Scarlet

Two dogs and 2 cats. The cats and dogs get on really well but the cats don't get on with each other. I can't have them in the same room!

I have never bred nor been interested in breeding - I am a pet owner. I like pure bred dogs because I can get a dog with health checks going back a few generations and I know what characteristics (personality to a pretty good degree and physical size etc) my pup will have as an adult. I can't see how that makes me a snob

I had a rough collie who lived to just over 16yrs. Apart from a broken leg and cancer in his last years he was always healthy and lived on pal, cheap dried food but with lots of bones and fresh meat. He was very active and got lots of exercise.

Sounds like the dogs have a few issues - lack of leadership a big one. Desexing is not a magic cure for badly behaved dogs, although IMO it is a start.

I don't really like dogs on the bed or other furniture. Saying that they do have one old lounge in the family room that is theirs and we let visitors sit on it but I warn them first. Now the cats are another matter! My OH (now an ex) thought much the same as I do.

Where OMD lives dogs are sent to the RSPCA -no local pound and the RSPCA is on a contract to the council. The RSPCA are more than happy to put found dogs photo and details on their data base instead of actually having the dog physically at the shelter. Any enquiries are shown or directed to the data base. In Qld there is no legal requirement for dogs to be taken to the pound. Found dogs in Qld only have to be kept for 3 working days before PTS so they can actually have a better chance of being reunited with owners if housed at a private home prepared to keep teh dog longer than 3 days.

NO NO NO Going by that train of thought then every breeder should also be guilty of breeding litters while dogs are in pounds. I have a rescue and pure bred and have fostered dogs but the dogs I bring into my home is my decision and mine alone. If I treat them responsibly then it is no one else's business. Making a choice on what is best for you is not selfish, it's responsible You should not be prevented from getting the dog of your choice because OTHER people were selfish and allowed their dogs to end up homeless.

I think you need to start the rabies immunisation about 6months prior to flying

I love puppies and think they are adorable BUT personally I don't ever want another Rescues or adult adoptions from now on. I have had both. The last pups I've had I've also had children available to keep them amused and tired. I had the last border collie pup alone for a weekend, while everyone else went away, and she nearly drove me crazy! The feeding and toilet training are not a problem but the CONSTANT activity is too much at my age! Give me a (reasonably) well trained adult dog and I'm happy

I didn't get the impression that she wants an accident. But I do find it strange for kennels not to take an undesexed bitch. Years ago I boarded a dog because she was in season and I was having trouble containing her. This dog was potentially going to be bred from. All other dogs I've owned have been desexed at 6 months but if I was going to use a dog for any sporting pursuits I would now wait and desex around 12 / 18months. Christmas is a long way off so maybe she will have her dog desexed by then.

Mine love toys on a rope but I stay away from tennis balls as the popular opinion is that they wear teeth too quickly. Maddy in particular will throw, chase and hide (she pushes it under her cushions then digs it out!) hers for ages. That is when I'm not throwing it.

Who could be bothered! You are feeding raw aren't you. The skin is fatty so you might have to watch the dogs weight.

My dogs love necks and wings but one girl puts weight on easily and I have to limit them - necks quite fatty and the wings of course have skin which is also fattening. Just something to watch when he's older.

I've previously been advised to bathe the eye with a very weak salt water solution. If possible use saline solution for contact lenses I've used a cotton ball being very careful not to cross contanimate the eyes and washing your hands carefully before and after touching the area as it could be conjunctivitis, which is very contagious. Isn't it typical when things like this happen on a public holiday. I once spent Christmas morning driving 200kms (400 return) to a vet for a dog with a scratched eye.

I'd give the dog a few days - he might be much better without your mum. But I'd probably board her dog. If it was my mum I could tell her the dog was a pain in the b## and had to board him but I understand this in not possible in all families and it is sometimes necessary to lie to continue living a peaceful life.

One of my cats will play fetch for quite a while too, well about 5 minutes. He loves the practice golf balls that have lots of little holes that enable him to pick the ball up. He drops it at your feet. Maybe he learn'toff the dogs. I have 2 border collies who of course are retrieve mad. I've had one from a pup and she did this from an early age without much prompting on my part. A neighbour has a 9 week old cattle dog who is already retrieving balls. I'm sure it is instinctive.

I agree with Mother Moocher and Okami. I think you need someone to talk to. Someone to have a good cry with too. Maybe your mother could give you a few answers now. Hopefully your partner will go to counselling with you. You need to be clear why this relationship is in trouble and you need to have a say in what happens and to be able to have some control in your life.

Meant to add that I flew with my dog and I always cleared customs a LONG time before he did.

Many years ago I used to travel with my dog between NZ and Aust. He was always checked by a vet at quarantine and sometimes we had to wait for the vet to arrive - and it could be quite a while. I'd be ringing Pets by Air or quarantine to ask questions. Just make sure you have a lead as he may want to do a wee once out of his crate. If the crate is yours put him in that for the ride home. You must be excited.

Sweeney's reserve at Petrie is quite good but it is not entirely fenced. The park is but not the river, so as long as they return to you on the bank you would be OK? http://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/living.aspx?id=652 Otherwise I don't think you would get any "water" fully fenced apart from a dam on someones property.

I have fairly firm criteria for my next dog and as I won't be looking for 10yrs or so I'll be "ah hum" closer to the senior side it will be a dog older than 3/4 years. It will either be a rescue or a retired dog from a breeder.

I believe there is quite a list of people looking for retired / failed guide dogs so I thought they could pick and choose new owners. I can't understand why a young, active dog would be placed with frail, elderly people. I enquired once a few years ago about getting a failed guide dog and was told it was close to impossible to get one.

When I was a carer I found this was true. If the name change is associated with "nice" things like cuddles and food it works even faster

Oh I wish I was in a situation to help. These dogs will require very patient foster carers as they will proably come with their own special problems

That is around the corner-2/3kms-from the Dakabin RSPCA depot. They could have at least left her there