Just Andrea

Boy that was quick - only took 2 days from the day I ordered - mine just came today! Super fast - wasn't expecting them yet - can't wait to have a proper look at some stage but some cool recipes in there - great work! Cheers.

Sorry not to take this thread offtopic but I wanted to clarify the difference between LR and MR: If I had no interest in showing or breeding whatsoever but wanted a sound quality family dog in terms of both health and temperament then a dog on LR is what I would be after? Also does that mean just because it is LR it is of lesser quality than a MR dog in terms of temperament and health or just visual criteria/standards in terms of showing? Just curious and no offence meant to anyone.

I have just ordered three - Order 647. Sorry Hesapandabear - I forgot to order mine in the original lot. Too preoccupied with other stuff. Thanks to Troy for ordering extras I'll be able to get mine now - got a couple extra too. Looking forward to receiving them - book sounds great. Good job everyone.

In my personal experiences (not elaborating further on a public forum), all of them had dependents, animals or children, and none of them were abused......in fact quite to the contrary......from the outside you wouldn't know how bad things were...... Some of us do know how we would cope with situations like this, some people have already been there and beyond.......so just as those say don't judge a situation that you may not know the fully story of, equally so don't assume people commenting haven't had substantial experience with similar issues and are therefore not justified in their comments.......

This woman neglected four lives to the point of killing two of them - those two of which no doubt suffered terribly on the way to their horrible demise and two of which who knows how deep the mental scarring will be. No need to play the who is worse off game or who is qualified to speak based on personal experience or that we must not be very sympathetic people if we can't appreciate how she must have been suffering. MANY of us have known people with serious addictions, mental health issues and major personal tragedys who have suffered on their own without anyone knowing (without external help/support) given they are too often embarrassed to ask for help and deliberately conceal how dire they are up shit creek even from the people who care about them most. But even months to years on NOT one of these people have killed or abused any living entities under their care while suffering with their own issues.......they may have lost relationships, jobs etc.........but nothing died through outright neglect! Like someone said "There would be very few of us who haven't seen people affected by tragedy and/or mental illness who everyday strive to keep it all together for those who are dependent on them". These dogs suffered a horrible death just from not being fed for godsake.........even she had to walk past the fridge to get some water and something to eat when her stomach persisted (or she would be dead).......and/or no doubt had to open cans of baked beans for the kids......... I agree she needs help, but she is accountable for her actions and she certainly should be banned from owning animals for life.

You are certainly hooked! As if one couldn't tell by the way you write about him ! Congratulations on keeping your special boy - it doesn't look like there was much choice, he was yours to start with by the sounds of it. Some fits are just so perfect they are meant to be and sometimes I think some animals are meant to find us. Congratulations and enjoy - the fact that it lifts the spirits of your other dogs makes it even all the more special for you. May you have many many wonderful years together.

I cannot take away your pain, no-one can. But know that you gave her your heart and all anyone ever could to let her know they cared. Know that she knew you loved her and is at peace now. I feel your pain, even from here. Know that I care. Be kind to yourself and know you have done all you can for one you loved so dearly. The hurt and feeling of loss will always be there but each day gets slightly more bearable..... Just take a day at a time.......Hugs to you matie.

Oh I'm so sorry Fiona. I didn't know you lost your special girl. I normally don't come into this section (for obvious reasons - it is very sad!) but am stunned now I've looked yesterday by the number of people I know who have lost a cherised furry friend in the last couple of months. I hope Xmas was bearable for you. Hugs to you.

You will always remember her Daisy. It's okay to cry when you need to, but don't stay sad for too long. Remember the good times you had with her and how she rocked your world. Hopefully we'll all get to see our faithful four-legged friends somewhere again some day. Wouldn't that be nice?! Take care.

That was beautiful and really moving. A real life account of your girl in her later years. Made me shed a few tears for you both again....... Hopefully despite the pain and feelings of loss you are feeling some relief now in your decision....... She went in peace and dignity with you loving by her side (as you know something I wish I could have done for mine), the best gift you could have given her.......and you will always remember her and how she touched your lives. It will probably hurt for a while, but it does get better with time......... We are thinking of you. A shame Boo and her didn't get to meet - that would have been very sweet. Two old buggers - lazying and farting together...........hope they find each other whereever they are...........

I don't have time to research it but I have used this on one of my fosters with a gum injury to prevent infection and it worked a treat. I didn't use it as a permanent water additive though, I actually flushed his mouth (some was swallowed each time) with the solution prepared as directed after every feed to dislodge food and keep the area as clean (which could not easily be stitched) as possible. With a combination of meds and this, his gum healed nicely without stitches. No side effects or issues of note. Toxicity is a relative term. Most substances either natural or man made are toxic, it is just the dose that matters. If used as directed, then there should be no real cause for concern. I wouldn't just permanently add it to a dogs drinking water unless directed to for a particular reason by your vet. We don't permanently drink diluted mouthwash either.

Yes - this is an amazing positive example of what DOL should be about and can achieve - sharing information/advice to the mutual benefit of all rescues which helped to bring a good outcome for a dog in need and prevented the rehoming of other potential dogs to clearly an unsuitable home. I welcome more threads to the rescue forum in this vein and thank those involved for sharing and helping this dog.

