing the right thing only to regret it later. Thankyou to most of you who have genuinely tried to be helpful

I agree PK and I’m sure my son will question the vet about it. We are a bit peeved because the ingredients in aloveen are not listed and by searching all we can see is it contains aloe Vera and oatmeal. Obviously there is something else in it. Surely ?? I once bought goat soap ( human soap used for sensitive skin) I used it on Molly years ago when she was pregnant and got itchy. I wasn’t going to risk using any other new products on her. It helped her then and I’ve used it on and off over the years when I’ve run short of shampoo. It leaves her with a clean smell, and soft fur. I mentioned this to my son and I actually think he may try that. A cake of soap will last a while and if he finds that ok well so be it. Why spend $$$ on formulated dog shampoo when you’re not sure what triggers the reaction.

Yes rascalmyshadow. His dog does have skin sensitivities but he’s been on top of it for a while now. He has a particular diet that works well for him and he really does everything to look after him. He has had a professional person go to his home and run through stuff with him. Dogsfevr, my son has the malaseb under recommendation from his vet and doesn’t use it much and as for the aloveen I guess he figured he was buying a decent shampoo. I haven’t actually asked why he bought it. Boronia, I actually found those reviews and data sheet yesterday myself. I sent a link to my son. Both of us weren’t very happy with what we read. He has thrown the shampoo away and between us we will find something he can use. Lots of research and review reading. If anyone has any suggestions of what could be a good brand we’d appreciate all thoughts.

As some of you know my son has a French bulldog, Rocko. Well, yesterday he was unwell. My son bathed him the night before and when they woke in the morning his skin was very red. He seemed ok but as the day warmed up Rocko became less his usual self. Warm to touch and his skin was quite yuck to touch as well. We are assuming he has had a bad reaction to the shampoo as nothing else had changed or happened. I told him to bathe him in cool water, which he did. ( and go to the vet if he looked worse) He dabbed some malaseb on the worse spots before washing it off also. Today he is much brighter and his skin, although a bit pinkish still is looking better than yesterday. He used Dermcare Aloveen oatmeal shampoo and when I spoke to him this morning he said he’d been thinking back and yes during the bath Rocko had whined a little and made a few kicking movements like something had irritated him. We thought this shampoo was a “decent” one . We know every dog is different though. Has anyone had any such reactions using shampoos? The other thing is there doesn’t appear to be any ingredients listed on the bottle so my son is wondering how he can know which shampoo to buy that Rocko won’t react to. He doesn’t want to use malaseb all the time. I’ll be interested in all comments. Thanks in advance.

Lucky dog. Certainly some sick, terrible people in this world.

Welcome Zeus. What a very cute boy.

I always wanted one of these when I was growing up. Never got one though but he is super gorgeous

Jemappelle, I was actually considering that idea. Plus the woman I spoke with yesterday suggested licki mats. Molly is extremely food driven and it appears she just carries on initially. I could give the treat idea a go. My only thought is that she’d finish it very quickly though but it’s certainly worth a shot.

Thanks PK. Zylkene was one product that I was interested in. However I was planning on discussing things with the vet anyway. I’m not going to argue or disagree with you as I’m definitely no expert but I’m thinking she’s a mild case as while I was out yesterday I was watching and listening via my phone and after roughly 15mins she went quiet and settled down with just the odd bark here and there. And that wasn’t the anxious bark that she’d started with, more like she heard something. Just had another thought, yesterday was actually the first time Molly had been left alone after 3 weeks. I was looking after other dogs, so she had company full time and looking at the camera then it was totally quiet. And during those 3 weeks my husband was on holidays and we were doing yard work virtually the whole time so there was something happening all the time. I do know she has been like this before though as I’ve said in my earlier post hence why I’m considering options but I’m not rushing into anything. More research, more monitoring. But PK I will definitely look through all the links you’ve sent and I still look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts. It’s all been very helpful.

LG did using the Vetalogica change any other part of Stussy ‘s personality? Was she her usual self other than not so angsty? I’m just concerned as Molly is such a happy funny lively little girl and I don’t want this part of her to change. Just need the anxiety to tone down. And the only time she shows anxiety is when we go out.

Thankyou for all your replies so far. LMO I did actually but only very briefly think of your suggestion for a few permant siblings. Mairead, this is definitely not the first time. I knew to some extent that she was like this. Our previous house had a granny flat that my mil use to live in and she’d tell us but it wasn’t all the time. The bark is an anxious one. And yes we do low key departures etc. and she’s left inside so has all her toys, bedding etc. Im really looking for something in the way of a natural remedy. We arent keen on using any drugs that may make her drowsy etc. I just want her calm. And quiet.

Over Christmas we installed a security camera and it’s been very interesting to see what Molly does when we are out. Over the break we were looking after a friends 2 dogs and all was fine. No mischief, no noise. Today I’ve been out and Molly is now on her own and it’s obvious she stresses. Initially she barked for about 15 mins and then it was just a bark on and off. Not too much after the initial barking. The camera is connected to an app on my phone so I could listen. I’m not happy about it as I don’t want the neighbours complaining etc. Since coming home I’ve been looking at ways to calm her down. What would you all recommend? While I was out I stopped at Petbarn and spoke to a woman there. She seemed quite knowledgeable. She recommended B Calm. Thoughts? I didn’t buy anything as I wanted to research first.

Such a sad story. There are certainly some terrible people in this world. I hope they find the little dog and return her to her proper home.

Very photogenic pups

Good luck for tomorrow. Hope the surgery goes well.

In my opinion it doesn’t matter whether it’s a leashed or an off leach area, a dog should be under control at all times. I’m sure others like myself that have had their dogs attacked would appreciate that. I personally get slightly nervous when I see others on the loose or even being walked towards me. Those with unruly dogs just don’t seem to understand. I recently met a nice guy who was walking two very large dogs and before I could cross the road, as I do, he started to cross. I thanked him and his response was, “ I don’t trust my dogs”. A responsible owner.

Personally I find that unacceptable behaviour, allowing your dog to just run up to anyone they like. Nobody knows how either dog will react. And being on the phone wearing headphones ?? What control does he actually have. I’ve had many insecure/ uncomfortable instances since Molly was attacked. Some people should just not own dogs.