sandgrubber

The floors don't bother me so much. It's when they take a swim in their dip tank, roll in the sand, and then come in and relax on my bed that it gets to me.

On a Good Dog by Ogden Nash O, my little pup ten years ago was arrogant and spry, Her backbone was a bended bow for arrows in her eye. Her step was proud, her bark was loud, her nose was in the sky, But she was ten years younger then, And so, by God, was I. Small birds on stilts along the beach rose up with piping cry. And as they rose beyond her reach I thought to see her fly. If natural law refused her wings, that law she would defy, for she could do unheard-of things, and so, at times, could I. Ten years ago she split the air to seize what she could spy; Tonight she bumps against a chair, betrayed by milky eye! She seems to pant, Time up, time up! My little dog must die, And lie in dust with Hector's pup; So, presently, must I.

A curious, sensationalized bit of natural history . . . . relevant in reminding us that we don't understand Dermodex mange very well. http://www.vox.com/2014/6/11/5799992/these-mites-live-on-your-face-and-come-out-to-have-sex-at-night These mites live on your face and come out to have sex at night Updated by Joseph Stromberg on June 11, 2014, 3:10 p.m. ET @josephstromberg [email protected] Demodex folliculorum, a type of mite that naturally lives on the human face. Meet Your Mites Right now, there are thousands of mites on your face. They're microscopic, but closely related to spiders and ticks. And despite your reaction to hearing this news, there's absolutely nothing wrong with you. "99.9 percent of humans carry them," says Ron Ochoa, a mite scientist at the US Department of Agriculture. They're most abundant on our faces, but live in the hair follicles all over our bodies, and a single person may harbor more than one million of them in total. 99.9 PERCENT OF HUMANS CARRY FACE MITES During the day, the animals stay hidden in your follicles, feeding on oils naturally secreted by your glands. At night, they use their stubby legs to climb to the surface to find mates. Perhaps the most startling fact about these mites: they were first identified in 1842, but scientists still know surprisingly little about them. "These are things that live on us — they're intimately associated with us — but they've not really been studied," says Holly Menninger, who's part of a North Carolina State project that's sampling the mites that live on hundreds of volunteers. "It's kind of crazy." Her team is among the few that trying to learn more. Here's what little we do know so far about the mites you carry everyday. ....article goes on . .. .

If and when you decide to go for Xrays, look for someone who does Penn hip. This involves a more exacting specification of placement.. . .and placement can greatly affect the way the hips appear on Xrays. The Penn hip crew claim to get accurate predictions of hip quality at 16 weeks. See http://info.antechimagingservices.com/pennhip/

This is very USA oriented, but good on the basic principals. It's worth following the links if you aren't convinced. http://terriermandotcom.blogspot.com/2014/06/your-vet-has-heartworm-medication-secret.html note: in the US, heartworm meds require a prescription, and the vet won't give the script without the test; but you can buy Ivomectin cheaply off-label at any feed store (it's widely used on livestock) and a lot of dog owners treat off-label.

Wishing you avoid a bad draw on the puppy lotto. The OP was asking about a Frenchie, a relatively unhealthy breed . .. so they stand a good chance of ending up on the high end of the cost spectrum.

It's simpler to recommend that puppy buyers define their priorities and learn a little about the breed: then ask breeders what their breeding goals are and what they do to achieve them. If health is high on your objectives, as a puppy buyer, ask for evidence that the lines behind the pup are clear or largely clear of common possibly genetic problems (eg, epilepsy, HD/OCD, allergies and skin problems, serious early onset cancers, bloat . . . . as well as problems specific to the breed). If temperament is a big priority, look for stable temperament in the dam and evidence of stable temperament in the sire; look for breeders who temperament test. If you want to show, pay a lot of attention to breed standard. The stereotyped BYB, puppy mill, or commercial breeder will fail that test. Mentors are irrelevant. I would prefer someone who reads extensively and thinks critically than someone who follows faithfully in the footsteps of the old guard. People who live well away from urban centers are unlikely to be very active in formalized dog activities, unless they are dedicated showies. This doesn't detract from the quality of their dogs. They may be the best source for working dogs.