So sorry for you Gail - I know you tried so hard for this special boy........ At least you gave him a chance...... Sending you a big hug, to help with your pain and to let you know I care. My thoughts are with you and little Sunny......may you find my little Sheeba there - she'll show you the ropes buddy and have them all in line by now - just follow my girl

Most people know me by now, but what the hey, I've a few minutes free Name: Andrea Age (optional): 33 at initial time of posting (2008) Location: Canberra UPDATED: Rescue Group: ACT Animal Rescue (AAR) - have also been in ARF, RAR and CPR, also advocate for Riverina Pounds UPDATED Time in Rescue: Since 2003, almost a decade now! Who can vouch for: Several people in ARF, CPR and CARA locally as well as various other groups around ACT/NSW Preferred Breed: Bull breeds and boofers (staffies, mastiffs, bullmastiffs, ridgebacks, bullterriers, danes, hounds etc) but can't responsibly manage lots as adults, so I often have a few older pups and/or adolescents which is what I am best suited to foster Experience (if any): Animal Toxicologist (no, that is not a pathologist or histologist), Dog and cat owner, some dog training experience, years of rescue experience already Microchip - YES Vaccination - YES (C3 pups, C5 adults) Desexing - YES Heartworm test - depends on where dog comes from, age and condition, given the age of most of my fosters, seldom required flea treatment - YES vet work if required - YES basic training/teach manners - YES (most of mine require it, coming in as adolescents, older pups) house train dogs - depends on dog Dogs inside the home or outside - predominantly outside, but depends on age and weather, obviously young pups inside Are you prepared to give extra care for a dog with problems - yes, but this decision depends on what the problem is and whether I feel I can competently work on it to make the dog rehomable and I certainly wouldn't have several at once.

I have an energiser foster BC/kelpie or possibly collie X girl - if left outside she will play at 1:30 am, 2:30, 4 am, 5:30 am - well at least that's when she wakes me up, but if I crate her inside for say 8-10 hours, not a peep all night! I think she only switches off when made to in a situation like this, she's only 5-6 months, your guy is probably the same..........I agree, crating might give you some peace........

Hi Jimmy, You can blame me for the couch thing. He was allowed on my couch but he actually never stayed up for long anyway. Just a cuddle and play for a while and then he quite happily took himself off. Easy way to get him off nicely is attract his attention with a favourite toy on his dog bed nearby and set that place as his area to be around you all when you are sitting down...make it appealing for him. The walking thing....as previously discussed, he was a much more confident on walks when his brother Jax, and foster buddy Matilda was around walking with him. Developing his confidence on his own is something I have been working on. His sister Kim, from what I gather is very similar. He is shy of new sounds, new things as I originally discussed with you. As others have said, the way in which you react as his leader is the most important aspect here. I have never heard him growl on walking. Sit and pull back to go back the way he came with a strange noise ...yes. How I respond to this is encouraging him on in an excited way and ignoring the sound and continuing on. Best to be pre-emptive too.....if there is an area where there is known to be a dog that barks get his attention in a fun way when you walk past and ignore the barking and if you appear not bothered then neither will he. Puppy class, the earlier the better (most have a large social people and doggy component which would be highly beneficial for him). A good obedience instructor should also give you some advice about the growling thing... don't want to play amateur diagnosis over the internet without even seeing it myself.... Pulling on lead was never an issue with me and him, but glad you have worked pulling problems out with him yourself. Can give me a call later if you want. PS. The sleeping alot? Most dogs snooze during the middle of the day...it's quite normal (and remember he is a pup..like a young child/toddler...so will probably have several camps during the day) ...you will find he is probably the most active in the early morning and the afternoon/early evening when it's the coolest, especially in summer. Cheers, Andrea.

Hi Jo, I just recently saw Woofbix too and thought I'd give it a go...especially since it's Australian and I always like to support local companies...and the nutrition analysis wasn't bad.....and for $12 for 15 kg....I must say it's very cheap. I have almost finished one bag spread amongst four dogs....they are fine on it...but they have no choice...there is no room for fussiness in my household.... Not a bad alternative and definitely preferable to chum, meaty bites or no name brand... My preference is always supercoat.....I use the light and mature for my old dog, adult working dog/adult for my own and fosters and the puppy for my puppy fosters...they have a good range... I've found the cheapest place to buy supercoat is at Big W because 14 kg is usually around $24-25 which is only about $1.80/kg.... Large pet barns also do good deals on pallets....Bonnie is also a favourite of some of our ARF carers and one of us recently bought a pallat of this and it worked out about similar costing $34-35 for 18 kg??? From memory. Anyway based on cost limitations if <$1/kg Woofbix might be a reasonable option to try, if allowed up to $2/kg then I would suggest Supercoat or Bonnie (the bonus with these two is you can buy lifestage specific dog food all at the same price...i.e. puppy for any pups...adult for most .....and senior if you wish for any mature dogs) Yes.....great idea if you have Coprice handy....by all means approach them....at the end of the day free food means perhaps any money spared from buying food can go into bones, bedding etc...... Just my thoughts, Andrea