_PL_

They were probably hoping it was full of tradies gear. Hopefully it will just get dumped. - gumtree and ebay are good but if anyone in Cosmolo's area is on the region's many FB Buy,Swap,Sell please keep an eye out. -shared

Staffy breeds and children alike are placed in danger because of the 'Nanny Dog' myth. Labs too. Benefit of the doubt would be benign ignorance rather than deliberately ignoring the warnings. You only need to watch youtube; there's hundreds of clips of dogs being soooo cute with the little baby climbing all over it; when it's obvious (knowing the signals) that the freaked out dog is doing it's very best to keep it's shit together.

Do you know what that is teaching her? That you are to be feared ... that's all. She is NOT peeing to be 'cheeky' . Guaranteed. She is more likely peeing because you do not yet understand what she is telling you...and because she is a bit fearful when you approach .. She can also be peeing more because of a BLADDER INFECTION .. I strongly suggest a vet check /urine sample .. to rule out a urinary tract infection . As above! Please, if you read the links I provided you will find that she's got no idea what you're doing except frightening and confusing the hell out of her. It won't help her 'excitement' peeing and could aggravate it. You can accomplish what you want and have a happy puppy who wants to please you. :) What area are you in? I'd like to find you a decent puppy class to go to. Good classes give the owner tools to successfully raise a puppy by understanding simple behavioural basics. btw not sure what you're feeding her but if it's dry food (especially salty dry), in my experience it dramatically increases thirst which fills up their little bladder rapidly.

Yeah there was this story on FB about this lovely black wolf that was hanging out near a town and going on walks with the town dogs. Of course I had to read up more about him and some sick f*** shot him. He was so pretty. That's exactly what I'm worried about too. You hear stories about famous animals being targeted. Mum used to go to a little scuba town where a huge bonded pair of grouper became well known and some oxygen thief went and killed one with his spearfishing thing.

Thank you! I'll send it through once dinner is over with. Dogs first, husband second. That way he learns the pecking order.

I know you have said that is not what you mean and thus covered yourself but I am not 'savaging' anyone and I find the suggestion offensive. The newborn pups who died from the cold were at a pound in Sydney, not a country pound. I don't remember which one (perhaps somebody else can) but it has always haunted me. For god's sake settle down. I stated this thread is mild and it is, so if you're going to dish out criticism and concerns in one direction, put a hold on the dramatic. I took the time to reply gently to your post - because taking drastic offence where there was none seemed a common theme with your previous forum profile- and have been dismissed without acknowledgement that you are holding newly networked rural pounds to city standards. And that you need to exercise judgement and discretion. I suggest you do something tangible for all the whelping bitches rather than decide that everyone else needs to find an answer. Take a step back and think about what pound staff and rescuers find 'offensive' as well once you've given it a red hot go at something constructive. We're all haunted, it's what pushes forward change. So who is wearing their cranky pants today? I have no more to say to you. Have a nice day. Yep maybe cranky, but not classic passive aggressive.

I know you have said that is not what you mean and thus covered yourself but I am not 'savaging' anyone and I find the suggestion offensive. The newborn pups who died from the cold were at a pound in Sydney, not a country pound. I don't remember which one (perhaps somebody else can) but it has always haunted me. For god's sake settle down. I stated this thread is mild and it is, so if you're going to dish out criticism and concerns in one direction, put a hold on the dramatic. I took the time to reply gently to your post - because taking drastic offence where there was none seemed a common theme with your previous forum profile- and have been dismissed without acknowledgement that you are holding newly networked rural pounds to city standards. And that you need to exercise judgement and discretion. I suggest you do something tangible for all the whelping bitches rather than decide that everyone else needs to find an answer. Take a step back and think about what pound staff and rescuers find 'offensive' as well once you've given it a red hot go at something constructive. We're all haunted, it's what pushes forward change.

