pebbles

I'll have a bit of a ramble on about this subject. Been showing dogs for over 50 years, been a foundation member, Secretary, President, committee member, Ag.Soc Secretary for numerous clubs so have got to call many people, including Judges, friends. Over the years I've had some success with dogs which were worthy of the win/s, also been dumped! There's always been those who are into the 'knows the Judge' etc. complaints and admittedly it does happen but not all that often as some would make out. I've also Judged at Ch level and probably had the same said about my decisions BUT I've always judged the 'dog' that's when you find out who your true friends are - those who are still speaking to you after you haven't done anything with their exhibit! lol. A few years ago I had a top winning Miniature Pinscher, ended up a Gr Ch with 28 BIGs as well as numerous class in show wins. Of course it went around that I 'knew the Judge' even though most were from overseas or interstate, yes, I did know some of the Vic. Judges but was I supposed not to enter? My girl was never advertised in any magazine or promoted in any way, just happened to be an exceptional example of the breed who always took the Judges eye. It got to the stage where no-one would enter against her and if they did, would often scratch on the day. So sportsmanship was well and truly alive. I have always made sure that I take a dog into the ring that was a good example of the breed and I didn't have to hide if I won regardless of who the Judge was. I'm now seeing dogs that I wouldn't have in my yard getting put up BUT when you look along the line it's a lottery and I'm glad I'm not judging any more, feel sorry for some of the Judges, particularly the older ones who have seen better in the past. Talking about breeds here that I've been closely connected with over a lot of years. Well, I guess that's enough, there's lots of opinions and stories around but so much is just talk and supposition.

My Ben used to love chasing rabbits, never caught any. One day we were out in the paddocks, Ben had his nose down doing his tracking job and passed a clump of reeds. A rabbit shot out, swerved about 2 inches from Ben's rear end and took off. Poor Ben didn't even lift his nose, just kept trackin' on.

I've always been with my dogs from start to finish, hard as it is. When the new Vets took over at the clinic I go to and I had to have Sam PTS, a nurse came in and went to take Sam from me, told her that was not on and she insisted. I won however and held him in my arms for the final time. Then had another 'discussion' about sedating first. The previous Vets were very understanding, taken a while to get a good relationship with the new ones but it's slowly happening.

After a bad experience with one boy (not the Vet's fault) I always get a strong sedative administered first.

My two often spend hours in the car, excercised during that time, as where I live I have 300k round trip to the nearest decent size shopping centre, so with the travelling time and the time spent shopping it adds up. They love the car and are happy in their crates with water and a chewy. When shopping is finished, I head for a park and we all enjoy a roast chicken and coffee (yeah I know coffee not good for dogs but they only have a spoonfull each) before driving home. This weather being cooler, Mick (Min Pin) has his coat on as he is a real 'sun lover' and anything below about 20 and he's in the shade, he'll be shivering, Abby has her own home grown coat lol. And although mine are in crates the windows are only down a cm or two. Over a lot of years I have travelled many miles through Aussie with dogs, wouldn't go if I had to leave them home. Friend left her Min Pin loose in the car, window down a third, idiot put his hand in to pat the dog and got badly bitten!

One that gets me, seen in ads and heard on the media -- ie:- "A pink ladies jumper," - "A blue boy's bike" - etc. still looking for coloured people lol!

Don't watch Kerri-anne but I was flicking through channels and saw 'dogs' so went back. Kerri-anne didn't disappointment me - why couldn't she let the poor guy talk about the dogs without giggling and talking over him, maybe a couple of intelligent questions would have been good too

My old Sam (Min Pin) was really good at getting locked in/out, any room, garage, outer yards etc. there would be a couple of indignant barks and when I opened the door/gate he would absolutely stalk past, head and tail high, rumbling and grumbling at me "how dare I lock him in/out"!!! Gee, those are their funny ways I miss.