This. From what I recall, expiration dates on wormers are worked out by product efficacy following date of manufacture. For example, at 2 years, product X would be still 100% effective so expiration date is two years from DoM, even though at 3 years, product might still be 85% effective or 50% effectice in years years and so on. In the case of wormers, I'd be iffy about using them too far out of date (any longer than 3 months) because in my situation (foster dogs and five of my own dogs), I can't risk new dogs bringing worms in and spreading them around. Anywho.. just had a look at a few packets I have here (all purchased in 2013) and all expiration dates are 2014, including one shipped directly to me from Bayer. Brands were Paratak, Drontal, Canimax and Heartgard. So, I'd guess 12 months or 18 months from DoM. If you want to buy in bulk, perhaps it'd be a good idea to get together a few friends and buy a larger amount together? Chemical reactions and growth of organisms both go faster at higher temperatures. Keep it in the fridge and you'll at least double its lifetime. I don't know if you can by Pyrantel pamoate in Australia. It's a great wormer for everything but tapeworm and heartworm. Easy to administer to both pups and adults. quite safe. And you can buy enough to treat a larger rescue shelter for a year, or a multi dog household for several years, for <$50. I'l bet you can get it with a script, somewhere.

I think you need to think about puppy costs as a probability function. Say 90% of the time . . . depending on the breed, the breeder, and the circumstances . . . there will be no extraordinary costs, but you have to be prepared for a few grand in vet bills if you are in the unlucky 10%.

I don't like it much. Too establishment. Too stereotyped. Where do you fit on the spectrum if you improve the health of the breed and the dogs you produce by choosing healthy stock are going nowhere in the show ring? Or if you are breeding for a functional working dog, and have your own interpretation of the standard which emphasizes temerament and function. Many breeds are now in bad shape. I think the "Reputable Experienced Breeder" group has played a large role in increasing exaggerated "typey" breed features and decreasing the genetic diversity through offering popular studs. Clubs are often big on cliques, and if you have conflicts with the powers that be, you are likely to seek minimal involvement.

Well, I was reading it in total disbelief and composing my response in my head as I went. What a relief to find it is a hoax. But let's face it: governments do some pretty damned awful and weird things, so I can't feel I am entirely stupid to have not picked it as a hoax. LOL. If your moorings are in WA, you tend to believe every weird and dubious thing you hear about QLD :)

:D Ha ha! Joke's on me. :D

I thought this was a joke when I came across it . . .but conclude it's dead serious. Not sure which is worse for dogs. Looks like a very bad idea to me. http://www.burdekinherald.com/2014/01/23/government-to-introduce-22-000-black-mambas-to-help-eradicate-cane-toads/ Government to introduce 22 000 Black Mambas to help eradicate cane toads In an effort to help stop the spread of cane toads, the state government has partnered with the Burdekin Shire Council to introduce up to 22 000 Black Mambas into farms and urban backyards around the Burdekin. Burdekin Shire Council Animal Management Secretary William Matevellio said the highly venomous snakes will help reduce the population of the cane toad, a pest that causes millions of dollars of damage each year, “These cane toads cost farmers and businessman millions each year and they’re a huge annoyance to local residents because they’re weird looking and they’re just f***ing everywhere.” Premier Campbell Newman has stated that the introduction of the Black Mamba made ‘good business sense for Queensland’, “It’s a good decision, and a great example of how local government and state government can work together to deliver solutions to businesses and farmers.” The Black Mamba, a snake native to northern Africa is among the most venomous, fastest and aggressive in the world with a bite that can kill a human in 13 minutes. Mr Matevellio said the jury was still out on whether the Black Mamba will hunt the cane toads, “Currently, there is no evidence that these snakes hunt cane toads, so this is just a trial. I can’t make any promises that the toad population will be reduced. We’ll have to wait and see.” The introduction begins on the 29th of January and Council has told residents to be cautious when walking around their yards and homes. Council has also instructed residents to keep pets locked up inside until further notice.

It may help to work REALLY REALLY hard on sit/stay. Then have her sit when children arrive. Reward generously if she stays sitting, maybe also have the kids reward her when her bum is on the ground.