:laugh: I'm so glad! It's all I can see. Opened the inbox to a few kitten inquiries today! So something is working. God I totally LOVE this camera. LOLOL

Not referring to a particular pound. Rural/Country pounds are so different to what we get used to. The 'Pound Staff' aren't actually there all day as their job. They are out doing dozens of different ranger type jobs like inspections and fines, and everything else the LGA has them employed to do that isn't animal related. It has to be remembered that even getting reliable volunteers who go in a couple of times a week to do photos and temp tests can be impossible. Leaving it to the rangers who are pretty much allotted enough time to clean, feed and do a few inquiries/reclaims/surrenders/stray processing then take off again. I'm not being derogatory, it's just that when trifecta says ratepayers couldn't give a toss; that is reflected in what we know as fact. And what takes years to turn around. * Adoption and reclaim rates can be abysmal. * Council funding ... may extend as far as putting a sign up. * Community motivation; nil. Related to the next point maybe? * Socio-economic situation; grim. Put petrol in the car and feed the kids or reclaim the undesexed, unchipped, unregistered dog when you can always get another freebie later anyway after the neighbour's bull arab has another 12 pups. Sounds bad but that's the way it is. And that's why out-of-area rescues are sourced through public listing like DOL. And yes, dogs will still be euthanised which seems to astound people watching from their laptop. The one positive is that with stats and awareness gradually leaving some pounds in need of less rescue assistance, other pounds can be helped. :) But they are new, and wary. And aren't paid to put up with getting savaged on the internet. (Acknowledging that this thread is very mild in comparison to what I've seen before)

It's frustrating that there are so many photos that would have been great if kittens had just a tiny bit more of an attention span!! I don't know what to do about the toy that she was looking at, it's such a nice photo (really one of the best of her) but the yucky dangler spoils it. Still experimenting with backgrounds like I do with doggies but I think the black velvet would have been fine for all of them.

Getting there.

We need one of those here!

Sunday was kitten day :) we have a litter of 5 and it took hours. Some of the photos have pale colours and I think I overdid it with the focus thingy because lots have a very clear face but soft background. Might be time to study the manual. But we got a few nice ones. This boy is on black velvet, it's one of my favourite photos from the day.

I've nothing to contribute but you wouldn't believe... my husband made me watch this the other night So for fans of speedy dachshunds; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYO7SZWnGVs

She's only a baby and has no family anymore other than you. Usually they grow out of nervy or excitement pee. How long she outside alone? How many hours is she left alone and what does she have to keep her brain busy? Do you have time to sit with a cup of tea outside while she toddles around? Don't take a tiny toy puppy out and plonk her on the ground amongst giants (from her point of view everything is huge, even your feet), it's too soon to expect absolute confidence. You need to teach her it's safe and that you have control of things eg not being barked at by a strange dog. If you hope to use off leash parks one day .... it takes learning. Join a good puppy class, ask here for a recommendation in your area. Some classes are just a total shambles and do more harm than good. Toilet training; there will be accidents. She's actually doing pretty well. :) Sometimes it just sneaks up on puppies, they can get distracted and leave it a bit too late. Use treats, physically take her out, wait & reward her when she goes in the correct place. I highly recommend searching through the Dr Sophia Yin advice. She was an amazing woman http://drsophiayin.com/ There is also Dr Jo Righetti here in Aus who is very talented and publishes a few e-books for download too http://www.petproblemsolved.com.au/

Peptosyl, order online from most suppliers. Looks like calamine, tastes like crap. LOL I've asked my chemist before and although he did a database search for the main ingredient and nothing showed up, you can't find emergency substitute of human version. And so many things have artificial sweetener now too Salicylate; hopefully a vet can pop in to explain but AFAIK asprin is one of many and it depends on how it breaks down in the body. When I was young (a looong time ago!), low dose asprin was used in dogs for things like arthritis before the non steroidal anti inflammatories came along. <--- disclaimer if post is found on google; don't ever do this without a vet! I can only guess that is one of the reasons why peptosyl soothes the stomach. Coats things and eases the pain? Scourban has a sulpha ingredient I think? I used to love it but had to go to metrogyl when you couldn't get it any more. Works fine.