The best 'pile-up' I've seen was some years ago at Melb. Royal. Way back you weren't alllowed to leave until much later than now and there would be some sweepstakes held to fill in time and give the public something to watch. So a Junior Sweeps was held for the Irish Setters. Friend entered and first in line of some 15/16 Juniors. The class was sent around the ring. In full flight, friend slips over and there were arms, legs and flying Irish in all directions as the class catapulted into and over her. No injuries, some dented dignity, all the dogs were eventually caught and the judging recommenced although the Judge didn't ask for 'round the ring' again

Not a walking accident, this happened in my yard - couple of dogs doing zoomies and the Whippet ran into my leg. I crumpled down, dropped my cup of coffee. Ouch, that hurt - couldn't get up so there I was wriggling along on my bum with three dogs thinking this was a great new game. End result was torn ligaments, a small bone break near the ankle and a few weeks on crutches. Beware the zoomie dogs

I'm watching it on TV now, OMG horrific

Hi Kate, I have heard of some having success with kelp powder for this.

Most of my dogs have had human names, Roy, Jody, Ben, Bobby, etc. I have an Abby and a Mick now - then a human Mick moved in over the back lane, fortunately he's pretty deaf so I can call my Mick without having a visitor thinking I was offering coffee

I've quite a number of the coiled spring thingies (see pics) and if Megz doesn't need them they are looking for a new home where they can be of use lol.

Megz - these are about 2.1/2ins long. Some are of a heavier metal and I found them impossible to thread on the crates. Some are a bit lighter and threaded easier although I found that they tended to slide down when the crates were moved, hence I used the cable ties. If Itsmeg doesn't have any I can post some to you. Just it will be quicker for you locally. Anyway let me know, ok? I have to rely on Bunnings down here too.

These 'thingies'? lol

Are they the spring thingies that go on the 'compost' pens from Bunnings? I've got quite a few around as I use the ties for the pens.

It would appear Jacqui835 is a great responsible dog owner and has her dog well trained so why not leave the decision re desexing to her? Ok so there can be the slight risk of health problems but there can also be problems after desexing.

I'd recommend Joint Guard too - ran out of it a while back and friend gave me some Sasha's Blend which hadn't worked on her dog and it didn't work on mine either. Perhaps the first one mentioned should have been 'Missing LINK' used that some time ago then I believe they changed the mixture and it didn't seem as good JMO.

Not to forget the chooks, ducks, cat, cows, canary, cockatiel and the fish (ok so 2 went to fishy heaven) and it rained and rained but I really did have a good time

My holidays have always included the dogs, big and/or small. I love caravaning and camping. Caravaned to Darwin twice, Queensland, South Aussie and most of NSW. I generally just find a good spot to pull up over at night and we have found some great bush walks although we have had a couple of surprises on some walks.

Glad it's going well for you and the bub. Know what you mean about naming - mine have all been nameless for a while. The last pup, a Silky girl, took a while. I'd experiment with a name, didn't suit, this went on for a while then suddenly she was "Abby" and this seemed just right. Still need pics of your littlie. One of Abby just to get you started - looking her scruffy best lol.

There are 2 youngish Beagles just arrived at a neighbours place. Both girls (no idea if they are still entire), they were confined in a yard for a day with the result of lots of barking so this am I hear the Beagle 'bay' from behind my place and there they were in hot pursuit of some of the numerous rabbits around. Last seen vanishing at top speed through a very big paddock. Don't know how long they will last here!

I used to show an Afghan dog who at about 2 years of age decided he didn't like Samoyeds. Frightened the life out of me (and the friend with the Sammy) the first time he thought he'd have a piece of the Sammy. From then on any time he saw a Sammy he was ready to have a go (never got the chance though). There had never been any incident to start this behaviour.

I have only had negative feelings towards one dog. I had just got a Border Terrier bub. when my Gordon Setter was found to have aggresive cancer. Jody had been my rock through a pretty turbulent time and to lose her within a couple of weeks from the first Vet visit was heart breaking. The poor pup got fed and watered for a while - if someone had asked if they could have him, he would have been gone. As pups do, he eventually wormed his way into my heart and he and I had a very happy 9 years together.