_PL_

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.

Deep

it seems you use the words pretty loosely ...you asked for advice: accusing someone of 'belting his dog badly' just based on assumptions is a pretty hefty accusation and I (that's me) would be a little bit more careful regards choosing my words before making those kind of statements in the public! ...and if you don't like my advice: just put me on the ignore list :) ! But it's not advice is it Willem. You have a pattern, you repeatedly take the opposing argument rather than allow someone to express an opinion. Maybe you're right, that doesn't mean continue with undermining and badgering someone into submission then telling them to ignore you is in any way a contribution to discussion. When you finally get reported enough the moderators will step in and I for one won't miss your goading of members who innocently post - or might actually know a bit more than you do.

Thank you both! I'm loving this camera so much it's ridiculous. Poor patient husband is starting to tune out, he's heard OMG I totally love this camera! so many times it's like white noise.

Sorry but if you find a dog that is continually roaming the streets take it in no one comes forward and wants it which unfortunately happens just ask the shelters then I say good on you for caring about that animal I know very well what happens in shelters and to lost dogs. I follow the law and rescue dogs from pounds after they have done their time. What would you expect me to do if I found your dog who has slipped it's collar after it's been lost for a couple of weeks and looking like crap? Give you the chance to reclaim from the pound OR decide you don't deserve that chance? It's all in the NSW Companion Animals Act and if you are caught holding a dog you found the first fine is 30 penalty units - one unit is $110 If you have violated any other parts of the Act like interfering with a ranger's right to identify an animal you will incur more penalty units. That section of the Act is so that do-gooders and cowboys don't take the law into their own hands. Be they members of the public or rescuers. You turn the dog in, and if you're as caring as you would like to believe, put your name on to buy.

I think if you feel you may have to walk out of the room the best thing might be if you could ask for sedation so you can say your last goodbyes before the vet puts to sleep. Nothing ever makes it easier but I always feel a little better that they are kind of 'dreamy' and not picking up on my crying and shaking when I kiss them goodbye. And make sure you spoil them beforehand, with any food or treats they love or haven't been allowed to eat because of health worries.

I lost my first pointer to a malignant pancreatic tumour and although I think the diet advice was different, it was definitely an emotional roller coaster & juggling act and I just wanted to wish you all the very best for some quality time. Just a some tips before you buy (you can completely ignore me, I just have some experience with 'special' old dogs which might help) :) Finding a dry food that effectively manages serious and variable conditions can be a complete waste of time and money. Like flushing cash down the loo. I've thrown out so much trial and error prescription diet and condition-specific processed dog food that they are now the bottom of the options list compared to what you can do in the kitchen. I make my own raw veg/fruit pulp, add coconut oil, chia, and vet's all natural complete mix (which you could probably leave out). Woolies has enough meat, bone & fish options if you have no pet supply locally. Have a look at Ziwipeak air dried though. It's pretty good. :) Supportive therapies/supplements There is Augustine Approved who are great for special dietary advice. Dr Bruce Syme's clinic (Vet's All Natural) can send Chinese Herbs. Robert Mc Dowell's do free online consult for their naturopathic supportive therapies. And there's a few natural diet books that advice the feeding of pancreas for pancreatic conditions but you'd have to really research that one because his insulin is all over the place so you don't want to cause more problems. And there's 'Golden Paste'. Have a google or find the 'tumeric user group' on FB.

Sad and I know exactly what you mean. You could try the surrender thing but if kids are involved the usual answer is that he's the kid's pet so no thanks. RSPCA ... not sure. They would need something other than a scared dog but you could definitely ask if they can make sure his pen has shelter, water and food, tell them he was roaming. I think they also run the local pound there. Some RSPCA's work with rescue so I'd also call the local rescue people at PMAWS. If he's been picked up a few times before there could be a nuisance order him - which makes fines steeper and could be why he is kept in a pen. loveyrdog; I'm afraid you're partly advising illegal theft of property.

I didn't realise you were talking about a terrier. That sounds about right! I dread lengthy resting for the youngsters, they get the wiggles and squiggles soooo badly. Complex I.Q. puzzles are good for tiring brains. The ones they can paw at and use their nose to spin dials etc. Nothing too easy. A big raw meaty bone (like a lamb shank) can be exhausting but watch they don't stand up and use hind legs as chomping leverage. Plaster... never seen that before. Only bandages. But surgeons are always looking at improving techniques and outcomes so it'll be interesting to hear about it. You're doing amazingly well considering you've got a new baby too! Hang in there.