I think they are saving up for allergy testing. Is that what you mean by seeing a dermatologist or should they be looking at something else?

Food allergy does make a good skin environment for yeast and infections; but ear infections or hot thickened skin visible from the outer ear, chewing at the feet until raw and pawing/scratching around the mouth are all symptoms of food allergy. + thickening or reddening at the corner of the mouth. I wouldn't rule out that no response to Endosorb (which sounds like interesting stuff) means he has no bacterial issues but digestive drama is hand in hand with food allergy. Exclusion diets take months to do. Like at least 3 to 6 months on a two ingredient meal instead of swapping month to month. Common allergens that need to be excluded from either raw or dry is anything to do with poultry. That includes meal and oil fillers in dry. Rabbit or goat could be worth a go but it sounds like fish is a good lead to run with. :) Try adding 'cooling' fruit and veg like cucumber, lettuce etc as per the chinese yin yan. Chinese herbs can help although I've not successfully used them here because none of these tiny dogs will go near funky smelling things. Ask vet about antihistamines. I've had one dog we went through years of what your friend's dog is going through including all the blood tests, washes and prescriptions, he was finally started on oral cyclosporine and hasn't looked back. It's a serious drug for suppression of the immune response and never the first line of defence but I truly wish he'd had it years before. He's not scratching or having shocking diarrhoea, no pooping blood, nothing. You'll have to google; I believe there's something to do with B1 deficiency and fish but can't remember exactly. However if you're looking for dry food it's not going to be the same concern. Another google homework; Golden Paste made with tumeric for inflammation etc. You'll need to find the best recipe to activate the cucurmin as well as making it palatable to your dog. (edit; is frozen fish available?)

Depends on the shelter or rescue. If you choose to adopt your very first dog I'd not go to the pound and select one with fingers crossed, go with a rescue group who will fully assess the dog (preferably one living in foster care), get all the vet checks done and makes sure you are the right owner for a good match. Choose one with a return policy. And one who is honest about baggage and/or health. There is breed specific rescue as well. One more thing for your list; if you plan on kids in the future, focus on a dog who lives with kids already; be it a rescue or breeder's dog. :) I find that very very important when it comes to years of everyone being happy together.

Bleeeerk :laugh:

They smell very meaty so it depends on how delicate hubby is. I personally think the use by date is a bit too generous and only buy ones that have just hit the meat section and freeze the remainder asap.

Thanks Willem. I am going to let them work it out. The mother has been told that hypo allergenic dogs are what she should be looking for by the family Dr. Although I could point her in the right direction regarding dogs and allergies, I am just happy that they are willing to buy a rescue rather than a dog from a pet shop. I am just wanting to point her to any reputable rescue in Melb that may have dogs that she will love. re a Melbourne rescue. Rescued With love is still going strong rescuing 'lower shed' breeds like maltese but if the little kiddie hasn't had a scratch/prick test by a specialist it would really help rule out trial and error. Saving the dog bouncing out of an adoptive home. :) I'm not allergic to dogs but Shar Pei give me a lasting rash and I know people who get the same contact allergy from foxies but no other short coats. Odd isn't it!

Not me :laugh: they aren't for everyone but I still loooove them.

And there's Pets In The Park

Settle down with the caps. Yes my god really, I'm talking about the law. It's quite simple. If I didn't follow the law I would no longer be able to rescue and animals would die. Meaning I would be killing them, is that clear? I'm assuming you've never had to take wrecks of dogs into your own home and love them like one of your own? Been there broken hearted when those too far gone have to be put to sleep? Try it. Or go help them at a shelter. Honestly, I completely understand you're frustrated. Me too. So do something other than attack the keyboard, because we all want exactly the same thing.