Loving my Oldies

This sort of set up is extremely stressful for the dogs. A barrier needs to be erected down the courtyard effectively preventing the dogs across the way from seeing each other. As you say: any movement sets the dogs off. Is the courtyard actually enclosed within a building or just a wall? If it is a wall, does the courtyard get any sunshine. If so, they could possibly plant fast growing bushes and make a hedge. If this isn't the case then a structure needs to be built. The stress on the dogs would be immense.

She is probably thinking she is doing the right thing by her dog. The fact that she eventually approached Ann21 shows that. If you get the chance, Ann21, can you suggest that she doesn't scruff her dog. The dog is already fearful and doesn't need rough correction. There are lots of good books, but nothing beats hands on from and experienced and caring professional who looks at the dog to see what the dog needs and doesn't follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

So many "depends on" in these sorts of cases, the main one, in my opinion, being: how would it affect your dog? What breed is your dog? What is his/her nature? Can he/she be trusted not to retaliate when the other dog gets in his/her face? Etc etc. Some rescue people have what they call "bomb proof" dogs and will use them to help other dogs, but you really have to know your dog and be confident in your own ability to control the situation. If the lady is using that method on an already stressed and agitated dog, she is doing more harm than good. I do feel sorry for her and her dog, but she needs professional help to help the little dog. In my experience, Shih Tzus are generally pretty easy going dogs, but they can be the exact opposite of course.

There is a lady in the neighbourhood who has three Belgian Shepherds: two black and a grey and white (don't know correct terminology) 7 month old puppy who is as tall as the adults now - lol. Well shock horror yesterday I saw her while I was walking just Tamar and Myrtie without dogs !!! We ended up sitting on the footpath talking for ages and she produced treats from her handbag. No dogs, but the treats were still in the handbag :laugh: :laugh: . True dog lady, that one. Anyway, my dogs don't usually take treats, but Myrtie went absolutely crazy. We even had two lots of dogs walk past without her taking any notice. So treats are definitely on the menu and for now, not waiting until Christmas. The brand was Jollie and you can order them online.

Thank you. I'm aiming at the 6-10 age group. I think this is the really impressionable age when empathy starts to develop. And that is why, IMO, you should call it what it is. None of these cutesy, made up names that don't tell the proper story. Give it its correct name such as XXXX shelter for lost dogs and cats or whatever you plan to rescue in your story.

Touch love in this house :D :D

No doubt about you, Persephone. You sure know how to party Now I feel hungry Don't forget the peanut butter sandwich. LOL. I've never been one for getting presents for the dogs - they don't play with toys and despite my trying so often over the years to get them to play with toys and balls, the toy box stays unloved on the deck. However, I have just put in an order for new collars for them all: break-away collars with their names and phone number embroidered. I don't like leaving collars on them because of the possibility of getting them caught on something and I have found over the years that with very little dogs, they can get their claws caught in the rings. However, it has concerned me that they are unidentified if they get out, because even when you have what you think is Fort Knox in terms of dog security, accidents do happen. They are microchipped of course, but a collar with identification is often the quickest way home.

I understand that when people have bad experiences, and particularly if this is combined with grief, the first reaction can be to just walk away from it because it is just too painful. However, if there are so many people suffering at the hands of this group, particularly if they have bad fostering experiences, why are they seemingly able to operate with impunity? Why are pounds still releasing dogs to them? Is it that they aren't aware of the dubious practices? Are they just happy to get a dog out of their pounds, no matter where it is going? I am not criticising; I am just thinking out aloud really.

Have you managed to make contact with anyone involved with Cockers, Keetamouse?

Not necessarily. I couldnt wait to change my all my pups diets from what they're breeders were feeding them. Do your own research and slowly switch the diet over. If I fed my dogs what they're breeders fed, they'd still be on supercoat, coles brand dry and weetbix. Yuk! My Pug did well on Holistic Select Fish and lately BARF. Both far superior diets than what the breeder feeds. Makes me recall, my first dog from a breeder was being fed weetbix!!! Not a dog, LOL, but try to give Gussy Cat anything but her dry - won't get eaten.

No advice as plenty of words of wisdom already . Just had to say that about the only thing cuter that a black pug is two black pugs. Or maybe a black Pom - LOL. Congratulations and may you have lots of laughs and love.

Darling Duffy eating her cake

I wasn't up early enough to hear Fran Kelly.

Pretty damn good.

Yep: kitty snoozing on the keyboard here as well.

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/booksandartsdaily/dogs-in-australian-art/4406504 http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/old-dogs3a-loving-and-ageing/4406394

Switched on the radio this morning and what is the discussion !!! http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/old-dogs3a-loving-and-ageing/4406394

Amazing - three years old. What wonderful dogs. What a wonderful mum

Prize winning work, Kirislin. The first shot in Post #8 is just brilliant.

Well obviously he is not at fault. The treat was being held too far away for his little body to reach. :laugh: :laugh:

I have low window sills and I did have one rescue dog who went through the catflap in my bedroom. I am happy to shut my dogs out (I have a vey large back yard as well as a vey large covered deck) for a few hours, but they would not cope - and neither would I expect them too - for longer than that. Whilst I don't entirely go along with the dictum " my house my rules ", I would be pretty bristly about someone coming into my house and telling me what to do.

Ha ha ha - love the thinking. Ain't this the truth These people aren't just visiting for a couple of hours; they plan on staying. Your mother sounds a bit, umm, not quite there. Love your Christmas present to her. GSDowner, I think you need to have a talk to your brother and suggest he and his wife make alternative accommodation arrangements. I am curious as to why he called the house "our house" as well. If indeed he does own part of it, there could be a problem. But seeing that you live there, I think he is being unnecessarily confrontational.

Wendy H on this forum may be able to help as well.

Just a bit :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: How long now?