Absolutes generally point out the need for exceptions. I agree with 'breeders should take back as rescue dogs that they bred' as an ideal. But it is an ideal that can't always be lived up to. Breeders grow old, move into smaller houses, get dementia, become frail, change locations, etc., just like anyone else. I've returned to the US. I only had one or two dogs come back to me in my life as a breeder and had no trouble rehoming those (one was a pup and I was able to refund the person's money as well as find a good home for the dog). No one has contacted me about a dog needing a new home since I moved (in 2010), but if they did, I'd be hard put to help them. I tried to help Lab rescue in WA, but the group almost never had any dogs needing rescue.

Here's an article on the shortage http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-breaking-news/2014/05/27/apoquel-shortage-to-last-into-next-year.aspx Shortage of Apoquel Allergy Drug to Last Into 2015 Zoetis, the maker of Apoquel, is rejecting new orders for the canine itch drug because of overwhelming demand. Veterinary Practice News Editors Posted: Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 4:20 p.m. EDT Apoquel is approved for use in the United States and Europe. The new canine anti-itch drug Apoquel is in such high demand and short supply that some veterinarians are unable to prescribe it. The manufacturer, Zoetis Inc. of Florham Park, N.J., reported that the shortage may continue until mid-2015, about 18 months after the only Janus kinase inhibitor formulated for veterinary use hit the U.S. market. Apoquel (oclacitinib tablet) is given twice a day for the control of itching associated with allergic dermatitis and the control of clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis. A clinical trial of dogs suffering from allergic dermatitis found that the drug was effective within 24 hours. The drug’s success–Apoquel may be given once a day for maintenance purposes after two weeks–has dog owners and veterinarians eager to try the medication. But some practitioners, like Tim Hunt, DVM, of Bayshore Veterinary Hospital in Marquette, Mich., can’t get their hands on it. "I would like to try Apoquel, as all the info seems to be glowing, but have been unable to get any,” Dr. Hunt said. "I have clients asking often about this drug but have not been able to personally prescribe any to date.” The demand and a "complex, time-consuming manufacturing process” means the drug cannot be produced fast enough, said Steve Leder, senior vice president of Zoetis’ U.S. Companion Animal Division. "Since the launch ... on Jan. 20, Zoetis has experienced a significantly higher than anticipated volume of orders due to extremely high veterinary community demand for this innovative new medicine,” Leder said. Zoetis is rejecting orders from new customers as it works to accelerate production. "Our top priority continues to be to ensure that patients currently being treated with Apoquel can continue to receive the product without interruption,” Leder said. "Zoetis is aggressively working to make Apoquel available to all dogs that need it, and we appreciate your patience as we work through this situation.”

Mandatory training wouldn't be simple. I don't think there's any state-recognized credential for dog trainers (does any state have one?). Some excellent trainers have learned through picking up technique here and there, reading, etc., but not an organized course of study. There are lots of people who have watched CM videos and think they are Dog Whisperers. How are you going to make sure that the problem people with potential problem dogs go to trainers who will actually help?

I'm aware of some kennels on 5 acre properties up for sale 15 min drive from Perth . . . also some land in kennel zones . . . ~15 min from Murdoch Vet School. Is there any hope of getting the resources together to make one of these work? With the fees they are charging for quarantine, I would think there's an inviting economic proposition for someone. It's absurd that WA people have to import through Melbourne.

Actually, they were used in the days before the invention of barbed hooks. Their job was to catch cod that slipped off a hook line. They probably helped with hunting in the woods, hauling wood, and other shore-side chores. With the invention of the barbed hook, they became obsolete, hence the ancestral breed, sadly, more or less died out in Newfoundland. (see Richard Wolters book on the Labrador . . . Wolters went back to Newfoundland and managed to trace down a few elderly dogs from the original fishing lines.)

Williams is not explicit on this point. She does say that dogs of different breeds were allowed to run together in the English countryside, and that it wasn't always clear which dog (or dogs) sired what litter. Purity seems to have become a greater concern in the decades after WWII. I seem to remember a story about a puppy from one of the Queen's Labs being given away and it kept growing to an enormous size . . . at which point they decided it must have been a Newfie x Lab. So breed mixing still goes on, even in the 'best' (from the perspective of Hyacinth Bucket) circles. Who is going to seriously question it if it happens in a prestigious kennel?

