Erny

+1

Good on you for following through. I still think it can be a good idea to put something formally in writing, even if it is only an outline of why the mere 'suggestion' of such a law is wrong. No need to go at it like a bull at a gate, but if they can see that their mere suggestion receives such sound but negative response, they might be inclined to bin it rather than to pidgeon hole it for when they have nothing else better to do. If you know what I mean. This is just me, my thoughts and opinion. I know it is easy to say "go write a letter" when you're not the one who has to take the time to do it. ETA: Even if it was a letter along the lines of "I am aware that this was sheer conjecture on the part of the Council and I understand there is no strong intent to realise such a law, but as a matter of formality and for the records, I wish my objections to such a flawed law to be noted." Or something like that .

The increasing occurrence of drug prescription to dogs for behavioural issues has not escaped my notice either.

That is a profound truth PF. I hadn't thought of that. When you write to the Council, throw that question at them, JB. Give them something to ponder on. If they will.

Response to my email from Director of City Planning, Canterbury Council, NSW :

I want to get some made up from lightweight breathable material as well .... long-sleeves/legs and loose. These so my boy can wear them during the warmer months at the times when the mozzies are out. Being a short and single coat breed, the mozzies get to him pretty easily. I used a T-shirt and that protected him to a huge extent but it doesn't cover all areas (but was worth trying). So I figure PJ style in the sports material would be great.

I had some made to measure by a DOLer here, last year. But I goofed the chest measurement and when I got them (timely; prompt) and put them on it was like as if he was wearing trousers that gave him a wedgy. Poor Mandela. He refused to walk in them. Just stood there, frozen to the spot. He remains pyjama-less as I haven't gotten around to re-organising another pair .

That's what I thought.

Keep an eye on it? I say it needs to be pounced on, squashed, trampled and thoroughly rejected BEFORE it goes ANYWHERE. Don't just sit back and wait because it will take a long time. It'll creep up on you before you know it. Happens every time .

Maybe they became damp? Could it be that which is producing the smell? Yuck to the "dead rat/lizard/mouse smell" idea :D

PM Staranais. Apart from being very cluey herself (and she's on the way to being a Vet), she may know of someone given that she lives there.

When I was a kid, anyone being sued over civil matters such as this was a rarity. We used to watch USA TV and see all the 'sue happy' ways they had back then. And then we saw the same happening here. And now it is like it is over there. I'm not against going for monetary compensation where it is essentially due, but we do sue at the drop of a hat these days. And there's usually someone looking to see who they can make money from for their own misfortune. ETA: Oh ..... and back in those days you saw more people volunteering assistance and monetary compensation for damage without needing the angst, trauma, time wasting, stress and ill-will of having to drag people through the court system. But these days you can't 'offer' anything for fear the other person will interpret that to mean an admission of guilt and have it encourage them to go ahead and sue you (for profit purposes), even if they hadn't previously thought or intended to do so. Sorry .... just lamenting for the good ol' days .

This is a reply someone received from the Mayor, in response to an email : My understanding is that this response is as recent as today.

Quote amended by me by addition of word "just". Don't know where you've been, Leelaa ..... but there are many people on DOL who don't condone killing a dog just because of an attack, and before proper assessment.

Well done - it was a truly lovely story, heralding courage; generosity; support; encouragement; humility; gratitude and dignity. I cheered on the evening, for the people involved in the story, and for Banjo. But I cheer again, knowing all the while that, not to take it away from any of the parties to this one, there are many more heart warming stories of gladness that have been made possible because of the efforts of MDBA Pacers. Well done, one and all .

From what I can gather from the face book page, there is more to this story that is yet to be revealed and that the family want the boys to heal before they give out more information (I don't know why). I also understand the media have portrayed the story incorrectly (should I be surprised?) and that certainly the mother was not bitten. I also read that Busta has received a few visitors (family friends, it seems) and that he is ok and handling things well.

Thanks RottnBullies

Any news on Buster? I wrote my email this morning (to Canterbury Council) as the Council were planning on killing him today (even though the owners don't want this to happen). I know many others have written, requesting a stay of execution, giving time for fair assessment. I don't know what the upshot of today was.

... Edited for going off topic.

It is potentially the wrong collar style for your dog and/or it could be that you are using the collar for the wrong purpose. I still say that you would be better having a trainer/behaviourist (experienced in this type of behaviour and the various causes that could be the reason/s for it) attend. For example, if your dog is barking from fear, an anti-bark collar isn't going to help. If it is not fear but excitement (or attention demand behaviour) then it could be your timing (or the timing of your guests) in allowing him attention. It is not a simple matter and it's not necessarily ONLY about the barking and what you do ..... changes in your daily interactions might benefit even if to you they might not directly relate to the immediate problem expressed here.

Is he squealing to rise above and through the collar sensor, or is he squealing as a result of the stimulation? If the latter, then the collar and/or the collar settings are not right for him. I actually think you'd do better with a trainer/behaviourist to come out to see you and your dog because I think there are potentially a number of things going on here. In essence : be calm, be assertive. Avoid inadvertently reinforcing your dog's barking by giving him attention. Work out WHY he is barking (attention? fear?) so that you can avoid meeting his goals. Try putting a blanket over the crate. However, use this in conjunction with leadership. Use it as a response cost. And/or use it as something which makes him feel more comfortable. There is so much more but it depends on the other of the interactions you and your dog share on a daily basis.

Perhaps offering to walk his dog for free, once or twice a week would be nice . Or maybe donate him a motorised scooter? And if his mobilisation is as bad as has been suggested, perhaps give the gentleman a for at least trying to do the right thing by his dog .... even if it might not be perfect. So many able but lazy people who leave their dogs in the back yard. At least he's trying to make an effort. ..... Sometimes we need to walk a mile in someone else's shoes before we draw conclusions and become judgemental. You might be wrong and you might be right. Would be good to find out what's happening and why first.

Kelpie-i ..... I think Lablover knows a bit about Exercise Induced Collapse. Perhaps PM her and point her to this thread?

Much -R is used in the fine riding of horses and the results of it is especially noticeable to even the uninitiated in the dressage arena. We 'talk' to our horse through even the most faint shift of our weight, the lightest tension from our legs.

Lol .... I don't think that's possible.