. There is but one breed standard if you judge by 'conformation'. Some people judge their dogs by something other than conformation, eg, performance, temperament, health, movement. Technically, the breed standard covers temperament and movement, but the ring doesn't provide an great forum for evaluation and these things sometimes get put in the 'too hard basket'. Not to judge the judges. I couldn't evaluate 10+ dogs in 5 minutes, as often happens in the ring. And if I were a blind person relying on a Labrador, I would not care if it has strong retrieving instinct or was a good water dog. I might hope it has a 'poor' coat by breed standards so the dog would have better tolerance of heat ... and shed a little less. With respect to Labradors, I'm happy there's a great variety. I think it's healthy for the breed. The original purpose of the dog -- landed gentry's fetch dog, or before that 'dog that catches fish that have slipped off an unbarbed hook and is also good for some game hunting, pulling carts, etc.' -- is long gone. I love the breed and am happy to see it move into Guide Dog and drug sniffing work. I can see that some of the traits in the original purpose become irrelevant in the new purposes. It's the carping that bothers me. I get p.o.'d when someone tries to slander a dog as fat when they have no evidence of fat . . . may just be a well boned, heavyset dog with a thick coat. But this is the thing, regardless of how judges in the ring judge, the breed standard reverts back the original function of the breed. The breed standard may not specifically point out performance, but the way the dog is conformed and thus, the way the breed standard is set out, does. Unfortunately many judges and breeders decide to disregard the standard and go for 'fads'. It is the responsibility of not just the breeder, but the potential owner as well to understand that. To hope that your Labrador ' has a poor coat by breed standards because I don't want it to shed as much' is silly. Surely you would just go for another breed? It it's true that a blind person wouldn't care, but where the dog comes from ( the breeder) would and that is what keeps the Labrador being a Labrador. The fact that they are great at drug work and seeing eye and all of those things is because of the gundog traits, again going back the original function of the dog and group itself. They are and were bred to work with the handler. Yes, but Guide Dogs tends to prefer less heavily built dogs and doesn't give a hoot about otter tail or thick double coat. They do not not like dogs of the 'Arnold' type because the coat is too thick and the stature, unnecessarily heavy, and there's no value to being a water dog. Soft mouth and retreiving instinct don't matter much either if there's strong bite inhibition. Labs are not the only breed that was bred to work with the handler.

No. Williams was a much respected breeder, judge, and fancier in the UK. She is stationg that Labs in the UK were crossed with Greys . . . and in other places she suggests other hounds. The US scene is/was different, as breeders were not typically landed gentry (with packs of dog that do get mixed) and the rules of field competition were/are different.

I am not surprised by this but was unaware. Makes me feel guilty for not showing more appreciation. Mosts of the vets I've used have a bulletin board or equivalent on which they post thank you notes and little stories about how their pets are doing. It seems like the contributions to these have gotten leaner in recent years.. I don't know if that's compensated by Facebook, Twitter, etc., but I sort of doubt it. Maybe more of us should take the time to provide an occasional bright light in our vet's day by sending a thankyou note of some sort.

Lovely breed, rare in Oz. I would suggest advertizing on DOL mature dogs. I wouldn't be surprised if there was someone out there who wants a Catahoula and can't find one. I would be surprised if there are enough of them in Oz to justify a specialized rescue.

. There is but one breed standard if you judge by 'conformation'. Some people judge their dogs by something other than conformation, eg, performance, temperament, health, movement. Technically, the breed standard covers temperament and movement, but the ring doesn't provide an great forum for evaluation and these things sometimes get put in the 'too hard basket'. Not to judge the judges. I couldn't evaluate 10+ dogs in 5 minutes, as often happens in the ring. And if I were a blind person relying on a Labrador, I would not care if it has strong retrieving instinct or was a good water dog. I might hope it has a 'poor' coat by breed standards so the dog would have better tolerance of heat ... and shed a little less. With respect to Labradors, I'm happy there's a great variety. I think it's healthy for the breed. The original purpose of the dog -- landed gentry's fetch dog, or before that 'dog that catches fish that have slipped off an unbarbed hook and is also good for some game hunting, pulling carts, etc.' -- is long gone. I love the breed and am happy to see it move into Guide Dog and drug sniffing work. I can see that some of the traits in the original purpose become irrelevant in the new purposes. It's the carping that bothers me. I get p.o.'d when someone tries to slander a dog as fat when they have no evidence of fat . . . may just be a well boned, heavyset dog with a thick coat.